Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 16099, Joshua Davidson, Penn.
Page 1

Service
Penn. 

Davidson, Joshua  

Number
S.16099
carded
Contents
Page 2

See letter to Hon. Th. Hamer H.R. Feb 1834
Copies of papers sent to Same Feb 6 1830

Date of death not on ab

Ohio 19.84.
---
Joshua Davids[on]
of Brown Co in the State of Ohio___
who was a Sergt Bugle[r] in the Co. commanded
by Captain Swaingen [Swearingen] of the Regt. commanded
Col. Broadhead on the Penna line for two years
12. 25. Sept.___ 64.17
11 [Illegible] __111.66.
-----------------175.83
____________________________
Inscribed on the Roll of Ohio
at the rate of 175. Dollars 83 Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March,1831.
______________________________
Certificate of Pension issued the 21. day of Sept 1833 and sent to Wm Shepherd Georgetown. B.Co Ohio
_____________________________
Arrears to the 4th of Sept. 1833......... 439.57.
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Mar 84. 87.91
$.527.48

{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.}

Recorded by W. R. Palmer, Clerk,
Book E. Vol. Eight Page 6
Page 3

Joshua Davidson
Ensign
8th Pennsylvania Regiment
1776---4 years
__________
Not on roll in the 8th Pennsa rgt.by the deposition of witnesses certified by the Judge to be credible, proving the service, is
required, also Judge, certifies that from the reduced circumstances of the applicant he
needs the assistance of his Country
D. Augt 1818
Admitted


2 Case
Judge Campbell
Brown County Ohio
-
Recd 3 Sept 1818

Free
The Honorable
The Secretary at War of the United States
Washington City
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State of Ohio
Brown County Ss

On this eighth day of August 1818 before me the subscriber, one of the associate judges in and for the county aforesaid, personally appeared Joshua Davidson, aged sixty-five years last April, resident in the county of Brown and state aforesaid who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the provisions made by the late act of Congress entitled "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the Revolutionary War."

That the said Joshua Davidson enlisted on the Monongahela in the state of Pennsylvania on the 13th day of August 1776 in the company commanded by Capt. James Montgomery of the eighth Pennsylvania regiment.  That in the month of April 1779 he was promoted to the rank of ensign; that he continued to serve in the service of the United States until the 20th day of March 1780 when putting in his resignation on the tenth day of March, was discharged on the 20th day as aforesaid.

That he was in the battles of Bound Brook in Jersey, the battle of Brandywine at Chaddsford, at the [Peold? - Paoli?] that he is in reduced circumstances and stands in need of assistance of his country for support and that he has no other evidence now in his power of his said service.
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Sworn to and declared before me the day and year aforesaid. 
Signed:  Jos. N Campbell. A.J.

I, Joseph N. Campbell, one of the associate judges in and for the county of Brown, do hereby certify that it appears to my satisfaction that the said Joshua Davidson did serve in the Revolutionary War as stated in the preceding declaration against the common enemy for the term of three years, eight months and seven days on the Continental Establishment.  And I now transmit the preceding and testimony taken before me to the Secretary of the war department pursuant to the directions of the afore mentioned act of Congress.  
Signed:  Jos. N Campbell A.J.

State of Ohio
Brown County

I, Abraham Shepherd, clerk of the court of common pleas in and for the county aforesaid, do hereby certify that Joseph N. Campbell Esquire before whom the within declaration and deposition was taken, now is and was at the time of taking the same one of the associate judges of the court of common pleas in and for the county aforesaid, duly commissioned and qualified and that full faith and credit is and ought to be given to all his official acts as such. 

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said court at Ripley this 8th day of August 1818.
  Abraham Shepherd, Clk. B.C.
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State of Ohio
Brown County

I do hereby certify that the said Joshua Davidson is in reduced circumstances, and it appears to my satisfaction that he needs the assistance of his country for support.

Given from under my hand
July 15th 1819
Signed:  Jos. N. Campbell, Associate Judge
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The State of Ohio Brown County court of common pleas at the August Term in the year 1821
On this third day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty one personally appeared in open court (being a court of Record for and in the district of Ohio & by the laws thereof begun and held in the County of Brown on the 31st day of July 1821 before the Honorable John Thompson Esq president thereof and William Anderson and James Moore Esquire associate Judges) Joshua Davidson aged sixty eight years resident in the County of Brown aforesaid in the State aforesaid who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath declare that he served in the Revolutionary War as follows towit that he enlisted on the 13th day of August one thousand seven hundred and seventy six and was appointed a sergeant in the company commanded by Capt. James Montgomery part of the eighth regiment of the Pennsylvania line under the continental Establishment first commanded by Col Enos McCoy and afterwards by Col Daniel Broadhead that he continued in the service of the United States untill in the spring of 1780. That he made application for a pension that the date of his declaration is on the 8th day day of August 1818 that he has received a pension
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certificate from the war department dated the 8th day of August 1818 and numbered 14.471 And I do solemly swear that I was a resident citizen of the United State on the 18th day of March 1818 and that I have not since that time by gift sale or in any manner disposed of my property or any part thereof with intent thereby so to diminish it as to bring my self within the provisions of an act of Congress entitled "an act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the Revolutionary war" passed on the 18th day of March 1818 and that I have not nor has any person in trust for me any property or securities contract or debts due to me nor have I any income other than what is contained in the schedule hereunto annexed and by me subscribed. One house $50 1 cow & calf $14 2 pr horse gears and 2 plows $10 2 hoes & 2 axes $3.50 4 chisels & 9 gauges $1 1 adg & 1 frow $1.50 2 drawing knives & 5 augurs $2.75 3 bench planes & 3 moulding planes $2.25 1 hand saw 2 hammers & iron square $2.50 one coopers cross & bevel square & gauge $1.00 1 fire shovel & hamel $2.00 2 pots 1 oven & skillet $4.50 2 pot hooks 50 cts. 3 buckets & 1 pail $1. one churn & 3 flower barrels 3 gerkins & 1 vinegar  barrel $2. 3 large tubs $3.00 1 chest & 1 able $2. 7 chears $2.50 1 pewter dish 6 spoons & pewter plates $2.50 6 knives & forks $1. Browns family Bible $3.00
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2 hymn books & methodist dicipline $125 Lackentons letters on infidelity 50 cts. 1 Geography & history of England $2.50 History of Sanford and Marton & life of Barren Trench 50 cts 1 loan & apparatus & one cloth iron $12 2 wheels & 1 reel $3.50 the wood work of one waggon $28. 3 hogs $6. 10 head of sheep 15 1 wheat ridle & hair sive 75 cts 1 pare of stileayards $1.50 1 basket & half bushel 75 cts 1 basket and melting ladle 50 cts 1 mans saddle $3.00 1 log chain $2, 1 pair of sheep shears 84 cts in the whole amountig to one hundred and sixty nine dollars and twenty five cents And I furhter state that my occupation is that of a Millright but that I am from bodily infirmity unable to pursue it I have a wife living with  me who is 58 years old & four children Jonathan who is 34 years old but is entirely unable and incapable by reason of mental and bodily infirmities to contribute to his support Rachael aged 24 years Nancy 22 years & Joseph aged 28 years all of whom are able to support themselves by their industry [signed] Joshua Davidson

Sworn and subscribed at the county seat of Brown County in open beface the Judges thereof on the 3rd day of August 1821

[signed] A Shepherd clk
[signed] Joshua Davidson
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The States of Ohio Brown County Ss
I Abraham Shepherd clerk of the court of common pleas in and for the County aforesaid do hereby certify that the foregoing oath and the schedule thereto annexed are truly copied from the record of said court and I do further certify that it is the opinion of the said court that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule is worth 69 dollars & 25 cents
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of the said court on this 9th day of Autust 1821
[signed] Abraham Shepherd, clerk, B,C

Schedule
Joshua Davidson
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BA J / AWF
Joshua Davidson
S. 16099

Mrs. Cora M. Kraft
522 Bank Street
Webster City, Iowa

Dear Madam:

The data furnished herein were obtained from papers on file in claim for pension, S. 16099, based upon service of Joshua Davidson, in the Revolutionary War.

Joshua Davidson was born in the month of April, 1753.  The place of his birth and names of his parents were not given.

Joshua Davidson enlisted on the Monongahela River in Pennsylvania, August 13, 1776, served in Captains James Montgomery's and Van Swearingen's companies, Colonels Aeneas Mackey's and Daniel Brodhead's Eighth Pennsylvania regiment, served as sergeant until the middle of April, 1779, when he was promoted to ensign and served as such until March 20, 1780, when he resigned his commission.  During the service he was in the battles of Bound Brook, Brandywine, and Paoli.

He was allowed pension on his application executed August 8, 1818, at which time he was a resident of Brown County, Ohio.

Joshua Davidsen referred in 1821, to his wife as aged fifty-eight years, but did not give her name, and there are no further data in this claim relative to her.  He referred, also, in 1821
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to the following children, then residing with him:
Jonathan, aged thirty four years
Joseph, aged twenty eight years
Rachael, aged twenty four years
Nancy, aged twenty two years.

The soldier, Joshua Davidson, was living in 1832, in Brown County, Ohio, and was pensioned under the Act of June 7, 1832.

In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, name and address of person paid, and possibly the date of death of this pensioner, you should apply to the Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, this city, and furnish the following data:

Joshua Davidson
Certificate # 19844
Issued September 21, 1833
Rate $175.83 per annual
Commenced March 4, 1831
Act of June 7, 1832
Ohio Agency

Very truly yours
A.D. Hiller
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
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16099
INVALID
File No. 16099
Joshua Davidson
Sergeant & Ensign  Rev War
Act: June 7th 32
Index:- Vol. 1, Page 428

May 14, 1904
J.R. Robertson
Wellsburg, Ohio1914

1914 Apr 11  Hist to Mrs. P.B. Zink
letter in S. 16706 John Morrow 

1934, Jan 26 Hist to Mrs W.H. Hinton

1934, Aug 29  Mrs W.H. Hinton advised reg. last payment of pension

1936, Dec 1 Hist to Memorial Brand Any

1940, Feb 19 hist to Mrs. Cora M Kraft Any
Page 14

copied for Col. J. Watson

Notice sent to William Shepherd Esq

September 1821 Reply this

14.4712
Ohio
Joshua Davidson of Brown County in the state of Ohio who was a Sergeant in the regiment commanded by Colonel McCoy of the Pennsylvania line, for the term of three years

Inscribed on the roll of Ohio at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence on the 8 of August 1816

Certificate of Pension issued the 8 of Sept 1816 and sent to Jos. M Campbell, Shipley Ohio

Arrears to the 4th of Sep 1819 119.25
Semi-anl. all'ce ending Mar 1820  48.00
14 Mo 24/31 4/30  $167.25

Revolutionary claim, Act 18th March, 1818
Continued

J.L. Finley
Nov. 3 1831
Page 15

14,471
Ohio
Joshua Davidson
of Brown County in the State of Ohio
who was an ensign in the company commanded
by Captain Jack Montgomery of the Regimen commanded by Colonel McCoy in the Pennsylvania line, for the term of one year from April 1779 to March 1780

Inscribed on the Roll of Ohio at the rate or twelve Dollars per month, to commence on the 8th day of August 1818.

Certificate of Pension issued the 21 of February 1832 and del to Col. Joseph Watson, Present

Arrears to 4th of March 1832  $1954.81
Sem-anl. all'ce ending
The difference between $8 to $20 from 8 Aug 1818 to March 1832  $1954.81

Discontinued

Revolutionary Claim, Acts March 18, 1818 and May 1, 1820

Record Book 8, Vol 10, Fol 32

See letter to J Reynolds right [Illegible] 1832

See letter of Pension Agent 24 March 1832
See letter Apr 1832 to W. Shepherd

See the pensioner be reapplied from the rolls
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Joshua Davidson Brown County Ohio
19.844

Adm 2 years. 1 year & 25 days as Sergeant 11 months & 5 days as Ensign
[math addition]
60 + 4.19=64.17+110.66+1=175.83

Be careful to inform the pension agent to deduct the amt of pension he may have recd since the 4 March 1831.
175.83 * 2 = 351.66 + 87.91 = 439.57

Wm Shepherd George Town Brown County Ohio
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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.  Start the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.  
6.{To a soldier} Did you ever 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 has become of it?
7.  State the names of the persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood and who can testify as to your character for tenacity, 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 statements 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 in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party.  And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry 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 [can't read] 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 of 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 of 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 Count unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow 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 to 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 pensions he is entitled.  In a 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 in 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  [can't see words.  They run off bottom of page]
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[Breaks added for clarity of transcription] 

The State of Ohio   }
Brown County        }   Ss.

Personally appeared before the subscriber an associate Judge of the court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Brown Joshua Davidson aged eighty years who being duly sworn according to law deposeth and saith 

in the year 1819 he was placed on the Pension roll under the Provisions of the act of Congress of the 18th March 1818. as a Sargeant 

that on the 21st day of February 1832 his Pension was increased to that of an Ensign and the amount of such increase was paid to him from the year 1819 to the 4th March 1832. 

as will [the word “more” inserted above] particularly appear by the records of the War Department -- that in consequence of this receipt of so large a sum of money being about two thousand dollars he was not considered as being within the provision of the act of March 1818 and his name was droped from the pension [the word “roll” inserted above] as he has been informed. 

He states further that he served as an Ensign attached to Capt Van S[illegible] company of Infantry from the Middle of April 1779 to the 20th day of March 1780 in the 8th Pennsylvania Regiment commanded by Col Daniel Broadhead being eleven months and four or five days

that he resides in Brown County Ohio at the present time and did reside there when he made his first application for a pension

Sworn to and subscribed before me this 6th day of May A.D. 1833

David Johnson
Associate Judge

            his
Joshua  X  Davidson
          mark
Page 19

The State of Ohio
Brown County
I Joseph L Finley of the county of Adams and State of Ohio late a Captain & Brigade inspector of the eight regiment of the Pennsylvania line on the continental establishment in the revolutionary war do hereby certify that Joshua Davidson was duly commissioned as an Ensign in the eight Pennsylvania Regiment and Pennsylvania line on the Continental Establishment during the Revolutionary War in the years 1779 & 1780 as well as this certifcant recollects and that he continued to serve about ten months when he resigned.. Certified from under my hand July 15th 1819
[signed] Jos L Finley 
Captain & Brigade inspector in the 8th Regiment of the Pennsylvania line during the Revolutionary War
Certified & signed in the presents me
Jo W. Campbell

The State of Ohio
Brown County
Before me the subscriber an associate Judge came Francis Myers that a credible witness who deposeth and sayeth that Joshua Davidson the above applicant for a pention [pension] has no property [wort? - worth?] naming and needs assistance for support - and further sayeth not
 Sworn to before me
 Jno N Campbell
 Associate Judge
Page 20

                                    B.

State of Ohio
Browm County,  } Ss
February 1st 1832

Conformably to the Regulations of the War Department, of the 19th of June, 1824. I, Garlin Anderson, a Magistrate in the county above named, do hereby certify, that I have the most satisfactory evidence, viz: by a personal knowledge of the man.

that Joshua Davidson who this day appeared before me to take the oath of identity, is the identical person named in the pension certificate, which he has exhibited before me, numbered 14.4.71 and bearing date at the War Office, the 8th day of September 1819; that the said certificate was originally issued for him; that he now holds the same in his possession, and claims all the benefits arising therefrom.
 Given under my hand, at Scot Township the day and year above written.
 Garlin Anderson J. Peace

I, James Finley clerk of the court of Common Pleas Brown county, certify that Garlin Anderson is a Magistrate as above, and that the foregoing certificate, purporting to be his, is genuine.
 In testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed my seal of office, and subscribed my name, this First day of February in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty five
 James Finley
 Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas
Brown County  Ohio State
* Here state what the evidence is; whether personal knowledge, or the affidavits of respectable persons, giving their names.
 - The oath may be made before any officer duly authorized to administer oaths.
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State of Ohio
Brown County

I Joshua Davidson a pensioner of the United States do on oath testify & declare that the reason I have not sooner applyd [sic] for the differences in the rate of pension was as estimated in my letter to the War department of (I think( the 21st of of February that I was ignorant of my rights and suppose that is I thot not     to the do of the   I was not entitled to as high  ath pension, as those officers who do not thinking that my mistake had been made a d  to the rights    to me by the laws    - And being y  blind - otherwise infir   ob   part of the county it was not untill recently that I was informed that  no   tion as to service ? -
  John Davidson his X mark
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State of Ohio             } ss
Brown County         }

I Joshua Davidson a pensioner of the United States do on Oath testify & declare that the reason I have not sooner applyd for the difference in the rate of pension [illegible] was as intimated in my letter to the War department of (I think) the 21st  

[A word crossed out and an illegible word inserted above] that I was ignorant of my rights and [illegible] that is I did not serve to the close of the war I was not entitled to as high a rate of pension as those officers who did.  

not thinking that any mistake had been made adverse to the rights secured to me by the laws [illegible words]--  And being aged blind & otherwise infirm [an illegible section] part of the country it was not until recently that I was informed that no such distinction as to service exists—

	    his
Joshua   X   Davidson
            mark

Subscribed in my presence & sworn to before me this first day of February 1832

Garlin Anderson
Just. Of the Pce
Page 23

The State of Ohio Brown County Ss
on this 3d day of June 1819 appeared before me the Subscriber one of Judges of the Court of Common pleas in and for the County aforesaid John Dye and Neal Murry citizens of the county aforesaid being reputable and credible witnesses - who being by me first duly sworn and the following statement to wit - John Dye deposeth and Saith that Joshua Davidson entered into the service on the Continental  Establishment some time in the year 1776 and was a Sergeant in Captain James Montgomery Company belonging to the Eighth Pennsylvania Regiment at that time commanded by Col McCoy and that the said Joshua Davidson continued in the said service for and during three years as this deponent believes - Neal Murry deposeth & saith that Joshua Davison was in the service on the continental Establishment a Sergeant belonging to the Eighth Pennsylvania Regiment commanded at Martion by Col McCoy for the space of two or three years (to wit) within the years 1776, 77 & 78 - Sworn and subscribed to before me this day and date.
[signed] John Dye x his mark
[signed] Neal Murray

State of Ohio Brown County
I hereby certify that the man named John Dye and Neal Murry whose names are hereunto annexed was duly sworn and interrogated by me and that they are credible witnesses given the day and date above mentioned.
[signed] Jos N Campbell A. J.
Page 24

The State of Ohio Brown County Ss
I William Meddleton Deputy Clerk of the Court of Common pleas within and for the county aforesaid do hereby certify that the witness named Joseph N Campbell Esq before whom the within deposition was taken was at the time of taking the same a duly commissioned and an acting associate Judge of the court of Common pleas within and for the County aforesaid that full faith and credit is and ought to be given to all his official acts as such.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said court at Ripley this 3d day of June 1819.
[signed] William Middleton D Clk B.C.
Page 25

Payable semi-annually on the 4th of March and 4th of September, at Cincinnati by the President of the U.S. Branch Bank
No payment can be made on an original certificate, until the arrival of one or the other of the above dates after issuing the certificate.

Registered in Book [L?] Vol. 10 Page 32 by Wm. S. Allison Clerk.
Page 26

[Form with hand completed particulars, e.g. names and dates]

War Department.
Revolutionary Claim
I Certify, That, in conformity with the Law of the United States, of the 18th March 1818, Joshua Davidson late an Ensign in the Army of the Revolution is inscribed on the Pension List, Roll of the Ohio Agency, at the rate of twenty dollars per month to commence on the eight day of August one thousand eight hundred and eighteen.
[seal affixed]
Given at the War Office of the United States, this 21st day of February one thousand eight hundered and thirty two.

[signed] Lew Cass
Secretary of War. 

Examined and countersigned,
[signed] J. L. Edwards
Page 27


[outside of trifolded paper]

Col James L. Edwards
Superintendent
of Pension Office
Page 28

Washington City 21st Feby 1832.
Sir
When you first suggested to me the probability that the acception of the certificate for the arrears of pension due Ensign Joshua Davidson hereunto erroneously withheld from him, would be filled by his being dropped 
from the rolls on account of an excess of property beyond the regulations thus proposed. I did not feel myself authorized as his substituted Agent, to receive it, lest such acceptance might be construed into a sanction on his part of a proceeding equally at home with the rules of law, as subversive of the principles of equity-- Reflection and a consultation with the Chairman of the Committee of pensions, induce me to receive the pension certificate, with the express intention that if his name shall be dropped from the rolls, to seek immediate relief from Congress as from the legal interposition of the [Illegible] 
I ought to
Page 29

I [illegible] to add Sir, in conclusion, that [illegible] in this [illegible], I am [illegible] to discover the propriety of applying to it, a rule which was intended to regulate original claims only.  I am perfectly satisfied that neither the Secretary nor himself [illegible] any other desire than to keep within the pale of [illegible]--.

[illegible] the more perfect [illegible],
I am Sir, Y. O. b. d. S.

Jn: Watson

Col. James L. Edwards 
Supt, Pension office            Y [Illegible]
Page 30

Col James L Edwards
Superintendent of 
Pension Office
Page 31

Washington City 10th Feby 1832.

Sir,

I [illegible] the certificate of pension for Ensign Joshua Davidson be delivered to me for his back pension, being the difference between the allowance of a private and an Ensign.  I shall communicate to him the probability that his name will be dropped from the rolls in consequence of the reception of such difference, and shall [illegible] him to determine whether he will under such circumstances take up the amount and petition Congress for relief or will accept of his pension [illegible] at $20 per month, which is the amt to which he is entitled.  

I would further add that it is more than probable that his [illegible] has contributed to his support ever since he has been in the pension [illegible] and would respectfully submit that before his name is dropped, an opportunity be allowed to him to claim reimbursement of any such contribution__  Whether in law or equity, the
Page 32

cuse is a pension b[illegible] me and [illegible] was never the intention of the government to take advantage of its own wrong in dispensing the beneficence of the station, I will permit myself to doubt whether the case be [illegible] to which the rule of the Department is so applied and to claim the construction of [illegible] in this point, as [illegible] be to this singular, if not single issue -.

With much respect, Sir,
Y. F. b. S.

Jn: Watson

Col. James L. Edwards
Supt Pension office
Page 33

Honble. Lewis Cass
Secretary at war
Page 34

Washington City 25th Feby 1832
Audience room— War--  Dept--

Sir, 

I must permit myself to repeat that there is no necessity that the act of dropping Ensign J. Davidson from the rolls, should be simultaneous with the issuing of his pension certificate for arrears, in fact, I doubt if he can at all be legally dropped, he can be until he receives his arrearages, which under the regulations he cannot until the 3rd March next__

Until then the rule as respects property has no basis and the act of dropping him would be void [a word crossed out] in the beginning -- I therefore claim and solicit the immediate issue of the certificate and the opportunity to present to you and [illegible] you a written argument to the General against his being dropped from the rolls in very? worth?__.

With the most perfect respect, I am Sir. Y. o.b. S[vt]. 

Jn: Watson

Hon—Lewis Cass
Secretary of War

P.S. I await your decision in the Pension office.
Page 35

drop Joshua Davidson’s name from the roll, & say opposite to it, “Sec. entry on Roll"___

Then issue a new cert; giving him the rank of Ensign
pay $20 he [illegible]

com : cd
[illegible signature]
183[illegible]
Page 36

War Department
Pension Office
January 12 1832

Sir,

Agreeably to your instructions. I have to state that the name of Joshua Davidson was inscribed on the Revolutionary Pension List of the Ohio Agency on the 8th of September 1819, at the rate of Eight dollars per month to take effect from the 8th of August 1818.

It appears from his declaration on file in this office that he entered the same on the 13 August 1776 in the 8th Pennsylvania Regiment, and that in the month of April 1779 he was promoted to the rank of Ensign, and that he continued to serve as such until the 20th of March 1780, when he resigned. 

As his name did not appear on the Rolls of service of the Pennsylvania Line, he was required, as by the regulations in such cases, to prove his service, which he accordingly did.
Page 37

Joseph L. Finley, late Captain and Brigade Inspector of the 8th Pennsylvania Regiment testifies that Joshua Davidson “was duly commissioned as an Ensign in the 8th Pennsylvania Regiment
on Continental establishment during the revolutionary was in the years 1779 or 1780, as well as this deponant recollects, and that he continued to serve about ten months when he resigned".

The name of Joseph L. Finley appears on the Rolls of service in this office as a Captain of the Pennsylvania Regiment.  

John Dye and Neal Murray testifies that Joshua Davidson entered the service in 1776 as a Sergeant and that he continued therein in the 8th Pennsylvania Regiment for and during three years.

The act of March 18. 1818 under which Davidson's name was inscribed on the pension List, makes no provision for a rate of pension less than Twenty dollars per month to commissioned officers.
Page 38

It would appear therefore, from the testimony adduced, that it was a mistake made by one of the Clerks, who has since left this office, in inscribing his name on the pension 
list at the rate of Eight dollars per month instead of Twenty. 

I have the honor to be
Very respectfully
Yr- Obt. Sevt
Benj. L Beall

Hon. Lewis Cass
Secretary of War
Page 39

Washington City 15th July 1832

As a new certificate for a pension is about to issue in my application, to Joshua Davidson as an ensign in the Continental army, in lieu of the one hitherto issued to him as a private, No. 14,4[illegible] and dated the 8th Sepr- 1819 and as it is requisite that the old certificate be surrendered and cancelled, I oblige myself that such certificate as No. 14,4[illegible] and dated as aforesaid, shall be surrendered to the Pension office in the War Department. 

Jn Watson
Page 40

Feb 2

J. L. Edwards Esq
Pension Office
Washington

Hon T. L. Hamer
HR
Page 41

House Reps. 30th Jany

Sir; 
A copy of the declaration on file & the accompanying documents, proving the Revolutionary Service of Joshua Davidson of Brown Co. Ohio are necessary to enable me to obtain a Pension for him from the State of Pennsylvania to whose line he belonged. Will you cause them to be forwarded to me. If there be any fees I will pay them.
Respectfully
yr obt servt
Th. L. Hamer

J.L. Edwards Esq
Page 42

Altus Oklahoma
Dec 9, 1933.

Bureau of Pensions
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir: It has taken me sometime to secure the data I have, but I am almost sure the Joshua Davidson you refer to in pension claim S.1192 is the same man, but enlisted twice. Naturally he would receive the one pension.
I am enclosing a copy of your letter and the one I have received from the War Department. Would like to have this letter returned with your information. 
Please advise me if your records show any other Joshua Davidsons that received pensions and they must have enlisted from Virginia.

[stamped] = Received Dec 12 1933 Mail SubDiv Vets.Adm. Reader # 85

I am not able to prove that this is the Joshua Davidson that married my great-great-great grandmother Nancy Beams. I have written the Virginia State Library but they refer me to you as they do not attempt to do that kind of work.
Page 43

II.
If I am able to eliminate all Joshua Davidsons that did not receive pensions and enlist from Virginia then I can be sure that the remaining Joshua Davidson is the one related to me.
My grandfather who is living and is 88 gave me the data I now have that he (my great-great-great grandfather) enlisted from Virginia, received a pension of eight dollars a month, was left blind and dumb from the effects of a wound. He married Nancy Beam. But the trouble I am having is to prove which one is the man. I know I am entitled to my D.A.R. papers but I must be able to prove which man is my great grandfather.
Any advice you can give me about these Joshua Davidson would be most appreciated.
[stamped] Received Dec 12 1933 Mail SubDiv Vets Adm Reader #65

Also advise me about the William Davidsons that received pensions, enlisted from Virginia and fought in the Revolutionary War.
Respectfully, 
Mrs. W.H. Hinton
724 E Broadway, Altus, Okla.
Page 44

Box 55 Wallsburg Ohio May 11-1901
To the Hon Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.
O.W.&M.
WW

Sir
I write to ask you for any and all data that you may be able to give me in regard to Joshua Davidson of the Patriot Army of the American Revolution he was a pensioner of that war and was a resident of Ohio at the time of his death. Hoping that you may be able to furnish me with certificate of the information I desire. I am my Dear Sir yours most respectfully
[signed} J.R. Robertson

Box 55 Wallsburg Ohio
Brown Co
[stamped] U.S. Pension Office
May 13 1901
Page 45

Altus, Okla.
Aug 23 1934
Pension Department
Veterans Administration
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:
Would you please advise me the number of the volume and page recording the service of Joshua Davidson S.16099
He enlisted in Pa. Aug 13 - 1776 and served until Mar 20, 1780.
The last record I have of him receiving his pension was in 1821. In Brown Co, Ohio.
Please give me the date of the last pension he received also where he was living
Page 46

when he received it.
This would help me to know the date & place of his death.
Any other information you may find will be very much appreciated.
Sincerely, 
Mrs. W.H. Hinton
720 E Broadway, Altus, Okla.
P.S. He was allowed pension Aug 8, 1818
Page 47

[letterhead]
symbol with 'Daughters of the American Revolution' logo
Mrs. John Markley
State Vice Chairman
Under Historian
426 N. Main St.
Georgetown, Ohio

Georgetown Ohio
Oct 2 1930

The Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D.C.
[symbol] Received Oct 5 1936 Mail Sub-Div. Vets Adm Reader #7

My dear Sir:-
We have as a pensioner one Joshua Davidson who served seven years in the Revolutionary War. Was at Stony Point, Trenton, Brandywine and Valley Forge. Also with LaFayette at Yorktown. He was born 1754. Died 1844. Buried on his farm here in Brown Co. 
In order to procure a Government marker, it is necessary for me to have the dates of his enlistment and discharge and the Regiment in which he served. I think he was a pensioner, so I am asking of you
Page 48

will go over your files to see if the records there will aid in any way.

Respectfully

(Mrs. J.M.) Meryl B. Markley
Vice Chairman Revolutionary Soldiers' Graves
Ohio, D.A.R.
Page 49

Request for Rev. War recvd of Joshua Davidson Pension Cl S 16099. Record sent & letter from Mrs. John Markley addressed to Adjt Genl returned
[stamped] Received Nov 27 1936 Mail Sub Div Vets. Adm. Reader No. 19
Dec/-36
Page 50

War Department
Office of the Quartermaster General
Washington

Pension Office
11-23-1936

Memorandum for 
The Surgeon General,
Bureau of Navigation, Navy Department
Commandant, United States Coast Guard, Treasury Department,
The Commissioner of Pensions, Interior Building,
General Accounting Office, F Street, between 4th & 5th, N.W.

[stamp] National Park Service Received Nov 24 1936 Mails and Files

1. The attached application has been submitted to this office for Government headstone to be erected at the grave of the decedent named thereon.  In order that the proper inscription may be placed on the stone it would be appreciated if your office would verify the name and service on the application, checking and making such corrections in red ink as may be necessary to show the correct spelling of the name and complete designation of the organizations.

2. In addition, please advise State from which decedent came.
Please advise whether or not deceased was granted a pension.
Page 51

Webster City, Iowa.
Jan. 22 - 1940

Mr. A. D. Miller
Assistant Administrator
Veterans Bureau
Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir :

Would you kindly give me all the information available of the following men who are listed as serving in the Rev. War from Virginia :

Joshua Davidson buried in Brown Co. Ohio, in 1844, given among the Rev. soldiers buried there but do not know the Co. he enlisted from, was born 1754, went to Brown Co. about 1797.

John Clendanon went to Brown Co. Ohio about 1803 or 1804, located in Jackson Twp. died there in 1839.

James Clendanon also think he died in Brown Co. Ohio, listed as having served from Virginia, given in the Fincastle Records of Virginia.

Thanking you in advance for any and all information you can give me, I am,

Very Respectfully,
Mrs. Cora Moore Kraft
522 Bank St.
Webster City, Iowa.

[stamp] received Jan 25 1940 [illegible]
Page 52

In reply to your request of , received ,
for a statement of the military history of Joshua Davidson a soldier of the Revolutionary War, you will find below the desired information as contained in his application for pension on file in this Bureau.

S.16099

Dates of Enlistment or Appointment.  Length of Service. Rank. Officers Under Whom Service was Rendered. Captain. Colonel. State. 

Aug. 13, 1776 Sergeant James Montgomery Aenaes Mackey 8 Penn.

Apl 1779 to Mch 20, 1780 Ensign Van Swearingen Brodhead

Battles engaged in, Boundbrook, Brandywine, Shadeford [Chadds ford], Paoli

Residence of soldier at enlistment, enl. on the Monongahela in Penn.

Date of application for pension, Aug. 8, 1818. His claim was allowed.

Residence at date of application, Brown Co. Ohio

Age at date of application, 65 yrs last April

Remarks: In 1821 he referred to his wife ae 58 yrs name not stated & children  Jonathan 34 yrs  Joseph 28 yrs  Rachel 24 yrs & Nancy 22 yrs.

Very respectfully,
Commissioner.
Page 53

January 26, 1934
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
BA-J / EEL
Joshua Davidson - S. 16099
William Davidson - R. 2695

Mrs. W.H. Hinton
724 East Broadway
Altus, Oklahoma

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter in which you state that you believe that the record of Joshua Davidson, S. 1192, which was furnished you, is that of the soldier in whom you are interested, but request further records of soldiers with that name, also, of all soldiers of Virginia with the name William Davidson, to aid in identification of your ancestor.

The pension records have been searched and the record of only one other Joshua found, and only one William who served in the Virginia Troops.  Those records are given herein as found in the respective claims for pension based upon their service in the Revolutionary War.

Joshua Davidson
S. 16099

Joshua David son was born in April, 1753; the place of his birth and the names of his parents are not shown in the papers in the pension claim.

He enlisted on the Monongahela River in Pennsylvania, August 13, 1776, served in Captains James Montgomery's and Van Swearingen's Companies, Colonels Aeneas Mackey and Daniel Brodhead's 8# Pennsylvania Regiment: he served as sergeant until the middle of August, 1779, when he was commissioned ensign and served under that rank until March 20, 1780, when he resigned his commission.  He was in the battles of Bound Brook, Brandywine, and Paoli.

He was allowed pension on his application executed August 8, 1818, while residing in Brown County, Ohio.

[handwritten] This sol. in Heitman also in Pa Archives Vol 3 pages 317 & 341 spelled Mackey & Swearingen as in Pa Archives
Page 54

In 1821, Joshua Davidson was still a resident of said Brown County, Ohio, and then referred to his wife as aged fifty eight years but did not give her name nor the date of their marriage: he also referred to four children, then residing with him, as follows: Jonathan, Joseph, Rachel, and Nancy, aged respectively thirty four, twenty eight, twenty four and twenty two years.

There are no further family dates.

[handwritten] Date of death not on AB

***********

William Davidson
R. 2695

William Davidson was born March 17, 1759, in County Down, Ireland, and before the Revolutionary War lived with his father and family in Augusta County, Virginia, on Dry River; moved to a place on Jackson River; thence to Crab Creek; thence to Bluestone Creek in Montgomery (later Tazewell) County, Virginia.  The names of soldier's parents are not shown in the papers in the pension claim.

He applied for pension on April 2, 1834, while residing in Tazewell County, Virginia, and alleged that while residing on Cove Creek, in Montgomery (later Tazewell) County, Virginia, he volunteered and served from the spring of 1776 until 1783, at various times on short tours and at the forts defending the inhabitants from the invasions of the Indians, as a private and Indian spy and ranger under Captains James Moore, George Pearcy, Robert Moffett and Newell, Colonels William Preston and Martin in the Virginia Troops.

His claim was not allowed as i.e. failed to furnish proof of six months' service in an embodied military corps as required by the pension law.

It is not stated that soldier was ever married.

In 1836, soldier's brother, George Davidson, was referred to, and in 1837, his brother, Joseph Davidson, was aged seventy six years and resided in Tazewell County, Virginia; soldier's sisters are also referred to, their names not given.  There are no further family data.

*****
Very truly yours
A.D. Hiller
Assistant to Administrator
Page 55

October 31, 1936

xxxxxxxxxx

BA - J / EEL
Joshua Davidson - S. 16099

Mrs. John Markley
426 N. Main Street
Georgetown, Ohio

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of Joshua Davidson, born 1754, served seven years and died in 1844, and is buried on his farm in Brown County, Ohio.

The data which follow are obtained from the papers on file in Revolutionary War pension claims, S. 16099, based upon the military service in that war of Joshua Davidson.

Joshua Davidson was born in April 1753.  The place of his birth and the names of his parents are not shown.

Joshua Davidson enlisted on the Monongahela River, in Pennsylvania, August 13, 1776, served in Captains James  Montgomery's and Van Swearingen's Companies, Colonels Aeneas Mackey and Daniel Brodhead's 8# Pennsylvania Regiment: he served as sergeant until the middle of August, 1779, when he was commissioned ensign and served under that rank until March 20, 1780, when he resigned his commission.  He was in the battles of Bound Brook, Brandywine and Paoli.

He was allowed pension on his application executed August 8, 1818, while residing in Brown County, Ohio.

In 1821, soldier referred to his wife as aged fifty eight year but did not give her name or the date of their marriage; he also referred to four children, then residing with him, namely Jonathan, Joseph, Rachel and Nancy, aged respectively thirty four, twenty eight, twenty four and twenty two years.

Very truly yours
A.D. Hiller
Executive Assistant to the Administrator.
Page 56

August 29, 1934.

Mrs. W.H. Hinton
724 East Broadway
Altus, Oklahoma

RA-J/MMHF/ILL
Joshua Davidson
S. 16099

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter of August 23, in which you request the date of last payment of pension to Joshua Davidson, (S. 16099) and his residence at that time, also, the number of volume and page from which his service was obtained.

You will note in second paragraph of office letter to you on January 26, 1934, it is stated that the data contained therein were found in the pension claim, S. 16099, based upon his service in the Revolutionary War.  It were not obtained from any printed volume.

In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, name and address of person paid, and, possibly, the date of death of the pensioner, you should address The Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, this city, citing the following:

Joshua Davidson
Certificate 19844
Issued September 21, 1833
Rate $175.83 per annum
Commenced March 4, 1831
Act of June 7, 1832.
Ohio Agency.

Very truly yours,
A.D. Hiller
Assistant to Administrator.
Page 57

December 1, 1936

Joshua Davidson
S. 16099
BA-J/AWF

The Quartermaster General
Memorial Branch
War Department
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sir:

Reference is made to your request for information relative to Joshua Davidson, who enlisted August 13, 1776, served as ensign in Captains James Montgomery's and Van Swearingen's companies, and died on his farm in Lewis Township, Brown County, Ohio.

The data which follow were obtained from pension claim, S. 16099, based upon the service of Joshua Davidson in the Revolutionary War.

Joshua Davidson was born in the month of April, 1753.  The place of his birth and the names of his parents are not shown.

Joshua Davidson enlisted on the Monongahela River in Pennsylvania, August 13, 1776, served in Captains James Montgomery's and Van Swearingen's Companies, Colonels Aenas Mackey's and Daniel Brodhead's 8th Pennsylvania Regiment; he served as sergeant until the middle of April, 1779, when he was promoted to ensign and served until March 20, 1780, when he resigned his commission.  During his service, he was in the battles of Bound Brook, Brandywine, and Paoli.

He was allowed pension on his application executed August 8, 1818, at which time he was a resident of Brown County, Ohio.

Joshua Davidson referred in 1821 to his wife as
Page 58

aged fifty eight years, but did not give her name or the date of their marriage; he also referred to four children, then residing with him, namely - Jonathan, aged thirty four years, Joseph, aged twenty eight years, Rachael, aged twenty four years, and Nancy, aged twenty two years.

Joshua Davidson continued to live in Brown County, Ohio in 1832.

The application for headstone for Joshua Davidson and a letter from Mrs. John Markley of Georgetown, Ohio, which were enclosed with your request, are returned herewith.

Very truly yours

A.D. Hiller
Executive Assistant to the Administrator.
Page 59

February 19, 1940

BA-J/AWF
Joshua Davidson
S. 16099

Mrs. Cora M. Kraft
522 Bank Street
Webster City, Iowa

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War records of Joshua Davidson, born about 1754, moved after the Revolution to Brown County, Ohio, and died there in 1844; James Clendanon, served from Virginia, died in Brown County, Ohio; John Clendanon, died in Jackson Township, Brown County, Ohio, in 1839

Revolutionary War data furnished by this office are obtained from claims for pension and bounty land which have been made to the United States, based upon service in that war.  A search of the records fails to show such claims on file on account of the Revolutionary War service of either James or John Clendanon as described above.  The surname was searched under similar spellings.

The Revolutionary War record of Joshua Davidson is furnished you herewith.

Very truly yours
A.D. Hiller
Executive Assistant to the Administrator