Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 10918, for William Johnson, South Carolina
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(8-1776)
SERVICE
S.C.
Johnson, William
NUMBER
S. 10918
Born in N.C.
carded
CONTENTS
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Alabama 32643
William Johnson
of Perry Co in the State of Ala
who was a Pri & Sergt in the Compy commanded by Captain _
of the Regt commanded by _ in the
SC for 1 year 2 mo 20 days Revolution 
Inscribed on the Roll of Tuscaloosa
at the rate of 53 Dollars 33 Cents per
annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831
Certificate of Pension issued the 2
day of May, 1849 and sent to E.H. Blair Present
Arrears to the 4th of March, 1849, $999.90 Semi anl. allowance ending 4, 1841 27.77 = $1027.07
Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832
Recorded by Th Lumpkin
Book E2 Vol. 8 Page 100

N.A. Agee Apl 11/5)
Reported
to Mobile fr March 1850
Apl 11/51 Mon to NA Agee
Claiborne
Ala
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Declaration
In order to obtain the benefits of an act of Congress of the 7th June 1832
Territory of Florida Western District
Escambia County
On this sixth day of July A.D. 1841 personally appeared in open Court before me Dillon Jordan, Judge of the Superior Court for said District, William Johnson, a resident
of Escambia County in the District aforesaid aged eighty three years and nine months who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions of the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832.
That in the Spring of the year
1778 he volunteered in Edgefield District in the State of South Carolina, under Captain William Butler (afterwards [Major] General William Butler) They joined and served with a regiment commanded by [Colonel] Leroy Hammond and the whole was under the command of General Pickins [Brigadier General Andrew Pickens]. Their operations were principally against the British and Tories; He was in the Battle of the Eutaw Springs under Captain [Lewis] Box under whom he served about four months and then returned to Edgefield District and resumed his services under Captain Butler and was soon after in the battle of Turners defeat [Skirmish at Cloud’s Creek] at which the father of Captain Butler was killed
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He served as a volunteer three years and eight months, and was afterwards drafted and served under a draft three months. The principal service under the draft was in
guarding the Jail at Ninety Six in which the Tories were confined; He never had any formal discharge.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the pension roll of any agency in any State.
S/ William Johnson, X his mark
Sworn to and subscribed in open Court the day & year aforesaid.
S/ Wm Washington, Deputy Clerk

United States District Court
District of West Florida
And the said Court does hereby declare its opinion that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states
s/ Dillon Jordan Judge of the United States for the District of West Florida

William Hudgins being sworn says he  is ninety seven years old since the
17th of March last That he served in
the revolutionary war under General
Butler that he knew William Johnson now present and who makes
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the foregoing declaration in the service at the same time or a part of it. That he knows particularly that said Johnson served one tour of five months as the deponent was
in the habit of seeing him continually during that time.S/ William Hudgins
Sworn to and Subscribed before me.
s/ Dillon Jordan Judge of the United States In the District of West Florida

Joseph Bell and Richard Larimore being sworn in open Court state that they live in the same neighborhood with William Johnson that from
their acquaintance with him 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 and further
that there is no clergyman living in
the neighborhood. s/ Richard Larimore  Joseph Bell
Subscribed and sworn to before me
s/ Dillon Jordan Judge of the United States In the District of West Florida
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I do hereby certify that Richard
Larimore and Joseph Bell, whose
signatures are affixed to the foregoing certificate, are men of good
moral character and worthy of belief
s/ Dillon Jordan
Judge of the United States
for the District of West Florida
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Interrogatories propounded by the Court to the Declarant William Johnson
1st  Where and in what year were you born?
2nd Have you any record of your age and if so where is it?
3rd Where were you living when called into service: where have you lived since the Revolutionary War and where do you now live?
4th How were you called into service; were you drafted; did you volunteer or were you a substitute, and if in substitute, for whom?
5th State the names of some of the regular officers who were with the troops when you served, such Continental and militia regiments as you can recollect and the general circumstances of your service.
6th Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given and what has become of it?
7th 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 in your services as a soldier in the revolution.
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35215
s/ William Johnson

6th No
7th Benjamin Jernigan, James R. Riley, Allen Blaylock, Richard Larimer, and Joseph Bell
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To the interrogatories propounded by the Court the applicant answers –
1st I was born on "Tar" River in the State of North Carolina in the year 1757.
2nd There was a Record of my age, but I do not now know where it is.
3rd South Carolina in Edgefield District. I lived in the Counties of Burke, Emanuel, Bryant and Liberty in the State of Georgia, and now live in the County of Escambia Territory of
Florida.
4th I volunteered -- except for three months when I was drafted to guard 96 jail in South Carolina.
5th General Green [Nathanael Greene] of the regular Army. I volunteered under Captain William Butler, who was afterwards promoted to General. Commenced services at Augusta, Georgia, marched through different Sections of South Carolina under Captain Butler. I was at the Battle of the Eutaw Springs under the command of Lewis Box. I returned to General [Thomas] Sumter's Army at Orangeburg where I remained four or five months. Afterwards I left Sumter's Army and went to Butler's. I was afterwards at the battle of Turner's defeat, where General
Butler's father was killed, and this applicant and one Benjamin Hughes were the only two survivors out of 31 men, the others having been killed in that Battle. After which I continued in
the Partisan war pursuing and taking Tories and putting them in 96 jail, and Pickens Blockhouse and at Waters’ block-house until the end of the war.
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[repeat of previous two images]

I do hereby certify that the foregoing
answers were given upon oath by
William Johnson (the applicant)
to the Interrogation herewith filed
s/ Dillon Jordan Judge of the
United States for the District
of West Florida 

I Wm W J Kelly Clerk of the Court of the United States for the District of West Florida do hereby [sic] that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of William Johnson for pension/
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and Seal of Office this 6th day of July in the city of Pensacola in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & forty one.
s/ Wm Washington Kelly Clk
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October 19, 1937

Miss Ethel Hain
Selma, R.1, Box 45
Ala.

Madam:
I have to advise you from the paper in the Revolutionary War pension claim S. 10918, it appears that William Johnson was born October 16, 1757 on Tar River, North Carolina.
While residing in Edgefield District, South Carolina, he enlisted early in the Revolution and served as a private in Captain William Butler's Company, also served under Captain Lewis Box, Captain Johnson, Colonel Leroy Hammond, he was at the battle of Eutaw Springs, and at Turner's Defeat, and for three months guarded the jail at Ninety-Six, served to close of war with the South Carolina Troops.
He was allowed pension on his application executed July 6, 1841, while a resident of Escambia County, Florida.
In 1848, he was living in Perry County, Ala-
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bama, and referred to four children, not living near him, and to a daughter, with whom he lived, who was a widow, their names not given.
Soldier's father-in-law was Moses Prestcott, the name of soldier wife is not stated.
Respectfully,

Winfield Scott
Commissioner.
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1927 Oct 19 Hist to Miss Ethel Hain

Revy War
10918
INVALID.
File No. 10918
William Johnson
Priv Rev War 
Act: June 7th 1832
Index: --Vol. A, Page 196
Arrangement of 1870
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1 mo Pr 1782
6m 20 d " 1781
1 m Segt from Oct 1781
2 m 20d horse to June 1782
3 m horse 1780 & 1781
12m 10d 

Pri Infy 7m 20d $25.55
Sgnt 1 m 5 .00
Horse 6 m 25.00
per ann = $55.55
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Wash Novr 9. 1843
Sir
I enclose you an extract of a letter from C.A. Tweed Esq with enclosure relating to the application of Wm Johnson, for a pension to which I respectfully ask your prompt attention
Yr Obt Svy
D Levy

J L. Edwards and
Comm of Pension
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William Johnson, Ala
Act 7. June 1832
formerly applicant from Florida.

New papers filed 18 July 1848
Reported on 28 Nov. 1848
Filed proof of Service 25. Dec. 1848-

Claimant is still living and exceedingly
anxious for a decision.

E. F. Brown Agt
27. Apl. 1849.
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July 20/48
New Testimony
CLAIM OF
William Johnson of Alabama
Formerly of Florida
For Revolutionary Pension. add. proof
Former Claim Suspended
or rejected.-- Has now found
a witness of his service.-
This Testimony certified
by a Judge, Clerk, J Peace,
Baptist Preacher, and a
Member of Congress.-
E. F. BROWN, Attorney.
Washington City,
19 July 1848.
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U. S. Agency, Notarial and Commissioner's Office, 
Washington City 19th July, 1848.
To the Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington City.
SIR:
I have the honor to enclose herewith, additional papers
in relation to the Claim of William Johnson for a Revolutionary
Pension under the Act of 7th June 1832.
He applied some years ago when he resided in Florida and was rejected or suspended.
He has resided some two years in Alabama where he has found an eye witness of his service,
and now sends the Testimony.
Trusting that the papers will prove satisfactory, I solicit your favorable consideration at as early a moment as practicable; and remain
Very respectfully, your ob't servant,
EDMUND F. BROWN.
Attorney for the Claimant.
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Ephraim Prescoats
Deposition
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State of Alabama Coffee County
At my office on the 28th of
July Eighteen hundred & forty five
Ephraim Prescoat a minister of the Gospel and a citizen of the State and County aforesaid, answers upon oath to to the following interrogatories
Viz. Do you know William Johnson
Answer. I do
Question 2d. How long have you known William Johnson
Ansr. Ever since the revolutionary war of 76
25th Where did he live
A. In Edgefield, South Carolina
2. 4th What do you know in regard to William Johnson's revolutionary services.
A. I know that during the revolution between 76 & 83 the precise date not recollected, that William Johnson went into service under Captain William Butler of the Militia, and
I went and stayed at Johnson's house with his family a portion of the time of his absence. s/ Ephraim Prescoat
Approved before me
Js/ ames Clanton J.C.C.C.C
   
 I James Clayton Judge of the County Court of Coffee County State of Alabama. Certify that the above interrogatories were propounded to and answered by Ephraim Prescoat on the day and date above named, on oath, that they were read to him and
heard throughout and by him fully approved and signed
Given under my hand and seal this 28th of July 1845
s/ James Claxton J.C.C.C.C.
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EF Brown Esq
Dear Sir
In this case you advised Mr Lea properly and herewith please find the
certified copy which I hope may
fully answer your purpose-
too often do claimants attorneys
write to this office and fail to pay the fees-
The Revolutionary Records of this State are in an imperfect condition & nothing but a careful & patient investigation can make them available and to do this thoroughly requires time & close attention-- They are imperfectly indexed
Respectfully
Your obt sevt
James A Black
Depty Compt. Gen
Recd 24 Dec. 48 EFB
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Washington City 25. Decr 1848.
J.L. Edwards Esq.
Commr of Pensions
Sir:
Your letter of 28th ult. relative to the claim of Wm Johnson, for Revy Pension under act of 7 June 1832, was duly received; and I have caused a search to be made in the Office
the Comptroller General of South Carolina.
I have the honor to enclose herewith proof from the Books of said Comptroller General, shewing
that William Johnson served 1054 days (nearly three years) in different capacities, and received L 87.13. 108 ¼ Sterling.
As the claimant is now over 90 years of age, and his character sustained by the best evidence and as the proof required is now sent, I trust that his having a common name will not
debar him from the Pension to which he is justly entitled, and which he much needs now that he is fast approaching the grave.
Please give the papers your personal
inspection, and oblige
Very Respectfully,
Yr Obt St.
Edm. F Brown
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Jno B. Meigs
9 Apr 1845
MB 25/502
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War Department
April 9th 1845
Sir The President having referred to this Department for answer your letter to him of the 25th Ult, in relation
to the claim of William Johnson to a pension under the act of June 7th 1832; I transmit herewith a report
of the Comr of Pension, from which it appears that there has been no unnecessary delay or want of attention  to the case on the part of the Pension Office, and that further evidence is necessary to justify
the admission of the claim
W Polk

John B. Meigs esq
Almiranto, Walton County,
West Florida
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Almiranto W.F. Sept 27th 1845
J. L. Edwards Esqr
Com of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Sir
After a long delay on my part being engaged in travelling through a
part of Alabama with Mr Wm Johnson (the claimant for a pension for Revolutionary services) in search of a man who was acquainted with
him before and during the Revolution, and found him within 60 miles of this place and obtained from him all the evidence he was able to give before Judge Claxton of Coffee County a
man of much respectability Mr Prescoat is also a man of respectability and a minister of the Gospel. I trust that the Deposition of Mr Prescoat will be sufficient to establish Mr Johnson Claim, as
Prescoat is the only person living that Mr Johnson remembers or can hear of. I enclose the deposition (Original) and will be pleased to hear your
opinion as to the effect it will produce
Very Respectfully Sir
Yr Obt Sert
John B. Meigs
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Almiranto  Flo
Aug 24/44
John B. Meigs
Has Wm Johnson's
declaration been
rec'd at Dept.
No 482. Rec Sept 4/44
Pension Office
Wm Johnson
Flor in June
J. B. Meigs
Sept 7, 1844
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Almirante W.F. Aug 26th 1844
to The Hon Secy of War
Washington D.C.
Sir
You will confer a very great favor by informing me as soon as convenient, whether a copy or copies of the declarations made by one Wm Johnson in open Court held at Milton Sa. Rosa County in this Territory on or about the 10th of June in the present year have ever been forwarded to
the Department by Chas Tweed Esqr of Milton. The above mentioned Mr Johnson has been for the last two or three years endeavoring to obtain a pension from Government for his
services during the Revolution and either by the negligences, ignorance, or willful mismanagement of said Tweed has not been able to learn that if any thing has been done in reference to it.
You will also please inform me whether there has been received a petition in behalf of said Johnson
signed by the Hon Dillon Jordan and other members of the Bar of West Florida. Very respectfully &c
John B. Meigs
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Pension Office
April 8th 1845.
Sir,
I have the honor to return you Mr Meigs' letter respecting the case of William Johnson, and to remark that it does not appear by the books of this Office that any correspondence has taken place with Mr Meigs respecting this claim, except a letter on the fifth of April 1843, which so far from denying the reception of
Claimants papers communicated to him the character of the Certificate
required.
This letter of complaint is in keeping with very many received from Agents.
The Summary of William Johnson's case, and the action of this Department thereon is this. The claim is presented in July 1841, for the first
time when the means of proof by surviving comrades had been greatly reduced during his delay, the terms of service imperfectly narrated, and no proof adduced. Mr. Meigs addressed
a letter (the only one ever received from him in this case) on the 18th of March 1843, in which he states that the Comptroller General of South Carolina, whose Certificate
in behalf of the service claimed, had been required, had informed Judge Wright (according to Mr Meigs information from
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claimant) that there were five persons of the name of William Johnson, on the State rolls of South Carolina, and that he charged three dollars for certifying the evidence of each, and requesting to be informed if that proof was indispensable. On the 5th of April he was informed that it
was indispensable. When that evidence from the records shall be adduced, the Claimant will have the benefit of that, which may correspond with and confirm his narrative of his own service. Without such proof this Department could not allow him a pension under any rule of adjudication which it would be safe to adopt.
I have the honor to be very respectfully, Sir, Your Obedient Servant. s/ J. L. Edwards

Hon John T. Mason
Acting Secretary of State.
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County Court of the County of Santa Rosa Territory of Florida, September Term A.D. 1823
I Benjamin Journigan of the County of Santa Rosa and Territory of Florida being duly sworn in open Court State and make oath that William Johnson now present in Court an applicant for a pension was known to me in my childrhood in Edgefield District South Carolina. The first time I ever recollect having seen Mr Johnson I saw him at a mill grinding corn. I was at that time scarcely old enough to ride a horse. I lived in the same community with Mr Johnson untill I was about twenty five years old. I saw him often in the mean time and always understood that he was a revolutionary Soldier. have heard him often spoken of as such and never heard the fact of his revolutionary service called in
question. I have known Mr Johnson
as a citizen of this County for several years and am generally acquainted with the character of Mr Johnson and consider him a man of good character and one whose statements may be relied on.
Benjamin Journigan X his Mark
Witness sworn to and subscribed before me
s/ DJ McArthur C CC S.R.
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Territory of Florida, Santa Rosa County: In the County Court September Term 1843
I William Johnson an applicant for a pension as a revolutionary soldier being desirous of furnishing some additional proof of my services and deeming it to be a matter of some
importance to state the names of some of the persons with whom I served in the revolutionary War I 
hereby make oath that while I was in the Company of Captain William Butler the following named persons served with me as privates Viz. John Curley, Sherrod Curley, Miallard Smith,
John Blann, Buddy Escridge, Samuel Etheridge. I was [in] Orangeburg District under Captain Box about seven or eight months having previously served under Captain Butler from about 15 days after he received his commission until I entered Captain Box's Company. At the end of said service with Captain Box I again entered Captain Butler's Company & remained in it until the close of the war about three months before the close of the war Captain Butler sent me to Ninety Six to guard some Tories I remained there until
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Colonel McCoy and Captain Simmons
Command took away the last of the Tories and they then told me I could go home I then left for home and as Captain Butler who was my Captain was not present I did not get my discharge.William Johnson, X his mark
Sworn to and Subscribed before me
S/ D. J. McArthur, Clerk

I Robbert McKinnon Judge of the County Court for the County of Santa Rosa do hereby certify that the statement of Wm Johnson an applicant for a pension was signed by his direction sworn to by him in open Court this day and also that the
statement made on oath by Benjamin
Journigan to which his name is annexed on this sheet was also subscribed and sworn to in open Court. I further certify that I have been acquainted with Wm Johnson the person above named several years that he is a man of good
character and I believe the statement
made by him above. I also certify that
Benjamin Journigan is a man of good
Character whose statements may be
relied on
s/ Robert McKinnon Judge of CCSRC
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Almirante Fla
Mch 25/45
Jno B Meigs
Wm Johnson's pension claim
to Prist US 32643
M96  Dec Apl 10/45
Pension Office
found in Room No 108
in looking over a mass of old papers
Oct 28/57 AHA
War Dept Ansd 9 April 1845
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should be adduced, without explaining what that Supplemental evidence is, thus leaving the whole
matter again at rest, and subsequently denying that those papers had ever been received at his
office. This is the force of willful neglect or a disposition to retard the consummation of the old man's desires. he is now in his 88th year and very poor and sickly.
It is surely to be hoped, that no such men will be suffered to die of want or neglect from the hands of a Democratic Government. The poor old man's hopes were based on the election of a Democratic Chief Magistrate, having met with so much palpable neglect at the hands of the last administration. for God's sake and the poor old soldier's last days
of existence in this, thus far ungrateful country, cause an investigation of the matter and the
blessings of an old hero will rest upon your Excellencys head. he served under Genls Butler & Morgan in the
State troops of South Carolina and his name is to be found on the records in the office of the Comptroller Genl of that State, may I hope to see the good old man enjoying the benefits of his full pension
Very Respectfully your Excellency's
Most Obt Sert
John B Meigs agent for Wm Johnson
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Henry C Lea
Marion, Perry Co. Ala.
8/10 July 1848
Recd 16 July 1848
Will send Revy Pen claim of W, Johnson Soon
Respectfully referred to Pension Office
EF Brown
19 July 1848
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8/10 July
Marion Perry County Ala July 8th 1848
E. F. Brown Esq
Dear Sir
You failed to send me the form of the
regulations of the Department by which to make an application for revolutionary Claims, but according to your directions I have proceeded to draw up & set out the claim of Mr William Johnson in the best manner I can by my own judgment and shall by the next mail have it completed & forwarded either to yourself or the Pension office or war Department
we will expect you to take it in hand at once and correspond with me promptly on the subject. I believe I will send the bundle directly to you & you can exercise your discretion whether you will open it before or in
the presence of the proper officers for attending to pension claims. There can exist no doubt that old
man Johnson did serve just as he states & proves by a living witness now. Every body here believes so & thinks he ought to have his allowance & think strange that it has not been allowed to him. He served 9 mos
under Gen Green & at least 5 years in the Carolina Troops - I hope you will find the proof ample & I could get
the certificates of every person in this community as to their belief of his perfect honesty & merits. But you will
see that after taking his own statement on oath of everything thought important. I had the evidence of old J. F. Hoggle taken on Oath who corroborates his material statements as far as would be practicable in any case of the kind & Hoggles integrity certified to by
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Burrel Johnson - Then I got the certificate of Mr James H. Devotie a minister of the Gospel of as
high standing as any man in the State: as to that I will get you to refer the commissioner to Hon A.P. Bagby Hon Jno. Gayle from this State who know Mr Devotie well. In reference
to the rest of us & the probable fairness & honesty of the application on all sides Ill get you also to refer the department or Commissioner to our
immediate Representation from this district in Congress Hon S. W. Harris or Hon Howell Cobb of Georgia or Hon Discon H. Lewis. I have no doubt the latter has seen older Mr Johnson
himself often & I am certain Harris has though he may not be personally well acquainted with him, any of them will vouch for the proper motives & intentions of those who have signed
the papers to aid the old man Johnson.
James C. Harrell is the Clerk of our Circuit Court. Wm Hornbuckle our Deputy Sheriff & principal in the business of the Office too.
This letter you can preserve until you get the bundle which is not yet quite ready because of the absence from Town of Judge Graham who will certify as soon as he returns & Mr
Cunningham affixes the Seal of his office of County Clerk. You will see also the name of William N. Wyatt
one of the most wealthy merchants & farmers of the Country and an upright citizen of this place. you will have an array of names then sufficient it would seem to convince
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any one of the fairness & integrity of the application & just such names & men as would not for their right hand impose on the government
or knowingly mislead the public officers. It is the earnest belief of all from every traditionary fact & from what they see & know that the old man Johnson ought in common Justice to have the full amount the law can allow him for all think & believe that he did what he says & that he was a faithful soldier of the revolution
Now the application made  some 2 years and upwards ago  by Judge Wright-- Mr Meigs & others in Pensacola & St Rosa County in Florida I suppose with all the papers can be easily referred to & used if desirable in connection with the present but we all hope that even without them & in the absence of any
other showing the present proof will fully & satisfactorily convince the mind of any impartial public agent.
As for myself I must say that I have made out applications for others some years since from this section of the Country to wit, Reed - McCormac- Edwards & numbers of others & the claim now presented of old man Johnson from personal knowledge is the most lucid & satisfactory to my mind of any applicant that has yet requested my aid & the others drew their pensions during their lives, I believe they are all dead now.
I shall without hesitation refer you to our members of Congress or to Howell Cobb member from Georgia. And you may need or use this letter before the department if you see proper & I shall rely with confidence & so tell the old man that I think his
regular legal pension will be allowed In the meantime let me hear from you. You will receive the papers
in a day or so. As to the amount of pay you can
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have that satisfactory for your services as you have already suggested through me if you do not
think less will compensate you
Very Respectfully yours
Henry C. Lea

Edmd F Brown Washington

Henry C Lea Marion, Perry Co. Ala.
8 /10 July 1848
Rec. 16 July 1848
Will send Revy Pen claim of Wm Johnson soon
Respectfully referred to Pension Office
EF Brown
19 July 1848
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Page 1
State of Alabama, Perry County
Be it remembered that William Johnson the undersigned who is a citizen of said County & State & who now claims and applies for a pension from the United States according to the laws thereof as a soldier of the Revolutionary war personally came this sixth day of July 1848 before me Henry C. Lea an acting Justice of the Peace in & for the County & State aforesaid, who after being duly sworn deposes & states as follows that on the 16th day of October next he
will be 91 years of age, he states absolutely, on oath, that he was a soldier of & for the Colonies or States during a large portion of the Revolutionary war. That he did enlist -- with some 12 or 15 others of the company he had previously been with, in South Carolina, in the fall of 1780 or spring of 1781 or, rather volunteer, under General Greene at the place called 96 or 96 miles from
Charleston & that he did without a doubt serve nine months under him the time for which he entered the service, he did receive a regular discharge at the end of his time in writing -- But swears positively that he has lost it & does not know when or where. He states positively that he
was in the Battle of Eutaw Springs under General Greene (it is impossible, he states, for him to
recollect positively all the subaltern officers) and the name of General Greene was that most often & almost entirely repeated over & over among the troops when he had previously been, on account of the word & great expectation from, what had been heard, that General Greene was coming to command in the South & all of us that went volunteers or otherwise to meet & go under him thought of him or his commanding almost entirely: to the best of my
recollection at the time we were received & mustered into Greene's Army at 96 I was placed under a Captain Johnson (a man of my own name) I recollect a Colonel Washington & I think that he was there but I cannot say that I was in his Regiment I can only swear that I recollect his name as if he were there & can mention others inferior in command
Page 46

2.
but will not undertake to swear now as to their exact posts or places --I have seen Colonel Morgan or did before the Eutaw battle as he passed through near Edgefield but he was not at Eutaw that I recollect now. General
Marion joined General Greene between the Santee River & Eutaw & is of the belief he was with
General Greene I often saw General Marion & his men but I was not under him he was mostly lower down the Country then we were.
I state positively that at about the age of 20 or a little upwards I commenced my first active service as a constant soldier. I had been mustered before & held liable, but in 1777 a man
named Butler (William Butler, if I am not too forgetful) lived in our neighborhood who was active & brave to command & was prevailed on to take a command of Captain & at his instance, & by our agreement to act as minute men, 17 of us agreed, at one time, to join a company under
his command, if he should be elected & commissioned as Captain, which company soon increased to a larger number from 65 to 80 & he was regularly, by the law, elected &
commissioned as Captain & we agreed to act as minute men; we selected a place of common &
uniform rendezvous: a place called Mount hilling in our District of Edgefield; there we were to be instantly always, either for drills or on alarm from the Tories or British, ready for quick marches in any direction we should be ordered -- We fought & skirmished from that point to the
distance of sometimes 60 miles around -- We had some times to take refuge into General Sumter's command when we were like to be overpowered; we were frequently in General Sumter's Camp I have seen him & his men often -- Colonel Branham [Thomas Brandon] of
Fairforest on Tyger River was a great soldier; our Captain frequently had us under the immediate command of Brandon
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3
& so we were marched concentrated with other forces at different times &
places in the State of South Carolina during several years, say three or four years: But I cannot, for my life, state now precisely the regular train of orders & changes made with us & about us; But one thing I do know & swear positively to; that is; that I served faithfully & hard & honestly
for & during the time of six years either in actual marches, or battles, or liable at every instant of time, to military duty if I never get anything for it: & this is the last application I ever expect or intend to make -- I can state a thousand little occurrences during the war to show anyone of any
sense that I was in the war faithfully, as I state but I fear I cannot comply with all the law requires, for I do not know, myself, what it requires, nor do I believe anybody else does near me
& I am too old to make many more trials to learn. I will state that I was at the remarkable occurrence which gave the name of murder ground to a place near the line between Edgefield & Orangeburg districts in South Carolina [Skirmish at Cloud's Creek, or "Turners Defeat"]-- we were & had been in pursuit of a Tory commander
named [Major William “Bloody Bill”]  Cunningham.  Captain Butler divided his company into two divisions some 35 or 40 in each to take different directions so as to scout the country & to act & meet as was then ordered & agreed upon -- Captain Butler took command of one half & a man named Turner was chosen by a majority to take command of the other; some of the men however believed Turner to be cowardly & it was a fact. But the Father of Captain Butler was a
member of his Company & it was arranged so that the Captain's Father was to go in Turner's division & in order that there might be safety & good reliance, as well as satisfaction with Turner & his particular supporters & friends it was agreed that if there should any engagement take place the Father of Captain Butler might act in the emergency as Captain & thus all went satisfied -- while those of us under Turner had stopped to breakfast at the house,
Page 48

4
the most of the command were at or in a house; myself & a man named Benjamin Hughs were feeding our 
horses at some distance & Cunningham's command rushed in upon & around the house & by a
very quick work, with the loss of some seven or eight men, every one of our men with Turner & Butler the Father were killed & myself & Hughs escaped only by accidentally being off feeding our horses & lay in the woods several days before we got to our main company again -- I could
state numerous occurrences favorable & unfavorable during the long service in which I was engaged -- If I do not greatly forget the regular place for Captain Butler's company was in a Colonel [LeRoy] Hammond’s command I know he was commanded by him & both Butler & Hammond by General Pickens -- But military dispositions & regulations were not then just as they are or
would be now -- when there were such men as Butler; great latitude was given them to go on their own hook was allowed; but always subject to be called & ordered in & about, on
emergencies or when the enemy were in large bodies.
Now I state on oath that having served constantly some four or five years as above mostly across up & down through the middle portions of South Carolina I did then as before stated in the fall of 1780 or spring 81 volunteered & go & join General Greene as soon as we heard he
was in the South & we could join him; & did serve faithfully under him nine months; Joined him at 96 & was actually engaged in the hard fought shocking battle at Eutaw Springs -- I received no wounds which leaves a mark except that besides my cloths have been cut with balls often a
musket ball passed between the top of one of my ears and my head at the Eutaw Springs; but unfortunately (now I suppose) it does not leave any distinct scar though I was stunned by it -- It was not a great while after the Battle of Eutaw Springs I got my discharge from
Page 49

5
further service under General Greene but what the name of the officer was that signed it or gave it to me I will
not undertake to state for I confess I cannot recollect. But after the Battle at the Springs I was with the command who was ordered to guard the Tories & others who were sent to 96. The exact length of time I remained there I cannot tell but not perhaps more than a month or so. The prisoners were taken from 96 by Colonel McKoy & Captain Simmons & their men, what they did with them or where they carried them, I do not know. I have now stated all I suppose that I need to tell unless I were to go over hundreds of hardships escapes & difficulties in which I was during the long war & I state what I have, fully
sensible that I am not many years at most to remain upon the earth, If the department will allow me pay I shall be glad, if not though destitute now -- have been in better circumstances & my friends & the few relations I have may perhaps help me out of the world as I have tried to help myself while in it. I have several Brothers & sisters yet living but they were too young to know or recollect my services -- I have as many as four children scattered over the world I have only one daughter who lives near me or rather most of the time, I with her, she herself is old a widow & quite helpless in many respects -- My children who live further off are in some better circumstances --
There is not now living within my knowledge anyone except old Mr. J. F. Hoggle whose evidence I have had taken that can prove my service under General Greene for nine months nor of the other services by -- I give directions for his evidence to be sent with my oath or application -- I found him here in Perry County
Page 52

8
 & I did not know it to be honest; I
would not have it if given; much less apply for it. I have I hope now stated all that can be thought necessary & have this whole matter in the hands of those agents who have by law then appointed to do justice. 
William Johnson, X his mark
Sworn to & subscribed in my presence after being taken down as nearly as convenient in his own
words & read slowly & distinctly over to him word for word in my presence this 6th of July 1848.
S/ Henry C. Lea, JP

the State of Alabama Perry County
I do hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with the above named William Johnson who is making an application for a pension as set forth in his statement on oath, that he became a member (by letter or other sufficient recommendation
of good standing as a christian) of the Baptist Church in this place (Marion) of which I was & I am the Pastor some 16 or 18 months ago, he is old & decriped & his conduct has
been orderly & upright so far as I have seen or heard & I have no reason to doubt that he is a man of undoubted
truth & veracity & is of course believed every where within my knowledge that his character is known to be a man of integrity, truth & veracity s/ J. H. De Votie
Sworn to & subscribed before
me this 8th July 1848
s/ A. C. Lee - J. Peace
And we fully concur in the above statement affidavit of Rev. James H. Devotie & the facts then stated on within my own knowledge this date
above signed
s/ J. C. Harrell
Wm Harbuckle
Wm N. Wyatt
Page 53

Almirante WF May 16 '45
Jno B Mieg
Subject of Wm Johnson's
pension claim
M169 [Illegible] 26/45
Pension Office
Page 54

Almirante W. Florida May 16th 1845
Hon WmLD Marcy
Secretary of War
Washington D.C.
Sir
Yours of the 9th April last was received a few days since enclosing a letter from the Comr of Pensions in relation to my correspondence with
him in behalf of Wm Johnson an applicant for a Pension for services in the Revolutionary War, Mr Edwards has been pleased I perceive to deny any correspondence with me on that subject since April 5th 1843. I am very sorry that respect for my own feelings, and for my democratic brethren compels me to prove in
the most decided manner his (Mr Es) assertion to be utterly untrue, you will find enclosed three letters received from him since the 5th April 43, and I trust they will be sufficient in themselves. My venerable friend Mr Johnson is fast approaching his last
days in a country which has been truly regardless of his comfort, after nearly four years incessant
application to the proper authorities for relief through me, But I sincerely hope that the Hon Secretary will not suffer the old hero to go down to the grave in sorrow and abject poverty such as he has been compelled to feel for many years, I really, hope
that the days of unthankfulness and ingratitude to such men have passed away since the change of administration
The Hon Secretary will confer a very
great favor by forwarding as soon as practicable an answer to this stating whether any additional proof is necessary to secure the boon nor asks if so it can be readily furnished by a man of unimpeachable
character, and should the statements made by the old man in his declaration before the County Court of Santa
Page 55

Rosa County Robt McKinnon Judge and Duncan McCart Clerk, duly certified and countersigned and forwarded to Edwards who acknowledged the receipt in his letter to Chas Tweed Esq Attorney at Law, Milton Florida which letter was dated Novr 18th 1843. Mr Johnson is now in his 88th year of age and is almost destitute of all the necessaries
of life, and would be, but for the friends he has among us, and should Mr Edwards put forth any further objection than he has already done to deceive His Excellency the President by a system of prevarication I can assure him, that as a Southerner and
Grandson of a Revolutionary Soldier, he must taunt some other than me with asseverations so pointedly false, as that of denying correspondence
since the papers already on file in the Pension Office shall prove sufficient the Hon Secretary will please inform me, and on the contrary should any
other evidence be wanting it is to you I shall look with respect for advice.
Very Respectfully sir
Yr Most Obt Sert
John B. Meigs
Agent for Wm Johnson
Page 57

It is my opinion that there were three
William Johnsons and that the claimant is the one designated in indents No 99, No 8, No 2373 & 
No. 792-
No 132 was service at Charleston in the arty & No 2513 appears to
have been for service for the same period as for a part of the other man
credited to claimant.
The claimant alleges to have
served under Col Brandon
& is therefore allowed for service
which appears to have been
under that officer rather than the
service No 2513
Page 58

Comptroller Generals Office
Columbia S.C. Dec. 20th 1848
Book H Indent, No 99 Issued the 17 July 1784 to Mr William Johnson for two pounds one shilling and four pence sterling for thirty one days militia duty in 1782 as pr. account audited   Principle L 2.1.4

Book H Account No 99 Mr William Johnson His account of thirty one days militia duty in 1782 amtg to L 2: 1:4 Sterling
Jany 27th 1785 Gentlemen please
deliver my Indent to Col Hugh Giles and you will oblige your Humb. sert Wm Johnson
to the Public Treasury of the State of South Carolina - I do certify the above Zach Nettles J P

No 8 Lib O. Issued 17 January 1785 to Mr William Johnston for twenty
two pounds four shillings 3 1/4
Sterling for Militia Duty in 1781 and 1782 pr account audited. 
Prinl L22.4.3 1/4

Book O Account 8 Mr William Johnson his account of 200 Days militia duty in 1781 Amtg to L14.5.8 1/2 Stg.
Broad River 17th Sept. 1784. Gentlemen please to deliver to Col. David Hopkins such Indent or indents as may appear to be due to me from the State of South Carolina or from the United States and this be your sufficient receipt for the same
Signed William Johnson
Amos Davis J.P.
Page 59

to the Commiss of the Treasury So. Carolina
No 132 Lib W. Issued 6th August 1785 to Mr William Johnson for thirty six Pounds 2 D 10 Stg for 506 days service as private in the Charleston Battallion of Artillery in 1780 & 1781 per pay bill audited Prinl L36.2.10

No. 2373 Book X Indent- Issued 11 April 1786 to Mr William Johnson for fifteen Pounds twelve shillings & six pence sterling for duty done in Capt Hughes Company Brandon's Regiment pr account audited-
Prinl L15.12.6 -

No 2373 Book H Account William Johnson for 90 days duty as horseman and 31 days a footman from 1st October 1781 to 1st June 1782 alternately in Capt Hughes Company of Colonel Brandon's Regiment and charged L124.10. Sterling L15.12.6 The 31 days being as Sergeant of foot certified by Col Brandon & the payment rec'd by him

No 792 Lib. X Indent Issued 28 Sep '85 to William Johnston for thirteen pounds two shillings ten
pence for 92 days militia duty
in 1780 & 1781 per account audited.
Prinl L13.2.10 1/4

No 792 Book X Account William Johnston A pay bill for William
Johnston in  Col Brandon's Regt for
duty done on horseback by order of Genl Sumter & Gen. Morgan
from the 1st day of November 1780 till the 1st day of February 1781 both days included L13.2.10 1/4 Stg being
Page 60

92 days at 20 s. day - certified by Wm Farr Lt.C and paid by order to Maj John Adam Summer - 96 Dist
before George Ruff J.P.

No 512 Book Q Indent Issued the 24th May 1785 to Mr William
Johnson for seven pounds Eight Shillings & sixpence sterling for Militia duty in 1782 as pr account audited Prinl L7.8.6

Q 513 Account Mr. William Johnson
his accot of militia duty in 1782 for 104 days stg L7.8.6 under the
command of Capt Lewis & Lieutenant Hollis  certified by me (signed) John Hollis Lieut.
Broad River May 23d 1785 pay to Mr  Lehre such Indent or indents as may appear to be due me from the State of South Carolina or from the
United States and this shall be your sufficient rect for the same
Wm Johnson M his mark
Witness Dd Hopkins J.P.
to the Commiss of the Treasury of the State of South Carolina

I do hereby certify the foregoing to be
a true copy taken from the Records in this Office, and the remarks in red ink are mine warranted by statements on the Original.
For Comptroller Genl
s/ James A. Black
Page 61

Page 9
State of Alabama, Perry County
Personally appeared John F. Hoggle before me George P. Massey an acting Justice of the  Peace in & for the County & State aforesaid who having been by me first duly sworn deposeth & says that he is personally acquainted with William Johnson who now resides & has resided in
said County some little less than two years where this affiant has resided about nine years, that said Johnson removed from Santa Rosa County in Florida to this State about three years since as affiant is informed & believes. That this affiant though about the age of 85 years has a distinct recollection of this being the same William Johnson with whom he was acquainted during the
revolutionary war & that he saw the said Johnson at Eutaw Springs & to the best of affiant's knowledge recollection & belief said Johnson was in that engagement or battle and was under the command of General Greene. This affiant was there or nearby though not actually in the
battle being posted at some distance with others as a guard to the baggage & stores of a portion of the Army. the Father of this affiant was killed in that. This affiant is certain that this same William Johnson was afterwards with General Pickens.  other forces marched off to a place
called 96 and this affiant also saw him occasionally at that place -- There has been a great lapse of time since my first acquaintance with said Johnson and affiant was quite a youth at the time & he will not undertake to swear positively as to the exact dates or distances so long ago but he knows & recollects this William Johnson not only by the appearance of his frame & features but from hearing him relate several little things that makes his recollection more distinct in conversation with him some time since & affiant is satisfied from the best recollection he has that said
Johnson from the different times
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10
places &c that he saw him in the Army must have been in actual service as a soldier in the revolution eight or nine years -- said Johnson was from Edgefield & this affiant was from Newberry District in South Carolina. This affiant introduced
himself to said Johnson on meeting in this County because he thought from his appearance & hearing his name seeing his age &c that he must be the same William Johnson that he had seen at & since the Eutaw Battle & knew in their young days & is now satisfied that he is the same man
& has not the least doubt of it. -- This affiant must state also that he had not seen the said Johnson for some 45 years before he came to this County this affiant moved directly from Newberry to this County -- and the said Johnson as he is informed & believed moved from Edgefield to Georgia near Savannah & thence to Florida & then to this State & County so that we have been long separated, until he is here.
John F. Hoggle, X his mark
Sworn to & subscribed before me this 6th July 1848
S/ G. P. Massey, JP

The State of Alabama Perry County
Personally appeared Burrell Johnson before me Henry C Lea an acting Justice of the Peace in & for the County & State aforesaid Burrell Johnson who having been duly sworn deposeth & says that he is well acquainted with the above named affiant John F. Hoggle & that he is a man of truth & veracity & so reputed in his neighborhood & is a member of the church in good standing so far as affiant knows or has heard that the said William Johnson is a distant relation but he can say that his character for truth & veracity
Page 63

11
is undoubted being an aged member of the church in good standing & has no doubt that he served under
General Green as he states 9 months in the revolutionary army & off & on some 4 or 5 years besides in
scouting parties of this he can & does have no more doubt that he has of any other facts stated by men which he himself did not see this affiants
Father was 1st or 2nd cousin to the said William Johnsons Father.
s/ Burrel Johnston
Sworn to & subscribed before me this
6th July 1848.
s/Henry C. Lea J. Peace

Washington City
Ho. Reps. 19 July 1848.
I Sampson W. Harris, Representative &c from the 3rd Congressional District of the State of Alabama, do hereby certify that Jno. Cunningham Clerk of County Court of Perry Co Alabama, Jno P. Graham, Judge &c, Henry C. Lea, J. P. & Revd J. H. DeVotie & J. C. Harrell, all of same
County, are personally & by character known to me, and that their high standing for intelligence and integrity, entitles them, to the fullest credit-
s/ SW Harris
Page 64

35.213 See Florida index
William Johnson
Perry Co. Ala
For Pension under
Act of 7 June 1832
formerly applied as a resident
of Florida
Has now found a living
witness of his service.
admitted 1 yr 2 mos 20 days
Pri nf & Cav & Sergt $55.55/100
E. F. Brown Atty
Wash. D.C.
19 July 1848.
Page 65

Marion Perry County Ala April 20th 1849
Edw F Brown Esq
Sir
In your last letter you remarked that it was your intention on some early future occasion to present again all the papers in reference to the application of William Johnson with
a view to having a fair test of the possibility of having the allowance made to him which he insists is so unjustly withheld from him.
Although he is now at my elbow
urging this matter & requesting me to write to you once more I confess that I feel but little encouragement from what has past in his behalf. There is no doubt on my own mind of the Just merits of the claim or of the honesty of the application-- but his active
days are past and he has not the energy of either mind or body which are necessary to enable him to present & urge his claim in the best way. The old mans neighbors even speak of subscribing a sufficient
amount to bear his expenses to Washington & sending him there so that the department by its proper agents might by inspection, personal examination & satisfy themselves of the urgent Justice & propriety of his claim. you will please say what you would advise in that respect in
the event that on your last effort you shall fail-- Then an two other witnesses yet living who were acquainted with the old man. Though
not all the time in the service with him being too Young -- They know he served
Page 66

to some extent; but can not say how long or where all the time
Shall I ask of you once more to say what you have done, after making
one more effort as you intimated you
would &c. We shall expect a letter from you soon
Very Respectfully
s/ Henry C Lea for
William Johnson
P.S. Mr Johnson says that as to any seeming difference between his first & last application he may have stated more at one time than at the other - That his Father in law Moses
Prestcot moved at one time down into Orangeburg District while he was a number of Capt Butlers Company and that he went down for a short time only with him & while then
being over ten days he of course had his name placed on the Roll under Capt Box. that was only a temporary arrangment & he went back, & resumed his proper Station -
Page 67

The State of Alabama Perry County ⎬
I John Cunningham Clerk  of the County Court of the County and State aforesaid do hereby certify that I have looked over the papers hereto annexed on three sheets & paged from 1 to 11 inclusive & to which I now affix the seal of my office - That George P. Massey & Henry C Lea are severally regularly acting Justices of the Peace of said County & residents of this Town (Marion) & said Lea is Intendant of said Town & their signatures on said papers are genuine & entitled to credit. James H. Devoties is the regular Pastor of the Baptist Church in this place in high standing every way. I would further certify that I am personally
acquainted with old Mr Johnson who is in & by said papers making application for a pension as a
revolutionary soldier he is a man of Piety, truth & integrity so believed & taken every where so far as I know
I have no doubt his claim to a pension is Just & meritorious from all that I know or have heard & I know of no one wh  thinks to the contrary here.
I know the other persons whose names appear as witnesses or otherwise & I have no reason to doubt
that the application is fairly & honestly made out & forwarded. I have no interest, relationship
or other motive in the matter than as above stated witness whereof I here set my hand & the seal of my office this 8 day of July 1848
s/ Jno Cunningham
Clerk Cty Court


The State of Alabama Perry County
I John P. Graham Judge of the County
Perry County Court of said County do hereby certify that John Cunningham whose signature appears above is & was at the date of said signature the Clerk of the County Court of said County & his acts as such are entitled to full faith and credit & that his 
attestation is in due form of law
Given under my hand & seal this 11. July A.D. 1848
s/ JP Graham Judge
Page 68

Nov 21 1845
Danl A Wilkison
Almirante, Walton Co. W. Flor.
10 Nov 1845
Rec'd 19 Nov 1845
Wm Johnson's claim
Page 69

Almirante West Florida
November 10 th    10 paid
Mr Edmund F Brown
Washington City
Between 12th & 13 Streets
Page 70

Almirante West Fla
November 10th 1845
Mr Edmund F Brown Esq
I Received a letter some time
ago it stating that you were
Notary Public and general Agent
which was gratifying to me to
see such could be found to render
Service to them who is a deserving
of such as their just rights,
there is one of the old heroes of the revolution A Living with me at this time, which is in his 89th year and which fought 4 or 5 years in
the war for his Country and has
Made all the proof that Was Necesory
A which you will find with JL Edwards
or in his office, Mr Edwards always says that there is a supplemen butt of proof a Lacking but never tells what that Supplement of proof is. Now I want you to see to it and let me know as quick as posable what proof is wanting. his Name is William Johnson he served under General Pickins,  Colonal LeRoy Hammon. And William Butler was his Captain
he sent on all his proofs once But Mr Edwards Says they Never Reched there. Now Mr Brown want you
to look in to It and Satisfy
yourself out of Mr Johnsons Pension
or I will see you paidfor your
Trouble
Page 71

Now Wm Brown let us have a firm
understanding from each other as I
may be the instigation of your
Gitting Right Smart of Buisness
from this section of the Country
my Letters will cost you Nothing and yours I will pay with the atmost pleasure.
N. B. I hope you will not delay
In writing Back to me as quick
as posable and if there is any more
Proof a wanting let me know what
proof is a wanting Mr Johnson was from Edgefield District South Carolina. Nothing More But Yours
with Esteem
Daniel A Wilkison
Post Master at Almirante
Walton County West Fla
Page 73

I send a statement made by Benjamin Journigan to which a certificate of the Judge and Clerk of the County Court is attached Comprising some traditional evidence of the services of Wm Johnson who is an applicant for a pension. his declaration was sent to the pension office a long time since but as I have never seen it I do not know exactly what additional evidence is required. In fact I hardly suppose this will amount to much. but if you will ascertain what is needed beside the evidence sent on with the declaration you will confer a favour on him & myself. Mr Anderson
has been very ill of late but I understand is now on the mend
I am sir very Respy your obt svt
CA Tarent

Hon Aaron Levy
Washington
Page 78

also born in Edgefield
District S.C., and is buried
in Dallas County
Ala
his dates are 1784 and
1858.
Very truly yours
(Miss) Ethel Hain