Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 15,467, Purnell Houston, Del. Penn.
Page 1

https://catalog.archives.gov/images/misc/drag.png(3 - 1776)
SERVICE                                           NUMBER
Del.               Houston, Purnell        S.15.467     
Penn.  
CONTENTS
Page 2

Houston, Purnell
Va.
[illegible writing across page]
March 21, 1835
1313d
Page 3

13 139
Virginia
----------
Purnell. Houston
Monogalia in the company command
Hudson of the Regt. commande
Bland in the Va
8½ months
2 6 6 6
1 67   Dead
$28,,33
-----------
on the Roll of Virginia
of 28 Dollars 33 cents per annum,
on the 4th day of March, 1831
-----------
of Pension issued the 14 day of May
1883 and sent to Thos.
Ray. Morgantown, Va.
------------
to the 4th of March 1833_______56.66
allowance ending 4 Sept 1833 Left  14.17
                                                     $70,,83
   Revolutionary Claim
    Act June 7, 1832
Palmer. Clerk,
Page 44
Page 4

Service                                          Number
Del.             Houston, Purnell.     S. 13-467
Penn.


(torn corners)

21st March 1835 – Pen. Ap
(see ltr in day   1912 of              Thos. P Ray
                        Morgan
     “                   22 May 1835 to T.P. Ray
     “    ltr Pension Agent = Aug 17 1839
          ltr 3 ?????                 do      do
          2 Comptr                    “         “
Page 5

(torn corners)

21st March 1835 – Pen. Ap
(see ltr in day   1912 of              Thos. P Ray
                        Morgan
     “                   22 May 1835 to T.P. Ray
     “    ltr Pension Agent = Aug 17 1839
          ltr 3 ?????                 do      do
          2 Comptr                    “         “
Page 6

Purnell Housten
22008
Page 7

State of Virginia
County of Monogalia

On this 22nd day of October in the year 1832, personally appeared in open court, before the County county of Monongalia, now sitting Purnell Houston, a resident of said county, aged seventy eight years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth, on his oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832.

That he served two months, within the months of April, May and June 1776 in the militia of the state of Delaware – that either Congress or the state authority, he knows not which, authorized his companies of volunteers to be raised to guard the Delaware bay – that he volunteered in one of these companies commanded by Capt. John Hazard – that as soon as the 10 gallies were brought into the Bay, we were discharged at Hazzards’ fathers, about fifteen miles from the capes, after having served two months as above stated – that this discharge he believes was lost in his house, destroyed by fire in 1811 – 

That about the first of November 1776 he volunteered in Philadelphia  in a company of Pennsylvania militia commanded by Capt Chambers (who was a stone-cutter, living in Arch or Race street in Philadelphia) and attached to Genl Cadwalladers brigade – that these troops were raised to against the enemy, who was over running New Jersey – That in the latter part of November or first of December, we marched and encamped near Trenton on the opposite side of the river, the enemy being in possession of Trenton - that
Page 8

On Christmas eve, we crossed over to Trenton, where our troops took 900 Hessians – that next day we marched eight or ten miles further into Jersey, and encamped at a place he believes called Black bird, where we remained, until the first week in January 1777, when we marched back to Trenton where we had a severe cannonading, the enemy on one side of a creek and we on the other – the enemy trued to get possession of a bridge, which we kept until dark – during the night we marched  into Princeton, leaving a number of our men at Trenton, keeping up our fires, to deceive the enemy – we reached Princeton, and defeated them – from Princeton, we marched the same night to Somerset courthouse, next day to Pluckamin, next day to Morristown into winter quarters – that about the last of March, Chambers’ company marched back to Philadelphia, where he was discharged in Market street, which discharge he believes was lost as above stated, being in the service near five months 

That in April 1777 he went out in Col. Bland regiment of Virginia light horse, to serve for two months – that he immediately went back to Morristown, where he was employed in repairing the saddles of the troops – that at the end of two months, he was discharged by Bland, with a pass written on the back of it, which he supposes was lost as above stated 

That in July 1777 he went across to Egg harbor from Philadelphia, and went on board of a brig going down to Boston – that near Cape cod we were taken by a British vessel, taken to Rhode Island, and put on board of a prison ship, where he was kept eight or nine weeks, when he was exchanged – from the prison ship he went to New London, and entered on board of a Brig, in the United States service (sometime he thinks in October 1777) for a cruise of six months, that before the vessel sailed, which was about the last of November, he took the prison ship fever and was left at New London, where he remained until the vessel returned in the spring of 1778 – that in September 1778 he returned to Philadelphia

That he knows no person by whom he could prove his services – that he was born at Sussex county in the state of Delaware on the first of February AD 1755,
Page 9

That after the Revolutionary war, he resided in Sussex and Kent counties in the said state, until he removed to the county of Monongalia aforesaid forty two years ago, the record of his age in his fathers bible, in the possession of his sister Carlile, in the said Sussex county, that Rev. Joseph A. Shackelford, Capt. John Evans, Col. Dudley Evans, Col. Ralph Berkshire, Col. Richard Watts, and all the respectable persons who have been long resident of his neighborhood are personally acquainted with him, and any one of them can testify as to his character for veracity, and their belief of his services as a soldier of the Revolution.

That he 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.

Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid

Purnell Houston 

We, Joseph A. Shackelford, a clergyman, residing at Morgantown in said county, aged fifty four years, and John Owens Jun. residing in the same county, aged sixty four years, do hereby certify, that we have been well acquainted with Purnell Housten, who has subscribed and sworn to the foregoing declaration in our presence, that we believe him to be seventy eight 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 – and we do further certify that the said Purnell is a man of good character and undoubted veracity –

Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year aforesaid.

J.A. Shackleford

J. Owens
Page 10

And the said court, do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after particulary putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the aforenamed applicant was a Revolutionary soldier, and served as he states - And the court further certifies, that it appears to them, that the said applicant is a man of excellent moral character, and that the Rev. Joseph A. Shackelford who has signed the proceeding certificate is a clergyman resident in said county, and that Cass John Evans who has also signed the same, is a resident of the same county and is a credible person, and one of the members of the court - and that their statement is entitled to credit - I Thomas P. Ray, clerk of the said County of Monongalia, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court, in the matter of the application of Purnell Housten, for a pension. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said court. the 7th of December in the year 1832, and 57th year of the Commonwealth. Thomas P. Ray
Page 11

Know all men by these present that I Robert Houston of Monongalia County, Virginia do hereby constitute and appoint James V. Boughner, of the same county and state my true and lawful attorney for me, and in my name, to make application for copies of any papers connected with the original application of my father, the late Purnell Houston, for a pension under the act of June 7, 1832, hereby confirming by these presents all my said attorney may do in the premises. 

Given under my hand and seal this 28th day of June A.D. 1859.
Robert Houston

State of Virginia
Monongalia County, SS

Be it known that on the day above named, personally came before the undersigned Robert Houston, and acknowledged the above power of attorney to be his act and deed for the purpose therein named.

Given under my hand June 28 1859.

LeRoy Kramer J.P.
Page 12

Power of Attorney to examine papers and prosecute his claim of
Purnell Houston of Virginia

Evans & Fant
Washington
City
Page 13

Know all men by these presents, That I, Purnell Houston, of the county of Monongalia and State of Virginia have constituted and appointed, and by these presents do constitute and appoint EVANS & FANT, of Missouri, my true and lawful attorneys, irrevocably for me and in my name to receive from the United States all such sum or sums of money due me on account of arrears of pay, three months' extra pay, forage, mileage, for horses and other property lost or destroyed in the military service, expenses incurred, or money expended for organizing company of volunteers before being mustered into the service of the United States, or any money or moneys which may be due me on any account from the United States whatsoever, and to receive my bounty land or pension certificate when issued, and in my name to execute such receipts and acquittances for the same as may be necessary; and generally to do all lawful acts and things whatsoever touching the premises, and an attorney or attorneys under them for the purposes aforesaid, to make and at their pleasure to revoke, hereby confirming all and whatsoever my said attorneys shall in my name legally do or cause to be done in and about the premises, by virtue of these presents, and out of the sum or sums of money ascertained to be due me as aforesaid, I hereby guarantee the payment to my said attorneys, for their services in the premises, the fee or commission stipulated to be paid by virtue of my obligation to them of even date with these presents.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal, this 27th day of September, 1852.  Purnell Houston
Acknowledged and subscribed to
before me this 27th day of September, 1852
Daniel Dusenberry, J.P.
State of Virginia
County of Monongalia to wit:
I hereby certify, That Daniel Dusenberry, Esq., before whom the above acknowledgment was made, and who hereunto subscribed his name, was at the time of so doing, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, duly commissioned and sworn.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the County Court, for the County aforesaid, this Twenty-seventh day of September, 1852.  MMDent, Clerk
Page 14

Pentress, Monongalia Co. Va.
July 11, 1859
Sir:
Purnell Houston, late a resident of this county, and a pensioner under the act of June 7, 1832, was suspended on the 4th March 1834, and a suit instituted against in the U.S. district court at Clarksburg.

His pension was with held at the same time that the pensions of Zachariah Piles, Peter Haught, and George Wade, were, against all of whom suits were instituted, but the arrears due them from the date to which they were last paid, until the date of their decease have been paid their legal representatives.

Housten died in 1838 or 1839.  I transmitted a power of attorney from his son Robt. Housten, authorizing me
Page 15

To act in the premises some time since.

The following is a copy of the record of the court in the cases of Wade, Haught, and Piles.

“United States Ptff (plaintiff)                	[
		agst          				[   In case 
George Wade Deft (Defendant)		[

At a district court of the United States for the western district of Virginia, held at Clarksburg, on Fryday the 2nd day of April 1852. This day came the parties by their attorneys, and the district attorney thereupon represented to the Court that he had examined carefully the law, as well as the facts of this case, and is of opinion that the cause ought not to be further prosecuted by the Government, and submitted this cases to the inspection of the court, whereupon the court whom on examination of the law and the facts of this cause, concurs in the opinion of the district attorney.
Page 16

and recommends the dismission.  Thereof, and Thereupon it is ordered that the said suit be, and the same is hereby dismissed.
  Same in the other causes referred to...

I think you will find upon inspection the claim of Houston analogous in all particulars.

Very Respectfully
Your Obligant
J.V. Boughner

Hon. Geo. C. Whiting
Concur renfious
Washington City 
Dba
Page 17

13 [Aug? word is dark and on a tear]
No 22008
Purnell Houston
Houston
Va

Adm for 8 months &
15 days. from 1776

Thomas P Ray
Morganton
Va
Page 18

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 pension can be allowed.  The notes and the regulations will show what is necessary to be done.  These 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.

(Table)
A Statement, showing the Service of Purnell Houston, Monongalia County, Virginia.

Period when the service was rendered.    
Vol. 1776 , Vol. 1776 Nov. , lighthorse 1777 April. , July, October.|  
Duration of the claimant's service.  2 months, 5 months, 2 months |
Rank of the claimant.  Private |
Name and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served.  Capt. Hudson, Cape. Chambers |
Names and Rank of the General and Field officers.  Col. Blands | Battles in which the applicant was engaged. Fenton, Princeton |
Country through which he marched. Delaware, Penn. NJ, NJ |
Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period. aged 18  Place of abode not stated |
Evidence by which the declarations supported.  Traditionary |
Returned Sept. 1778 } time of Service not stated definitely

I am, respectfully, 
      Your obedient servant,
              J. L. Edwards,
                    Commissioner of Pensions
Page 19

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 case 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 }88.
          County of
     On this _____ day of ________personally appeared (a) before ________________________________ A.B. a resident (b) of _________________ in the county of ________________ and State, Territory or District of _____________________ aged (c) ________ 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 in the ______________(e) regiment of the _______________ line, under the following named officers:
     [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. (Pictured Is A Finger Pointing To The Right) 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 ____________________
     Sworn to 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 (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
     I ________________________________________ 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 not (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.
     I, _______________________ Clerk of the Court of _________________________ do hereby 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 of commission; but if 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 the services 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
Page 20

will be indispensable to a favorable action upon in 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 recollect, and the general circumstances of your services. 
6. (BRACKETS) To a Soldier (BRACKETS) Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given and what has become of it? 
6. (To an Officer) Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it? 
7. State the names of 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 the Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, 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
Page 21

Rev. &1812 Wars Section. 
ADY

December 5, 1930.

Mr. W. Guy Tetrick, 
Clarksburg Publishing Company, 
Clarksburg, West Virginia. 

Dear Sir: 
You are advised that it appears from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 15467, that Purnell Houston was born February 1, 1755 in Sussex County, Delaware. 

He enlisted in March or April 1776 and served two months in Captain John Hazzard's Delaware Company. 

He enlisted in November or December 1776, served three or five months in Captain Chambers' Pennsylvania Company and was in the battles of Trenton and Princeton. 

In the spring of 1777 he served two months repairing saddles for the Light Horse troops and in June 1777 he went as hand on a brig going from Philadelphia to Boston, was captured by the Unicorn a British vessel, kept on a prison ship eight or nine weeks and then exchanged . In October 1777 he entered a brig at New London but before the vessel sailed in November he was taken sick and left at New London until the vessel returned in the spring of 1778. 

After the Revolution he resided in Sussex and Kent Counties, Delaware and in 1790 he moved to Mononagalia County, Virginia, 

He was allowed pension on his application executed October 22, 1833 while a resident of Monongalia County, Virginia. He died in March 1835. 

A large family is referred to, no names are designated other than son Robert who was a resident of Monongalia County, Virginia in 1859.
Page 22

One Purnell Houston heir at law was a resident of Monongalia County, Virginia in 1852, but it is not stated that he was soldier's son. Joseph D. Hill, a son-in-law was a resident of Monongalia County, Virginia in 1846. 

Very truly yours, 

E. W. MORGAN, 
Acting Commissioner.
Page 23

P  15467

INVALID.

No. 15.467
Pri  Rev War

ct: June 7" 32
Index: Vol. 1, Page 180
[Arrangement of 1870.]

1910 June 15 Hist.
To Mr. J.C. Sanders
1915 June 16 Mrs. Charlotte W. Smith

1930 Dec. 5, Hist. to W. Guy Tetrick, Sec Wm. Hall, W. 7639.A.D.Y.

1932 - Mch 2 - Ad Mrs. John Laughlin that no ref. is made to a son James in this claim - EEL

1935 May 14. Hist. to Mrs. L. H. Nelson. A.D.Y.
Page 24

D. Fowler. I have restore the name of Purnell Houston to the pension roll. Will you cause the proper notification to issue.
Page 25

22007-8 (along the side)
(letters at top unreadable)

Revolutionary Pension Office
War Department
Washington city
Page 26

Morgantown 31st Dec 1832

Honorable Lewis Cass Sec. of War

I enclose you the declaration of John Wells and Purnell Houston. They would have been sent on some time since, but I had written to persons in Maryland & Delaware under the expectation of finding some of the companions of these Ohio men.  We can hear of none.

I have known them both for twenty years.  They are respectable men, and both members of a church for many years.

I am respectfully yours
Thomas P. Ray
Page 27

To the Honorable the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States in Congress assembled.

The prayer of your petitioner, Joseph D. Hill, of Monongalia County, Virginia respectfully sheweth unto your Honorable Body:

That by virtue of the acts of Congress in relation to Revolutionary Soldiers, a certain Pernel (sic Purnell) Houston of said county obtained a pension for services rendered during the revolutionary war.  The declaration, evidence and papers in relation to said pension will be found of record in the Pension Office at Washington City; that said Houston drew his pension for about three years until he had received something upwards of $90: That in the year 1836, Washington G. Singleton, Esq.attorney for the U. States, came to the home of your petitioner where said Houston then lived, and after conversing with said Houston as to his services in the revolutionary war, stated to him that he was not entitled to a pension, that a portion of the time embraced within his services was not in the actual service of the United States, but a month or two between the time of his entering the service and his actually rendeyvousing, ought not to be counted, and that he, said Singleton, as attorney for the United States, would be under the necessity of prosecuting him for perjury in the U.S. Court, unless he, said Houston, would give his note and security for the sum so received as a pensioner; that said Houston, being ignorant of his rights, begged said Singleton to permit him to go to Morgantown to see Thomas P. Ray (now deceased) who had attended to procuring said pension, and consult with him in relation to the same: That said Singleton refused to delay, but urged the giving of said note, or, otherwise, he would proceed to prosecute. Said Houston being thus threatened, applied to your petitioner
Page 28

to become his security, and your petitioner being entirely ignorant of the subject, and seeing that said Houston was much disturbed, being then old, infirm, and afflicted with the Palsy, consented to become his security, and said Houston and your petitioner executed their note to said Singleton, for the use of the U.S. for the sum of $93 Dolls, and 25 cents, bearing date the 1st of November, 1836, and payable some months thereafter.

That in the month of March, 1835 said Houston departed this life; that he had been for several years before almost helpless without any estate real or personal, and at the time of his death his property was insufficient to defray the expenses of his burial; that your petitioner being the son in law of said Houston, was induced by his relationship, to take him home, there to live: That your petitioner afterwards discovered it was unjust and improper to said Singleton to require payment of said note and declined paying the same, and thereupon suit was instituted in the year 1835 against your petitioner as the security of said Houston, in the United States Court at Clarksburg, a distance of upwards of 40 miles from the residence of your petitioner, and he employed Edgar C. Wilson of Morganton, Virginia as his attorney to define said case, and soon thereafter defence was made, and pleas filed setting forth the character of the transaction, and the cause stood ready for hearing, and your petitioner and his witness attended, ready for trial; but the case was continued at the instance of the U. States until sometime in the year 1836, where the Clerk’s Office of said Court, with all the papers relative to said case, were destroyed by fire, and your petitioner has hoped that no further proceeding would be
Page 29

Instituted against him. But in the month of September, in the year 1838, a new suit was issued against your petitioner, and in the year 1840 the Plff. (sic plaintiff) filed his declaration, and in consequence of a charge in the time of holding said court, said Wilson was unable to give his personal attention thereto, and your petitioner was under the necessity of employing G. D. Camden Esq., of Clarksburgh, as additional counsil (sic), and in the same year pleas in defence were again filed similar to those which had been destroyed; and the true nature of the defence is found in the 3rd, 6th, and fifth pleas, contained on the 6th and 7th pages of the record of said case accompanying this petition, which pleas are duly verified by your petitioner.

That your petitioner has ever been ready for the trial of said cause and has been in attendance at said court at least some ten or twelve terms since the suit was first instituted, and often with his witnesses, but as often has the cause been continued at the instance of the attorney for the United States, and never at the instance of your petitioner, which with all appear from said record.

Your petitioner some two years since had hopes that a trial of said cause might soon be had, but within the last 18 months 20 indictment, or more have been found in said court, which renders it improbable that any trial of this case can be had for at least 5 years to come, and your petitioner is still kept in suspense: That he has already expended in time and money much more than the original debt, and with but a very distant prospect of having his case tried for years to come. Considering the nature of the claim, being an attempt to enforce the repayment of the pittance granted to a revolutionary soldier by the U. States, and that from a security who never received the slightest consideration therefor, but, on the other hand, was compelled to support his aged impoverished
Page 30

parent; that if ever there were doubts as to the proper construction of the service of said Houston, yet, without any suppression of the truth, the pension was allowed him; considering, also, the great costs and vexation to which your petitioner has been subjected by said suit, and the distant prospect of a trial, and the probable continuing costs and expenses which must fall upon your petitioner, whether he succeeds in said suit or not, your petitioner has been advised, as the only remedy, that application be made to your Honorable Body; He, therefore, respectfully prays an act relieving your petitioner from all liability in consequence of the execution of said obligation for $93 Dolls. (sic dollars) & 25 cents; and that the suit now pending in the U.S. Court, held at Clarksburgh, Va against your petitioner, may be dismissed; which your petitioner is advised the present atts. For the U.S. will willingly do, provided, he have authority for so doing,

Your petitioner herewith filed a copy of the record of said suit, endorsed “A”, together with the affidavits of Edgar C. Wilson, Esq. and Elizabeth Robinson & John Evans, endorsed B.H.C.

All which is respectfully submitted
(signed) Joseph D. Hill

N.B. your petitioner begs leave to refer to the Hon. Wm. G. Brown, the Rep. in Congress of this District, as to probability of having a trial of the above mentioned case, he being conversant with the business of said court.

(signed) J.D.H.

January 5th 1846
Page 31

Pentress, Monongalia Co, Virginia
July 18, 1859

Sir,
Herewith please find abstracts of the opinions of the district atty. and Judge Brockenborough in the suit of the United States, agt. (sic against) Joseph D. Hill, who was the surety of Purnell Houston late of this county, and at one time a Revolutionary pensioner, payable at the Richmond Agency.

Houston, I believe died in 1839 and after his decease the suit was continued against Hill.

The claim is in all respects, similar to those of Haught, Piles, and Wade, who were suspended after some time, and against whose also suits had been instituted.

Very Respectfully,
Your obt. (sic obedient) sevt. (sic servant)

Hon. G.C.Whiting
Commr. (sic Commissioner) Pensions
Washington City                                                      J.V. Boughner
Page 32

Housten Statement to
Singleton
Page 33

Purnell Houston – alledges to have served 8 mo(nths) – 15 days

I the undersigned Purnell Houston in pursuance of the requisition of the Secretary of War, makes the following declaration of my Revolutionary services, to wit. 

I shall be 80 years old on the first day of February next.  In the year 1776, (in the month of February) my apprenticeship having terminated in Philadelphia. I went to Sussex County Delaware. And in March 1776, I volunteered for two months marched to the cape of Delaware under Capt. Hazzard, two British ships (the Rhobuck & Liverpool) lay near to capes. Our company about 30 in number were guarding the capes to prevent the British from making a landing. I served out the two months and returned to Philadelphia. In July in the same year _______ in the same year late in November or early in December I volunteered in Philadelphia marched under Capt. Chambers to Trenton New Jersey. Our company got to Trenton just at the       after engagement which terminated in the capture of the Hessian army about 900 in number. This engagement was had on Christmas eve. Then with several companies marched from Pennsylvania at same time, under General Cadwallader. After the engagement at Trenton, our company with others were stationed at a place called “Black Bard” some ten or eight miles from Trenton. On the first day of Jan(uar)y we had orders to march at a moments warning. We returned to Trenton
Page 34

and on the second day of Jan(uar)y about mid day the alarm gun was fired. Our army was harassed from then until late at night the two armies were cannonading. When Genl. Washington took up the         of march for Princeton. Got there on the 3rd Jan(uar)y.  Attack the British army and captured many prisoners. I was in this latter engagement. From Princeton our army marched to Sommersett House, to Pluckemin in thence to Morriston. Where we went into winter quarters.  In the last of February or early in March I was discharged having been in active service at least three months.

In the spring of 1777. An agent of Col. Bland of the Virginia cavalry applied to Young of Philadelphia (a saddler. And the same with whom I served my apprenticeship.) for a saddler to go to Morriston to repair the saddles of the troops. Young employed me for that service. I went to Morristown & remained there two months. Engaged all the time in repairing the saddles & bridles of Col. Bland’s troops of cavalry. Young employed and paid me for the service performed.

In June 1777 my old master Young fitted out a vessel. Frigated her with Shingles and flour from Philadelphia to Boston. I went on board as one of the hands. We discharged the freight at Boston. And on our return to Philadelphia our vessal and all the hands on board were captured by the “Unicorn” a British vessel. We remained prisoners 8 or 9
Page 35

weeks before we were exchanged. And in September following I entered aboard a privateer Brig. (the name of which I have forgotten) about two weeks after my entrance aboard of the Brig, she sailed and left me. I being at the time sick and unable for service. Thus ended my service in the war of the Revolution. Thomas P. Ray wrote my declaration. I think I gave him the sworn statement in substance [illegible]. In witness of all which I hereto subscribe my name. November 1 1834

Purnell Houston his mark

Witness J.D. Hill

A copy
W. Singleton
Oct. 7 1835
Page 36

Purnell Houston Pens(ion)

Monongalia Cty

Fra???
with Certificate to Weston & Brown with Security for the money with Interest.
Page 37

Clarksburg [illegible] Nov 1835
[illegible] L Edwards Com(missioner) of Pensions
[illegible] In a conversation with M Singleton upon the subject of the claim against Purnell Houston, he desired that I should give you my impressions about the claim and leave to your decision the whole matter. Houston having lived for several years past on the bounty of his son-in-law dieing without any estate and the security in the obligation given to M Singleton being a poor man with a large family alone induces me to trouble you again. Knowing Houston personally for many years and that he was a very worthy man, I could not doubt that his recollection of his services was substantially correct as to that part of his statement of being employed on Col. Blands reg. I did not suppose that it was military (his troops being enlisted for at least three years) and I merely states it to connect the time of his military services and I did not think or suppose in stating it that it would be regarded as any part of his claim. 
    M Singleton gives him two months under Capt. Hazzard - four months under Capt. Chambers calculating from his entry into the service, my impresion now is that his statement to me was a few weeks longer_as to the service in the vessel of his old master. I do not recollect stating it_as to the services in the privateer brig.  Mr. S. (Singleton) supposes he was not entitled. I differ from him for from Houstons statement to me it belonged to the government, as upon his being able to leave his quarters some  six or seven weeks after the vessel sailed he reported himself to an officer who directed him to go home to [illegible] his health.
   As I shall be in Washington about first of Jan. I will call at your office & give you such further information as you may desire_I mention this to save you the labor of a reply.
     I am very respectfully yours
P. Ray
Page 38

J L. Edwards Esq
Washington City
Page 39

Winchester November 7, 1835

Sir

In my examination of Purnell Houston of Monongalia I believe they he was not entitle to a pension and therefor advised him to surrender his certificate and to give a lien for the amount drawn.  Which he accordingly done. Houston is dead and a suit is now depending against Joseph Hill his son in law and security in the lien. 

At the fall term of the Federal Court Thomas P. Ray Esq. requests me to continue the case, and refer the whole matter to you.  Which I accordingly done. You have herewith Mr. Rays written statement of his recollection of the narrative of service of Houston. And I assume a copy of my examination of him. When you have examined all the papers and decide on the matter please say what shall be done in the premises. Mr. Ray complains that an innocent (sic) security will have the money to pay. Such I think is not the case. Hill the security is indemnified.

Yours respectfully
W. Garryleton
Page 40

Seth Burton Secr. of the Treasury

to

[illegible] S Edwards

Comm of Pensions

Dated at office Mar 15/ [illegible]
Page 41

Office of the Solicitor of the Treasury
March 15, 1867.
Sir, 
You will find herewith enclosed Sunday papers relating to a suit now pending in the Solicit Court of the United States for the western Solicit of Virginia, instituted in the name of Washington G. Singleton, for the use of the United States, vs Joseph D. Hall.
Presuming that all the facts of the case are in your possession, I have to request that you will furnish this office with such a report as will enable me to act advisedly upon the application now pending for the dismissal of the suit, and should you concur in the recommendation of the present District Attorney which is herewith, have the goodness so to state.
I have the honor to be,
Very respectfully
very respectfully y(ou)r servant
P. Barton
Secr. of the Treasury

To 
James S. Edwards Esgr
Commissioner of Pensions
P.S. Please reference the accompanying papers
Page 42

Brown Hotel Washington Dec 17th 1849
Dear Sir
I enclose you the letter of Mr. Willson in relation the striking of the Pension roll Zachariah Piles, and Purnell Houston, I am informed by Mr Willson the the papers of these old soldiers were prepared by the late T.P. Ray, who was a man much more intelligence, than ever Singleton was and a man of the strictest integrity who was the last man to have prepared pension papers for a man that he was not satisfied himself was entitled to draw, and Mr Edgar 'C' Willson who expresses the opinion that great injustice was done to these men by or through Singleton is also a gentleman of high character and inteligence and has as Mr Ray had much greater facilities of judging of their right to draw pensions than ever Mr Singleton had. Hoping that you will reconsider these cases and place these poor old men again on the pension list without Singleton's action shews beyond doubt that were purjured men,
Respectfully
yours H
T.S. Haymond
Page 43

The U.S. [illegible] Jo. D. Hill

Postal stamp: PENSION OFFICE JUL 22 1858
Page 44

The District Court of the United States for the Western District of Virginia . . . on Friday the 2nd day of April, 1852.

W. G. Singleton . . . of the United States . . . 
vs.
Joseph D. Hill

This day come the parties by their attorneys and the District Attorney thereupon representing to the Court that he has examined carefully the Law, as well as the facts of this cause, and is of opinion that the case ought not 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 Law and the 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 and the same is hereby dismissed..

Jos W. Caldwell 
D. C. U. S. W. D. VA
Page 45

United States. 

[illegible] orders

Jos. D. Hill

[two horizontal lines]
Page 46

At a District Court of the United States for the Western District of Virginia held at Clarksburg on Saturday 3d day of April 1852.

United States Complts (complainant)
vs                                                                  In Chancery
Joseph D. Hill deft. (defendant)

This suit being presented in the same cause of action from which a suit was presented on the Law and of the Court, and the District Attorney upon the recommendation of the Court having dismissed the suit at law: and the District Attorney being also of the opinion that the suit in chancery (not at Rules) ought not to be prosecuted further by the government and the Court concurring in opinion with the District Attorney.  It is therefore ordered that this suit be and the same is hereby dismissed.

A copy Teste.

Jos. W. Cadwallader
D.C. U.S. W.D. Va

Feb. 10th
Page 47

Washington, Oct 21. 1852
Sir,
We have filed a Power of Attorney authorizing us to call of the case of Purnell Houston, dec D of  Monongalia County, Virginia who was placed upon the Pension roll under the acts of June 7th 1832, in the new year 1833 and stricken from the roll at the insistence of W.G. Singleton Esq, then U.S District Attorney.
The records of the Pension Office attests that his recommendations of Mr S- were in many instances unjust and in some cruel; as they have been restored, the years have elapsed and in the mean time have not only suffered precurinary loss, but have been subjected to the mortification of having {made an attempt to} imposed on the Government.
As to the case of Mr Houston, he was the near neighbors of the father of Mr Evans
Page 48

And Mr. Evans, unhesitatingly states that a more honest, and upright man never lived. He reared a large and respectable family and they are meare anxious to have this suppas and stain, wiped off the character of their deceased parent, then to obtain any pecuniary benefit.

The papers evidently show six month service, and if the statement in the declaration mere taken, aside from statements subsequently made, these should be added the two months connected with Bland’s Cavalry. This however is waived, as Mr. Houston, shew it was civil employment.

His services in New Jersey, are in strict accordance, with the history of the war and we hope that justice will be amended, to a most estimable man, who would never have made a statement that he did not believe to be strictly true.

J.E. Heath Esq.                             Very respectfully
Comm. Of Pensions	                      Evans & Faul
Page 49

M. [illegible]

Please send me the papers of Purnell

[illegible]

Note was given Nov 1, 1834
[illegible] Mar 1835
[illegible]

[Bottom of page]: E [illegible]
Page 50

Pension Office
April 12, 1853
Gentlemen,
In reply to your letter relative to the case of Parnell Houston, who was stricken from the Virginia rolls under the Act of June 7, 1832, you are informed that the action of this Office was based upon the report of the authorized agent of the Department; and that we have no power to direct Houston's name to be restored to the Roll, and the amount paid to his children.  If the claim was a valid one, as stated in your letter, it is a little remarkable that Houston's representatives did not during the pending of the suit for the recovery of the amount of the note which he gave to the agent of the United State, for the amount improperly to said Houston, produce evidence of it, as they had ample time and opportunity to do.
Very Respectfully
Messrs Evans J Fant       D P Walds
Present                          Commissioner
Page 51

Pentress, Monongalia Co.  Va.
June 30. 1859

My Dr (dear) sir:

Purnell Houston late of this county and pensioned under the act of June 7, 1832, payable at the Richmond Virginia agency. His pension was suspended on the 4th of March 1834, and his surviving children think great injustice has been done the old soldier’s memory and desire me to investigate the claim.

For that purpose a copy of the original declaration of Houston is necessary and I send you herewith a power of attorney from Robert Houston authorizing me to ask that paper.

You are aware of the distance I reside from the county seat, and hence
Page 52

the inconvenience of procuring the Certificate and seal of our County Clerk.

You will therefore do me the favor of allowing me to refer to you.

Thanking you for past favours, since you reside in Washington.

I am very truly yours,
J.W. Boughner
Wm. C Lundsey, Esq
Washington City
D. C.
Page 53

(copy)
Singleton for use of United States 
vs
Joseph D. Hill                 In debt in the district court of the United State at Clarksburg Va.

This suit was instituted on the 11th of September 1838. The process was returned executed at December of that year, but the declaration was not filed until January rules 1840. It is an action of debt on a sealed instrument alleged to have been executed by one Purnell Houston in his lifetime, and the defendant, on the 1st of November 1834, payable to W.G. Singleton then district attorney for the use of the United States on the 1st of July 1835. The obligation on which the action is founded is alleged to have been destroyed by fire. At April term 1840, the defendant appeared and set aside the office judgement against him by filing a plea of payment, and obtained leave to file further pleas. Subsequently he filed six special pleas in writing, and the cause was continued till the April term 1843, whereupon the motion of the district attorney, the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, & 5th special please were rejected by the court, and issues were made up upon the 1st and 6th. It is apparent that there is a mistake in the numbering of the pleas, and that it is the 1st and not the 2nd pleas that was rejected by the court, because the first
Page 54

plea as numbered on the record bring nil debet (debt), is bad to debt or bond, while the 2nd plea is a substantial plea of payment. This is immaterial however, as doubtless the whole defence rests upon the 6th plea.)

The 6th plea is in the nature of a plea of ofsett (offset) under a peculiar statute of Virginia authorizing a defendant in certain cases, to set up by plea in defence of an action on a sealed instrument any matter of fraud, misrepresentation or deception in the manner by which the instrument was procured, and which might be cause of action on his part against the party practicing it for the recovery of damages and authorizes the damages to be recouped against the demand of the plaintiff.

It alleges that the said obligation was obtained by fraud and misrepresentation practiced upon the said Purnell Houston by the plaintiff Singleton in alleging to him that he was not entitled to a pension and that unless he would give his bond for the amount he had received as such, he the plaintiff, would prosecute him for the false swearing and thereby obtaining the execution of said obligation by the said Houston as principal and defendant as surety. This plea is sworn to in the usual form. And after the making up of the issue, the cause appears to have been continued from term to town term to the present
Page 55

time on the motion of the district attorney. It does not appear that the cause was ever continued on motion of the defendant excepting once which was at September term 1841. It appears that a similar suit had been instituted on this obligation in 1835, which was continued till some time in 1836, when the clerk’s office of the court having been burnt and with it the papers in this case the suit was dismissed and sometime after the present suit was brought. Houston died insolvent in 1835.

The affidavits submitted tend to support the 6th plea and if the same testimony would be submitted to the jury on the trial of the cause and should not be overcome by countervailing testimony on the fact of the United States, the result would probably be a verdict for the defendant upon that plea. Whether such countervailing testimony can be had, I am not advised, except it be furnished by the evidence of Mr. Singleton former district attorney. He has been summoned as a witness in the cause but has not attended and a subpoena has been issued for him to next term of the court. What his evidence will be, I am not informed, but I am persuaded that in taking the obligation of these parties, or in his statement, he
Page 56

meditated no fraud upon them. He may have been mistaken in his construction of the act of Congress and no doubt thought it his duty to require that the amount which had been received by Houston should be refunded. But if so, and if Houston was really entitled to the pension allowed him, the effect of the mistake was the same upon his rights. It would seem that for a short time before he marched, Houston who was a soldier, was employed by order of his officer in repairing the bridles and saddles of the troop, and the doubt arose whether the time for which he was so employed could be properly reckoned in computing the period of his service. Yet even if it should be properly excluded and if therefore by a strict construction Houston were not entitled to a pension, the time wanting to complete the service being so short. Houston having died utterly insolvent, the defendant being a mere surety upon whom the burden must fall without means of indemnity, and having already been harassed by a long and fruitless attendance upon the court for the purpose of getting a trial of the cause and in any event compelled to lose all his costs and expenses, I am inclined to think his
Page 57

application to be released, not unreasonable.

It may be observed that under the circumstances of this case, the feelings of the jury would doubtless be strongly in favor of the defendant, and there may naturally be expected a readiness to construe the testimony, in the sense most favorable to the pretensions of the defendant. And after all should the United Sates succeed in obtaining a verdict there cannot be much doubt that congress would upon a petition to that effect, release the defendant from the judgement and forgive the debt.

I think it is not improper to add that I have conversed with the deputy marshal of our court, M.A.Goff, a most respectable gentleman and who formerly resided in the county of Monongalia and was acquainted with all these parties, upon the subject of this case. He is strongly of the opinion that the claim should not be prosecuted and confirms me in the views and opinions which I have taken up.

Upon the whole case, I am humbly of the opinion that the interest and dignity of the United States would be duly respected by abandoning this claim and discontinuing the suit now
Page 58

pending for its recovery
Which is respectfully submitted.
Geo. H. Lee
Dist. Atty.
Hon, Solicitor
of the Treasury
Page 59

(Date received) May 18

Clarksburg Va
May 16

free

James L. Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
City of Washington
Page 60

Clarksburg May 12th 1835

J.L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions

I now will give you all the information I am in possession of in relations to the pensioners in Monongalia County mention in Mr. P. Ray’s letter to you of last month.  In the first place I would state that I were not with Mr. Singleton in making the examination of that county.

I am not acquainted with John Verdin nor do I know anything about his Revolutionary services. But I am informed that William Hall of Monongalia, testifies to Verdin services. I am acquainted with Hall, and here state that every reliance can be placed in any statement he has made, or may hereafter make he is a correct and honest old man.

Evan Morgan is another mentioned in same letter.  I know nothing of his Revolutionary services – but am personally acquainted with him, and am of the opinion from a knowledge of his character that would
Page 61

Not make any untrue statement, I do not know what he is claiming, but feel comfortable he would not claim a pension for services never rendered.

Purnell Houston was also mentioned in same letter.  I can not say anything as to his services, but do believe from what I have heard from his neighbours, that he was entitled to a pension, that did actual serve more than 6 months, he has always been considered strictly honest & truthful

Thos. P Ray Esq who is I presume attending to these old mens claims, is the last man in our government who would try to lead you astray, on attempts to practice afraid on the deportment every confidence may be placed in any information on statements he has or may give the department of War.

I am yours Respectfully
Nathan Goff
Page 62

In the matter of the application of Robert Houston, for arrears of Pension due his father Purnell Houston, decd a Revolutionary Soldier

JV Boughner
[illegible]
Va
Page 63

Pentress, Monongalia Co. Va.
April. 8. 1859

Sire:

In reply to your letter of July 27, permit me to adduce the following facts, in Evidence of my position, in my letter of June 30th that the claim of the heirs of Purnell Houston is  analagous [underlined]to the claims of Zach. Piles and Peter Haught which have been allowed by the Pension Office ---
[extraneous pen stroke?] I meet the allegation in, that" Houston admitted the money he had received from the Government he was not entitled to, by giving a bond security for its' repayment, by saying, and a reference to the facts will bear me out, that Piles and Haught both gave bonds to dist; atty. Singleton in the same way, under a threat of prosecution for perjury --
It is true that Houston did not live long after this pension was suspended, and the only object, his children, are highly respectable, and citizens of this
Page 64

County, have in view of this late day, as to vindicate the reputation of an honored parent, from the imputation of perjury, which the Government has magnanimously done in the cases of Piles, Haughton, Wade, and Gray, whose pensions had been, by the intervention of W.G. Singleton, suspended, at the same time.

I think you are evidently in error, in ascribing the assumption of the suits against Hill, on account of the loss of the bond and vouchers by fire.

A fraction of the papers in the Dist. Court, U.S. Western dist, Va, were destroyed by fire on the 19th day of August 1836, but the suits were continued from term to term against Piles, Haught, Wade, and Hill, as bail for Houston, until the 2nd day of April 1832, and were all dismissed at the same, on the same grounds, to wit: The causes having been called up, ”the district attorney thereupon represented that he had examined
Page 65

Carefully the law as well as the facts of these causes, and is of opinion they ought not to be further prosecuted by the Government, and submitted the causes to the inspection of the court, whereupon the court upon examination of the Law and the facts, concur in the opinion of the district attorney, and recommend the dismission in thereof. An thereupon it was ordered that the suits be and the same were dismissed.”

It is proper to say that a much abler attorney than Mr. Singleton was district attorney on the 2nd day of April 1832.

In further corroboration of this view, I send herewith a letter from Thos. P. Ray, Clerk of the Courts of Monongalia County, at the time, but now deceased, to G.D. Caruther Esq now George Camden, requesting Mr. Camden to attend to said suits, or most of them, for Wilson an attorney of high character in Monongalia County; and it will be seen that Mr. Wilson, through Ray, says that he and Me. Allen
Page 66

had filed ”a special plea in the cases of Haught, Piles, and Hill”.

These facts we think make the analogy complete, and show that you are in error in the concluding sentence of your letter in saying – “It is evidenced the suit was not discontinued in consequences of the belief that Houston’s claim to a pension was a meritorious one, or that Mr. Singleton had acted improperly in the matter.”

Mr Wilson is yet living, and is not more than sixty years of age, in the full possession of all his faculties, and has characterized Mr. Singletons course in all these pension prosecutions as annel and ill advised, as I have been frequently informed.

I send with this a transcript of the proceedings against Wade, whose claim was allowed last April, and would thank you to compare the decision rendered on the 2nd day of April 1832, with the decisions in the Law and Chancery suits against
Page 67

Hill as security for Housten (sic), rendered on the same day, which I transmitted to you on the 18th of July, and I think you will clearly see the analogy in the cases that I am contending exists.

I would thank you to return me, Mr. Ray’s letter, and the transcript in the case of Wade.

Very Respectfully,
Your obt. (obedient) servant,
J.W. Boughner

Hon. Geo. C. Whiting
Commissioner Pensions,
Washington City
Page 68

Purnell Houston - [______] $28.33
I the undersigned Purnell Houston at the [requisition] of the Secretary of War gives his following statement of my age and Revolutionary  Services to [cleit] - I shall be 80 years old the first day of February [next] in the year 1776. in the month of February my apprenticeship having terminated in Philadelphia I went to Sussex county Delaware, and in March 1776 I volunteered for two months under Capt John Hazzard and marched from the capes of Delaware near which two British ships lay (the Robuck and _____.  There were about thirty men under Capt Huzzard I [illegible] [illegible] two months time returned to Philadelphia in July in the [same] year on this first of November 1776. I volunteered under Capt. Chambers in Philadelphia. [___] late in November or early in December in the same year. Marched to Trenton New Jersey and got up just at the time of the engagement in which the British army was defeated. [___] about Nine hundred Hessian [_____] [_____]. This battle was fought on Christmas eve.  Several companies marched from Pennsylvania under Gen. Cadwalader after the battle was over my company was incamped at a place called Blackbird seven or eight miles from Trenton. On the first day of January 1777 we had orders to march at a [illegible] [illegible] [illegible].  [We] called to Trenton again on the morning of the [illegible] second seeing the alarm given we fired. We were [illegible] and the two armies were cannonading until late at night. After night Genl Washington [illegible] up the line of march for Princeton. Attacked the British army killed many. and [illegible] good many prisoners. [illegible] after engagement the american army went on to Somerset Courthouse then on to Pluckamin. In [illegible] [illegible] to Morristown [illegible] [illegible] Winter quarters and in the last of February or early in March I was discharged and returned in Philadelphia having been in service in [illegible] [illegible] at least 2 months
Page 69

In June 1777, an agent of Col. Blands of the Virginia cavalry, applied to Young, a Saddler in Philadelphia, with whom I had served my apprenticeship and learnt the trade – to go with the troops of cavalry to Morristown – my old Master Young employed me and I accordingly went [illegible] their two months repairing saddles and bridles of the troops – all received from Young the [illegible] upon for my services.

In June 1777 my old Master Young fitted out a vessel with Shingles and flour from Philadelphia to Boston. I went on board as one of the hands. The cargo was delivered at Boston. On the return of the vessel to Philadelphia she was captured by the Unicorn a British vessel, and the crew including myself were prisoners 8 or 9 weeks – after we were exchanged – I entered aboard a privateer Brig. (don’t recollect her name). Shortly after my entrance, I was taken sick. The Privateer sailed left me. This was about two week after my entrance, and thus ended my services in the war of Revolution, Thos. P. Ray wrote my declaration – I said nothing to him about being employed all paid by Young, for services in Col. Bland Cavalry. 

In witness that the aging statement contains the truth I hereto subscribe my name. Nov. 1 1834 

Purnell Houston his mark

Witness
Jos. D. Hill

John McKay wrote this declaration from the [illegible] statement it is manifest that the information is in no way attributable to Mr. Ray – the certificate is returned. And [illegible] security given for the money with interest.


W. [illegible] 
Nov 29 1834
Page 70

Apl 27

[Postal stamp] MORGANTOWN |[illegible] 23| Va

[illegible] J L. Edwards

Com of Pensions

Washington
Page 71

Morgantown 20th April 1835,
J L Edwards
Com (Commissioner) of Pensions

Sir,
Mr. Nathan Goff who assisted Mr. Singleton in the examination of some pensioners in the adjoining counties, passed through here some days ago for Phila (Philadelphia) and will return through Balt. (Baltimore) on his return within a week.  I am sure he can give you much satisfactory information, if he should visit Washington on his return, and if you request it.  I have no doubt will call on you – if he does, he is acquainted with the Hall family, one of whom proved the services of Burden – he is also acquainted with Dudley Evans whose depo (deposition) was taken in support of Evan Morgans’ claim.  A letter directed to Mr. Goff at Balt (sic Baltimore) to the care of Jones & Woodward merchants, will be handed to him.

Mr. Singleton sent me from Clarksburgh a verbal request to tell those from whom he took bonds to pay the amount into Bank here. I do not know from whom the bonds were taken except Zachariah Piles & Purnell Houston, the latter dead, who gave his son in law as security. I am confident his reports in both cases are erroneous, and if you will suspend the proceedings against Piles on his bond, his son informs me, the he will send you testimony, that will leave no doubt on your mind.  Mr. Goff was personally acquainted with Housten. (sic Houston)

I am respt (respectfully) Your Obt (obedient) serv (servant)
Thos. P. Ray
Page 72

3-082
(Old No. 3-459.)

Department of the Interior,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS

Application No. ________________________________________
Certificate No. _________________________________________
NAME OF SOLDIER
Purnell Houston
Co. _____________, ______________Reg’t Va. Mil.
INFORMATION DESIRED
Pension granted
May 14 1833
Papers please for Mr. Severt
Bryant
Apr. 22
Page 73

(Copy of letter)

Aug 17, 1859
J.M. Cutts Esq.
Comptrollers
Second

Sir The name of Purcell (sic Purnell) Houston Private, a revolutionary pensioner under the act of June 7 1832 at the rate of $28.33 per annum has been returned to the roll at Richmond, Va to commence from date to which he was unpaid
Page 74

PREPATORY BRANCH
WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSIT
 KEYSER, WEST VIRGINIA
J.C. SANDERS, A.B.,
PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY
May 27, 1910

U.S. Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington, D.C.

Sir:
Will you please inform me if there is any record in your office of one Purnell Houston – a soldier in the Revolutionart war from the state of Del.  Also what such record is if any. If application for pension was made, it was probably made from Monongalia Co Va. (W. Va.)

Resprctfully (sic),
J.C. Sanders

Date received stamp of May 28, 1910
Page 75

Addison, Ohio
Box 28
April 22, 1935

Veterans Administration,
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sirs:

I am desirous of securing data relative to Lieutenant John Dent and Private Purnell Houston, two Revolutionary War pensioners who spent their declining years in Monongalia County, Virginia.  The following constitutes all of the data I am able to furnish about them.

1.	John Dent: a Lieutenant in the 9th Virginia Regiment. He applied for a pension while living in Monongalia County Virginia, (now West Virginia)  His pension began March 4th 1831 and he was placed on the pension November 28th, 1832 when about 79 years of age.
2.	Purnell Houston, a private in the Virginia Militia. He, too applied for a pension while living in Monongalia County,
Page 76

2,
Virginia, now West Virginia
His pension also began March 4th, 1831 and he was placed on the pension roll May 4th, 1833. I do not know whom he married. 
Yours very truly, 
(Mrs. L.H.) Maude R Nelson

[Stamp: circle shape with compass design. First and last word are illegible. Legible text as follows: Apr 23 1935 MAIL SUN.DIV. VETS.ADM]
Page 77

8 Waitmore St. Morgantown, W.Va., 
June 5, 1915.
Commissioner of Pensions -
Washington, D.6.
Dear Sir: - Will you kindly give me a statement confirming the fact that a pension not granted to Purnell Houston in the year 1832. 
If there are charges for this information send bill which will be promptly settled.
Yours sincerely
(Yours) Charlotte Wade Smith.

[The stamp is sideways. The words are tilted almost 90 degrees to the left. The stamp is a circle shape. The words are: PENSION OFFICE. E JUN 8 1915 U.S.]
Page 78

103 W Brook St.
San Diego Cal
Dec 29 1932

Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.

Dear Commissioner:

I have information that my great grandfather, James Houston, fought with Anthony Wayne against the Indians in Indiana and Ohio probably in 1795.  He probably lived in W. Virginia at that time, possibly Kentucky near Lexington. Will you please advise if he drew a pension, giving his number or if you have a roster of Waynes Army is he enrolled?

His father Purnell Houston was a Revolutionary soldier.

Yours respectfully,
John Laughlin

Received Jan 4 1933
Page 79

VETERANS ADMINISTRATION
WASHINGTON         January 9, 1933,

Mr. John Laughlin,
103 West Brooks Street,
San Diego, California.

Dear sir:

Reference is made to your letter in which you request the record of one James Houston who served under Anthony Wayne against the Indians in Indiana and Ohio and who probably lived in West Virginia or Kentucky.

In order to identify the record of the particular soldier in whom you are interested, would it be on file, in addition to his full name and the doubtful statements in regard to his residences, you will please give approximate dates of birth and death, name the county in which he died, also, give first name of widow.

Upon receipt of further data, another search of the records will be made in your behalf.

Please return these letters with reply.

Very truly yours,
(signature)
A.D. HILLER
Assistant to Administrator.
Page 80

103 W. Brooks St. San Diego, Cal.
Jan 16, 1932.

Veterans Administration
Washington D.C.

Gentlemen:
Replying to yours of Jan. 9th. BA-J/MMH7/Aug.
 James Houston, son of Purnell Houston a revolutionary soldier, Sur. File 15467, and Mary (Carey) Houston, was born in Delware in 1780. He moved with his family to Monongalia Co., Virginia (Now W. Va) in 1790. Here we lose trace of him except that he lived for a time in Kentucky and appeared in Monroe Co., Indiana about 1830 with a wife and ten children. I have been unable to learn his wife's given name or maiden name. The names of his children were: ¹Joseph, ²Purnell, ³Benjamin, ⁴Alfred, ⁵Mary, ⁶Robert, ⁷Sarah, ⁸Nancy, ⁹James and  ¹⁰William. An obituary states that that(sic) his son Joseph was born in Scott County, Ky. An obituary of his son Alfred states that he (Alfred) was born near Lexington, Ky. James Houston died in Monroe County, Indiana, about 1858 or 60.
About twenty five years ago Alfred Houston (died 1911) told me his father (James) served with Anthony Wayne north of the Ohio in two battles against the Indians - The name is sometimes spelled Huston. 
I want proof that our James is the son of Purnell
Sur. File 15467.           Respectfully
                                     John Laughlin
Page 81

        On file in this Bureau. Purnell Houston, L.F. 15-467

Dates of       Length of       Rank     Officers under whom service was Rendered.    State.
Enlistment       Service.                           Captain              Colonel

Mar. or Apr.      2 mos.                         John Hazzard                                                 Del.
1776

Nov. or Dec.   3 or 4 mos.                    Chambers co. Penn. Militia                           Penn
1776

Went as hand on a brig in June 1777   from Phila.
                                                              Going to Boston, was captured by the Unicorn
A British vessel, and kept on a prison ship 8 or 9 weeks and then exchanged.

Oct. 1777      entered a brig at New London, but before the vessel sailed in Nov. he was taken sick and left at New London until the vessel returned in the spring of 1778. He returned to Phila. Sept. 1778

Battles engaged in, Trenton and Princeton

Residence of soldier at enlistment, check mark

Date of application for pension, Oct. 22 1832 he claim was at 

Residence at date of application,  Monongalia Co. Va

Age at date of application, born in Sussex Co. Delaware died March 1835

Remarks:

A large family referred to, no names are stated other than Lou Roberts who was a resident of Monongalia Co. Va cir 1859. Joseph D. Hill is a con in law. As the name was restored to the pension roll we said nothing of Singleton report.

Very respectfully,
Page 82

March 2, 1933

BA-J/EEL

Mr. John Laughlin
103 West Brooks Street
San Diego, California

Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letter in which you furnish further information in regard to James Houston, who, you state served under Anthony Wayne in his campaign against the Indians north of the Ohio.

A careful search of the records of this office has been made in your behalf and no claims for pension found based upon the services of a James Houston or similar spelling, in the Indian Wars subsequent to the Revolution and prior to the War of 1812. The War of 1812 records have also been searched and no claim for pension found based upon the service of James Houston in that war.

In the pension claims of Purnell Houston, S.15467, there is no reference to a son James.

Very truly yours

A. D. HILLER
Assistant to Administrator.
Page 83

May 14, 1935.

BA-J/ady
Purnell Houston
8.15467
John Dent
W.4663

Mrs. L. H. Nelson
Box 28
Addison, Ohio

Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter relative to Purnell Houston and John Dent, soldiers of the Revolutionary War.

Their records are furnished you herein as found in the claims for pension based upon service in Revolutionary War.

Purnell Houston, S.15467

Purnell Houston was born February 1, 1755 in Sussex County, Delaware. The names of his parents are not shown.

Purnell Houston enlisted in March or April 1776 and served two months in Captain John Hazzard's Delaware Company. He enlisted in November or December 1776, served three or five months in Captain Chambers' Pennsylvania Company and was in the battles of Trenton and Princeton. In the spring of 1777 he served two months repairing saddles for the Light Horse troops and in June 1777 he went as hand on a brig going from Philadelphia to Boston, was captured by the Unicorn a British vessel, kept on a prison ship eight or nine weeks and then exchanged. In October 1777 he entered a brig at New London before the vessel sailed in November he was taken sick and left at New London until the vessel returned in the spring of 1778.

After the Revolution, he resided in Sussex and Kent Counties, Delaware and in 1790 he moved to Monongalia County, Virginia.

He was allowed pension on his application executed October 22, 1832 while a resident of Monongalia County, Virginia.

He died on March 1835, place not stated.
Page 84

A large family is referred to, no names are designated other than son Robert who was a resident of Monongalia County, Virginia in 1859.

One Purnell Houston heir-at-law was a resident of Monongalia County, Virginia, in 1852, but it is not stated that he was soldier's son. Joseph D. Hill, a son-in-law was resident of Monongalia County, Virginia, in 1846.

John Dent, W.4663

The date and place of birth and the names of the parents of John Dent are not shown.

John Dent enlisted in Monongalia County, Virginia, in May 1777, served as private and sergeant in Captain David Scott's Company and on November 1, 1778 was appointed ensign and served as such until February 16, 1779 when he was commissioned lieutenant in Captain Jacobus Sullivan's Company and served until in the spring of 1780 when he acted as captain of a company of cavalry until he resigned November 24, 1780, having performed all of the above services in Colonel John Gibson's Virginia Regiment.

He was allowed pension on his application executed August 28, 1832 while living in Monongalia County, Virginia, aged seventy-seven years.

He died September 30, 1840 in Monongalia County, Virginia.

Soldier married in June 1780, Margaret Evans. She was allowed pension on her application executed September 27, 1841 while living in Monongalia County, Virginia, aged seventy-eight years.

Soldier and Margaret Evans Dent had the following children:

Elizabeth|born|December 26, 1780.
John E.|"|January 24, 1783.
George|"|November 18, 1784, died July 3, 1805.
Dudley E.|"|March 1, 1787.
Ann|"|May 23, 1789.
Nimrod|"|June 18, 1792.
Margaret Wiggs|"|April 1, 1794.
Page 85

Enoch|born|May 21, 1796.
James|"|August 15, 1798.
Marmaduke|"|February 25, 1801.
Anarcy (?)|"|April 3, 1803.
Evans|"|February 28,1808.

Very truly yours

A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant to the Administrator