Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 4,855, for William Smith, South Carolina
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SERVICE S.C. 
Smith, William 
NUMBER S.4,855
carded
CONTENTS  b. June 16 1746
Shenandoah Co in Va.
res. at enl Ninety Six District SC
In 1832 Jefferson Co.Tenn
d. Jan 24 1836
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19.213 order to pay Jan 24 1837
East Tennessee 
William Smith

Jefferson Co in the State of Tennessee
who was a private in the company commanded by Captain [Richard] Pollard of the Regt commanded by Col [Andrew] Williamson in the N.C* militia for 8 months

*S. C.
Record Corrected
Apr. 25, 1904

Inscribed on the Roll of E. Tennessee
at the rate of 26 Dollars 66 Cents per annum. to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831

Certificate of Pension issued the 15 day of August 1833 and sent to Hon Joseph Anderson.  I Comptroller

Arrears to the 4th of March 1833 $53.33
Semi-anl allowance ending 4 Sepr 13.33 = $66.66

{Revolutionary Claim,
Act. June 7, 1832.}

Recorded by Wm J Allison Clerk,
Book C Vol. 7 Page 61
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State of Tennessee Jefferson County
October 2nd 1832.
On this Second day of October personally appeared before me Alexander McDonnald one of the Justices of the peace for the County
of Jefferson and the State of Tennessee, William Smith, a resident of said County and State, aged eighty nine years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on his oath, make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress, passed June 7th 1832.
That the Deponent William Smith was
born the Sixteenth day of January Seventeen Hundred and forty six (1746) on Christy's Creek; a branch of Shenandoah River in the State of Virginia. At four years of age he moved with his father to South
Carolina. The Deponent lived in a
district called "Ninety Six" until the
breaking out of the Revolution. This 
Deponent was a volunteer in a company raised by Captain Richard Pollard. Robin Pollard
and Robin Finney Lieutenants.  He was
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engaged in the following services. In the year 1776 - in the winter - he was marched union his Captain in a Regiment commanded by Colonel Andrew Williamson - Andrew Pickens Major - against a large body of Tories, assembled at the Cane Breaks [Brake] on the Saluda River. The Tories were routed and dispersed - Some taken prisoners. This expedition was known by the name of the Snow-Camps, on account of a heavy snow, that fell at the time - He was absent on this expedition one month. He was afterwards engaged in the attack Captain [Richard] Pollard made upon the Tory Capt Linley [James Lindley] and his company - which resulted in his defeat, the capture of several of his men, and the  subsequent capture of captain Lindley himself and this Deponent afterward saw him punished with Death by being hung at Gowdy's Store called "ninety six". In this affair [Battle of Kettle Creek] the deponent was absent three weeks. When the Indians were about to attack Philip's fort upon the head of Little River in Georgia, and hasd already killed several that had come out of the fort
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A draft was made from the district of "Ninety Six" to march to the relief of the fort. The Deponent was drafted and marched under Captain [Richard] Pollard seventy miles to the relief of the fort. After Capt Pollard had been encamped near the fort for one month lacking three days - Genl. [Andrew] Williamson arrived with a reinforcement. The Deponent was marched under Genl. Williamson in pursuit of the Indians to the head of Oakmulgee [Ocmulgee River] overtook a part and killed some - Returned to Philip's fort when this Deponent was discharged and returned home after a service of three months. This discharge the Deponent lost in coming from South Carolina to the State of Tennessee, fourteen years ago. In consequence of Capt Richd Pollard's death. Robin Pollard, the son and first Lieutenant of the company in May 1781 became the Captain. The Deponent was marched to the Siege of "Ninety Six" under Robin Pollard. Colonel [William] Henderson commanding the Regiment. A large body of Tories and British men besieged by Genl. Nathaniel Greene in a fort [Star Fort] at this place. The Deponent served one month at this siege. The besieged
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men about to surrender when an express arrived from Lord Rawdon, and the information was conveyed by one Hugh Aikens, who pretended to be friendly to the Whigs, but by a preconcerted signal he was admitted into the fort and thus the siege [of Ninety Six] was protracted. When General [Nathanael] Greene warned that the besieged  declined yielding on account of the prospect of speedy relief; he determined upon an assault, which terminated unsuccessfully, and cost us a considerable number of men. This deponent afterwards was selected, on account of his acquaintance with the localities of the country, as one of the guards for the wagons employed to supply the Regular union General Greene with provisions and forage. He was engaged in this service two weeks. This Deponent has no documentary evidence in regard to his service, nor does he know of any person from whom he could procure the testimony as to his service. He is very infirm from old age and much afflicted with the disease of the Gravel [Graves Disease] and now receives from the charity of his fellow citizens the support of his closing life. He hopes the services detailed above will entitle him to a pension under the late act of congress. The Deponent
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William Smith hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State. He was engaged in many small and short services, which he has not detailed and most of which he does not now recollect the particulars of. He is fully satisfied  that he served upwards of eight months and so declares. William Smith his X mark
(Witnesses) Charles Flowers, Obadiah Hudson, William McClister Sworn to and subscribed before me the Date aforesaid 
Alex McDonnald JP

We William McClister, Charles Flowers, & Obdh Hudson residing in the county of Jefferson, hereby certify that we are well acquainted with William Smith, who has subscribed and  sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be eighty six years of age That he is respected and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we
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concur in that opinion. William McClister, Charles Flowers, Obadiah Hudson
Sworn to and subscribed before me 
Alxd Mc Donnald Justice of the peace

And the Said justice of the peace hereby declares his opinion, after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named William Smith was a Revolutionary Soldier and served as he states, and I further certify that it appears to me that William McClister, Charles Flowers and Obdh Hudson who have signed the preceding certificate are residents in the county of Jefferson and are credible persons, and that their statement is entitled to credit. I further certify that the applicant William Smith is very infirm from old age, and afflicted with the Gravel, placed upon the poor list of this county at the last term of the court without attending in person and that he is unable to attend court. 
Alxd Mc Donnald Justice of the peace
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Question 1. Where and in what year were you born? 
Answer - I was born 16th day of January 1746 on Christy's Creek, a branch of the Shenandoah River, State of Virginia. 
Question 2 - Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it? 
Answer - I have none. 
Question 3. Where were you living when called into Service: Where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?
Answer: When called into service, I was living in the district of "Ninety Six" near the Saluda River in the State of South Carolina. Since the war I have lived on Tyger River in the same state. About 14 years ago, I moved to East Tennessee where I now live in Jefferson County. 
Question 4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer or were you a substitute?
Answer. I volunteered in every service I engaged in, except the [illegible] to Philip's Fort, when I was drafted. According to the times specified in my declaration, I was in service as a volunteer three
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months and a fourth - and as a drafted militia - man three months. But there were many short periods of service, which I have not been able to recollect, so as to swear to these particulars making in all a service of eight months.
Question 5. State the names of some of the regular officers, who were with the troops, when you served SC.
Answer. The deponent will recollect General [Nathanael] Greene at the siege of "Ninety Six" - which was the only service of the deponent when there were any regular troops. This deponent does not recollect the names of the field officers of the Regular Troops - he was himself under the Command of Colonel [William] Henderson at the Siege of "96".
Question 6. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your prescient neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief on your services, as a Soldier of the Revolution.
Answer. I would defer to William McClister
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21082
Declaration of William Smith
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Charles Flowers and Obidiah Hudson who can be examined vouching my character for the veracity, and the belief of my services in the Revolution. William his X mark Smith
(Witnesses) Charles Flowers, Obidiah Hudson, William McClister

Sworn and subscribed before me Alexander McDonald Justice of the Peace

State of Tennessee
I Joseph Hamilton Clerk of the Court of Pleas and quarter sessions of Jefferson County do certify that Alexander McDonald esquire before whom the above Declaration was Sworn to before as an acting Justice of the Peace, in and for the County of Jefferson, and was on the day & date above and still is, an acting Justice of the Peace, duly Commissioned and Sworn and that full faith and credit is given and due to all his official acts as Such and that his Signature hereto is his genuine Signature.
In testimony whereof I have herewith set my hand and Seal of Office at Office in Dandridge the 16th  day of October AD 1832.
Joseph Hamilton clerk of Jefferson County
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State of Tennessee
Jefferson County 
I Joseph Hamilton Clerk of
the Court of Pleas and quarter sessions for said County do certify that Alexander McDonald Esquire before whom the annexed Declaration was sworn to is an acting Justice of the peace in and for the County of Jefferson and was on the day and date above and still is an acting Justice of the peace duly commissioned and sworn and that full faith and credit is given and due
to all his official acts as such and that
his signature thereto is his genuine signature. that his signature wherever it appears in the foregoing papers is his genuine signature. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand
and affixed my seal of office at office in Dandridge this 11 day of June AD 1833 Joseph Hamilton Clerk of Jefferson County
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State of Tennessee Robert McFarland Genl Presiding Justice of
the court of pleas and quarter sessions for the County of Jefferson
and State afforesaid do certify that Joseph Hamilton Esq
whose signature and seal of office appears to the foregoing
certificate is the Clerk of our said court duly Elected and
qualified and was at the time of making the same and
that full faith & credit is given & deed to all his official acts as such Given under my hand & Seal the 18th of Jun 1833. Robert McFarland presiding Justice of Jefferson County

I certify that I am satisfied that
Robert Mc Farland is presiding
Justice of the Court of Pleas &
Quarter sessions for Jefferson
County & that the above subscription is genuine & that he has no seal of office John Blair
July 15 1833 late M.C
E. Tennessee

Pension Application 
Honble Lewis Cass
Secretary of War
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Wm Smith of Tenn
from 1776 private 8 months $26.66/100

Hon Joseph Anderson
4th Comptroller
Jefferson County Tenn
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WAR DEPARTMENT
Pension Office,
May 7 1833
Sir:The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and
the subjoined notes you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. the notes and the regulations will shew what is
necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: }). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the service of William Smith Jefferson Co T -
Period when service was rendered
Vol 1776
Duration  1 month, 21 days
Rank of claimant. private
Names and Rank of the Company
officers under whom he served.
Cap [Richard] Pollard
Names and Rank of the General and Field officers. [Genl Andrew] Williamson
Battles in which the applicant was
engaged. None but skirmishes
Country through which he marched.
N. & S. Carolina
Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period
Ninety Six SC, 86yrs
Evidence by which the declaration is supported. Traditionary
drafted 3 months, private, same officers &c
May 1781. 1 month, 14 days, private, [Col William] Henderson, SC & Tenn
Many short tours can't recollect but in all upwards of 8 months.

I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
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2
REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army,
and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all
persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who
were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to
Store Keepers, &c. Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of Private Armed Vessels are
also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged
in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
1. The Regular Troops.
2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.
3. Persons employed in the Naval service.
4. Indian Spies.
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons, claiming
the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of
Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is
considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory or District of
County of
On this  day of
A.B. a resident (b) of
personally appeared (a) before
in the county of
and State, Territory or District
years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provion made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) with
and served n th e (e) regiment of the
(Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged,
and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he
declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of
the Agency in the State of
A. B.
And then will follow the certificate of the Court.
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary
soldier, and served as he states.
of the Court of
do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of
for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this
day of & c.
If, on examination of the proper record the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be
found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia,
except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and
subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the
and C.D. residing in (the same)
hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with
who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be   years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
And then will follow the certificate of the Court.
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary
Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B.
who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the
and that C.D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the
and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
1.
Clerk of the Court of
do hereby certify that the foregoing
contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of
for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal
of office, this day of  &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but it neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of these
vices of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light
upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration (l) and he will
also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person
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will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal
means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected.
All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County, in which they reside, and there
subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account
of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State
troops of Virginia.
1. Where and in what year were you born?
2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?
3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war
, and where do you now live?
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute?
And if a substitute, for whom?
5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such
Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.
Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given and what has become of it?
Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify
as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
The Court will see that he answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are
requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court,
without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons -one of whom should be
the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from
their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed
and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion.
one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify, to the character
and standing of other persons, giving such certificates.
The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct
proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the
enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before
required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the
proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to
perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record,
or by a Justice of the peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper
Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a
Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is
his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have
the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the
declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period
of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow
the rule laid down for his guidance.
The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
ment officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the
claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language "
definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the
loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason
old, 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
recollect, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:--For year months, and days, I served as a ; and for such service I claim a pension."day as 
ing with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law
streets 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
too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that 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
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.
The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
The opinion of the Court is always required.
The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal
of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains
the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must
under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
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 claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well
he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the wittness' character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops, The proof required by the
note applies to continental troops only.
If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
W. L. Williams Ex Clk
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Rev War 4855 INVALID
File No. 4855
William Smith
Private Rev War
act June 7th 1832
Index Vol. M Page 346
arrangement of 1870
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East Tennessee Agency
Thorville Jany 23d 1837.
sir you will please find enclosed the papers of a deceased pension William Smith the Application
of which is made for payment by his heirs through an attorney, the balance due them, on examination
of my Books I find that William Smith was paid up to the 4 day of September 1835
the original Certificate I have retained in my possession, all submitted for your inspection and further instruction
I am your obt sert
P. King Agent

James L Edwards Esqr
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
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Hon. J Anderson
Amended Pension Application

JL Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City DC
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Chucky Bend Post Office
Jefferson Co. E. Tenn. 
July 17. 1833.
To J. L. Edwards Esq
Sir I have the honor to submit for your further examination the amended papers in support of the claim 
of William Smith for a pension under the act of June 7, 1832. I observe that the only objection to the claim of William Smith is, to the mode of authenticating papers. I have made the requisite amendment. I should have returned the papers some time since; but I have not been able sooner to obtain the certificate of a member of the late Congress in regard to the 
the official character &c of the 
officer who certifies to the official 
character of the Clerk.
If you should determine favorably
to the claim of William Smith-- my
Father, the Hon. Jos Anderson, is authorized to receive the certificate, and he will transmit it to me.
I am, Sir, with much
respect, your Obt Sert
Pierce B. Anderson