Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 7945, for James Johnston, Virginia
Page 1

Service: 
Virginia 
Johnston, James
Or Johnson, Jaice 
Number: 
W.7945
B.L. Wt. 121-60-55
Page 2

Revolutionary Claims.
Under the act, entitled “An act for the relief of certain surviving Officers and Soldiers of the Army of the Revolution,” approved 15th May, 1828.

TREASURY DEPARTMENT 
4 Dec 1828.

Sir: 
Your claim, under the abovementioned act, having been examined, you are found to be entitled to the pay of a Sergeant of Dragoons in the Continental Line. The amount which may be due, accordingly, will be remitted by the Treasure of the United States, to the attorney whom you have authorized to receive it.

I am, sir, very respectfully, 
Your obedient servant,
M. James Johnston 
Given to the Hon. N. H. Claiborne of 
Va. H of Reps.
Page 3

89.933.
Act March 3/55
Johnston Act 23/
Joice Johnston widow of 
James Johnston 
Rev. War
Sergt. Cavalry 
Pension 
Va: Contl Line

War Revolution
Now a Pension of the U. States

Va ref 48-2410
LW 160 acres Nov. 20/55
Boyton

Warrant No. 12120 

G. D. Neal, atty.
Pittsylvania CH, Virg.
Page 4

Reported
Dec 15/41

2410
Virginia Richmond

Joice Johnston
Widow of James Johnston
who served in the Revolutionary 
war, as a Lieut. of Cavalry

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 
180 Dollars---
Cents per annum, to commence on
the 4th day of March, 1848

Certificate of Pension issued the 
15 day of Dec. 1848
and sent to B. H. Gravely 

Leatherwood Store Virga.

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act
February 2, 1848,  Page 161 Vol. 3.
Page 5

89.933
Joice Johnston
Widow of James Johnston
Page 6

State of Virginia) 
County of Henry) SS

On the 13th day of April one thousand eight 
hundred and fifty five, personally appeared before me, 
Henry L. Peters, a Justice of the Peace within 
and for county and state  aforesaid Joice Johnston 
aged 87 years. A resident of the county and 
state aforesaid. Who being duly sworn according to 
law declares that she is the widow of James Johnston 
deceased who was a Sergeant of Cavalry
in the revolutionary war. That she received a pension
of One hundred and Eighty dollars per annum
payable semi annually in the city of Richmond as
will appear by reference to the roll of pensioners
under the act of Congress. February 2nd 1848.
Page 161. Vol. 3. She further states that she
was married to the said James Johnston in Henry
County Virginia on the 23 day of April
1789 AD. by one Carter Torrence a baptist
minister and that her name before her said Marriage
was Joice Wells. that her said husband
died at his residence on the 30 day of
April 1842 A D and that she is now a widow: For
proof of her said husbands Service, marriage &
she refers to her original declaration on file at the Pension
office. She makes this declaration for the purpose
of obtaining the bounty Land to which she may
be entitled under the act approved March 3d
1855. She also declares that she has never received 
under this or any other act of Congress any bounty
land. 

Joice her mark [hand written X] Johnston

Personally came Pleasant W Grigg
and Margarett W. Grigg
residents of Henry County Virginia, who upon
oath declare that they are personally well
acquainted with Mrs. Joice Johnston and saw her
Page 7

sign or make her mark to the foregoing declaration
that they know her to be the identical person
therein represented, and that she is now a widow
and that they have no interest in this claim.

Pleasant W Grigg (Seal)
Margaret her mark [hand written X] Grigg (Seal)

The foregoing declaration and affidavit sworn
to and subscribed before me on the day & year
aforesaid and I certify that I Know the affiants
to be credible persons: that the claimant is the
person she represents herself to be and that
I have no interest in this claim.

H. D. Peters J.P.

G. D. Neal of Pittsylvania C.House Virginia is
hereby authorized to process this my claim for
bounty land & is [illebible] to receive the same
warrant that may be issued in
my name under the aforesaid act

Joice her mark [hand written X] Johnston [seal]
acknowledge & subscribed before me the day &
year aforesaid.

Henry D. Peter J. P.

State of Virginia)
County of Henry)SS

I Jeremiah Griggs Clerk of In County Court in and for the aforesaid
County a Court of Record, do hereby certify that Henry D Peters Esquire
before whom the within declaration, affidavit and power of Attorney were made
was at the time a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly commissioned
and qualified by law to administer Oaths, of and that the signature is genuine
In testimony whereof I hereto set my hand and affix my
Seal of Office on this 16th day of April AD 1855
J Griggs Clk

(seal)
Page 8

6994
act '44 No. 671

Joice Johnston
Va
Act Mar 3d 43
30 Apl. '43.
wid husbands papers
under act of 15 May
1828.

admd
2 M. Sergt of
Cavalry

$180 

also act 17 June
'44
B. F. Graveley Esqr
Leatherwood, Store
Henry Co
Va
Page 9

Under act of 15 May 
1828

admd
2 M  Sergt. Of
Calvary 

$180
 
Also act of 17 June 
44
Page 10

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefits of the act of Congress of the 3d of March
1843 granting pensions for one year to certain widows who received
pensions under the act of July 7th 1838

State of Virginia S. S.

On this Seventh day of February one Thousand
Eight hundred and forty five, personally appeared before me Jabez
Gravely a Justice of the peace for the County of Henry, Joice Johnston
a resident of Turkey Cock in the County of Henry and State of Virginia
aged Seventy Seven 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 on the 3rd day of March 1843. Granting pensions to widows
of persons who served during the Revolutionary war, That she is
the widow of James Johnston, who was a Sergeant of Dragoons in
the Virginia line of the army of the Revolution, who was a pensioner 
of the United States, and received a pension as Sergeant of
Dragoons at the rate of fifteen Dollars per month.
She further declares that she was married to the said James
Johnston on the 23rd day of April One Thousand Seven hundred
and eighty nine, that her husband the said James Johnston
died on the Thirtieth day of April Eighteen hundred and forty
one, that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the
service, but the marriage took place previous to the first day
of January Seventeen hundred and ninety four, viz at the time
above stated, and she further declares that she is still a widow.

Joice her mark [hand written X] Johnston

Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year
above written before
Jabez Gravely J.P.

State of Virginia)
Henry County) SS.

I do hereby certify that Joice Johnston widow of the
late James Johnston (who was a revolutionary pensioner of the
U.S.) and declarant as above is personally known to me and has
been since her marriage with the said James Johnston, and that
she is a lady of entire respectability and worthy of full belief
Given under my hand this 7th February 1845
Jabez Gravely J.P.
Page 11

State of Virginia)
Henry County) Sect

The subscriber Jemima Dickerson aged
Eighty Two years do hereby certify that she was present.
and witnessed the marriage of Joice Johnston to the late James
Johnston (who was a revolutionary) soldier and received a pension
as Sergeant of Dragoons, which said marriage took place
on the Twenty third day of April one thousand Seven hundred 
and Eighty nine.  This the 7th Day of February 1845.

Jemima her mark [hand written X] Dickerson

Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written
before me
Jabez Gravelly J P.

State of Virginia)
Henry County)SS

This is to Certify that Jemima Dickerson
the affiant as above is personally known to me, and that
she is a respectable and worthy Lady and entitled to full
belief Given under my hand this 7th day of February 1845

Jabez Gravely J P.

State of Virginia Henry County SS

I Anthony M Dupuy Clerk of the County Court of Henry do hereby certify that
Jabez Gravely whose name is affixed to the foregoing certifies is an acting Justice of the peace
in and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified as such, and that the said signatures of
the said Jabez Gravely are his genuine signatures.

In witness whereof I have hereto set my hand and affixed the seal
of my office at Martinsville this tenth day of February in the year
1845 in the 69 year of the Commonwealth

Anthony M Dupuy
Page 12

May 8 1848
(illegible)case
Joice Johnston 
Leatherwood Store, Va.
May 2, 1845


free
J. L. Edwards Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City, DC
Page 13

Leatherwood Store Henry Co. Va. 2nd May 1845
Mr J L Edwards Comm of Pensions

Dear Sir. I have been requested
by Mrs. Joice Johnston widow of James Johnston, who claims a pension
under the act of Congress of 3rd March, 1843, to forward you
the enclosed copy of return of Carter Tarrant of the Marriage of
James Johnston to Joice Wells, with the certificate of the Clerk of
this County under his seal of office, to you in accordance
with your request in your letter to the Hon. Walter Coles
of 7 Mar 1845, you say in your letter to the Mr. Coles that the
name of James Johnston, appears on the Rolls as a private
of Cavalry for a year and as a private of infantry for a year 
for which a valuable pension will be allowed on production
of satisfactory evidence, of the date of the marriage,"
Mrs. Johnston does not claim a pension as widow of the
James Johnston that rendered the services as stated above
but as widow of James Johnston Sergeant of Dragoons in
the Virginia Line of the Army of the Revolution, who drew
pay until his death under the following certificate
"Revolutionary Claims No 787"
under the act entitled an act for the relief of certain surviving
officers and soldiers of the army of the revolution
approved the 15th May 1828, I do hereby certify that James
Johnston of Turkey Cock in the County of Henry in the State of
Virginia is entitled to receive pay, under the above mentioned
act as a surviving Sergeant of dragoons in the Virginia
line of the army of the Revolution, at the rate of fifteen Dollars
and __ cents a month payable during his natural life on
the third day of March and third day of September in each
year. It is provided by law that the said pay shall not
in any way be transferable or liable to attachment levy or
seizure by any legal process whatever, Given under my
hand and the Seal of the Treasury of the United States this
the third day of August in the year one thousand Eight
hundred and Twenty nine and of Independence the fifty
fourth.

Leatherwood,
J. D. Ingham
Secretary of the Treasury

Mary of the Treasing
Page 14

The original certificate was sent to the commissioner for paying
pensions in the City of Richmond when his last pension was
drawn, The widow don't want to draw a pension 
as widow of James Johnston a private of Cavalry & private
of Infantry but as widow of James Johnston, Sergeant of
Dragoons, as pr. the certificate of Secretary Ingham.
No 787. Please examine and have the pension allowed
to her as widow of James Johnston Sergeant of Dragoons.
She wishes you to send her papers to Leatherwood Store Henry
County Virginia and you will much oblige the widow
who is in very indigent circumstances.

Most Respectfully
B.F. Gravely
Page 15

July 18, 1939
BA-J/MCS
James Johnston
W.7945

Mr. Harry F. Johnston
34 West Seneca Street
Buffalo, New York

Dear Sir: 
Reference is made to your request for information relative to James Johnston, a Revolutionary War soldier who lived on Turkey Cock Creek, Henry County, Virginia, and was pensioned under the Act of 1828.

The data which follow were taken from papers on file in the pension claim, W.7945, based on the military service of James Johnston or Johnson during the Revolution. 

The date and place of birth of this soldier and the names of his parents are not shown. 

He enlisted, date and place not given, and served at least two years as sergeant of Virginia Dragoons, names of officers not given.

He was pensioned at the rate of fifteen dollars per month under the Act of May 15, 1828. He died April 30, 1841 or 1842, in Henry County, Va. 

James Johnston or Johnson married in Henry County, Virginia, April 23, 1789, or August 24, 1790, Joice or Joyce Wells.

As the widow of this soldier, said Joice or Joyce Johnston or Johnson was allowed pension on her application executed February 7, 1845, at which time she was living at Turkey Cock, Henry County, Virginia, aged seventy-seven years. She was living in that county in 1855.

There are no further data relative to the family of this soldier.

Very truly yours
A.D. Hiller
Executive Assistant 
To the Administrator
Page 16

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

BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD *

Division of Veterans’ Administration Archives 

Name: Johnston, James
Grade: Private
Line: Virginia
Warrant Number: 12271
Issued: May 8,1794 to--not shown--

Also B.I.H.A. 121-60-55

*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.
Page 17

1905. Oct 2. Military and family
History to Sally Stone Edwards.
O’Fallon Mo. M.B.H.

1905. Nov 14. History to R. G. 
Hall. M.B.H.
Letter in S.F. 31.750 Wm. Johnston

1939. July 18. hist. to Mr.
Harry T. Johnston. MCS

Revolution Virginia Line
WIDOW, &c. 
File No. 7945
Joice Johnston 
Wid.
Jas. Johnston 
Sergt. Rev. War

Act: July 2d/48
Index: - Vol: A, Page 378
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 18

Richmond 7002
Virginia

Joice Johnston 
Widow of James Johnston 
Who was a Sergeant of Cavalry 
In the Revolution.
husbd a pension act 1828

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 
180 Dollars 00
Cents per annum, to commence on 
The 4th day of March, 1843.

Certificate of Pension issued the
13 day of June ’45,
And sent to B.F. Gravely 
Leatherwood Store
Henry Co: 
VA

(Act of March 3, 1843)
& June 17, 1844
Recorded in Book A
Vol. W Page 141
Page 19

121
Coares[?]
Page 20

No. 6994
Joice Johnston
Va

Suspended
Act March 3d ‘43
Page 21

No 1828 papers found
S.C.A.
Jan 31, 1911

J.S.C. 
June 20, 1911.
Page 22

Pens, Act 2d Febr 48, Va
[illegible]
Page 23

Applied. Feb. 7 1843 77 years.
Turkey Cock, Henry Co. Va.
M. Apr 23, 1789. Joyce Wells
Soldier died
Apr 30 1841

Where
As Sergt. Of Dragoons.
Sergt of Calvary 
Capt
Col
Term 
VA Line



Sally Stone Edwards
O’Fallon 
Mo.
M. G. Hall
Page 24

O.W. and N. Div
3-388. 
(Old No. 3-063)
Div. Ex’r.
No. Department of the Interior.
Bureau of Pension
The above title should be indorsed on every paper relating to this claim. 
Washington, D.C. 190…

In the above-entitled claim for pension, the evidence indicated in paragraph—No.—should be furnished. 

No. 1. The claimant’s statement, under oath, showing the character, location, and value of all property, real, personal, or mixed, including bonds, stocks, and investments, owned by her, or in which she has had any interest, and the full amount of her income per month or year from all sources since--, 190--, and whether any person has been legally bound to provide for her support. 

No. 2. Testimony of credible witnesses showing the character, location, and value of all property, real, personal, or mixed, owned by the claimant, or in which she has had any interest, since ---, 190--; and also the amount of her income from all sources, and her means of support.

No. 3. A duly verified statement by the officer having custody of the proper records, describing all taxable property borne on the rolls in the name of claimant or--- for the year ---, and showing the assessed value of such property, and the ratio which the assessed value bears to the true or cash value. If such officer has no official seal by
Page 25

Joice Johnston
Page 26

Declaration of Joice Johnston
In order to obtain the benifits of the act of Congress of 2nd February 1848.
entitled "An act making further provision for surviving widows and
soldiers of the Revolution.
State of Virginia)
Henry County)SS

On this 22nd day of August 1848 personally appeared before the
Subscriber a Justice of the peace in and for the County aforesaid
Joice Johnston a resident of Virginia in the County of Henry aged
Eighty years who being first duly sworn according to law. doth on her
oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits
of the provision made by the act of Congress passed on the 2d February
1848 granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the
Revolutionary war. That she is the widow of James Johnston who
was a Sergeant of Cavalry in the Virginia line of the army of the
Revolution, that she received a pension under the acts of Congress
of the 3d March 1843 and 17th June 1848, at the rate of one hundred
and Eighty dollars per annum under the certificate of G. Bancroft
acting Secretary of War dated 13th day of June 1845. Commencing
on the 4th day of March 1843 and terminating on the 4th of March
1848.

She further declares that she is still a widow
Joice her mark [hand written X] Johnston

Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written
before me  Robt J Hankins J.P.

State of Virginia)
Henry County)  SS

I Robert J. Hankins a Justice of the
peace in and for said County do hereby certify that Joice Johnston
widow of James Johnston and declarant above named is personally
known to me and that she is the same person who drew a pension
under the acts of Congress of the 3rd March 1843 and 17 June 1844
Sworn under my hand this 22 day of August 1848
Robt J Hankins J.P.

State of Virginia)
Henry County)  SS
I Jeremiah Griggs Clerk of the Court of Henry County, Certify that Robert
J Hankins is a Magistrate as above and 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 24th day of August in the year 1848
J. Griggs Clerk of the Court of
Henry County
Page 27

Hon Walter Coles
Mar 7 '45
Page 28

129
Pension Office
March 7, '45.

Sir

I have the honor to state that the
papers in the case of Joice Johnston
widow of James Johnston claiming a
pension under the act of March 3 '43
have been examined and filed. The name of
James Johnston appears on the rolls
as a private of Cavalry for one year
and as a private of infantry for a
year and for which a valuable pension
will be allowed, on production of satisfactory 
evidence of the date of the marriage. 
The certificate of the Clk of the Co. or a copy
of the marriage bond would be the
best proof or if they cannot be had
some other documentary evidence
Honble Walter Coles
Robertson's store
Pittsyl. Co.  Virginia 

Register this case under act Mar. 3d '43
Page 29


A list of marriages returned by Carter Torrant August the 24th 1790
James Johnson & Joyce Wells

Virginia Henry County Sct

J. Anthony M. Dupuy Clerk of the County Court of Henry in the State of Virginia do hereby certify that the
foregoing is a true Copy of the certificate of Carter Torrent of the marriage of James Johnson and Joel Wells, as
the same now stands of record in my office.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of
my office at Martinsville this first day of May in the year one thousand eight
hundred and forty five and of the Commonwealth the 69 year.

Anthony M. Dupuy
Page 30

Fb 21  45
Va
Mar 3 1843
Joice Johnson
Original
husband on roll of
15th May 1828
No 835
Hon W. Coles
WD

Lewis Edwards, Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
D. C.
Page 31

House of Reps. Feb. 20th 1843
Sir,
I enclose you the application of Mrs. Joice
Johnston of Henry Co. Va, for a pension. You will
oblige me by communicating to me the result
of the examination of the claim, before the
end of the session.

With my best respects
[illegible] yrs & 
Walter Coles
Page 32

3-595.
O. W. AND N. DIVISION.
Department of the Interior
BUREAU OF PENSION
Nov. 11, 1905
Searched by F. F. N.
Original No. 
Certificate No.
Claimant,
Soldier, James Johnston
Service, Va, Rev, War,
Remarks, No, Rev, War, 
Or Wid  admt or 
Rej. Claim then 
Than Wid
File 7945
Chief of Division.
18624b5m6-05
Page 33

Springfield, Mo. June 17th
1911

J. L. Davenport, Com.,
Washington D.C.,

Dear Sir,
Please send me whatever record you have of James Johnston Sr. who was granted a pension May 15th 1828, born in Charlotte Co. Va. And lived on Turkey Cock Creek, Leatherwood, Store Henry Co. Va. From 1810 to 1840. He was in 14th Va. Regiment to Gen’l Washington’s Life Guards.

Yours truly 
Mrs. W. S. Myers
#455 Market St.
Springfield, Mo.

[received stamp]U.S. PENSION OFFICE  JUN 19 1911
Page 34

N.S. Commissioner of Pensions
SEP 9 1905
Washington D. C.

Dear Sir
Can you find me a record of
James Johnston
having received[?] a
pension for service
during the Revolutinary
War. He was in Geo.
Washingtons body
Guard & I think
was wounded in
the battle of Brandywine.
Page 35

He was from Virginia
Please let me hear 
from you - Also what
is your fee?

Respectfully
Sally Sims Edwards
O'Fallon  Mo
Sept. 2 -05

[received stamp]U.S. PENSION OFFICE SEP 7 1905
Page 36

Johnston Families Association 
Buffalo, N.Y. 
34 West Seneca St. 
May 24, 1939

Veterans Administration, 
Washington D.C.

Attention of Mr. A.D. Hiller, Exec. Asst. to the Administrator. 

Dear sir: -

Will you kindly send me whatever information you may have concerning the family of the following Revolutionary soldier? 

James Johnston Sr. born Charlotte Co., Va. And lived on Turkey Cock Creek, Henry County, Va. I understand he served in George Washington’s Life Guards during 1777-78 & 79. Enlisted in May 1777. Served under Col. Benjamin Harrison and received pension under act of 1828 and Virginia Land Bounty. I believe the above service was in 14th. Virginia Regiment.

Very truly yours,
Harry. F. Johnston
Harry F. Johnston

HFJ/F

[received stamp]RECEIVED MAY 26 1939
MAIL SUB-DIV VETS ADM READER 16
Page 37

[received stamp] U.S. PENSION OFFICE SEP 18 1905


OFallon Mo.  9th 16th 1905

Hon V Warner
Washington City
Dear Sir,

At the request
of my daughter S. S. Edwards
I will answer, so far as
possible the questions in the
enclosed note-- I am the
grand son of Maj James
Johnston.
Place of Residence at enlistment
He was born in Charlotte Co. Va.
and think enlisted in that
Co. in the year 1777 in the 14th
Virginia Regiment From this
Regiment he was transfered
to Gen. Washington's Life
Guards to which he
Page 38

served three years 1777-78 & 79
His Col was Col. Benjamin
Harrison. Washington's
Chief of Staff & Secretary.
He lived 30 years in
Henry Co. Va. where he
died. I think in 1841-or 2
aged about 85 years,
His Widow Mrs. Joice
Johnston, drew a pension
as long as she lived
she died in about 1853 or
54 aged about 86 years
He was a private sale
and was engaged in all the battles
which Gen. Washington
commanded in person
Viz. Brandywine, Germantown
Monmouth, Guilford Court
house & at Yorktown. 
My daughter is anxious for
the record so she can
Page 39

be joins the
Daughters of the Revolution.

My Respectfully
Your obet Servant

J. L. Edwards
Page 40

In reply to your request of ---, received ---- for a statement of the military history of James Johnston or Johnson a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his widow’s application for pension on file in this Bureau.  W7948

DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT.
LENGTH OF SERVICE.
RANK. 
OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED 
CAPTAIN.
COLONEL.
STATE.

Sergt   Dragoons   Va.

He was pens. at $15 per mo. under the Act of May 15, 1828.
(Papers missing [illegible]

Battles engaged in,
Residence of solider at enlistment,  res. that Co. in 1855
Date of application for pension, by widow: July 7, 1845 Allowed[?]
Residence at date of application,  Turkey Cock, Henry Co., Va
Age at date of application, 77 yrs.
Remarks: Henry Co. Va
[illegible] Apl 23 1789 or Aug 24 1790,  Joice Wells
Joyce
died[?] Apl. 30, 1841/1842 in Henry Co.

Very respectfully,
31793b5m1C-97
Commissioner