Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 6,981, Peter Haught, Va.
Page 1

SERVICE: Va.
Haught, Peter
Sarah
NUMBER: S. 6,981
B. L. Wt. 71143-160-55
CONTENTS
Page 2

riginal papers Sent to W. G. Sutton, US Dist. atty Mar 20 1835
Winchester Va
See letter to R. W. Moore Oct. 26
See letter G. Singleton May 2
do to W.
" Hon. T. S. Raymond 24td Decr 18
J. V. Boughner July 23rd/58
Same Aug 20/58
Same Sept 2/59

1838. [illegible] 22. From Richmond to Wheeling pr. 11 Mar., 1834.
Hon. J. Clemens April 24/58
" " " July 7" ""
1859 Jan'y 19 = Let to 3 Aud'r
Secy let. October 24/59
J. V. Boughner Nov 7/59

Let 21. Nov, 35 Pen. notif.
" " T P. Ray
(see let in cl. W.1912 of Zacharie Morgan)

Monongalia in the State of Virginia
was a pri: in the company com
Captain Doughty of the Regt. comm
ol. Evans in the Virginia
for 12 months
drop

Inscribed on the Roll of Virginia
rate of 40 Dollars - Cents per annum
mmence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

cate of Pension issued the 17th day of June
and sent to T. P. Ray
Morgantown Va.

ars to the 4th of March '33 - 80
mi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sept." - 20
Let. J V. Boughner $100
Dec 16/59
C. F. Bloot
June 22/10-
{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 183
Recorded by Wm. Miller
Book E Vol. 6 Page
Deposition of
See pre
Page 3

State of Virginia
County of Monongalia, SS:
On this 23rd day of November A.D. one thousand Eight hundred and fifty Seven personally appeared before the County Court of said County, in the State of Virginia, Jacob G. Haught a resident of said County and state who first being duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of sundry acts of Congress granting Pensions to Revolutionary soldiers and their widows:
That his father Peter Haught, decd. was a revolutionary Soldier and was pensioned under the act of June 7' 1832 at the rate of forty dollars pr annum, which he Continued to receive until the year 1835, when said pension was illegally withheld. That his father Peter Haught aforesaid survived until 1853, and died on the 12" day of February in said year in Monongalia County state aforesaid - That his father left a widow Sarah Haught, the mother of deponent, who also died on the 6' day of April 1857-
That the object of this declaration is to obtain the arrears of pension due his father Peter Haught aforesaid at the period of his decease viz: on the 12" day of February 1853, and also the amount of pension that would have accrued to his mother
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Sarah Haught who had never made an application for a pension in her lifetime under the Second Section of the act of February 3d 1853.
That for the evidence that the parties aforesaid were legally married, and that their decease recurred at the time stated, respectively, he would refer to the Evidence on file in the Pension Office accompanying the application of Frances and John Haught for Bounty Land, No 274.942, as the minor Children of said Peter Haught.
The undersigned would further state that Letters of Administration have been taken out of the County Court of Monongalia County, Virginia by which he is authorized to receive and have the control of any sum or sums of money due the Estate of said Peter Haught, deceased
J G Haught

I Marshall M. Dent, Clerk of the County Court, a Court of Record, in & for the County of Monongalia and State of Virginia do hereby Certify that Jacob G. Haught personally appeared in open Court on the 23d day of November A.D. 1857 and Made Oath in due form of Law that the foregoing Declaration is true to the best of his Knowledge & belief. I also Certify that the said Jacob G. Haught, was on this day duly affirmed, and qualified as administrator of Peter Haught, deceased.
Given under my hand & the seal of said Court this 23d day of November A.D. 1857.
Marshall M. Dent
Clerk
Page 5

274.942
Act Mar. 3

Frances H John Haught.
min. decd.
Peter Haught. 
Pri:

A: 160 Acres [illegible] 7" 1857
Boynton
Revy war.

Pens'd. Va Act 7. June 1832 - 12923
Special, May 28. '57
S. Cole
J. W. boughner.
Mt. Morris.
Pa
71,143 Issued Sept 8th / 57

refer: Cer" F. V. Boughner. May 29/[illegible]
Let: " " " June 16"/5
" " " July, 22d
" " " Aug: 19/"

Vol H_1_72.
Page 6

Admit as a private
12 mo $40_

Tho P. Ray
Page 7

Peter Haught
Virginia
No 11047.

Rev
Apl. 10th 33-
5. 6. 11. 12
Intg 1 . 2 . 4 . 7

T. P. Ray
Morgantown
Va
P. 332
Page 8

BRIEF in the case of Peter Haught
of Monongalia County in the State of Virginia
(Act 7th June, 1832.)

1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Court

2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?

3. How old is he? 78 years

4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed.

Period.
[1] In 1778 
[2] during the year following up to 1783
Duration of Service. Years, Months, Days.
[1] 5 Months, 15 Days "Six months, within a few days" &
[2] "at least 18 months" Indefinite &c
Rank. As a
[1] Private
[2] Indian Spy Ranger & Scout
Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.
[1] Gen. McIntosh, Col John Evans
[2] Cap James Doughty

5. In what battles was he engaged? none

6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? not stated

7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? One Living witness in part & traditionary

8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? Correct

I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.

[signed] C Selle
Examining Clerk.
Page 9

In the matter of the application of Jacob G. Haught, next friend, of Francis & Jno Haught, pension heirs of Peter Haught, decd.
Page 10

State of Virginia,
County of Monongalia, SS:
On this 7th day of May A.D. one thousand eight hundred and fifty seven, personally appeared before me, a justice of the peace, within and for the County and State aforesaid, Jacob G. Haught, aged twenty eight years, the son of Peter Haught, decd. and next friend, of Francis Haught, now intermarried with John Yose, and John Haught, minor children of the said Peter Haught, decd. who was an Indian Spy in the War of the Revolution, and pensioned at the rate of 48 dollars pr. annum, under the act of Congress of June 7 1832, that said Peter Haught was a private in the Company of Captain Michael Carr, but the name or number of his Regiment, or requisutal Officers, are not Known, but said applicant would refer to the evidence upon which his father was pensioned for fuller proof of his said father's services; that his fathers pension was payable at the Richmond, Virginia, Agency, at the rate above stated.
He, the said Jacob Haught, would further state that his father was married to Sarah Jones in the year 1825, she being his second wife, by whom he had four Children, viz Benjamin, Jacob, Frances, and John, the last two named being now minors, and aged as follows: Frances Haught was born on the 29th of May 1837, being now near her twentieth year and John was born on the 12th day of August 1841, being now past fifteen years
Page 11

of age, that said parties are now all Citizens of Monongalia County, Virginia, and were born and raised therein, that the aforesaid Peter Haught resided for the period of near seventy years on the farm on which he died in the County and state aforesaid, and was born according to his own recollection in his lifetime, on the 1st day of July 1755, and died on the 12th day of February 1853, and that his mother aforesaid died on the 6th day of April 1857, at Staunton, Virginia, and was an inmate, at the time of her decease, of the Lunatic Asylum at Staunton, and had been for between three or four years past, previous to her death - that his knowledge of her death was derived through a letter from Dr. F. T. Striblling, the Principal of said Lunatic Asylum ~ There is not nor never has been, any family record of the time of the birth, or death of any member of his father's family and the ages given are from memory entirely.
He makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining for his minor brother and Sister, John Haught, and Francis Yose, since her marriage, the Bounty Land to which they may be entitled under the acts of March 3d. 1855, and May 14th 1856, and that he has not applied for, nor has any other person for bounty land under the above or any acts of Congress for said heirs, nor has his mother or any member of the family received any bounty land under any
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3
act of Congress. He would further state that there was never any administration of his father's Estate, and that the aforesaid minor heirs have never had Guardians appointed by any Court.
Jacob G. Haught

We Solomon Ammons and Andrew Park, residents of Monongalia County, in the state of Virginia, upon our oaths declare, that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Jacob G. Haught in our presence, and that we believe from his appearance, and our personal Knowledge of him, that he is the identical person he represents himself to be-
Solomon x his mark Ammons
Andrew x his mark Park

The foregoing declaration and affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me, on the day and year above written; and I certify that I know the affiants to Credible persons; that the aforesaid minor heirs are, I believe; what they are represented to be in the foregoing declaration, and that I have no interest in this Claim. Interlineations made before signing.
John Anderson J. P.
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4
State of Virginia
County of Monongalia, SS;
Personally came before the subscriber, a justice of the peace, within and for the County and State aforesaid, Joseph Tennant, who being duly sworn, according to law, deposes and says: That he was well acquainted with Peter Haught, deceased, in his lifetime, that he now resides on a farm that adjoins the farm upon which said Haught resided for the space of near seventy years, that deponent is now seventy four years of age and has resided within one mile of said Peter Haught since the year 1787, That said Haught was pensioned under the act of June 7th 1832, but he does not know the exact amount he received, that said Peter Haught died in February 1853, that he was twice married, the last time, over thirty years since, by David Worley, Esqr. of Greene County, Pennsylvania, that he knows of no record of their marriage, that they lived together as man and wife, untill the decease of said Haught in 1853, that the maiden name of his second wife was Sarah Jones, that by her, or during the time they cohabited she had four children viz, Benjamin, Jacob, Frances and John the last two, Frances and John, now being under twenty one years of age, that said Haught in his lifetime represented that his military services were performed under a Captain Michael Catt, that deponent's father was a drummer in the same service, that
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5
Said Catt's Company was under the Command of General McIntosh's division of the Army, that said Haught represented he was with said Catt's Company on the Fiscaruas, then in the Northwestern territory, now the state of Ohio, that he has heard his father in his lifetime corroborate the facts as to - Haughts service - The service was rendered in the year 1776 or 1777, according to the statements of the parties above refered to and further saith not.
Joseph Tennant

State of Virginia
County of Monongalia, SS:
Personally came before me, a justice of the peace within and for the County & state aforesaid, Rachel Tennant, who being duly sworn according to law deposes and says that she resides within a half a mile of the late Peter Haught, and has heard the foregoing deposition of Joseph Tennant read, and knows that it is correct, as to the number and names of the children of said Peter Haught & Sarah his wife, and that the said Frances Haught and John Haught are now under twenty one years of age, the first Frances being born on the 29' day of May 1837, and John sometime in the month of August 1841, that she knows the ages of the parties
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6
referred to from often having conversed with their mother on the subject, and further saith not.
Rachel x her mark Tennant
The foregoing depositions were sworn to and subscribed before me on the 9th day of May 1857, And I certify that the foregoing affiants are credible persons, and that I have no interest in this claim.
Nimrod Tennant J.P.

State of Virginia,
County of Monongalia, SS:
I, Marshall M. Dent, Clerk of the County Court, within and for said County and state, do hereby Certify, That John Anderson, and Nimrod Tennant, Esqrs. whose genuine signatures are attached to the foregoing Certificates, were at the date thereof, acting justices of the peace, within and for said County, duly Commissioned and qualified.
Given under my hand and the seal of said Court at Morgantown, this 12th day of May 1857.
Marshall M. Dent
Clerk
Page 16

Peter Haught - Pen
Monongalia cty
Frances-
sent
Page 17

Peter Haught - draws $60 -
I the undersigned Peter Haught at the requisition of the Secretary of war, give the following estimate of my age and revolutionary services to wit, - I am in my 80th year of age - I was drafted in Fayett County Pennsylvania (but cant tell in what year) for a campaign, and marched from there under Lieut. Catt to Fort McIntosh and Joined the army under Genl. McIntosh, was attached to Capt. James Daugherty's Company - Genl. McIntosh with a large proportion of his army, Marched to Fort Lawrence, remained there about six weeks. & returned to Fort McIntosh (at the latter I was discharged having been in Service four months. I left home after harvest & returned about Christmas -
in the Summer preceding the above mentioned tour, I was at Duncan Fort, (in New Monongalia Cty). My wife also lived in the Fort. I remained at the Fort for 3 months. and whilst there I made "the Settlement in Tunakoak Right." of four hundred acres glaw - the people assembled at the Fort for their mutual defense and Securities - they called to them completely and cleared them lands, and seated & matched and guarded alternatively, whilst I am out asking others were seating & guarding, all the settlers then Forted. In the duty watching & guarding by turns - and in this way I was Employed at the Fort per the above Fort Capt Nicholas Shiren were guarded at the Fort. he was chosen Captain by the settlers at and and answer the fort - I received no pay. nor was any pension for the same - and this ended my Services except some with security out with maturing. Jno. Brookover wrote my first declaration. Mr. Ray afterwards corrected it - I agree to give Brookover one turn o account drawn, In Witness of All above I with submit my name. Nov. 6. 1839
Peter x his mark Haught
Witness
Isaac Cooper.
Page 18

xxxxxxxxxx
July 9, 1931
Rev. & 1812 Wars Section
AWF

Mrs. R. C. Hamnock
Albany
Texas

Dear Madam:

You are advised that it appears from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 6981, that Peter Haught was born July 1, 1755, place not stated.

He served in 1774 in Dunmore's Campaign, length of service not stated; and during the War of the Revolution, as Indian Spy under Captain Michael Catt in General McIntosh's Campaign; and also under Captains John Minor and James Daugherty in the Virginia Troops, length of service not given.

He was allowed pension under the Act of June 7, 1832.

He died February 13, 1853 in Monongalia County, Virginia, where he had lived about seventy years.

The soldier married in 1825in Greene County, Pennsylvania, Sarah Jones, who was his second wife. The name of his first wife is not given, nor any details as to the marriage. His second wife died April 6, 1857.

The names of his children by the second wife, are as follows- Jacob G., who was twenty-eight years old in 1857; Frances, born May 29, 1837, she married John Yose; John, born August 12, 1841; Benjamin, date of birth not given.

Bounty land was allowed in 1855 to the minor children,
Page 19

Frances and John. 

Very truly yours

A. D. HILLER
Assistant to Administrator
Page 20

Rev. &. 1812
Wars Section
ILL

April 10, 1930.
Mr. Harvey Haught
Middlebourne, West Virginia.

Dear Sir:

I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 6981, it appears that Peter Haught was born July 1, 1755, place not stated.

He served in 1774 in Dunmore's Campaign, length of service not stated; and during the War of the Revolution, as Indian Spy under Captain Michael Catt in General McIntosh's Campaign; and also under Captains John Minor and James Daugherty in the Virginia Troops, length of service not given.

He was allowed pension under the Act of June 7, 1832.

He died February 12, 1853, in Monongalia County, Virginia, having lived there about seventy years.
He married in 1825 in Greene County, Pennsylvania, Sarah Jones, who was his second wife. The name of his first wife not given, nor any details as to the marriage. His second wife died April 6, 1857.

The names of his children by the second wife, are as follows- Jacob G., who was twenty-eight years old in 1857; Frances, born May 29, 1837, she married John Yose; John, born August 12, 1841; Benjamin, date of birth not given.

Bounty land of 160 acres was allowed in 1855 to the minor children, Frances and John.
Page 21

This is the history of the only Peter Haught, under any spelling of that surname, found on the Revolutionary War records of this Bureau.

In order to identify the record of any other particular soldier of that War surnamed Haught (or other spelling) the full name is essential and as much as possible of the following data: approximate dates of birth and death, places of residence at enlistment and after service and given name of widow.

Very truly yours,

EARL D. CHURCH,
Commissioner.
Page 22

January 21, 1927

Mrs. Guy A. Hall
305 Wagner Road
Morgantown, W. Va

Madam:
I have to advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 6981, it appears that Peter Haught was born July 1, 1755, place not stated.
He served in 1774 in Dunmore's Campaign, length of service not stated; and during the War of the Revolution, as Indian Spy under Captain Michael Catt in General McIntosh's Campaign, and also served under Captains John Minor and James Daugherty in the Virginia Troops, length of service not given.
He was allowed pension under the Act of June 7, 1832.
He died February 12, 1853 in Monongalia County, Virginia, having lived there about seventy years.
He married in 1825 in Greene County, Pennsylvania, Sarah Jones, who was his second wife. The name of his first wife not given, nor any details as to marriage. His second wife
Page 23

wife died April 6, 1857.
Children by second wife- Benjamin; Jacob G.; who was twenty-eight years old in 1857; Frances, born May 29, 1837, married John Yose; and John, born August 12, 1841.
Bounty land of 160 acres was allowed in 1855 to the minor children- Frances and John.
In order to obtain the date of death of the Revolutionary War pensioner, William Looke alias Starr (S. 6837) you should apply to the Civil Division, General Accounting Office, Washington, D.C., citing all of the following data - William Looke, alias Starr, Certificate No. 35738, issued October 30, 1833, rate $100 per annum, commenced March 4, 1831, Act of June 7, 1832, Pittsburgh, Ohio Agency.
No fee is charged for this service and herewith is returned your two one dollar bills.

Respectfully,

WINFIELD SCOTT
Commissioner.

[clerk note 1]
Receipt from Finance Division for $2 in pension claim of Peter Haught S 6981

[clerk note 2]
Letter addressed Mrs Guy A. Hall
Page 24

MMHF 
[clerk note: this letter was sent thru desk of Mary E. Pettis, Law Div. Pen Bureau]
Rev. &1812 Wars Section

October 30, 2937

M. B. Pittie
1848 Penrose Ave.,
Cleveland, Ohio.

Madam:
I have to advise you that this Bureau is unable to furnish the history of a soldier of the Revolution unless a claim for pension or bounty land has been made on account of his services.
A careful search of the records fails to show such a claim on file on account of the services of any Peter Hout, other than the one whose history was furnished you on March 20, 1926. Also, upon that date you were advised that the Revolutionary War records of this Bureau failed to afford any information in regard to George Hout, neither is there any record of pension or bounty land having been granted on account of service in the Revolution of Christopher Overly.
The War of 1812 records fail to show that pension was ever claimed on account of the services of Adam or Jacob Hout. For information in regard to the location of land which may have been granted by the United States, you
Page 25

should apply to the Commissioner of the General Land Office, Washington, D. C., and for information in regard to pension that may have been granted Christopher Overly and his widow Catharine Hout Overly, by the State of Pennsylvania, you should consult the archives at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The War of 1812 pension records were also searched for the name Christopher Overly and no record of pension having been claimed.
Respectfully,

WINFIELD SCOTT
Commissioner.
Page 26

6769
3-2233
BUREAU OF PENSIONS
Finance Division
Jan 19, 1927.
Chief Rev War Sect.

I have this day received from Mrs Guy A. Hall 
cash No
for $2.00 requesting 
history of call as per letter herewith.
O. J. RANDALL
Chief Finance Division.
H.C.L.

$2.00/100 returned by Reg mail
Finance Div.
notified Jan. 21 - 27
Page 27

January 21, 1927

Mrs. Guy A. Hall
305 Wagner Road
Morgantown, W. Va

Madam:
I have to advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim S. 6981, it appears that Peter Haught was born July 1, 1755, place not stated.
He served in 1774 in Dunmore's Campaign, length of service not stated; and during the War of the Revolution, as Indian Spy under Captain Michael Catt in General McIntosh's Campaign, and also served under Captains John Minor and James Daugherty in the Virginia Troops, length of service not given.
He was allowed pension under the Act of June 7, 1832.
He died February 12, 1853 in Monongalia County, Virginia, having lived there about seventy years.
He married in 1825 in Greene County, Pennsylvania, Sarah Jones, who was his second wife, name of first wife not given, nor any details as to marriage. His second
Page 28

wife died April 6, 1857.
Children by second wife- Benjamin; Jacob G.; who was twenty-eight years old in 1857; Frances, born May 29, 1837, married John Yose; and John, born August 12, 1841.
Bounty land of 160 acres was allowed in 1855 to the minor children- Frances and John.

In order to obtain the date of death of the Revolutionary War pensioner, William Looke alias Starr (S. 6837) you should apply to the Civil Division, General Accounting Office, Washington, D.C., citing all of the following data - William Looke, alias Starr, Certificate No. 35738, issued October 30, 1833, rate $100 per annum, commenced March 4, 1831, Act of June 7, 1832, Pittsburgh, Ohio Agency.
No fee is charged for this service and herewith is returned your two one dollar bills.

Respectfully,

WINFIELD SCOTT
Commissioner.
Page 29

Morgantown, W. Va., January 18, 1927.
305 Wagner Rd.

Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir-;
Will you kindly give me a statement of the military history of Peter Haught, a soldier of the Revolutionary War, as contained in his application for a pension on file in your Bureau. He was allowed a pension in 1832. Can you give me the date of his death?
Also, can you give me the date of William Locke's, alias William Starr, a soldier of the Revolution, death, as I presume you have the year his pension stopped. He applied for a pension August 28, 1832, which was allowed, at the age of 88 years.
Thanking you for the above information, I am,
Very truly yours,
[signed] Mrs. Guy A. Hall.
I enclose $2.00

[stamp 1]
FINANCE DIVISION
BOOK-KEEPER'S DESK
JAN 19 1927
BUREAU OF PENSIONS

[stamp 2]
U. S. PENSION OFFICE R
JAN 19 1927
Page 30

vania, Sarah Jones, who was his second wife, name of first wife not given, nor any details as to marriage.
His second wife died April 6, 1857.
Children by second wife- Benjamin; Jacob G.; who was twenty-eight years old in 1857; Frances, born May 29, 1937, married John Yose; John, born August 12, 1841.
Bounty land of 160 acres was allowed in 1855 to the minor children- Frances and John.

The Revolutionary War records of this Bureau fail to afford any data in regard to any George Houte (all spellings of that name searched).
This Bureau has no record of land granted prior to the War of the Revolution.

Respectfully,

WINFIELD SCOTT
Commissioner.
Page 31

Rev
Albany Texas.
June 8, 1931
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D. C.
Dear Sir, Will you please give me any information you can concerning the Rev. War Record of Peter Haught born in Hampshire Co. Va 1755 and enlisted in 1774-
I understand his pension claim is S. no. 6981.
I would also like to have the record of Tobias Haught [clerk note: only one 1822] Son of Peter born in 1778 
I understand he was a soldier too, but I do not know in what war he served if any
Very truly
Mrs. R. Hammock

[stamp]
U. S. PENSION OFFICE 
JUN 10 1931
Page 32

ADDRESS ONLY THE COMMISSIONER OF THE GENERAL LAND OFFICE

UNITED STATES
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
GENERAL LAND OFFICE
WASHINGTON February 2, 1926.
IN REPLY PLEASE REFER TO
1206846 "K" JAR
Communication referred.

The Commissioner
of Pensions.
My dear Mr. Scott:
I inclose herewith a letter from M. B. Pittis of 1842 Penrose Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio, requesting information as to military service of Peter Hout and George Houte.
Very respectfully, 
[signed] Thos C Hovell
Assistant Commissioner.

1-30 amw
Page 33

1842 Penrose Ave., Cleveland, O., Jan. 20, 1926
Dear Sirs:

Page 415, Vol III, Penna. Archives, Fifth Series, records that Peter Hout enlisted as a private in the Revolutionary War Sept. 29, 1778.

As many of the Penna. regiments contained men from Virginia and Maryland I desire to know whether this Peter Hout was from Berkeley County, Virginia (now W. Va.) or from Frederick County, Va., from which Berkeley County was formed; or, if not from Virginia, from where did he come? It is recorded that he received a bounty of $120. Peter Hout from near Martinsburg, Berkeley County, is said to have also received a tract of land near Martinsburg, Virginia (now W. Va.) for services in the Revolutionary War. Please give me a copy of the record showing this gift of land, and state where it is recorded.

Will you also please give me copy of any data whatsoever pertaining to Peter Hout, or his father George Houte wo received deed dated May 26, 1763, for 25 1/2 acres near Martinsburg, from Lord Thomas Fairfax. Can you tell on what ship George Houte came to America, at what port did he land, what date, from what port did he sail and date? From what country and place did he come? Who of his family came with him?

Thanking you in advance for your cooperation, I am,
Very truly yours,
[signed] M. B. Pittis

[stamp 1]
DEPT OF THE INTERIOR
RECEIVED JAN 26 1926
TO GENL. LAND OFFICE
SECY'S OFF. APPTS., MAILS & FILES.

[stamp 2]
1206846
Page 34

Middlebourne, W. Va,
April 4, 1930,
United States Dept. of Interior
Washington.
D.C.

Dear Sirs,
In Rupp's List of German Acct. passengers page 180 CLXIII. September, 9th 1751 Ship Patience Capt. Hugh Steel from Rotterdam Last from Cowes we find that one of the passengers was Peter Haut.
Will you please send list of other Haut's and their wives also the wife of Peter Haut if listed
Or send entire list of German passengers
Yours truly,
Harvey Haught

[stamp]
U. S. PENSION OFFICE O
APR 7 1930
Page 35

Extract from a letter addressed to
Mary E. Pettis, Room 2004, Pension Bureau:

"It has been proven that our ancestor, Peter Hout, served in the 9th Penna Regt., as duly recorded in the Penna. Archives, on four pages. In order to put the credentials to the test before publishing them in a book I made application for membership in the D.A.R. and the credentials were accepted. I was unsuccessful in getting any record from the Pension Bureau (by correspondence) in regard to the service of Peter Hout. What I got was wholly through the State records of Penna., and that was not as complete as I want. It is a well-established fact among descendants of several of his ten children that Peter Hout was wounded in the hip; that he limped the remainder of his life; that he received as bounty, 1000 acres of land. Record of this 1000 acres is what I am anxious to get. One tradition says it was near Wheeling; that part of it is now in the corporation; that Peter had the papers in regard to his ownership in his coat pocket, and coat and papers were accidentally burned when he was burning stumps in a clearing, and he was unable thereafter to prove his claim, and thus lost title to the land. 
Whether the tradition refers to title to bounty land for war service, or to some other land contract I do not know. Perhaps the facilities at your command may yield results."
Page 36

As the Revolutionary War records have probably been already searched for record of Peter Hout, and report made that pension was never asked, his name was not mentioned in the request, now under consideration, for record, if any, of service of other persons of the name of Hout, Houte or Haudt, in the Old Wars. If, however, the search has not yet been made for their records, the name of Peter Hout might be kept in mind when such search shall be made, in order to find whether there is any record of a grant of bounty land to Peter Hout.
This is not an urgent matter, and it is hoped that the very obliging supervisor of the Old Wars section will take it up only when there is nothing more urgent claiming her attention.
Page 37

1842 Penrose Ave., 
E. Cleveland, Ohio
October 3, 1927

Commissioner,
Bureau of Pensions

Dear Sir:

Christopher Overly served in the Revolutionary War. He was wounded in battle, in the calf of the right leg. The bullet missed the bone, but tore a hole clear the calf muscles. On the battlefield he drew a silk handkerchief though the hole to stop the blood and cleanse the wound. He received a pension of twelve dollars a month. His wife, Catharine Hout Overly, received a pension after he died.

I shall be pleased to receive all details in regard to the service and pension of Christopher Overly and wife. In what regiment did he serve? In what battle was he wounded? What was the time of his service? What was the date of his death? When did his wife Catharine begin to receive pension? What was the amount? When did she die?

The home of Christopher Overly was Hempfield Township, Westmoreland County, Pa. . He probably served in a Pennsylvania regiment (perhaps in the Seventh): Or, he may have enlisted from Berkeley County, Virginia, and have served in a Virginia Regiment: but a Pennsylvania regiment is the most probable.

Thanking you for this courtesy, I am,
Sincerely yours,
[signed] M. B. Pettis
Hout Descendant
Page 38

The Old Wars section of the Pension Bureau reports the allowance of bounty land to Adam Hout as private in Capt. William Reynold's Company of Penna. Militia, War of 1812-14.

Also served in War of 1812-14 Adam Hout (cousin of above), son of Peter Hout, who lived in Berkeley County, Va. (now W. Va), and later took his family to Jefferson County, Ohio. This Adam Hout may have enlisted in Virginia, Ohio or Penna. If he applied for pension or bounty land, some of his relatives would be glad to have any information that the records may show in regard to him.

----------

Christopher Overly, of Westmoreland Co., Penna., served in the Revolutionary War; was injured in battle; received pension of $12 per month; his wife, Catharine Hout Overly, received pension after his death; it is not known by his descendants whether he enlisted in Virginia of Penna. Any information contained in the records in regard to Christopher Overly and his widow, Catherine Hout Overly, would be appreciated.

---------

Inquiry in regard to the persons mentioned above has been addressed to Mary E. Pettis, Room 2004, Pension Bureau.
Page 39

1842 Penrose Ave.,
E. Cleveland, Ohio
October 3, 1927

Bureau of Pensions,
Dear Sirs:

I am in receipt of advice from your office that the records of your office show that Adam Hout served in the war of 1812 as a private in Capt. Wm. Reynolds' Co. of Riflemen, Penna. Militia; that he was allowed bounty land for services rendered, on his application of May 16th, 1857, while living in East Huntingdon Township, Westmoreland County, Pa.

Will you kindly give me all details in regard to this bounty land; the number of acres, the exact location of this land, and any further details available.

Thanking you for this courtesy, I am
Sincerely yours,
[signed] M. B. Pittis
Hout descendant.

P. S. - This is the same Adam Hout that served in the War with Mexico, in accordance with the accompanying letter.
Page 40

1842 Penrose Ave.,
E. Cleveland, Ohio
October 3, 1927

Commissioner,
Bureau of Pensions,
Washington, D. C.

Dear Sir:
Adam Hout who lived in East Huntingdon Township, Westmoreland County, Penna, served in the war with Mexico. His granddaughter has in her possession his bridle bit which bears the letters U.S.A. This would indicate that he served in the Cavalry.

Will you kindly give me all details in regard to his service; whether or not he received pension, the amount, date when it began, date of his death, etc.

Thanking you for this courtesy, I am,
Sincerely yours,
[signed] M B Pittis
Hout descendant

This is the same Adam Hout who served in the war of 1812 as a private in Captain Wm. Reynolds Company of Pennsylvania Militia
Page 41

1842 Penrose Ave.,
E. Cleveland, Ohio
October 3, 1927

Commissioner,
Pension Bureau,
Washington, D. C.

Dear Sir:
Adam Hout, who lived in Berkeley Co., Virginia, and also in Jefferson County, Ohio, was a soldier in the War of 1812. His granddaughter has in her possession a watch which he carried in that war, which saved his life and which plainly shows the dint made by the bullet.

(This Adam Hout was a first cousin of the Adam Hout of Westmoreland County, Pa.)

I shall be grateful for all details pertaining to his war record. The time of his service, the regiment in which he served, whether he received pension and how much, the date when his pension began, the date of his death. Whether his wife, Margaret Hout, received a pension, how much, the date when her pension began, and the date of her death.

Thanking you for this courtesy, I am,
Sincerely yours,
[signed] M B Pittis
Hout Descendant.
Page 42

1842 Penrose Ave.,
Cleveland, Ohio May 28, 1927.
issmioner of Pensions,
gton, D. C.

Dear Sir:

The Pennsylvania Archives, Fifth Series, Vol. IV., p. 744 records:

Peter Haut, Private, Continental Line, Westmoreland county, Penna.

I shall appreciate your sending me the record of service in the Revolutionary War of this soldier. Also the name of his father, his address, whether he received pension, and all information on record.
Sincerely yours,
[signed] M. B. Pittis
Hout descendant
Page 43

1842 Penrose Ave.,
Cleveland, Ohio May 28, 1927

Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sir:

The Pennsylvania Archives, Sixth Series, Vol. I., p. 117 records:

George Hout. Private, June 25, 1777 
Muster Roll of Captain Christian Piercy's Fifth Company in the Second Class of the City of Philadelphia. Militia in the service of the U. S. commanded by Colonel Sharp Delany, Esq.

I shall be grateful if you will send me the record of service of this Revolutionary soldier, the name of his father, his address, and all information on record.

Sincerely yours
Page 44

1842 Penrose Ave.,
Cleveland, Ohio
May 5, 1927.

Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington, D. C.

Dear Sir:
I shall appreciate the record of Jacob Hout in the war of 1812. His home was near Shepherdstown, Jefferson County, Virginia (now W.Va.). His father's name was Rudolph Hout.
I desire to know his rank, regiment, company, time of service, and the details in regard to his pension.
Thanking you for this courtesy, I am,
Sincerely yours,
[signed] M. B. Pittis
Hout descendant

[stamp]
U. S. PENSION OFFICE F
MAY 7 1927
Page 45

1842 Penrose Ave., Cleveland, Ohio.
May 28, 1927.

Commissionerof Pensions,
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sir:

I shall be grateful if you will send to me the record of Christopher Overly, of Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania who served in the Revolutionary War and was wounded in battle. He must have received a pension. Please send all records found.

If his record is not found, as a Revolutionary soldier, will you please see if he served in the Militia at a later date, or in the War of 1812 1814. This record is wanted for a family history.

Thanking you, I am,
Very truly yours,
[signed] M B Pittis
Page 46

Rev War 6981
INVALID.
File No. 6981
Peter Haught
Pri Rev War
Act: June 7th 32
Index:-Vol. 1st, Page 160
[Arrangement of 1870.]

1926 Mch. 26 - Hist to M. B. Pittis AWF
1927 - Jan 21 - " " Mrs. Guy A. Hall wd
2.00/100 returned AWF.
1927 - Oct. 25 - M. B. Pittis advised only one & sent on Mch 20 - 1926 - Also see Neg- files for other searches for her of names contained in letter from Mary E. Pittis of this Bu. & with this claim - MMHF
1930 Apl. 10 - Hist to Harvey Haught - AWF.
1931 - July 9 - " " Mrs R. C. Hammock AWF.
Page 47

Rev War 6981
INVALID.
File No. 6981
Peter Haught
Pri Rev War
Act: June 7th 32
Index:-Vol. 1st, Page 160
[Arrangement of 1870.]

1926 Mch. 26 - Hist to M. B. Pittis AWF
1927 - Jan 21 - " " Mrs. Guy A. Hall wd
2.00/100 returned AWF.
1927 - Oct. 25 - M. B. Pittis advised only one & sent on Mch 20 - 1926 - Also see Neg- files for other searches for her of names contained in letter from Mary E. Pittis of this Bu. & with this claim - MMHF
1930 Apl. 10 - Hist to Harvey Haught - AWF.
1931 - July 9 - " " Mrs R. C. Hammock AWF.
Page 48

State of Virginia
County of Augusta
Personally came before me, a justice of the peace, within and for the County and State aforesaid Fras T. Stribling who being duly sworn according to law states that he is the Physician & Superintendent of Western Lunatic Asylum, That Mrs. Sarah Haught, was an inmate of said Institution from the 12 November 1853 to the 6 April 1857 - and died therein on the 6 Day of April 1857, That previous to her admission into said Asylum she was a resident of Monongalia County Virginia, and entered said Asylum and was registered as such, and further saith not.
Fras. T Stribling
Phys & Sup. W. L. Asylum
The foregoing affidavit was sworn to and subscribed before me on the 28th day of May 1857, and I certify that the affiant is a credible person, and that I have no interest in the claim to which the Evidence refers.
B F Points
---

State of Virginia
County of Augusta} Sct
I Jefferson Kinney, Clerk of the Court
Page 49

of Augusta County, in the State of Virginia, do hereby Certify that B F Points Esqr, whose genuine Signature appears to the preceding Certificate and Affidavit, was at the time of Signing the Same, a Justice of the peace for Said County of Augusta duly Elected Commissioned and qualified according to Law, with favor and authority to administer oaths and take acknowledgements and that full faith and credit are due to all his Official acts as Such
In Testimony Whereof I have hereto Set my hand and affixed My Official Seal, at Office in Staunton this 28th day of May AD 1857 and in the 81st year of the Commonwealth
Jefferson Kinney Clk
By
W. A Burnet Dep Clk
Page 50

Bounty Land Claim
Frances & John Haught
No - 274,942

J. V. Boughner
Agent
Mt. Morris
Greene Co.
Ga:
Page 51

State of Virginia
County of Monongalia, SS:
Personally came before the undersigned, a justice of the peace, within and for the County and state aforesaid, Rachel Firby, aged forty seven years, and who being duly sworn according to law, deposes and says: That she was well acquainted with Peter Haught and Sarah, his wife, in their lifetime, that they were her near neighbors, That they had, previous to their decease, four children, viz: Benjamin, Jacob, Frances, and John, the last two of whom are now under twenty one years of age, Frances Haught having been born on the 29th day of May 1837, That, although she knows of no record of their ages, she is enabled to fix the precise day and year of the birth of said Frances Haught, by the circumstances that her brother had his house burned about the same time, and Came and lived in her father's family about a week while his friends built him a Cabin - That John Haught was born on the 12th day of August 1841, and She, deponent is enabl'd to fix the precise period of his birth by the Circumstances of the death of one Aunt on the same day, That she has also very frequently conversed with Sarah Haught, The mother of said minor children, in relation to their ages, and she would fix their ages by The Circumstances above mentioned. That their mother was very anxious to
Page 52

have the ages of said Frances and John set down, but said none of the family were scholars enough to do it - That said Frances and John are the only minor children of said Peter and Sarah Haught, the former being twenty years of age on the 29th day of May last, and John will be sixteen on the 12th day of August comeing - and further saith not
Rachel x her mark Firby

The foregoing affidavit was sworn to and subscribed before me on the 5th day of August, 1857, and I certify that Rachel Firby, The above deponent, is a Credible person, and that being a near neighbor of said Peter Haught spoken of in said affidavit, and being well acquainted with his family, I am satisfied the above statement is true, in every partickular. Interlineations made before being sworn - Nimrod Tennant J.P.

State of Virginia
County of Monongalia, SS:
Personally came before me, a justice of the peace, in and for said County and state, Prudence Eddy, a resident of said County & state, aged forty Eight years, whom I certify to be a credible person, and who being duly sworn according to law deposes and says: That she was well acquainted with Peter Haught and
Page 53

Sarah his wife, That she was the near neighbor of the family, That said Peter Haught & his wife at the Time of their decease left four children viz: Benjamin, Jacob, Frances, and John, That the two latter are under twenty one years of age, and are the only minor children of said Peter Haught, That Frances Haught aforesaid was twenty years of age on the 29th day of May last, and John sixteen on the 12th day of August comeing, I.E. 1857 - That she has resided for a number of years within one half a mile of where said Frances & John were born, and is Enabled to fix the precise ages of The parties by the ages of her own Children, and further Saith not.
Prudence x her mark Eddy
Sworn to and Subscribed before me on the 5th day of August 1857. 
interlineations in last affidavit made before signing
Nimrod Tennant J.P.

Virginia Monongalia County SS:
I Marshall M. Dent Clerk of the County Court within and for said County & State, do hereby Certify that Nimrod Tennant Esquire, whose genuine Signature appears above, was at the date thereof an acting Justice of the peace in and for said County duly Commissioned & qualified.
Given under my hand & seal of said Court this 10th day of August, 1857-
Marshall M Dent Clerk
Page 54

No. 274,942,
Bounty Land Claim,
Frances & Jno. Haught,
Proof of Marriage

J. V. Boughner
Agent,
Mt. Morris,
Gr. Co.
Ga:
Page 55

State of Virginia,
County of Monongalia, SS:
Personally appeared before me, a justice of the peace, in and for said County and State Solomon Moore, and Sarah Moore, his wife, whom I certify to be credible persons, and who being duly sworn, according to law, depose & say: That they were well acquainted with Peter Haught, and Sarah his wife, deceased, That said Sarah Haught was the second wife of said Peter Haught, that her maiden name was Jones - That they, deponents, were both present and heard, and were eye-witnesses to the marriage of said Peter Haught and Sarah Jones, that they were married by one David Worley, Esquire, a justice of the peace, in the adjoining County of Greene, in the state of Pennsylvania, that justices are legally authorized to marry in Pennsylvania, and that it is Customary for Virginias residing near the state line to go over into Pennsylvania and get married, and thus save the expense of license from the County Clerk, That there were forty or fifty persons who witnessed the marriage refered to, & many of them are still living in this neighborhood, that said marriage, as near as they can now remember, took place near thirty years ago - That said parties had the following Children, viz: Benjamin, Jacob,
Page 56

Frances, and John, the last two, said to be, and they believe, are under twenty one years of age - That said Peter Haught was said to have been in the wars a good deal, and once received a pension, and died several years since near one hundred years of age - That his wife Sarah Haught lost her reason and was taken to the Lunatic Asylum at Staunton, Virginia, and is reported to have died there this spring - That the deponents have lived within several miles of said Haughts' residence for thirty years, and personally know all the facts set forth - 
Solomon Moore
Sarah x her mark Moore
The foregoing affidavit was sworn to and subscribed before me on the 6th day of July 1857-
E B Tygard J.P.

State of Virginia
Monongalia County} SS.
I Marshall M Dent Clerk of the County Court of the County & State aforesaid, do hereby certify that E. B. Tyard was, at the date of the above certificate, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly Commissioned and qualified, and that his signature above written is genuine. Given under my hand and the seal of said Court the 7th day of July 1857.
Marshall M Dent Clerk.
Page 57

Peter Haught
Page 58

3d auditor's office
April 21. 1838.
Sir:
Peter Haught, Va. roll, Act 1832, appears to have been paid to March 4. 1834
Resp'y
Rob J Atkinson
Auditor

Geo. C. Whiting Esq:
Commr. of Pensions

Pension Office
April 19, 1858
Respectfully referred to the Third Auditor for date of last payment
S Cole
for Comm
Page 59

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Peter Haught which require further proof or explanation.

I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? yes

II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? yes

III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for him not doing so? 

IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? yes

V. *Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled? No

VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? No

VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? yes

VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? yes

IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? yes

X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? 
yes
Page 60

2

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? No

XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it? no

XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had? one living witness

XIV. [notation sign 1]If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service? yes
If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses? yes
Has the proper officer certified the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct? yes

XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service? -

XVI. [notation sign 2]Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? yes

XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? 1 2 4 & 7 not answered
_________________________
EXPLANATORY NOTES.

*QUERE V. 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 of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades; For ___________ year _____________ months, and _________ days, I served as a ______________ For _____________ months and ___________ days, I served as a _______________; and for such service I claim a pension.”
Page 61

3

It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase "about three or four months" is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours; the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must in every case be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[notation sign 1]QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
[notation sign 2]QUERE XVI. Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
[symbol of pointing finger]In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, has no public seal of office, the certificate of a member of congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.

The applicant specify his service as required above
Page 62

G Whiting
Page 63

Department of the Interior
November 2d. 1859.

Sir,
I have examined the claim of the son of Sarah Haught widow of Peter Haught for arrears of pension under Act February 3d 1853, upon which an appeal has been taken from your decision.
It appears from the papers in this case that Sarah Haught died April 6th 1857, without ever having applied for a pension. Such having been the case, it is plain, under my ruling in the claim of Deborah Grant, that her right died with her. Not having been a pensioner, she could have left no arrears to be claimed by her heirs. The claim is therefore rejected, and the papers are herewith returned to your Office.
I am, very respectfully,
Your Obd. Servt.
J. Thompson
Secretary.

Hon. G. C. Whiting.
Commr. of Pensions.
Page 64

Will Mr. La Merle. file these papers in the case of the heirs of Haught. OW. 160 acres & No. 71.143. & oblige me.
Boynton.
Dec. 21/59.
Page 65

Morgantown, Virginia.
Nov. 19. 1859.

Sir:
Will you do me the favour to inform the date of Bounty Land Warrant, No. 71,143, 160 acres, issued to Frances and John Haught, minor children of Peter Haught decd. a Revy. soldier, act of March 3. 1855-
Very Respectfully,
Your obt Servt
J. V. Boughner

Hon. Geo. C. Whiting
Commr of Pensions,
Washington, D.C.
Page 66

Say that I do not feel disposed to continue a correspondence having reference to a matter proof of a private matter between himself & Mr Byrne - Nor than already communicative fully not Mr E W Tower the reference @ subsequently with himself & Mr Byrne - & have to Insist &c permitted to relive from it. Besides the papers viz of his present acquaintance is not shown-
Page 67

Morgantown, Va. Dec. 12. 1859~

Sir:
I have already addressed you several times in relation to a pending Controversy between Mr Jno. P Byrne and myself, and have again to make another inquiry:
1 Was I not the only Agent recognized and known in the prosecution of the claim of the heirs of the late Peter Haught of this Cunty a Revolutionary soldier, whose name you restored to the pension List in April 1858?
2 Did I not transmit to your office, the declaration of Jacob G. Haught, the affidavits of Joseph Tennant and Saml. Minor, Esqr, and sundry other papers in support of said restoration of Haught's name?
I would thank you for an early reply to the foregoing questions
I am,
Very resp'y
Yr. obt. servt
J. V. Boughner

Hon. Geo. C. Whiting,
Commr Pensions,
Washington City
D. Com.
Page 68

Washington Feb 16. 1837.
Hon Geo C. Whiting
Commissioner of Pensions

Dear Sir:
I am acquainted personally, or by character, with Samuel Minor Esq. and Capt. Jno Launtz of Monongalia Co, Virginia (in hopes in Certain Cases now pending before you) and know them to Entitled to full faith and Credit, in any matter, to which, they may testify.
(Signed)
Sheward Clemens.
Page 69

Accounting for his appearance of Haught's papers upon which he was allowed pension, originally
Page 70

Memo. In the case of Peter Haught, copies of the original papers were handed to W. G. Singleton, U.S. Atty. for the Western District of Virginia on the 13th. August 1839 for the purpose of bringing suit for the recovery of the money paid on false papers, to Said Haught. The copies were taken by F. S. Evans, who, as well as the Commissioner of Pensioner, swore to the facts in the case as to the copy & the Disposition of the original papers
Page 71

add. Evidence
No 274.942
Page 72

Mt. Morris, Greene Co. Penna
Sept 1 1857
Sir:
Your favour of day 19 has been recd, and I am satisfied, at the Course and Character of the sanctions, you require in the case of Frances & Jno. Haught, minor heirs of Peter Haught decd. No 274.942.
When the application was originally sent to your office it was rejected - Subsequently, in a letter dated June 16th you say "Additional Evidence of the arrearage should be filed - proof of the death of Mrs. Haught, &c. and close by saying "I am strongly inclined to the opinion that Peter Haught, if living, would be entitled to land, and Consequently shall look favourably upon the application of the heirs when the proof is perfected"-
The affidavit of Dr Stribley of Staunton Va was procured showing the death of Mrs Haught, The marriage was sworn by two witnesses who were Eye witnesses to the fact.
Under date of July 22d you again require proof of the respective ages of Frances and John Haught, - I procured the affidavits of Mrs Firby, and Mrs. Eddy who have resided all their lives in the
Page 73

near neighborhood of the Haughts - Indeed they have been the very nearest neighbors for the past twenty five years.
It is very well known that many persons in the County have no record of the age of their children - The Haughts have none of theirs - This Mrs. Haught in her lifetime often regretted -
John Haught, really, does not appear to be as old as represented - is a mere boy - have more the appearance of a child of twelve. - Than that of a boy in his seventeenth year verging into manhood.
Now under date of Augt 19 you require the Evidence to be made in open Court, with the Certificate of the Court attached showing the Character of the Evidence by which the minority is shown!
I don't know that I am able to show the precise ages of the parties, by any one, out of the family, except Mrs. Firby & Mrs. Eddy - Though the fact of their minority could be shown by over our [illegible] men of respectable positions in the County.
Looking then at the testimony of the claim, I can, I believe, Offer no further
Page 74

Evidence to your office in this case, I shall advise the heirs to make an application to Congress for a special law. If Congress require witnesses, whose credibility cannot be impeached, to go into open Court, a distance of over twenty miles over a rough and broken Country, as a guarantee of their Credibility - The requisition will be Conformed to-
Warrants have issued to those, or the widows of those who served with same Company with Haught, on less than a [illegible] of the Evidence that has been adduced in this Claim, and I feel no inclination to go to the [illegible] and incur the Expense, of transmitting Evidence to prove a claim, when the fact is to apparent, that your office is activated more by a desire to defeat the [illegible] object and intention of the law, Than to see that the rights it Confers are delivered, without raising obstructs, and requiring conditions, that virtually [illegible] the fair and legitimate Execution of its provisions ~
Very respectfully
Your obt servt.
J. V. Boughner

Hon
Geo. C. Whiting
Commr Pensions
Page 75

John & Francis
Haught.
No 274,942.
Page 76

Mount Morris, Greene Co, Pen:
June 30 1857

Sir:
Herewith please find affidavit of Dr. F. S. Stribling, physician and Supt. Western Lunatic Asylum Stauton, Virginia, showing the death of Mrs. Sarah Haught on the 6' of April, as set forth in the declaration of Jacob Haught, next friend of Frances & John Haught, applicants for Bounty land, acts of Mch 3d. 1855 and May 14' 1856, No. 274,942.
Additional Evidence of the marriage of Peter and Sarah Haught will be sent on in a few days.
Very respy,
Your Obt. Servt.
J. V. Boughner

Hon. Geo C Whiting
Commr. Pen.
Washn
D.Co
Page 77

Mt. Morris, Greene Co Pen
July 7 1857.

Sir:
Herewith please find Evidence of the marriage of Peter Haught and Sarah Jones as required by your letter of June 16th. 
I think the fact was set forth, in the declaration that no record existed of the marriage - worthy witnesses, however, can be produced who were present at Esquire Worley's, in Pennsylvania when the event was solemnized.
I sent the affidavit of Dr. F. S. Stribling, Supt. & Physician to Western Lunatic Asylum, at Staunton, showing Mrs Sarah Haughts death on the 6' day of April last, several days since.
Very respy -
Yr. Obt. Servt
J. V. Boughner

Hon Geo. C. Whiting
Commr Pensions,
Page 78

Statement in relation to the claim of S. Haught, wid. of P Haught, decd. for arrears

Mr Fowler
Page 79

Mount Morris Greene Co, Pa
July 12, 1858~

Sir:
Having restore in the name of the late Peter Haught, of Monongalia County, Virginia, a Revolutionary Soldier, to the pension roll, and his son and administrator, having received the amount due Haught at the time of his decease, for distribution amongst his heirs, permit me to ask your attention to the additional claim of his widow, Sarah Haught, under the act of Feby 3d. 1853, who died on the 6' day of April 1857~
The widow of Haught never made an application under the act of Feby 1853, it is true, but this omission was for reasons you will readily understand on Examining the testimony of case. Her husband had been suspended, and his gratuity withheld from March 4' 1834, and Haught at the time of his decease in Feby 1853, had a suit hanging over his head, instituted by the U.S. in the district Court at Clarksburg, Virginia.
Haught and his widow at the time of the decease of the former were both in duress, and could do nothing. In 1854, the suit, after pending nineteen years and
Page 80

seriously exhausting a considerable proportion of Haught's Estate was withdrawn by the Government,
In the meantime, Sarah Haught, the widow of Haught had become a Lunatic - She never regained her reason, and spent the last year or two of her life at Staunton Virginia, in the Lunatic Asylum located at that place, and finally died at the time indicated, to wit, on the 6' of April 1857, as will be seen by the affidavit of Dr. F. S. Stribling, Superintendent of the said Institution, amongst the Evidence of Francis & John Haught, for Bounty deed No. 274,942. 
Should you allow the claim of the widow, which, certainly, so far as the Equity of the Claim is taken into view, has the same strength, as the Claim of the husband, it will not be a gratuity to the heirs, but a mere re-imbursement of the losses resulting from the improper prosecution of the Government in 1835.
The claim is about one hundred and five dollars ($165) -
Very Respectfully,
Your Obt. Servt.
J. V. Broughner

Hon
Geo. C. Whiting
Commr Pensions,
Page 81

Mount Morris, Greene Co. Penna.
June 8 1857 -

Sir:
Your letter of the 29' May, in which you inform me of the rejection of the Bounty land claim of Frances, and John Haught, minor Children of Peter Haught decd, has been received.
Knowing that this decision is [illegible], and without a knowledge of all the facts in the case, a sense of duty to the heirs, a desire to uniformity in your desires, induces me to give you a detailed history of this case, and to do that have to refer to some others that are perfectly analyzed, Having resided on the state line almost where the Counties of Greene in Penna. and Monongalia in Virginia some 20 years, and within a few miles of the descendants of the parties to whom I shall refer, and had personal interviews often with the relatives and neighbors of the parties, Every fact I adduce can be established by the Concurrent testimony of the immediate descendants of the parties.
Peter Haught, Zachariah Piles, and George Wade were all pensioned under the act of June 7' 1832, at the same rate of pension, viz $40 per annum, They all served at the same time under the same officers, and the same periods of service, so far as I can learn, as Indian
Page 82

spies during the Revolutionary war. Several others residing in the same neighborhood were out at the same time, but had died previous to June 7 1832. Amongst them was Richard Tennant, a Scotchman by birth, who had emigrated to this country, prior to the revolution, and removed to Western Virginia in 1775 or 76. Tennant was a man of strong sense, Could read and write, of unusual physical strength, and undoubted veracity, and left at his death now I presume forty years since, a large-landed estate. He had married Haught's sister, and knew they were brothers-in-law, They settled in Monongalia County Va, on adjoining Tracts of land in the wilderness in 177 or 1778, a few miles west of the point Tennant visited in 1775. They have both left a large number of descendants, as have Piles and Wade. Tennant had seven sons, five of whom I believe were volunteers in the war of 1812. They are all Considerable Freeholders, amongst the most independent and respectable farmers, in Monongalia County, having held various offers of trust and profit.
Some of these men, the sons of Tennant referred to, are now between 75 and 80 years of age, and have heard their father talk a thousand times about
Page 83

The campaign to the Tuscarawas in the then Northwestern territory, and of their service in the Fort in the neighborhood. The old man said he was well acquainted with General McIntosh, at Tuscarawas, according to the representation of his children. Captain Michael Catt, would frequently come to see Tennant, and on such occasions Piles and Haught would be sent for and the old Indian fighters would have a reunion, drink grog, and have a good time of it.
The descendants of Tennant, and Haught, and Piles, and Wade, have at, a Thousand Times, probably, heard their parents, when they, the soldiers would visit each other, narrate the incidents connected with the service under McIntosh, and any person, in their presence, who would venture to cast a reflection on the truthfulness of what their ancestors had said would pay for their temerity. 
The Hon, Thos. S. Haymond who represented this district in Congress during Taylor's administration served with several of the Tennants, and would cheerfully vouch for their character for
Page 84

truth and respectability. Hon McKidwell, late member, and Hon. Sherrard Clemons, member elect, both of whom are well acquainted with the Tennants, the Piles, Haughts, and Wades, will do the same thing.
The case then stands thus: Though there may be no record evidence of the service of Haught, or the other parties named, we have the attestations of their numerous descendants, which can be corroborated by all the oldest residents in the neighborhood that their ancestors, Haught, Tennant, Piles, and Wade, were in the service during the revolutionary war - The number and respectability, generally, of these descendants, is such as would carry moral Conviction, to the mind of any unprejudiced man. 
We shall now reply to the points raised in your letter above refered to:
Haught, Peter, and Wade, were pensioned, Through an Agent named
Page 85

John Brookover, assisted by a [illegible] or some other attorney in Morgantown. The parties refused to pay Brookover an exorbitant fee he demanded. Brookover took offense, visited Clarksburgh and informed W. G. Singleton, Esqr U,S, dist. attorney that the pensions were fraudulently obtained. Brookover was a cunning and unprincipled man, but very ignorant. Under These Circumstances Singleton visited Haught, who to questions propounded to him by Singleton was Confused in his answers, as could easily be accounted for under the circumstances. Brookover had threatened him with a [illegible] prosecution, and when Singleton called he was in great trepidation and afterwards recollected he Committed some blunders in making replies to Singleton's questions. Haught had served a number of times in scouting parties under various Captains or leaders and he informed Singleton that his service on Tuscarawas under McIntosh was under Captain John Minor instead of Captain Catt. He served
Page 86

under Captain John Minor but not in the Northwestern service. Mr. Joseph Tennant, who was present, when Singleton visited Haught states that Haught told him as soon as Singleton left Haughts house that he was frightened and had made a mistake in saying Minor was Captain in McIntosh's Campaign, that it was Michael Catt, Captain Minor, who lived after June 7' 1832, was pensioned under that act. He resided in Greene Co. Penna
Singleton, U,S, attorney, instituted suits in the U.S. district Court, Western Virginia, against Haught and Piles who were both men of property. This suit must have been instituted in 1835 or 1836, as I can get at dates, which is through the recollection of those who were witnesses in the cause,
This explanation I think meets the point you raise in your letter. "that it is very improbable Haught would have permitted his annuity to be withheld from him for nearly twenty years if his claim had been meritorious"
Whilst a suit was pending, of course, he
Page 87

would not make application to be restored, to the pension list, but his children did speak to me on the subject about the time the U.S. withdrew the suit. The old man died about the same time and the widow was a lunatic, and I postponed talking up the Case but always intended to when I had Census to get at its history.
Of the fact of Haught's service I have no doubt, and a hundred [illegible] witnesses can be produced that also know that his reputation and Character was that of having been in the service, His nephews, The Tennants, whose character I have refered to, the Piles, the Wade's, the immediate descendants of men who were in the service have all heard Haughts service spoken of, by their parents.
One thing is evident, and the neighborhood attests that; Haught was a weak, uneducated man, a it is said by the Tennants, his nephews, that their father who was in the Service said he was a coward. But that does not effect, the in all settled Conviction of the neighborhood that
Page 88

he was in the service. There are a score of Credible persons, who have heard Richd. Tennant, above refered to say a hundred times that Haught was in the service.
The heirs of Piles, now old man, will say the same thing - and the heirs of Wade will state that they have heard George Wade their father often say that he served with Haught under Captain Michael Catt, in the division of this revolutionary Army Commanded by General McIntosh.
Now in Conclusion I would desire to know upon what ground, your Beaureau has disoriented between Haught and Piles. They and Wade made their applications under the act of June 7' 1832, at the same time; on the same evidence, for the same service, and were pensioned about the sametime. They were suspended about the same time and suits were brought by W. G. Singleton, U.S. attorney for the Western district of Virginia at the same time. Piles died in 1835 or 1836, I believe, but I do not know the precise period of his death.
Page 89

Wade died in 1841. He, the latter, left no widow or minor heirs. Piles left a widow, Susannah Piles, who has received a warrant for 160 acres. John P. Byrne, of Morgantown, Virginia, attorney.
Now if Piles' widow is Entitled Frances Haught and John Haught, are Entitled. Piles' children, and Haughts' children know that the parties served at the sametime, for the same terms, under the same officers, &c.
Mrs. Susannah Piles warrant was issued in Jany. or February 1857.
As a matter of Curiosity I would be pleased to know in what respect the Claim of Mrs. Piles is more meritorious than Haughts heirs.
Very respectfully
Your obt. servt.
J. V. Boughner.

Hon Geo C. Whiting
Commr. Pensions,
Page 90

Since writing the foregoing I have had an interview with Samuel Minor, Esquire, one of the oldest resident citizens of the County of Monongalia now over 80 years of age, and a citizen of the County for fifty nine years past, and a near neighbor of both Peter Haught and Richard Tennant, Esqr. Minor has been an acting justice of the peace in Monongalia County for forty years, and has held the Commission of Sheriff of the County two years, and is a nephew of Capt. John Minor refered to, and one the most intelligent, wealthy, and respectable Citizens of Monongalia County, and can have no possible motive to pervert the truth.
He states that Richard Tennant, died in 1821 or 1822, and that he wrote his wid, and was the neighbor and friend of Tennant from the year 1798 when he settled in the County to the period of their respective deaths. He confirms everything I have said about Tennant Character for veracity and respectability - in his own it would be as easy to move a mountain as to induce him to say what he did not
Page 91

Know to be the truth. Minor states he has often heard Tennant talk about the Campaign under McIntosh and say that Haught and the other parties named were in that Campaign - He Minor Conversed with Haught very often on the subject and has no doubt of his service as set forth by Tennant, and others who say they served with him.
These are persons yet living who have a recollection of the services of Tennant, Haught, Piles, &c as Indian Scouts or Spies.
In the face then of this universal conviction of the  neighborhood, and can hardly admit of question that Haught was in the service as alleged.
Haught died leaving an unincumbered freehold worth several thousand dollars, and the Government after incurring an expense of not less than $1000 in the suits against him and Piles, have withdrawn the action and paid the Costs, which Mr. Smith who was U.S. attorney at the time
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became convinced would be the result, and so informed a witness in behalf of Haught and Piles, when he found out what the defendants could prove.
Respy. a.
J V Boughner

Hon Geo. C. Whiting.
Page 93

Mt. Morris. Greene Co Pa
Augt 8 1857

Sir:
Your favour of July 22d, requiring "the ages, respectively, of Franes & Jno. Haught, minor Children of Peter Haught, decd, and that they are the only minor children of said Haught" has been received ~
Herewith you will find the affidavits of Mrs Rachel Firby and Mrs. Prudence Eddy, showing the precise date of their birth, respectively, and that they are the only minor Children of said Haught
Very respectfully
Your Obt. Servant
J. V. Boughner

Hon Geo. C. Whiting,
Commr Pensions,
Washington City
D.C.~
Page 94

Letter to Commr.
Pensions ~
Page 95

Mount Morris, Greene County, Penna
May 10th 1857.

Sir:
Herewith please find the application of Jacob G. Haught, next friend, of Frances and John, minor children of Peter Haught, for Bounty Land, under acts of March 3d. 1855, and May 14th 1856.
Peter Haught was a revolutionary soldier, and served in the north wester Territory, under Capt Michael Catt, whose Company was attached to the division of the Army under the Command of Genl. McIntosh.
He also served several terms under Capt. John Minor, and Capt. Shinn in Western Virginia, previous to 1790. Captain Minor was pensioned under the act of June 7 1832 for his services, but has now been many years deceased. Haught was also pensioned under the same act of Congress, but after being in the receipt of his Pension a few years, his pension was suspended, and a suit instituted against him, Zachariah Piles, and George Wade, all Citizens of Western Virginia from the period of the earliest white settlements for Western Virginia - Haught, Piles, and Wade, all now deceased, the two either over twenty years since, served together, the various terms of service refered to - I presume there is no record Evidence of their services, but the traditional Evidence, Comeing as it does through their numerous and respectable children and Grand Children
Page 96

would carry conviction of its verity to the historical student, and they were all consulted on the subject of their reminisces in their lifetime, and their narratives woven into the local histories that have been published of the early settlers and skirm'y incidents, growing out of the frequent contests with the savage Indians that then infected that entire region.
Several members of Haughts, Piles, & Wades family lost their lives in these forays against the Indians.
Piles left a widow - Susannah Piles - to whom a Land warrant for 160 acres was issued a few months since - She was his second wife - The warrant was procured by John P. Byrne, Esqr. of Morgantown, Va. If Mrs. Piles was entitled, the minor heirs of Haught are - and this, their application, has been made out under the Conviction the Claims are equally meritorious.
Mrs. Piles, we presume, received a warrant upon the Evidence on which her husband was pensioned - and me think you will find the Evidence upon which Peter Haught was pensioned Equally as strong and Conclusive.
Very respectfully
Your Obt. Servt.
J V Boughner

Hon Geo C Whiting,
Commr Pensions,
Washington City
Page 97

J. V. Boughner
Mount Morale Pa.
Sept. 1. 1837

Appeals from the decision of the Comr. of Pensions in the case of Frances and John Haught for Bounty Land.

Respectfully referred to 
the Comr of Pensions,
for report ~
Moses Kelly
Dep. Int.
Sep. 3/57
Page 98

No.
274,942
Mount Morris Greene Co, Pa:
Sept 1 1857.

Sir:
I am reluctantly compelled to appeal from the decision of the Commissioner of Pensions on the Bounty Land Claim of Frances and John Haught, minor Children of Peter Haught, decd, and to give an intelligible view of the case will briefly revert to its history:
The application was originally made in the Month (of May) and rejected by the Commissioner of Pensions - Having allowed warrants to the widows of those whose husbands had served with Haught, I apprized the Commissioner of that fact,
On the 16' June The Commissioner writes me that "I am strongly inclined to the opinion that Peter Haught if living would be entitled and shall look favourably upon the application of the minor Children of said Haught when the proof is perfected" I proved:-
1st The marriage by two credible witnesses who were eye witnesses to this fact, properly certified to by a justice of the peace.
Page 99

2 The death of Peter Haught and his widow Sarah was proven on the fact day on which these events occured.
3 The minority of the heirs or Children Frances and John has been proven by two witnesses, Joseph and Rachel Tennant, the former of whom has lived in sight of Haught's family for over fifty years.
4 I proved the exact ages of the minor Children by Rachel Firby and Mrs Eddy, who have been near neighbors of he Haughts for twenty five years - In addition to the testimony of these witnesses as to the day of the birth and the present ages of said minor Children. The Justice of the peace, who swore their affidavits, separately, certified himself to the general facts in the affidavits being within his personal Knowledge, and true,
The Commr. of Pensions now requires the facts proven, or so far as relates to the minority of the applicants in Open Court.
This at great inconvenience Could be done; The witnesses would have
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to travel twenty three miles to the County Seat, and including for me expenses will require the Claimants to incur an Expense scarcely less than one half the money value of the warrant they may receive.
I therefore think such a requisition unreasonable.
2 But a few months since the Pension office issued and sent to my address a warrant for minor being not requiring proof as to their exact ages but simply the single fact of minority - The action, therefore, of the Office is not uniform -
3 In this particular case there is a wide margin - on the 3d March 1855 Frances Haught was just about sixteen years of age and John not fourteen ~
The rate of requiring parties with their witnesses to go into open Court, when residing so far from the County Seat is a great hardship - and in this instance I trust it will be waived, and a conformity with the Rules of the Pension Office, only, be exacted.
Very respectfully
Your obt servt
J V Boughner

Hon Jacob Thompson
Page 101

Mt. Morris, Greene Co. Pa
June 9 1857~

Sir:
Since writing to you yesterday, I have had a call from Mr. Jacob Tennant, The youngest son of Richard Tennant, refered to in my letter to you.
Mr. Tennant was a volunteer in the late war, Capt. Lee's Co. Connells Rgt. Va militia, and had five brothers served - himself in the service, in the war of 1812, four of whom were volunteers. I have acted as the agent of five of the brothers and they have received their Compliment of Bounty land under the acts of Septr. 8 1850, and March 3' 1855, except the widow of John Tennant, which is still pending.
Mr. Jacob Tennant is a man of more than ordinary intelligence, and is very well informed as to the services of his father and such Peter Haught as he has heard the natives speak of their services, prior to the passage of any existing Pension or Bounty Land enactment, when the parties could have no motive to misrepresent the fact in relation to their services
Page 102

He states that his father and Haught were stationed for most of the term they were in the service at "Fort Dasquense", now the City of Petersburgh, that this being prior to the fixing of Mason's and Dixon's line, was not known at the time to [illegible] to the Province of Pennsylvania, That they were out as Virginians, and went from what is now known as Fayette County Pennsylvania, that Captain, Michael Catt, resided in Fayette County. That from "Fort Dasquesne" they made a march to the Tuscarawas County now in the state of Ohio. and that Genl. McIntosh was the officer commanding.
He states, and that can be corroborated, that he had Uncle named Tobias Haught, who was an Indian Spy, and brother of Peter Haught, Killed by the Indians. His father Richard Tennant was close by at the time. Peter Haught had another brother Henry Haught, who was with Lewis & Clark, and was killed by the Indians. The report of the latter's death was made by Lewis & Clark to the proper office in Washington
Page 103

City, and Jacob Tennant as one of his relatives, through the Hon. Thos. S Haymond had the fact of his uncle's death ascertained and has documentary Evidence from the 3d. Auditor's Office, I presume to the fact.
Heirs, it is evident, that some of the Haughts have rendered the Country some services.
I have also Conversed with Andrew Brown, Esqr, an old and very intelligent citizen of the neighborhood on the subject. He says Peter Haught, had as much Character as W. G Singleton the U.S. attorney.
Brown was the Agent of Haught and Piles, and was a witness for the U.S. summoned at the instance of Singleton, in said suits. He states that after a change had been made in the attorney for the U.S. and Smith became attorney, who after carefully investigating the cases, withdrew the suits. But I am willing to rest the Claim thus: Piles widow, Susannah Piles, has recd. a warrant: now if evidence of Haught's services cannot be adduced as strong and Conclusive
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as of Zachariah Piles then the case will be abandoned. Piles himself never spoke of his service without speaking of Haught as a Comrade~
Singleton, U.S. attorney, called upon Piles, had his pension suspended, and instituted suit against him at the same time he did against Haught. The suits were dismissed by the District Court. Esqr. Brown informs me at the same own.
Brown thinks Singleton was influenced by the man Brookover - The latter of whom had to flee the Country to avoid a criminal prosecution, and have prepared the Claims of Piles and Haught before he called upon them.
But there is not an intelligent person in the neighborhood but believes both Piles & Haught were in the service
Very respectfully
Yr. obt. servt.
J V Boughner

Commr. Pensions
Page 105

Pentress, Monongalia Co. Va
Decr. 1 1857

Dear Sir:
Herewith I beg to send thru you, to the Commissioner of Pensions, the declaration of Jacob G. Haught asking the payment of certain arrears of Pension due his father Peter Haught, decd. together with the amount to which his mother, Sarah Haught, decd, would have been entitled under the act of Feby 3d, 1853, had she made application in her lifetime-
Peter Haught died on the 12th day of February 1853, and his wife Sarah Haught, on the 6' day of April 1857~ They left two minor Children viz, Frances & John who have made an application for Bounty land, and received a warrant for 160 acres, on account of the revolutionary services of their father, "No. 71.143~
As the history of the case is rather peculiar, I would briefly recur to its prominent points:
Haught through the late Thos. P. Ray, Esqr, of Morgantown, Monongalia Co. made an application for a pension under the act of June 7' 1832, and alleged agreeable to memoranda Rept by Mr. Ray, Eighteen months service - within the intent and meaning of said act of Congress - He was pensioned in 1833, at the rate of $40 pr. annum, $20 less than he should have received, if
Page 106

he made the requisite proof, as I presume Could readily have been done, at that time. In 1835 his pension was suspended on the alleged ground that it was improperly granted, and a suit shortly after, instituted in the United District Court at Clarksburgh to receive the amount paid Haught by the Government. After harassing the old soldier for a period of fifteen to Eighteen years, the Government withdrew the prosecution, but not until after his decease in Feby 1853.
The Government in this instance, through the indiscrete year of a third rate lawyer by the name of W. G. Singleton, at the time United district attorney, has done the old soldier, and his numerous and respectable family irreparable injustice. This is the universal conviction of this whole neighborhood, now and at the time, not so much in the briefing [illegible] loss of withholding the annuity, it had allowed him, and in the efforts that were made to question his veracity and impunge his motives. He had a Competency and could live without a pension. Although he was a man of moderate mutual endowments, in the neighborhood in which he had lived for the long period of seventy seven years, he was always regarded as a man of excellent moral Character, and
Page 107

especially for truth, and knowingly, under oath, or otherwise, would not make a declaration he did not believe to be true.
But there are other parties involved - his numerous & respectable Children and grand Children, who desire to have their ancestor's Character vindicated from the aspersions cast upon it.
Had the Government dared to bring the Charges prefered by Singleton to a practical issue the defense were prepared by an amount of corroborative evidence, touching the meritorious services of Haught that would have completely vindicated his rights, and fair farce, of the accused. For fifteen years the Government kept the suit on the Calendar, and finally, after Haught's decease, withdrew the suit, without knowing anything of the facts in the possession of the defence.
The failing of the Government to make good the mere ex parte opinion of Singleton leaves the case resting upon the positive evidence of meritorious service, as made out in the original declaration and proofs as made in 1832 by Mr Ray supported by the undoubted reputation in the neighborhood, at that period, and now, of the Revolutionary services of Haught.
Page 108

under the circumstances, after Consideration with the heirs, I have advised them as the only way of vindicating their father's memory, to make an application at once, for the arrears of pension due Haught, if his claim was meritorious, at the time of his decease - If the Government should refuse to Entertain the Claim it places them in no worse position, whilst its allowance at once would be a recognition of the meritorious services of Haught, which as now infinitely dearer to his family than any precursory Consideration.
The family is one of the oldest, and by intermarriage the largest, probably, in the Monongalia County. I visited, a few days since, Mr. Joseph Tennant, now about seventy five years of age, a nephew of Peter Haughts, and amongst the most respectable Citizens of this County. I took some notes of his recollections as derived principally from his father Richard Tennant, who died in 1822, at the age of about 83 years - Richard Tennant was the progemtor of the large family of Tennants, in our County. Joseph Tennant refered to, is a man f incorruptible honesty, unquestionable veracity and without [illegible] for the strength and veracity of his memory.
Page 109

I obtained from him the following history of his own, and the Haught family ~ They are so interwoven that the history of one is the history of both:
My father Richard Tennant Emigrated from Scotland with others in his sixteenth year in the then Colony of Virginia in the year 1755, and settled soon afterwards on the South Branch of the Potomac, not far from the present town of Moorefield - He here became acquainted with the Haughts, who were generous and married the sister of Peter Haught in the year 1764 or 65. Every man at that day learned the rise of free arms, from necessity, on account of the frequency of Indian atrocities, and were taught a certain amount of military discipline. My father and Peter Haught, the latter then not more than sixteen or eighteen years of age; were out in the Dunmore Campaign, in 1774, under a Captain Summers, in General Services division-
IN 1775 my father Emigrated to what is now Monongalia County, and being pleased with the Country returned to the South Branch and persuaded Peter, Tobias, and Henry Haught, brothers-in-law to emigrate in 1776 - Tobias and Henry after the breaking out of the Revolutionary war returned to the South Branch, enlisted in the Virginia State line, and lost their lives in the service.
There was a requisition for
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men from 1778 to 1780, to serve against the Indians of the North West. My father and Peter Haught were out in 1780, I think was the time my father fixed under General McIntosh - They served under Captain Michael Catt. I have very often, when a boy, and afterwards, heard my father and Peter Haught talk about the incidents of that campaign. They rendezvoused at Fort Duquesne, afterwards Fort Pitt and marched in the direction of Sandusky. I think my father and Haught never went beyond a point called Tuscarawas, where they had a Fort erected. Captain Catt who resided on Brown's Run in what is now Fayette County, Pennsylvania, would sometimes call over and spend a few days with the old men, my father, Haught, and others in the neighborhood, who had served in his Company. I remember Catt very well. He would always stay at my father's house. Haught did not live more than a mile from father's, and on these occasions would always be present. The old men would have a very pleasant reunion. My recollection of these meetings is as distinct as if they occurred yesterday. I remember an ancestor I heard Captain Catt relate in the presence of my father and uncle
Page 111

Peter Haught. My father would not often swear. His ancestors had been Scotch Presbyterians. When out in the Campaign under McIntosh, my father was a drummer. Their Company were Camping on the Tuscarawas in the fall of the year. They had to be on leaves with no covering but a blanket to each man. Whilst they were asleep one night the leaves took fire, and amongst other things spoiled my father's favourite drum. The Captain said that on that occasion my father swore lustily. Indeed Catt, Haught, and my father had an old fashioned laugh over this incident.
My father and Haught being with one exception, the earliest settlers in this neighborhood were near neighbors, with the exception of short intervals from 1776 until my father's decease in 1822. I have heard them a hundred times, I suppose, talk about their services under Genl. Lewis, and McIntosh - and also as Indian Rangers under Captain John Minor, and Michael Shines. They always served together. My father was a man of fair English Education for that period and a reliable, brave man. Haught was really timid, and would not have had nerve, but for the
Page 112

presence of my father. I have often heard my father say this.
I never heard any person raise a doubt about my father and Haught's services. The opinion of every one who ever knew them, was, and is now, that all they ever said about their services in their lifetime was true. Any one, within the hearing of my father in his lifetime, who would doubt his veracity, would assume for their territory, My father oft a large real Estate at his decease. I was his Executor. There were five members of my father's family older than myself. I was born in 1782."
To any one who knows the Character of Joseph Tennant, and he is well known in this and adjoining Counties, Strong Corroboration of the facts Connected with Haught's service cannot be adduced. But he has several brothers, and sisters, who are his [illegible], who are equally familiar with old Richard Tennants version of his own and Peter Haught's military services. There are also Esquire Samuel Minor, and Capt. John Lantz, who settled in this neighborhood in 1795. Each now about 85 years of age, who knew the character of both Haught and
Page 113

Tennants, who both are firm in the Conviction as to the revolutionary services of these men, and say they never heard a doubt expressed to the Contrary. They both attest the high character of Tennant, and also say Haught was a man of good character for honesty and truth
Indeed the universal sentiment here, amongst those who knew Haught, and had formed an Opinion at the time was that the Government done great injustice in suspending Haught's pension in 1835, whilst to Continued pensions to others, and now award them to their various, who, according to popular conviction, never seen the meritorious service that Peter Haught had seen.
Joseph Tennant informs me, that he had a connection with Singleton, who had been U.S. district attorney in 1835 for the western dist. of Virginia, on the subject of his report to the Pension Office against the allowance to Haught.
Singleton, he states, based his opinion that Haught was not in the Service, on the ground that he (Haught) alleged service under Nicholas Shines, as an Indian Ranger, or Spy, instead of Capt. John Minor. Tennant, from what he had heard his father say,
Page 114

was able to Explain this apparent inconsistency with the sworn statement of Haught in 1832. IN their forays as Indian Rangers, or spies, Captain Minor, would divide his Company as a matter of policy. Shines, always had the Command of one division of the Company, but was always under the Control of Minor. Richard Tennant and Peter Haught were generally though attached to Minor's Company, Commanded by Shines.
The writer of this knew Captain Minor well. He has been dead near twenty five years. He was pensioned under the act of June 7 1832, but died soon after - He was a citizen of Greene County, Pennsylvania, and was a near relation, by marriage with Genl. Otho Williams of Revolutionary memory. We were but a youth at the time of his death.
There is an unwritten history of North Western Virginia, that if known, would bring into view, a race of men, the pioneer settlers here, of marked and remarkable character. They lived before the Era when, archives are influenced by a kind of necessary civilization. They were men of honest purposes, unflinching Courage and truth.
Page 115

The most we know of them is in the well authorized traditions that come to us through their descendants.
What do know of Laurs Wetzel, if we discredit tradition? And so of many others whose courage and prowess has never been written.
The family of the Tennants and Haughts have a rich legacy in the character and services of their ancestors. Peter Haught lost two brothers in the Revolutionary War, Henry and Tobias - Authentic Records show this. They were in General Clarke's expedition in the Territory of Illinois in 1780~
I will close by making the following points:
1 There is nothing to break the force of the Evidence taken by Thos P. Ray, Esqr. in 1832, upon which Peter Haught was pensioned, but the Exparte Opinion of W. G. Singleton, which had been formed without any proper investigation of the case.
2 That the terms of service, claimed by said Haught, in his original declaration is corroborated by the undoubted declarations of his brother-in-law Richard Tennant, the said declarations of said Tennant can be established by a number
Page 116

of living credible witnesses
3 That a very large proportion of the revolutionary militia were pensioned upon Evidence of the same character adduced by Peter Haught; to which was superadded in most instances the Revolutionary reputation of the Applicant.
4 That upon a review of the Evidence upon which said Haught was pensioned the Department of the Interior has issued a Land Warrant for 160 acres to Frances and John Haught, No. 71.143, as the Minor Children of said Haught as a private in the Revolutionary war.
Very Respectfully
Your Obt Servt.
J. V. Boughner

Hon. S. Clemmens,
Washington City
Page 117

House of Representatives:
Washington, April 23. 1858
Hon Geo C. Whiting
Commissioner of Pensions.

Sir:
Your official letters of the 22 inst. are before me.
Please inform me, where Z. Piles, and Peter Haught, live, or by whom the applications were made.
I presume they belong to my district, but they are unknown to me. It may be, that, I myself have made the application, but I have such a multiplicity of such matters, that I cannot keep them all in my mind
I have the honor to be
Very Respectfully Yours
Sherrard Clemens
Page 118

United States
ss.} Copy Order Dismission
Peter Haught
B

filed by
John P Byrne
Agent

Fee 45.do
Page 119

In a District Court of the United States for the Western District of Virginia, continued and held at Clarksburg, on Friday the 2d day of April 1852.

United States Pff.
vs.
Peter Haught Def.} In Case

This day came the parties by their Attornies, and the District Attorney thereupon represented to the Court that he had examined carefully the Law as well as the facts of this cause, and is of opinion that the same ought to be further prosecuted by the government, and submitted the case to the inspection of the Court: Whereupon, the court, upon an Examination of the laws and facts of the cause, concurs in the opinion of the District Attorney, and recommends the dismission thereof, And thereupon, it is ordered that the said suit be dismissed.

United States of America,
Western District of Virginia, Towit:
I, Thomas L. Moore, Clerk of the District Court of the United States for the Western District of Virginia, do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true transcript from the records and judicial proceedings of the said Court at Clarksburg, in said District, in a certain action of Trespass on the case, lately depending
Page 120

in the said Court, believe the United States of America plaintiffs, and Peter Haught, defendant.
In Testimony whereof, I hereto set my hand and annex the seal of the said Court at Clarksburg aforesaid, this 18" day of June, in the year of our Lord One thousand Eight hundred and fifty-seven and in the 81st year of the Independence of the United States of America.
Tho: L. Moore, Clerk
D.C. U.S. W.D.Va.
Page 121

Morgantown Va February 4th 1861
Hon. George C Whiting
Dear Sir
I had a notice served on Jacob G Haught that I would take your depositions at the Office of Commissioner of Pensions on the 8th of this month, Mr Suter will get a Notary Public or a Justice of the Peace to call at your Office on that day I suppose they will call about 12 oClock in the Deposition please to insert the date & name of N. P. or J. P.
Respectfully yours
John P. Byrne
Page 122

Application of J G Haught adm. of Peter Haught. decd. for arrears of pensions ~
(D)
Page 123

Letters &C
Mr. Boughner

[stamp]
PENSION OFFICE.
AUG 31 1853
Page 124

Pentress, Monongalia Co. Virginia.
August 29. 1859~

Sir~
On the 12th July 1858, I addressed you in relation to the claim of the heirs of Sarah Haught, widow of Peter Haught, a Revolutionary Soldier. In your reply of July 23d. you exclude the head on the strength of the attorney General's opinion, excluding heirs, where the parties in their life time had not made application and perfected the Evidence of their claim~
I am informed, that Mrs. Haught, thru' a Committee appointed by the County Court of Monongalia, she being insane, did make an application about two to three years since, whilst living.
You assume in your letter referred to, that no application was made, but if it shall appear, that application was made in the usual way, under the act of February 3', 1853 we think her heirs can claim, and are not excluded by the decision of the Attorney General.
Very Respectfully
Your obt. Servant,
J. V. Boughner

Hon. Geo. C. Whiting
Commr. Pensions.
Page 125

Morgantown, Va Decr. 12. 1859.

Sir:
I would thank you to send me the date of the issue of military land warrant No. 71.143, for 160 acres in the name of Frances and John Haught, minor children of P. Haught a Rev'y Soldier~
I wrote several weeks since making the foregoing inquiry, and presume my letter did not reach you.
Very Respy.
Yr. obt. servt.
J V Boughner

Hon. Geo. C. Whiting,
Commr Pensions,
Washington City
DC~
Page 126

Mt. Morris, Greene Co. Pa.
Augt.9. 1858.

Sir,
Your letter of July 23, in which, on the strength of the decision of the Atty. General, you decline to allow the claim of the heirs of Mrs. Sarah Haught, has been recd. Whilst I am aware, that you have no power, and should have none to do any act, that would contravene the opinion of the appropriate Law Office of the Govt. I wish you will permit me to doubt whether the attorney Genl. in the decision referred to intended to include claims such as that of the heirs of Sarah Haught.
The claim is peculiar, and constitutes, I hold, a fair exception to the rule laid down in the decision of the attorney General - That decision is, substantially, in the following words:
"The Children of a Revolutionary soldier or his widow are not Entitled to recover unadjusted pension claims which might have become due and payable to their parents if their claims
Page 127

"had been perfected while they were living.
Now the principle of this decision is, that the claim lapses through the negligence or delinquency of the soldier or his widow, the parte is for whom Congress provides the gratuity; the claim of the heirs of Peter Haught and his widow Sarah Haught, is not within the scope of the rule laid down, owing to the essential fact, that there was no negligence on their part to perfect their Claims during their lifetime.
A very brief glance at the history of these claims, is all that is necessary to show they should not be embraced in the rule laid down in the decision of the Atty. Genl.
Haught was pensioned in 1833; and his pension was withheld in 1834. 
A suit was brought in 1835 by the U. States to recover the amt. Haught had received from the Govt. Haught died in Feby 1853, and about a year after his decease in 1854, the suit was withdrawn by the Govt.
In April 1858, you restored the name of Haught to the pension Roll,
Page 128

Now Mrs Sarah Haught, the widow, until the restoration of the name of her husband to the pension Roll, could take no step towards preparing a claim. Hence there was no default or delinquency on her part - She died a year before the validity of her husband's Claim was admitted by the Govt. to wit, on the 6' of April 1857. 
If consistent with your views we would be pleased, if you would submit the claim for the decision of the Attorney General - by furnishing him with the facts, briefly.-
We ask this because, his decisions, we think, does not, and was not intended, to embrace claims of this Kind.
That decision is based upon a well settled legal principle, to wit, that rights granted to a party, may lapse through his own defect, which default his heirs cannot plead, when claiming through the original grantee. They Cannot make void the voluntary act of the real beneficiary - 
Very respy.
Yr. Obt. Servt.
J. V. Boughner

Hon.
G. C. Whiting.
Page 129

My dear Sir,
I forgot to enclose the letter referred to in my note of yesterday. I hope you will notice the subject.
Yours respectfully
C F Black

Com. of Pensions,
Washington
June 21, 1860.
Page 130

74.942 At of 1855
Peter Haught Dead
Rev War

71.143
160 Acres!

Original Brief Form
See Within.
Page 131

274,942
Frances & John Haught
minor heirs of
Peter Haught
Rev War

J V Broughner
Mount Morris
Penn

71,143
160 acres
Page 132

Pentress, Monongalia Co Va
March 1 1858-

Sir:
I have concluded to write answered in reply to yours of Decr 26' 1857 in which you reject the application of the Children of Peter Haught decd. a Revy. soldier.
This rejection is based upon the opinion of the Atty Genl. That the children of a Revy. soldier are not entitled to receive unadjusted pension Claims which might have become due and payable to their parents if their claims had been refuted which they never were
Now in my judgement this job does not cover the appln of Haughts heirs - Haught from 1835 to Jany 1853 could perfer no claim, on account of the suit that was hanging over his head since was not withdrawn until after his decease - 
The rules laid down in the decision referred to was intended to meet cases when, Through neglect of the soldier or his widow, the heirs [illegible] arrears after their decease But there was no neglect on the part of Haught - His hands were tied and such a rule as the above would be most unjust-
The widow of Haught was a maniac at the time of his decease - died in the Lunatic Asylum at Staunton Va - in April 1857~
Very respy
J. V. Boughner