Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 887, John Black, Md. Va.
Page 1

(3-1776)
SERVICE                          NUMBER
Md.  Black, John R. 887
Va.
CONTENTS
Page 2

John Black's
Declaration for a 
Penison

30. 189.

[illegible] south agent
Hillstone Ohio
Page 3

The State of Ohio 
Highland County } ss
On this 13th day of March A.D. 1834 personally came before me one of the Associate Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of said County John Black of resident of said County aged 70 years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832 

That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers & served as herein stated [illegible] first said John Black States states that he was born on the 13th day of March AD 1763 at Lancaster County in the State of Pennsylvania 
That there is a record of his age in old receipt book now in his possession which was the property of his father. 
That he lived when called into service in Washington County in the State of Maryland that he moved to Berkley County Virginia during the war where he lived about 3 years he then moved to Fayette County Pennsylvania where he resided 13 years then moved to Adams County Ohio where he resided about 24 years & thence to Highland County where he now lives.
That for the first two years of his service he volunteered & for the balance of his service he was drafted.
That in addition to the officers under whom he served, he knew the following officers of the American Army viz Generals Washington La Fayette, Putnam, Lee & [illegible] & Colonels Stinson & Bell together with many others whose names he can not recol [recall] to mind.
That in the month of March AD 1778 he volunteered for the Maryland Militia under Captain John Lee. Soon after he volunteer he marched to the mouth of Conegrcheague [Conococheague] river in Maryland that he was there employed in boating & guarding provisions from the mouth of said river to Oldtown on the Potomac river for the use of the Western army of the United States - That in his company there were 72 men commanded by Captain John Lee & Lieutenant George Stockton - that he was engaged in this service for two years during which time the men of his company took turns at boating & guarding provisions, that this applicant was under arms guarding provisions & boats not less than seven months during said two years service. After serving two years boating & guarding provision from Williams port [Williamsport] to old town on the Potomac he was discharged by his said Captain at Oldtown & returned home.
That soon after returning home he moved to Berkley County Virginia where in the north of July AD 1781 he was drafted for the Virginia Militia under Captain Jarrett & in the regiment
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commanded by Colonel Darke. We marched soon after I was drafted to York Town Virginia where the British army lay we joined the American Army before York Town & remained there until I served out my term which was for three months & 15 days longer when I was discharged by my said Captain before York Town & returned home. I was discharged before Cornwallis surrendered. 
This applicant says that he received written discharges from his Captains after both terms of his service which he has lost
That George W Barrens Daniel Van Winkle Henry [illegible Turber or Surber or Susben] and others residing in his neighborhood will testify as to his character for veracity. That there is no clergyman residing in his neighborhood. He has no documentary evidence nor does he know of any living witnesses by whom he could prove his service that upon old age & bodily infirmity he is unable without great danger to appear before a Court of record to make his declaration He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension but the present & declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State 
John Black 
Subscribed & sworn to the day & year aforesaid 
We the subscribers residing in Highland County in the State of Ohio do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with John Black who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be 70 years of age; that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution & that we concur in that opinion 
Jacob [illegible Garber or Farber]
D. M. Abraham
Henry Turber 
Subscribed & sworn to the day & year aforesaid 
Moses Patterson, Ass. Judge}

The State of Ohio Highland County ss: 
I Moses Patterson one of the Associate Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of said County do hereby declare my opinion after the investigation of the matter that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary soldier & served as he states. That Jacob [illegible] Henry [illegible] & D.M. Abraham who have signed the preceding certificate are credible witnesses residing in said County & that their statement is entitled to credit. I further certify that it is my opinion that said applicant cannot safely appear before the Courts of record of this Court to make his declaration by reason of bodily infirmity. Given under my hand & seal this 13th day of March AD. 1834 
Moses Patterson {Ass. Judge H.C. Ohio [handwritten] seal
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The State of Ohio Highland County }ss 
I Samuel Bell, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of said County do hereby certify that the within named Moses Patterson is one of the Associate Judges of said Court & that the within signatures purporting to be his are genuine. Given under my hand & seal of said Court This 17th day of March AD 1834.
Samuel Bell Clk
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May 21, 1940
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
JOHN BLACK
R. 887
BA-J/MLB
Mrs. James Scott Moore
143 South College Street
Washington, Pennsylvania
Dear Madam:
The data which follow in regard to John Black were obtained
from the papers in pension claim, R. 887, based upon his service in
the Revolutionary War.
John Black was born March 13, 1763, in Lancaster County,
Pennsylvania. The names of his parents are not shown. When about
fifteen years of age, he moved with his father from Lancaster County,
Pennsylvania, to Washington County, Maryland.
While residing in Washington County, Maryland, John Black
volunteered in March, 1778, at Williamsport on the Potomac River, in
the boat service, served as private in Captains John Lee's and George
Stockton's companies, taking turns at boating and guarding provisions
for the army during a period of two years. Soon after returning home
from that service, he moved to Berkeley County, Virginia, and in the
summer of 1781, enlisted at Martinsburgh, served three months fifteen
days as private in Captain John Jarret's company, Colonel Darke's
Virginia regiment, stationed at Yorktown, Virginia, but was discharged
before the surrender of Cornwallis at that place.
The soldier resided in Berkley County, Virginia, between
three and five years after the war, then moved to Fayette County,
Pennsylvania, where he remained thirteen years, then moved to Adams
County, Ohio, which was his place of residence ten years, moved from
there to Brown County, Ohio, lived there four years, then moved to
Clermont County, thence to Highland County, same state.
While a resident of Highland County, Ohio, John Black, applied
March 13, 1834, for pension which might have been due on account of
his service in the Revolutionary War. His claim for pension was not
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allowed as the act of Congress under which he applied required not less than six months' service in a regularly organized military corps. and the service rendered by this soldier in that capacity was only three months fifteen days. The boat service rendered by the soldier was not provided for in said act of Congress.
In 1839, John Black was a resident of Clermont County, Ohio, and in 1852 he was living in Union Township, Brown County,
same state. He died prior to 1856, exact date and place not shown.
The name of John Black's wife was not given.
William H. Black, son of the soldier, John Black, was a
resident of Brown County, Ohio, in 1856. No reference was made to
other children.
The soldier, John Black, had two brothers, William and Samuel
Black, who enlisted, also, at Williamsport, Maryland, under Captain
John Lee in the boat service. No other information is given in regard
to them.
In 1852, one Gabriel Black was living in Brown County, Ohio,
his relationship to the soldier's family not shown.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
Page 8

John Black
[illegible] 1832
J.[illegible]
Page 9

Know all men by these presents that I John Black of Brown County Ohio and who was a soldier in the army of the Revolution in the Continental Boat service for two years, do by virtue of these presents nominate constitute and appoint J. V. [illegible Conaly] of Washington, my true and lawful attorney for me and in my name to prosecute any claim or claims to a Pension or annuity that I may be entitled to under the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832 or any other act or acts, and to do any act or acts in the premises that he may see proper, that I might or could do were I personally present and acting for myself. and I hereby ratify and confirm any act or acts my said Attorney may lawfully do in the premises 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal, this 4th day of May A.D. 1852 Sealed and delivered in presence of us 
John Black his [handwritten] X mark [handwritten] seal
Orange Edwards  ⎬ 
A. G. Matthews 
The State of Ohio Brown County S.S. 
Be it known that on the 4th day of May A.D. 1852 before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said County & State duly authorized by law to administer oaths personally appeared John Black above named and acknowledged the foregoing Power of Attorney to be his voluntary act and deed 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand the day and year last above mentioned
Orange Edwards Justice of the Peace
Page 10

The State of Ohio Brown County SS. 
I Gideon Denham Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of said County do hereby certify that Orange Edwards Esqr whose signature to the foregoing acknowledgement [crossed out was made] ^is genuine is & was on the date [crossed out the date] thereof an acting Justice of the peace within and for said County duly commissioned and qualified as such and full faith and credit should be given to his official acts as such officer.
In testimony whereof I hereto subscribe my name and affix the seal of said Court this 5th day of May AD 1852 
Gideon Dunham Clerk B.C.P.
Page 11

I William H Black of Brown County this
have employed A H Markland of Washington
 City to prosecute the claim due to my late
father, John Black for services rendered on the
War of the Revolution as a soldier or Teamster
or in any capacity whatever
Witness my hand and seal this 19 sept 1837
Wm H Black
Witness present
[illegible]
Page 12

{faint stamp REJECTED]

Ex'r.    INVALID.
No.  887
John Black
[crossed out Acts of July 14, 1862 and March 3, 1873]
John Black
P.O. [blank]

1852 Printed list of Rejected
& Suspended claim shows
following cause of rejection.
"Not military service"

Enlisted:  [blank], 18__
Discharged: [blank], 18__
Application filed: [blank], 18__
Alleges: [blank]
Re-enlisted:  [blank]
Attorney:   [blank]
P. O.   [blank]


1940, May 21 - Hist to Mrs. Jas. Scott Moore  MLB
Page 13

The State of Ohio 
Brown County }S.S. 
On this 4th day of May A.D. 1852 before me the undersigned an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County and State duly authorized by law to administer oaths, personally appeared John Black a resident of Union Township in the County of Brown and State of Ohio, aged 89 years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7th 1832 and the Acts amendatory thereto to wit. That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated that he entered the service in the year 1778 (then in his 16th year) in the Continental Boat service under Capt John Lee of the State of Maryland, and continued in said service two years. he was also under Capt George Stockton of Virginia at the same time, that Capt Lee and Capt Stockton first tried to hire men to man their boats, but could not, they were then authorized to enlist men which they did and that he enlisted in said service under them at the time above stated, for the term of two years and served out the whole of his said enlistment and was honorably discharged. that he was living in the County of Fayette in the State of Virginia at the time he enlisted, and that he enlisted to fill the place of Peter Myers, And he further declares that he was drafted in Fayette County State of Virginia for the term of two months at the time Cornwallace attempted to rescue the prisoners at Winchester and sent Tarlton on that business, that he belonged to Captain
Page 14

John Juret's Company and was employed to stop Cornwallace and Tarleton from rescuing the said prisoners and ravaging the country and that he ^was detained in said service for more that a month after his time expired when he was honorably discharged and he further states that he has no documentary evidence, and that ^he knows of no person whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his service. He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State. He most respectfully refers Hon. Commissioner to evidence now on file in the Pension office composing the matter of his former application in support of this application which he most respectfully asks Hon. Commissioner to allow him
John Black his [handwritten]X mark
Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year above written }
George Edwards Justice of the Peace 
I the just subscribed Justice of the Peace hereby certify that the above declarant is personally known to me, and is a Gentleman of truth and in respectability and ^in whose statements the fullest confidence should be placed, and that from my own knowledge and the evidence adduced before me I am fully satisfied that he performed the service set forth in his foregoing declaration and that he is of the age therein stated And I further certify that he is unable to appear in court from age and infirmity, being wholy confined to his bed Orange Edwards J.P.
Page 15

The State of Ohio 
Brown County ⎬ S.S. 
On this 4th day of May A.D. 1852 before me the undersigned a Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid, personally appeared Oliver Spencer and Gabriel Black residents of Brown County Ohio who after being duly sworn according to law, do on oath say that they have been personally acquainted with John Black who has made and subscribed the foregoing declaration for more than thirty (30) years last past, that they have repeatedly heard him say that he was in the Revolutionary army for more than two years which he always spoke of in substance as detailed in his foregoing declaration, that he the said John Black has always said there was a Pension due him. And they further state that he has alwas [always] stood high in his neighbourhood as a man of truth and respectability, and that they fully believe that he did perform the service in the Revolution as set forth in his declaration and that he is of the age therein stated, and that he is now confined to his bed by sickness & old age 
Oliver Spencer
Gabriel Black
Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year above written ⎬ 
Orange Edwards Justice of the peace 
I the just subscribed Justice of the Peace hereby certify that the above affiants are personally known to me, and are men of truth and respectability, and ^in whose statements the fullest confidence should be placed
Orange Edwards Justice of the peace
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The State of Ohio Brown County SS. 
I Gideon Dunham Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of said County, do hereby certify that Orange Edwards Esq before whom the Said Declaration was made and affidavit taken and who has signed the foregoing certificates is and was at the time the said Declaration was made & affidavits taken An acting Justice of the peace in & for said County duly commissioned and qualified And that his s Signatures thereto are true and genuine. And that full faith is and should be given to his official acts. 
In testimony whereof I hereto subscribe my name and affix the seal of Said Court this 5th day of May 1852 
Gideon Dunhan Clerk 
B.C.P.
Page 17

J J Coombs
Nov 1/52
Page 18

Pension Office 
Nov 1 1832 
Sir 
An application of John Black of Ohio has been received and filed with his original declaration under the act of June 7 1832. He claims for Boat Service on the Potomac River but he does not furnish any such proof of service as is required by the rules of the Office. If no record evidence of it exists, he must furnish the testimony of those who were in a position to know something of his alleged service 
J. J. Coombs Esq 
Present
Page 19

[ink written over penciled note]
Jan 21/57
A Ellison's letter
relative to John


[penciled note]
Jany /57
Riplett
This is my
Hon J D Morris
H R
wishes this letter
returned with the
[illegible]
Page 20

Georgetown Brown County Ohio 
January 11th 1851 
Dear Sir I wish to call your attention especially to the worthy claim of an old Revolutionary soldier of the name of John Black His application for a pension was filed in the Department in 1840 or 1841; but the Department refused to grant him a pension, because, as I am informed the whole or part of his time, was occupied in serving his country as boatman A poor ^reason on which to ground the denial, to an old Soldier, of the bounty of the Government which he spent his youth to establish. Now when he is old, unable to work and charity subsisting on the bounty of his friends, and that Government is in the flower of manhood, vigorous and overflowing with wealth it withholds from its early friend a boon that would not be felt save by a meritorious recipient, to squander its riches on some less laudable objects 
Please take the petition from the Department and have a special law passed for his benefit 
Respectfully your friend
A Ellison

Honb J D Morris}
Page 21

Highland County Ohio
We the
undersigned do certify that we
are personaly acquainted with John Black
of the County aforesaid and belive him
to be a man of truth and veracity and
that his word or oath may be relied on
Robert Kinkaid
David Fenwick
Peter Haugh
William Jackson Brady
James [illegible]worthe
E. A. Collins
Josephus P. Bell
Stephen J Colding
John Sloan Senior
John Sloan Junior
Abraham Pettyjohn
Joseph Bell
Brian J. Smith
Paul Rinzepic
David J Pettyjohn
Elias Pettyjohn
John Gibson
David Gibson
John Gibson
Isaac Badgley
Joseph Ozz[illegible]
William Lamb

Amos Shay
Jeremiah Still
John W Isorting
George Eiterand
David Mourer
Richard Slinghey
James Owens
Page 22

Washington City 
Jan 21st 1842 
Hon
J  L Edwards 
Comr Pensions 
Sir
I herewith enclose a letter from Thomas Sheldon Esq Attorney for Mr Blackwood of Clermont City Ohio who is an applicant for a pension I believe I have addressed you before concerning this case but by some means have neglected to file the papers or take any note of the proceedings in the case and therefore cannot answer the enquiries of Mr Sheldon without troubling you again Please inform me what has been done in this case and if the Testimony is deficient the particulars and oblige your Obt Servt 
William Coon 
H Reps
Page 23

Hon J D Morris
April 12 1850
Page 24

362
Pension Office
April 12th, 1850 
Sir
In answer to the enclosed letter, I have the honor to inform you that the claim of John Black to a pension under the act of 7 June 1832, was presented here several years ago; but was [crossed out not admitted] rejected for the reason that he did not serve six months in a military capacity, for any service less than six months no pension can be allowed under the act of 7 June 1832, 
Hon J.D Morris 
H of R.
Page 25

J Golithe
Nov 28 1839
O.C.
Page 26

War Dept Pen Office 
Novr 28 1839 
Sir,
The papers in the case of John Black have been examined. He alleges to have been engaged in the boat service from Williamsport on the Potomac river under Captain Lee for a period of two years, conveying provisions for the Western army and also to have been drafted for three months in the fall of 1781. The description of service alleged, in conveying provisions for the army was not of that character provided for by the act of June 1832, and his service as a drafted militia man was for a less period than is provided for by said act. The claim has therefore been rejected and the papers filed in this office 
J. Joliffe Esq. 
Batavia Ohio
Page 27

W Doan 
Dec 11 1840
O C
Page 28

14

Pen Office
Dec. 11, 1840
Sir,
In reply to your letter of
yesterday's date in the case of
John Black I have to inform
you that his claim was rejected for
the reasons set forth in my letter
of the 28th November, 1839, to J. Joliffe
Esq. a copy of which is herewith
enclosed.
Hon. William Doan
H. R.
det
to
Page 29

Feb 18 1841
Jno Black
his svc

Hon W Doan
HR

Hon 
J L Edwards
Comm Pensions
Washington City
Page 30

Washington City Feb 18th 1841
Hon
J L Edwards 
Comr of Pensions 
Sir
I desire to recall the petition of John Black with the intention of having it refused the the Committee on Revolutionary Pensions in the House 
Wm Doan 
H R
Page 31

Dec 11 1840
[illegible] at Ohio
John Black

Hon W Doan
HR


Hon
J L Edwards
Comm Pensions
Washington City

[crossed out free]
Page 32

Washington City Dec 10th 1840 
Hon
J L Edwards 
Comr Pensions 
Sir 
John Black of Clermont County State of Ohio applyed at your office during the past year for a pension he informes me that his claim was rejected but does not recollect the ground upon which it was rejected 
Will you [crossed out have the] inform me upon this subject & oblige 
Wm Doan
Page 33

Batavia Ohio    Free
Sept 23
Hon J L Edwards
Commissioner of 
Pensions 
Washington City DC

Application of John Black of
Clermont County
Ohio for a pension 
under the Act of June 7th 1832

Sept 30 
34,896
Ohio
John Black,
Act 32
Page 34

Batavia Ohio
Sept 23d 1839
I have the honor to forward
the application of John
Black of Clermont County
Ohio for a pension under 
the law of June 7th 1832.
You will please direct
his certificate (or other
Communication where this
[illegible] to me and oblige
you,   respectfully
Jno Joliffe

Hon J L Edwards
Commissioner 
of Pensions

Washington City
D.C.
Page 35

Land Office Annapolis, Apl 7th 1834
Sir,
Yours of the 1st Inst with the declaration of John
Black enclosed, was received, I have very carefully examined the muster and pay rolls of the revolution in this
Office, and do not find his name
upon any of the rolls.

I am very respectfully yours,

G. G. Brower

J.L. Edwards Esq
Page 36

March 26 1834
addl. [illegible] for
John Black 
of Ohio

[illegible]    Free

J L Edwards Eqr
Com of Pensions
Washington
City
Page 37

[??]  34,896
John Black
Ohio
Page 38

The State of Ohio 
Clermont County ⎬ SS Court of Common Pleas 
August Term AD. 1839. 
State of Clermont County Court of Common Pleas August Term 1839–On the sixth day of the present Term of this Court, personally appeared in open Court John Black of Clermont County in said State an applicant for a pension under the law of June 7th 1832 and the said Court after the investigation of the matter do hereby declare their opinion that the above named applicant was a soldier of the Revolution and served as he states. And the Court further certifies that Thomas J. Buchanan and James Ferguson who each appeared at the same time in their proper persons before said Court and declared their opinion that said applicant was and is a man of good character and reputation for truth, and their belief that he served as he states in the Revolution, are credible persons and their statements are entitled to credit. 

The State of Ohio 
Clermont County } S.S. 
I J. D. Morris Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County and State aforesaid do hereby certify that the above and foregoing is truly abstracted from the minutes of the Court of Common pleas of the County of Clermont and State of Ohio at the time of August thereof A.D. 1834 the same being the application of John Black for a pension and that the attached declaration of his is the original which was presented to said Court and sworn to and subscribed by said John Black in open Court In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court of Common Pleas at Batavia in said County this 23rd day of September A.D. 1839.
J. D. Morris Clk
[illegible] Seal
Page 39

stamped imprint]
RECEIVED 
NOV 14 1939
MAIL SSB DIV
Reader No. 4
VETS ADM
[timestamped at 3]
Page 40

[stamp]DEPT OF THE INTERIOR 
FORWARDED 
NOV 13 1939
SECY'S OFF. DIV OF MAIL AND FILES

143 S. College St.
Washington, Pa.
Nov. 8, 1939
Department of the Interior,
Washington, D.C.
Gentlemen:
I think you have the records of Revolutionary and other soldiers in your office. Is there a record of the 1500 soldiers who were in this section after the Whiskey Rebellion? That many were left for some time in W. Pa. I believe others who came, returned. I want to know if there is a John Black ^[written in another hand: one only of Pa] listed among them I believe he was an officer in the Revolutionary  Army. His family
Page 41

lived in York Co, Pa. His brother Lieut. Robert Black was born at [illegible] York Co. Pa. Thanking you, I am 
Sincerely yours,
Joe Steen Moore 
(Mrs. James Scott Moore)

[written in another hand: none of Pa & no officers]
Page 42

[blackened image of an envelope which is minimally legible]

Black

J S Cowles

Washington City
Page 43

Act 7 June 1832
Suspended
See letter 9th April 1836
(couldn't find)

To Wm Scott
Hillsboro
Ohio
(copies of paper sent to Hon
W Doan HR feb 24, 1841
couldn't find)


John Black
Ohio
Rejected
[crossed out See let. 28th Nov.
1839 J. Joliffe
let. 11 Sept to Hon
W Doan]
did not serve
six months in a
military capacity
[crossed out Letter to Hon J D Morris
April 12, 1852]
Hon J. D. Morris Feby [cut off]
[crossed out I. Jn. Coombs [illegible] Nov 1 1832
Act 7 June 1832
Page 44

May 21, 1940
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
BA-J/MHF:MLB
John Black
R. 887

Mrs. James Scott Moore
143 South College Street
Washington, Pennsylvania
Dear Madam:


Reference is made to your letter in which you request to
as whether there is a record of the 1500 soldiers who were in
your section of Pennsylvania after the Whiskey Rebellion, and to
know whether John and Robert Black were listed among them, also
whether they served in the Revolutionary War.
This office does not have a list of the 1500 men cited
above.
The Revolutionary War pension records of this office have
been searched and no claim for pension found based upon service
of a Robert Black of Pennsylvania. The record has been found of
one John Black, only, of Pennsylvania. His record is furnished
you herewith.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
Page 45

State of Ohio Clermont County SS.
Before me the undersigned one of the
Justices of the Peace in and for the
above named County personally
appeared James Ward Senior
of said County who being duly
Sworn according to Law on his 
oath states that he resides in
Clermont County in the State of
Ohio and is seventy three years of
age & a few [crossed months] days over, that
this deponent in the Revolutionary war
lived with his father on the Banks of the
Potomac River about two miles above Stockton Spring formerly called Watkins ferry
in Beckley County in the State of Virginia
& while he lived there he was acquainted with
Mr Black & family - who he believes
is the father of John Black who is now an
applicant for a pension and he has
been informed & believes, this deponent
had a brother named John Ward who served
in the United States under Captain John
[illegible] & further believes that John
Ackton who was a brother in law of
this deponent was in the same service
and under the same Captain. This
deponent & father frequently came [illegible]
while he was in said service and this
deponent at that time heard from his
said father that he drew rating when
engaged in said service this deponent
believes that said parties went from
Stockton (or Watkins) ferry opposite the
mouth of Conococheague Creek
Page 46

to old Town in Maryland and he further
believes said teams while engaged
in said service carried fire arms
and kept guard over their boat &
whereat old Laws to keep off the
Indians. This deponent further states
that he was well acquainted with
William Black & Samuel Black
& other members of the Blacks family
brother, he believes of John Black
the present applicant for a pension
band was not at that time acquainted with
said John Black. This deponent
[illegible] the said John Black
was engaged in said service while
this deponent lived on said River
and his father lived away about a
mile back from the Potomac River
while said boatmen, were in
said service and this deponent did
not see said John Black. He believes
he was in said service when his
father [illegible]  said River or has
he continued therein until his [crossed out & illegible]
father moved away [illegible]
River. This deponent is Minister
of the Gospel in the Protestant
Methodist Church & he fully believes
from the conversation that he has
recently had with said John
Black and the circumstances
that he has detailed to him that said
John Black was in said service
and further this deponent saith thus
Sworn to and subscribed before me
the 19th day of September 1839
David Morris J.P.
James Ward
Page 47

State of Ohio Clermont County SS
I David Morris the same justice of the peace
before whom James Ward Senior subscribed
and swore to the within affidavit, hereby
certify that I am acquainted with the said James
Ward Senior and from my own acquaintance
with him & the testimony of other credible
persons I do fully believe that the said
James Ward Senior is a person of
good character for truth and that his
Statements in the within affidavit
are entitled to credit. I further certify that
I believe the said James Ward Senior
is a regular Minister of the Gospel
of the Protestant Methodist Church
in good standing

Given under my hand
in said County this 20th day of September
1839
David Morris  J.P.


The State of Ohio
Clermont County S.S. 
I  J.D. Morris Clerk of the Court of Common 
pleas in and for the County and State aforesaid
do hereby certify that David Morris Esquire
is a Justice of the peace within and for
said County of Clermont legally authorized
to act as such and that his signatures above written
are genuine. In Testimony whereof I have hereunto
set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court
of Common Pleas at Batavia in said County this
20th day of September A.D. 1839-
J D Morris Clk.
Page 48

[printed]
James L Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions

30.189.
John Black
Ohio

Boemes

[faint illegible]

William Scott
Hillsboro
Ohio
Page 49

[printed form]
WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
30th March 1834
---
Sir
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has
been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of
your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules and
the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist which must be removed
before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will show what is
necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed
you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: }). You will when
you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and
you will, by compling with this request greatly facilitate the investigation of your
claim.

[printed form headings]
A Statement, shewing the service of - John Black
Period when the service was rendered
Duration of the claimant's service. Years. Months. Days.
Rank of the claimant.
Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served
Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service - 70 years   Washington County  MD
Proof by which the declaration is supported - Traditionary

I am respectfully
Your obedient servant,
JAMES L EDWARDS
Commissioner of Pensions
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2
REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army,
and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers, all
persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who
were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to
Store Keepers, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are
also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged
in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
1. The Regular Troops.
2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.
3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.
4. Indian Spies.
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming
the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, mucicians or privates, will, in the first
instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of
Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is
considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
Territory or District of
On this [blank] day of [blank] 
personally appeared (a) before [blank] 
A. B. a resident (b) of [blank] 
in the county of [blank] 
and State, Territory or District
of  [blank]  aged (c)  [blank] 
years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the
following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed
June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) [blank] 
with  [blank]  and 
served in the  [blank] (e) regiment of the
line, under the following named officers:
Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served
under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the
town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged,
and the country through which he marched.[This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons
who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he
declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of
the Agency in the State of  [blank] 
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.    A. B.

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

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

And then will follow the certificate of the Court.
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after
putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary
Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A.B.
who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the [blank] 
and that C.D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the [blank] 
and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, [blank] 
Clerk of the Court of [blank] 
do hereby certify that the foregoing
contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of
for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal
of office, this [blank] day of [blank] & c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission
; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if
possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services
of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light
upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration, (l) and he will
also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful
in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his
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3
alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person
will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal
means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted
; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected.
All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and
there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his
case.

The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of
service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State
troops of Virginia.
1. Where and in what year were you born?
2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?
3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war , and where do you now live?
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute?
And if a substitute, for whom?
5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such
Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services
{To a Soldier
Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it?
{To an Officer
Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what
to an officer, has become of it?
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify
as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are
requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court,
without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons--one of whom should be
the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from
their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed
and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion.
If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character
and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important
proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the
inquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before
required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper
county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform,
and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record,
or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper
Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a
Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is
his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before
the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the
declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period
of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the
opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court were riding by reason of boys in which he
low the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he
served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit with the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c A.B. who being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory,  he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the period mentioned below, and in the following grades: for [blank] 
year  [blank]  months  [blank] and  [blank]  days, I served as a  [blank].  For  [blank]  months and  [blank]  days,  I served as a  [blank]; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months, is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served for two years in the militia, &c without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service.  This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case,  be clearly shown under what  officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison;  and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit. 
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if he has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.

Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated,  the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which  must pass under the seal of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.  

Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name  of the applicant is nor found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses
who are required to set forth in their affidavits  the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment,  company and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify as the the credibility of the witnesses and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.

-- The notes from [a] to [i]  are all equally applicable to the case of Militia  men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in
note [j] applies to continental troops only.

[k] This traditionary evidence is indispensable  in militia cases.
[l] If witnesses cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[m] The answers to the  interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
Page 52

Declaration 
of John Black 
for pension
under [illegible] of 
June 7th 1832
Page 53

He as discharged at Martinsburgh in Virginia and received a written discharge signed by Captain Garrand which was burnt with his before mentioned one at the same time.  After the war this declarant lived five years in Berkly County Virginia and then removed to Fayette Country Pennsylvania where he lived for nineteen years and then he moved to Adams County in the State of Ohio where he lived he believes about ten years and then moved to Morrow [?] County Ohio where he lived four years and then removed to Clermont County Ohio where he now resides.
All his said service was as a Private.  He has no documentary evidence of his said service and he knows of no person by whom he can prove the same.  Robert Lane Isaac Whitaker James Ferguson Thomas J Buchanan George Meday know him in his present neighborhood and can testify to his character for truth[?] and his standing among his neighbors.  He[?] hereby relinquished all claims whatever to any pension except the present and declares that he believes that his name is not on the pension roll of the [?] pf any State.
John Black

Sworn to and subscribed in open Court August 31 1839
Mist JD Morris Clk
Page 54

who commanded the regiment. John Morgan, Henry Dismore, Jesse Morgan were drafted at the same [?] from the same neighborhood with this declarant.  Previous to his being drafted, this declarant [?] 
with his father on the Virginia side of the Potomac one mile above Watkins ferry.  
Martinsburgh was the place of rendezvous  about three days after his being drafted the company marched to Fa[?] Court House and then to Fredericksburg on the Rappahannock.  Then after marching for some time the Company crossed the Pamunkey and Mattaponi Rivers and went on to Yorktown to besiege Cornwallis who was in Yorktown when declarant with his company he belonged to transferred[?] there.  After this declarant had been at Yorktown two or three days he with others was taken from the ranks to ferry the United States troops across the Pamunkey and Mattaponi Rivers.  Their principal place of [?] when not [?]
service was at Ruffins ferry on the Pamunkey.  This declarant continued in said service for the period of three months and eleven days from the time he marched[?] from his home and was then discharged therefrom by Captain Garrett.  He
Page 55

[?]
this declarant believes on Jack [?] to the [?].  The Stone house was on the point of a hill on the bank of Conneacteague [?] Creek, and this declarant was to take his turn and did take his turn in guarding the Stone house when the boats were there in guarding them from the depredations of the tories to prevent the tories from burning the Boats and burning or robbing the Stone house.  At the end of two years in said service this declarant was honorably discharged therefrom at Williamsport Maryland and received a written discharge [?] signed by John Lee which discharge was burnt with other papers about nineteen years ago in Adams County Ohio by an infant son of this declarant.  While this declarant was in said Service he with others had a musket and bayonet and tents and mustered under the command of their officer and carried their arms with them while boating up and down the Potomac.
In the fall of the year seventeen hundred and eighty one at Martinsburgh in the State of Virginia this declarant was drafted into the service of the United [?] under the command of Captain Jarred and Col. Dark.
Page 56

at Williamsport Maryland under John Lee and this declarant [?] of said eat of said persons received sixteen dollars on the same day they enlisted as their bounty for so doing.  After Meyers[?]had enlisted Peter Meyers[?] told this declarant that his father in law lived down by Redding in Pennsylvania  and was sick so he requested this declarant to stand in said service in his place until he came back.  This declarant consented to do so and Meyers departed but did not return.  This declarant entered said service at Williamsport Maryland Captain John Lee and continued in said service for two years next after his said  [?] from it.  This declarant was engaged with Aaron Bowman Shortie Bowman Daniel Bowman Thomas Flack George Brown Henry Dismore John Aachten Ernest[?] Williams and James Richardson and two of them John and Jessie Morgan [?] under the command of said Lee in Stockton with eighteen Boats in carrying for the [?]  Army engaged with the Indians from the mouth of Connegocteague[?] Creek to Old town on the [?] Branch of the Potomac and when the seprovisions were landed at Old Town Colonel Cresap who lived in Old Town took charge
Page 57

Declaration made in order to obtain a
Pension under the law of June 7th 1832.
State of Ohio Clermont County Court
of Common Pleas in the year 1839 -
On this 31st day of August in
tye year 1839 personally appeared
in open court before the court -
aforesaid John Black aged seventy
six years on the thirteenth day of March
next who being duly sworn on his 
oath states. That he was born
in Lancaster County in the State of
Pennsylvania on the thirteenth day
of March in the year seventeen
hundred and sixty three, and that
when he was about fifteen years of
age his father moved from Lancaster
County to Washington County in the State 
of Maryland. That in the year
Seventeen hundred and Seventy eight
after [illegible] in that year at
Washington County in the State of
Maryland this did declarant
entered the continental Boat Service
under the command of John Lee
and George Stockton conductors of
[illegible]business as a substitute
for Peter Myers who before that time
[illegible] in Ship [illegible] of the same year
was enlisted in said service. This
declarant and said Peter Myers
and William Black and Samuel
Black two of this declarants
brothers enlist in said service
Page 58

THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES
Form VAM-51
12-5-41

BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD*

Division of Veterans' Administration Archives

NAME     Black, John
GRADE    Private
LINE        New York

WARRANT NUMBER   6837
ACERAGE    100
ISSUED    Sept. 29 1790 to Richard Lush et al,

*The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 4 of "Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800" which are registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subsequent dates. Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800. Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in The National Archives.