Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 54, Burgess Witt, N.C.
Page 1

[Typed form with written responses]

(3 - 1776)
SERVICE
N.C.
Witt, Burgess Elizabeth
NUMBER
W. 54
B.L.W.t. 31.738-160-55
CONTENTS
Page 2

5686
Tennessee Knoxville 
Elizabeth Witt
widow of Burgess Witt
Col Lyttle N.Ca
who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of
Dollars
Cents per annum, to commence on
the 4th day of March 1848 ending
30 June 1848. 
Certificate of Pension issued the
6 day of June 1831
and sent to
Hambright McGrant
Calhoun, Tenn.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act
February 2, 1848, Page 315 Vol. 3.
Page 3

No 19.689
East Tennessee
--
Burgess Witt
of Mc. Minn Co in the State of Tennessee
who was a private in the company commanded
by Captain Lytle of the regiment commanded
by Colonel Lytle in the N. Carolina
line, for the term of 18 months
from
1781 to 1782
Inscribed on the Roll of East Tennessee
at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence on
the 18th day of October 1825.
Certificate of Pension issued the 11 of Dec 1826
and sent to the Hon. John Cooke
House of Representatives
Arrears to 4th of Sept 1826 $84.67
Semi-anl. all'ce ending 4 Mar 1827, 48.
---
$132-67
Revolutionary claim,
Acts March 18, 1818,
and May 1, 1820.}

suspension record. See letters to [illegible]
& Hon. J Standefer H. R. Dec
29. 1834 do to Jame &
Hon. W. B. Carter 4 Jan
1837. do to Hon. J. L.
Williams H.R. Feb
27. 1841.
let 27 Dec 4 [illegible]
T.J. Campbell

See letter to Hon. H.L. White 
Dec. 24 1843
to the Ho. L. Cass 
Sep. 16, 1834
Page 4

Witt, Burgess
NC W54
Page 5

17 1891
Act May 3
June [illegible] /55
Elizabeth Witt Widow
Burges Witt Die
Capt Lytle
No 31.738i/ June Rev War
act Mch 43 & June 44 and by 7748
Act July 7, 1838 and by 10019
Tenn Feby 28 686
an: 16 [illegible] fm. 36/56
Boynton
Tenn mar 18, 1818
J.C. 19689
John Prock
Lower Falls
Monroe Co
Tenn
Vol. Wa-23.
Page 6

[MADISONVILLE Te. FEB 11]

2 Sheets
JN
Jacob Newman
Knoxville
Tenn

10623
Elizabeth Witt
Ten:
Act 7, July 38
M ded 93 !!
Page 7

10623
Elizabeth Witt
Ten:
Act 7, July 38
M ded 93 !!

[MADISONVILLE Te. FEB 11]

2 Sheets
JN
Jacob Newman
Knoxville
Tenn
Page 8

Decleration
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of the 7th July 1838
Entitled an act granting half pay and pension to certain widows and in
order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of the 3d of March 1843
granting one years pay pension to certain widows
State of Tennessee
Monrow County
On this 3d day of February 1844 Personally
appeared before the subscriber a Justice of the peace for the County
aforesaid Elizabeth Witt a resident of the County and State aforesaid
aged Seventy years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her
oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the
provision made by the act of Congress July 7th 1838 entitled an act
granting half pay and pension to certain widows and in order to obtain the benefit
of the act of Congress of the 3rd March 1843 granting one years pay and pensions
to certain widows that she is the widow of Burgess Witt who was a solder
in the North Carolina infantry in the war of the revolution that the
aforesaid Burgess Witt drew a pension under the act of congress
of the 7th June 1832 of Ninty six dollars for his said service she futher
declares that she was married to the said Burgess Witt on the 14th day of
December Seventeen hundred and ninty three that her husband the
aforesaid Burgess Witt died on the 16th day of Decr 1843
that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the servis
but the marriage took place previous to the first of January seventeen
hundred and ninty four viz at the tim above stated and she has
remained widow ever since
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before me
Elizabeth Witt
+her mark
Page 9

A Justice of the peace for the County aforesaid and I further certify that the
said Elizabeth Witt is from bodily infirmity unable to attend
Court and that she has remained a widow ever since the death of her
husband Burgess Witt
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand this 3rd day of February 1844
John Prock
Justice of the peace
Monroe County Te
State of Tennessee
Monrow County
February term 1844 County Court
the declaration of Elizabeth Witt cified [certified] on the 5th day of February
by John Prock 
A Justice of the peace for said County being submited
to the court doth approve of his preceding and acts in said case and hereby direct
the clerk to endorse the approved on the papers
State of Tennessee
Morrow County
I John A Stephens Clerk of the county court of
Monroe County do hereby certify that the following proceeding on the
original procedings had and approved of by the County Court of Monroe
County at is Feruary (February) term 1844 relative to the declaration of
Elizabeth Witt to obtain the benefit of the acts of Congress
relative to Revolutionary pensions and i futher certify that the
aforesaid John Prock and was a Justice of the peace for said
County duly commissioned and qualified according to law and that the
signature purporting to be his is genuine
In testamony whereof I have hereunto set my
hand and affixed my seal of office at office
in Masonville this 10th February 1844
John A Stephens 
Clerk
Page 10

State of Tennessee
Monroe County}
On this 3dr day of February 1844 personally appeared
before the subscriber a Justice of the peace for said County Valentin
Witt a resident of the County and State aforesaid aged Forty Four
years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make
the following affident that he is well acquainted with Ms. Elizabeth
Witt who resides in this County and was well acquainted with her
husband Bergess [Burgess] Witt upp to the time of his death which took place
the 16th day of Oct 1843 affiant further declares that he was
well acquainted with Bergess Witt and Elizabeth Witt
from his earliest recolection up to his death 
which took place the 16th day of Oct 1843
effiant further declares that he was 
well acquainted with Bergess Witt and Elizabeth Witt from his earliest recollection 
upp to his death above stated and that the
said Bergess Witt and Elizabeth Witt was allways Recognised as husband and wife and further declares that he
is the third Child born to Born to Bergess and Elizabeth Witt that the aforesaid Elizabeth Witt has remained a widow ever since
the death of her husband Bergess Witt
Valentin Witt
+his mark
Sworn to and subscribed on the year above written before it
Justice of the peace for the County afforesaid and further the
full faith and credit may be given to his Valentin Witt statements
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 5th day
February Eighteen hundred and Forty four
John Prock (Seal)
Justice of the peace
Page 11

I, J.W. Blackwell, Representave in the 28th Congress of the U. States from Tennessee, 
do certify that, John A. Stephens
whose name appears to the foregoing certificate,
was at the time 
it [illegible] date, Clerk of the County Court of Monroe Co. Ten
and that the signature appears to be genuine. Given under my
hand this 23st day of March 1844.
J. W. Blackwell
Page 12

[678]
FAMILY RECORD.
BIRTHS.
Valentine Mayo was
Born the 10th day of
August 1767
Martha Mayo wife
to Valentine
was born the 3rd day 
of April 1775
[Friday]
Blackmore H. Mayo
Son to Valentine Mayo  
was born the 27th day 
of Sep 1793
[Monday]
Robert A. Mayo
Son to Valentine Mayo
Valentine Mayo and
was born the 28th day
of March 1796
[Sunday]
Nancy P. Mayo 
Daughter to 
Valentine Mayo
was born the 
11th day of 
November 1798
BIRTHS.
George W. Mayo son 
to Son to Valentine Mayo
was born the 25th day
of April 1801
[Tuesday]
Valetine Mayo Junth
was born the 17th day
of August 1803
Moses Mayo son to 
Valentine Mayo was
was born the 7th day
June 1806
James Mayo son to 
Valentine Mayo and Martha 
his wife
was born october the 4: 1808
Martha Washington Mayo
Daughter to Valentine Mayo
and Martha his wife 
was born Tuesday 22nd
September of 1812
Page 13

[677]
FAMILY RECORD.

MARRIAGES
Valentine Mayo and
Martha his wife was 
Married the 15th
of December 
in the year 
of our Lord
one thousand 
hundred and Eighty
nine

MARRIAGES.
B. H. Mayo [illegible]
Kelso was Married on 
Thursday evening in 
the year of our Lord
Christ 1818
July 9th
Page 14

Application for Restoration to the Pension Rolls
Whose names have been dropped under the Act of February 4, 1862.
State of Tennessee
County of Monroe, SS.
On this First
day of June
A. D. one thousand eight hundred and sixty-
eight, personally appeared before me, B.C. Pettitt Clerk of the County
Court in said State and County, the same being a Court of Record, Hezekah Witt  
and Burgess Witt
aged respectively 65 and 58 years, a residents of Monroe County 
in the State of Tennessee, who, being duly sworn according to law,
declare that they are the identical persons who are the only surviving children of 
Elizabeth Witt
who was a pensioner
on the roll of the agency at
Knoxville Tennessee
and whose pension certificate
is lost and cannot be found 
that said Elizabeth
has resided since the first day of January, A. D. 1861, as follows: In Monroe
County, Tennessee up to the 23d day of October 1863, at which date she died; that she
was the widow of Burgess Witt a Revolutionary Pensioner
that during this period her
means of subsistence have been as derived from the aid given
her by these applicant;

and that neither she nor either 
of these applicant has
and that has not borne arms against the Government of the United States or has either of them in any manner encouraged
the rebels, or manifested a sympathy with their cause; 
and that she was last paid the pension to the
Fourth
day of September, A. D. 1860

This application is made for the purpose of securing a restoration of her name to the pension rolls, and of obtaining a
new pension certificate, such as applicants may be entitled to under existing laws, reference being made to the evidence heretofore
filed in the Pension Office to substantiate her original claim. And hereby appoint T. W. Burge of Athens, McMinn County, Tennessee our Attorney to present this our 
application, 
and perform all that is necessary therein, without revocation, as well as to receive the Certificate when issued, that
our P. O. Address is Jalappa, Monroe Co. Tenn.
( 5 )

Also personally appeared 
William J. De Hart
Hezekah
Witt
Tenn.
a resident of Monroe County, Tenn. and 
Josiar Gamble a resident of Monroe County, Tennessee
persons whom I certify to the respectable and entitled to credit, and who, being by me duly sworn, say that they were present and saw
Hesekiah and Burgess Witt sign their name to the foregoing declaration;
and they further swear that they have every reason to believe, from the appearance of the applicant and their acquaintance with them
that they are in the identical persons they claim to be; and they further swear that they have no interest in the prosecution of
this claim: 
and that said applicants are respectable and entitled to credit and are the only surviving children of
Elizabeth Witt decd late widow of
Burgess Witt decd.
J.C. Winkler
J. R. Burchfiel} Attest
(8)
William J De Heart
+his mark
Josiar Gamble
Sworn to and subscribed before me, this First
●
day of June
A. D. 1868; and I
hereby certify that I have no interest, direct or indirect, in the prosecution of this claim, and that the foregoing was read and
explained to and understood by subscribers before signing.
B. C. Pettitt Clerk of
County Court for Monroe County, Tennessee
OATH OF ALLEGIANCE.

We Hezekiah and Burgess Witt do solemnly swear (or affirm) in the presence of Almighty God, that we will hence 
forth faithfully support protect and defend the Constitution of the United States and the Union of the States there
under; that we will in like manner, 
abide by and faithfully support 
all laws and proclamations 
which have made during 
the late
rebellion with reference to the emancipation of Slaves: So help us God.
Burgess Witt
Hezekiah Witt
Sworn to and subscribed before me, this First
day of June
A.D. 1868
B C Pettitt Clerk of the
County Court for Monroe County, Tenne
Page 15

INSTRUCTIONS.
Front (Judge, Justice of the Peace, or Clerk having seal [NOTE -- If a Judge or Justice of the Peace authenticate the papers, the signature
must be verified in usual form by the Clerk of the Court.
(2) He or She; Name of Applicant; His or Her; Him or Her; Himself or Herself, as the fact may be.
(3) Name the place or places at which claimant has resided since last paid, and during the time for which original Pension has
not been drawn.
here name the employment or other means by which a livelihood has been gained. (42) Means of subsistence.
) Signature of Applicant. If X is made, two witnesses who can write must sign their names opposite the same.
es of Witnesses in full.
(State name of residence, City, Village, County, and State. If applicant resides
City or Village, name of street must be given, and where houses are numbered, the number of the house 8. Signature of Witness

NOTES TO BE PARTICULARLY OBSERVED.
the declarant, or any witness, sign by mark, the officer must certify that the contents of the paper were made known to the affint and witnesses
before signing.
case the declaration or amidavit must be either signed by the affiant's own hand or else by mark () Signed by another hand, when the
party is able to write, or without a mark when the party is unable to write, is wholly insic
The allegations made in the applicant's declaration must be sustained by the testimony of edible de must be certified
as such by the officer before whom the testimony is taken. If the applicant be an invalid Pensioner, he must be examined by an Army Surgeon, or by a
Surgeon duly appointed by the Pension Office, as to the continuance of the disability
If a widow, she must prove by two credible witnesses (certified to in the usual manner, and under seal her continued widowhood.
I remarried, the minor children, (under 16,) through their guardian can apply for the Suspended Pension, and if the guardian of a minor child be
newly appointed, he or she must file the proper evidence of his or her appointment as such.
In all cases, the ORIGINAL Pension Certificate must be surrendered.

State of
COUNTY OF
(SS.
Clerk of the
A. D. 186
this
Court within and
for said County, do certify that
Esq., before whom the foregoing
declaration, affidavits and acknowledgement were made, was, at the time of taking the same, and still is an acting
within and for said County, duly commissioned and sworn, and that the several signatures, purporting
to be his, which are appended to said declaration, affidavits and acknowledgement, are his genuine signatures.
In Testimony Whereof, I hereto set my hand and affix the seal of our
said Court, at
day of
(Seal.)

Application for Restoration
To the
PENSION ROLLS
Under Act of February 4, 1865.
APPLICANT' S ADDRESS:
Applicant.
FILED BY
TH Burge, Atty.
Athens,
Tennessee
McMinn County

Printed and sold by W.H. Moore
484 11th st. Washington D.C.
Page 16

APPLICATION FOR RESTORATION OF PENSION
By Pensioner dropped from
Pension Roll under Act of Feb. 4, 1862.
State of Tennessee
Monroe
County} SS
On this Twenty third day of July
A. D. 1866, before me
B C Pettitt Clerk of the County Court
in and for
the County and State above named, the same being a Court of Record, personally appeared Mrs Elizabeth
Witt
aged 88 years, a resident of County of Monroe
in the State of Tennessee, who being duly sworn according to law, declares that she is the identical
Elisabeth Witt
who was a pensioner on the roll of the agency at
Knoxville Tennessee and whose Pension Certificate was lost
on or about the 25th day of October 1863. by fire and
that said loss was unavoidable and contrary to her wishes
that she has resided since the first day of January, 1861, as follows: On the Pike rod from
Madisonville Tennessee to Murphy N.C. 25 miles from Madisonville
that during this period her means of subsistence have been the charity of her friends.
and that she has not borne arms against the government of the United States,
or in any manner encouraged the rebels, or manifested a sympathy with their cause; and that he was last paid her pension
on the [illegible] March day of March
A. D. 1861
This application is made for the purpose of securing a restoration of her name to the pension roll, and of obtaining
a new pension certificate, such as she may be entitled to under existing laws, reference being made to the evidence
heretofore filed in the Pension Office to substantiate her original claim, and hereby constitute and appoints Tucker &
Sells, of Washington, D C. her Attorneys to prosecute the claim and procure a certificate, with power of substitution
, and revokes and countermands all former authority that may have been given for the above specified purpose.
---
Attest S. G. Boyd
L Rader
Elizabeth Witt
+ her mark

Sworn to, subscribed and acknowledged before me the day and year first above written, and on the same day before
me personally appeared David Morgan
and Jerry Taylor
residents of Monroe County Tennessee 
persons whom I certify
to be respectable and entitled to credit, and who being by me duly sworn, declare that they are personally acquainted with
Mrs Elizabeth Witt
who has made and subscribed the foregoing declaration
in their presence, and know that she is the identical person who was a pensioner of the United States as stated therein,
and that the other allegations in said declaration to his loyalty, residence and means of subsistence are true, and they
further state that they are disinterested in this claim for restoration of pension.
David Morgan
Jerry Taylor
Sworn to and subscribed before me. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto signed my name
and affixed my official seal this 6th day of August 1866
B C Pettitt Clerk
County Court
Page 17

OATH OF ALLEGIANCE.
I Elizabeth Witt
this claim
do solemnly swear in the presence of Almighty
God, that I will henceforth faithfully support, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States and the Union of
the States thereunder: that I will in like manner abide by and faithfully support all laws and proclamations which have
been made during the existing rebellion, with reference to the emancipation of slaves: 
So help me God.
Sust S.G. Boyd
L Rader
Elisabeth Witt
+ her mark
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 6th day of August 1866
and I hereby certify that I have no interest direct or indirect in the prosecution of
this claim
B. C. Pettitt Clerk
Marion County Court
Page 18

INSTRUCTIONS
The declaration must be made before a Judge, Clerk or Deputy Clerk of a Court of record.
Signing by another hand when the party is able to write, or without a mark when unable to write, is not admissible.
her continued widowhood. If the guardian of a minor child, newly appointed, he must file evidence of his appointment as such
if the declarant, or any witness, sign by mark, the officer must certify that the contents of the paper were made known to the
If the applicant be an invalid pensioner, he must be examined by an Army Surgeon or by an Examining Surgeon appointed by
affiant before signing. In every case the declaration or affidavit must either be signed by the affiant's own hand or else by mark (X)
the Commissioner of Pensions, as to the continuance of his disability, unless the disability is of a character to continue permanent, such
as a loss of a limb, which should be stated in his declaration. If a widow, she must prove by two credible and disinterested witnesses.
ACT OF FEB 4, 1862.
CLAIM FOR
Restoration of Pension.
Elizabeth Witt
Morris County
Tennessee
TUCKER & SELLS,
ATTORNEYS FOR CLAIMANT
WASHINGTON, D. C.
Page 19

State of Tennessee
Monroe County} ss
On this twenty eighth day
of May Eighteen hundred and fifty five person
ally appeared before me John Work a Justice
of the peace for the County and State aforesaid
Elizabeth Witt aged
year who had duty 
sworn according to law declares that she is the
widow of the Identical Burgess Witt deceased who 
was a private in the Company commanded
by 
Captain Lytle in the war of the Revolution
for the time entering the army and time
and place of discharge she refers to the 
file in the Pension office said it drew up
pension for a number of years up to the
16th day of October 1842 when he died
in Monroe County Tennessee [illegible]

Married to said Burgess Witt South Carolina by
there no record proof that she now of
a Justice named proper and that her name before
her marriage was Elizabeth Mayo and that she is
still a widow has never drawn land under any
former law no does know the her husband everdie
declarant has drawn a pension from the time
of the death of her said husband and is now a
Pensioner for life under the act February the 20
1848 as the annexed proof sholls she makes this
declaration for the purpose of obtaining the County
land to which she may be entitled under the act
passed the third day of March 1855 Section 8th
Granting bounty land to the officers and soldiers
of the Revolutionary war warrant to be sent
to John Post at Fort Falls Monroe County
Tennessee
Elizabeth Witt
x his mark
Page 20

State of Tennessee
Monroe County     ⎬
Personally appeared before
me William Wamble ZS Dalton residents of Monroe County Tennessee
unconciled and disinterested
and upon their oaths say that he the
foregoing Declaration was signed in their pres
ence by Elizabeth Witt and acknowledged and that they believe from the appearance and statement of 
the applicant that she is the identical person she
represents herself to be also that she has in her
Possession a certificate in the following words
Department of the Interior Widows Pension
Certify that in conformity with act of Febuary
the 2nd 1848 Elizabeth Witt widow of Burgess
Witt who was a private in the revolutionary
was is inscribed on the pension list at the
late of ninety six Dollars per annum commencing
on the 1st of July 1848 and continuing for life
unless she should again marry in which case
the Pension is not payable after the time of
such marriage
Given at the office of the Interior
this sixth day of June one thousand eight hun
dred and fifty one and signed Alex Stuart 
and examined and counter secretary of the Interior
Signed J.E. Heath
Commissioner of Pensions
Wm Wamble
ZS Dalton

the foregoing declaration and affidavit were sworn
to and subscribed before me on the day and
year above writen the affiants are credible wit
nesses and that Claimant is the person she
represents herself to be and I have no interest
in the Claim
John Prock
Justice of the peace
Page 21

State of Tennessee
Monroe County SS.
I John A Stephens
Clerk of the County Court of the County aforesaid
do hereby certify that John Prock Esq before whom
the foregoing declaration and affidavit
were made is and was at the time of taking
the same an acting Justice of the Peace within
and for the County aforesaid duly commissioner
and qualified and that his signature above
is genuine
In testimony whereof I
have hereto set my hand
and affixed my official
seal at office in Madisonville
this 4th day June 1853
John A Stephens Clk
By A T Hicks T Clk
Page 22

Original Claim
Declaration in order to be placed on the pension
List under the Act of the 18th March 1818.
State of Tennessee County of McMinn SS
On this 18th day of October 1825 personally appear
ed in open Court being a Court of Record for
the County of McMinn Burgess Witt resident
in said County aged sixty years who being
first duly sworn according to Law doth on his oath
make the following declaration in order to attain
the provision made by the act of Congress of
the 18th March 1818 and the 1st May 1820 that
he the said Burgess Witt enlisted for the and
of Eighteen months on the 11th day of
in the 1781 in the State of North Carolina
in the Company commanded by Captain William
Lytle in the Regiment commanded by Colonel
Archibald Lytle in the line of the State of
North Carolina on the new Continental establish
ment that he continued to serve in the said
Corps until May the 4th 1782 when he was dis
charged from the service in the town of Char
leston in the State of South Carolina. That he
hereby relinquishes every claim a pension
except the present that his name is not
on the Roll of any state except North Carolina
and that the following are the reasons for
not making earlier application for a pension
is that he has heretofore at all times
a means of sustainment. That he has now become
poor and had to subsist upon the private charity
of his friends who are also becoming very
poor
and in pursuance of the act of the
1st May 1820 I do solemnly swear that I
was a resident citizen of the United States
Page 23

on the 18th day of March 1818 and that I
have not since that time by gift sale or in
any manner disposed of my property or any part
thereof with intent thereby so to diminish it as to
bring myself within the provisions of the act of
Counties Act to provide for certain
persons engaged in the Land and Naval service
of the United States in the Revolutionary war
passed on the 18th day of March 1818 and
that I have not nor has any person in trust
for me any property or securities contracts or
---
debts due to me nor have I any income other
that what is contained in the shedule hereunto
annexed and by me subscribed viz One Mich
Cow, north eight dollars
This declarant have two
children living with me the eldest a daughter name
Polly aged sixteen years, the younger a son named
Burgess aged fourteen years
that since the 18th March 1818 the following changes
have been made in my property
---
I had on
the 18th day of March 1818. One Brown
man in the summer following that my own part
tion is farming which owing to my infirmity
am no longer able to carry on with any kind
of profit
J.D. Witt
Sworn to and declared and on
this 18th day of
October 1825. Samuel W Gantt, 
Clerk of the Chief Court
of the County McMinn, State of Tennessee, do hereby
certify that it appears to the satisfaction of the court that the
said Burgess Witt did serve in the Revolutionary war,
as stated in the proceeding declaration, against the
common enemy, for the term of nine months, under one
engagement on the continental establishment. I also
certify that the foregoing oath and the schedule there
to annexed, are truly copied from the records of said
Page 24

20.076.
Burgess Witt,
McMinn Co. Tenn.
admitted
let the pension
Commence
on 18 Au 23 
J.C.
Declaration
of 
Burgess Witt

Hon. J. Cocke H.R.
recd 9 Dec. 1826
Page 25

Court, that the total amount in value, of the property
exhibited in the aforesaid Schedule is Eight dollars
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and
affixed my private seal, their being a Seal of said
Court on this 18th day of October 1825.
Samuel M. Gantt Clerk
I certify I was present and saw
Burges Witt more to & subscribe
the above before Henry Bradford
Esqr who I know is a Justice of
the peace in Mcminn County
John Cocke
member of Congress
from Service
Decr 9th 1826
Page 26

State of Tennessee 
Mc Minn County ⎬ 

On this 30th day of Nov 1833 Personally appeared before me Samuel Kelly a Justice of the Peace in and for said County Cami [Came] Rutherford Witt a citizen of said County, who after being first duly sworn according to law deposeth and saith that he will be sixty years after April as he has been informed by his parents. That he lived in Guilford County North Carolina at the time of the Revolutionary war that he do not recollect the year but if he will recollects the Revolutionary war and that same time during the said war his brother Burgess Witt left home to serve on eighteen months tour in said war as deponent was informed at that time by the said Burgess and his fathers family that the said Kings after an a term of eighteen months or more as deponent and believes returned to his fathers and the report in the family was that he had served an eighteen month tour in the army under Capt William Litle and he never heard the truth of the said Burgess having been soldier of the Revolution and serving as aforesaid doubted by any of his fathers family as in the neighbourhood when we lived that in the year 1823 Deponent went with the said Burgess to west Somerset to the said Capt William Litles to make some inquiry about the land that he expected to get for his service as a soldier of the Revolution that the said Capt Litle knew the said Burgess and deponent heard said Litle say that the said Burgess severed an eighteen month tour under him, said Litle appeared glad to see the said Burgess and deponent heard the said letter and Burgess took over the sons of the Revolution that transpired while they were together Deponent has no record of the ages of his fathers family but from what he always heard his parents say the said Burgess is at this time about 72 years of age that said Burgess fathers name was Hezakiah Witt and that there was name of his uncles named Burgess nor he never heard of any man by the name of Burgess Witt except the above named Burgess and a son of his and a pal of mine by that name who are now
Page 27

bath young men deponent farther states that the
said Burgess Witt above mentioned in the same Burgess
Witt who was a pensioner on the Pension Roll of the
agency of East Tennessee and is now suspended that
deponent has been with him at Knoxville at
vivies [various] times when he died his many said deponant
further states that the said Capt William Litle died
several years ago as he is informed and believes
Deponent thinks it might pasably been Rockingham
County North Carolina he lived in at the time of the Revolu
tionary war but he this in Giford [Guilford] County was not divided
till after that time and father the Deponent saith not
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
before me
Attest
Saml Kelly
Justice of the Peace
Rutherford Witt

Also personally appeared before me at the place and on the
day and year first aforesaid came Ares Witt who
after being first duly sworn according to law deposeth and
saith that he will be seventy four years of age
on the first day of January next that he was living in
Gilfard [Guilford] or Rockingham County North Carolina
during the Revolutionary he this it was Gilford [Guilford]
and that Rockingham was not taken off till after that
time he dont recollect the year but he well recollects
that that during the revolutionary war and after Gen
Gates was defeated that Burgess Witt left home in
company with his father to serve an eighteen months
tour of Duty in the regular service that his father
went with him for the purpose of getting him off
that he out in the home and stead of one
Drunk as deponent was informed and believes that
his father faild [failed] in his expectation and returned
without the said Burgess deponent further saith
that shortly after the said Burgess Joined the army
this deponent went to Salsburg where the said
Burgess was and saw him doing duty as a soldier 
under the command of the regular officers hidout
matter their names if was have before he joing
Page 28

Capt Litles company deponent recollects that said
Burgess returned home after an absence of eighteen
month or more, that he brought with him an
honourable discharge which he carried in a little
leather bag tied round his neck deponent understand
that said discharge was last long since deponent
states that he knows of his own knowledge that said
Burgess was a regular soldier and served as such
at the time he saw him as above stated and he believes
that he served out his full time having ran his
discharge frequently and always understood from his
fathers family the said Burgess and the neighbours
that he served out his full time deponent is a brother
to the said Burgess deponent further states that
he has no record of the ages of his fathers family but
from what his parents told him about the ages of
said Burgess is about seventy two years of age
that the said Burgess is the same man that was a pensioner on the Pension roll of the agency of
East Tennessee but is now suspended that said
Burgess fathers name was Hesakiah Witt and that
he had no unkle [uncle] by the name of Burgess and that
Deponent never heard of a man by the name of
Burgess Witt except the above named Burgess and his
son and Rutherford, with son who are both young
men at this time and further this deponent sath his
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year first aforesaid
before me
attest
Saml Kelly
Justice of the peace
Ares Witt 
+his mark

I further certify that the said Rutherford Witt and
Ares Witt who has subscribed and sworn to the above
aforesaid are credible witnesses and that these statements
are entitled to credit
Given under my hand and
Seal
November 30th 1833
Saml Kells
Justice of the Peace
Page 29

State of Tennessee
McMinn County ⎬ 
I Archibald R Turk
Clerk of the County
Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for
the County and State aforesaid do certify
that Samuel Kelly whose name is signed
to the foregoing certificate as a Justice of the
Peace is an acting Justice for said County and
was at the signing of said certificate
duly commissioned as required by the laws
of the State of Tennessee and that full faith
and credit ought to be given to his acts
as such
In testimony whereof I have
hereunto set my hand and affixed my
seal of office, at office in Athens
2d day of December 1833
A. R. Turk
Clerk
Page 30

Burgess Witt
Pension Papers
on E. Ten Roll
and Lot 18 Mch 1818
sup to 24 apt 18 [illegible]
Hon. H. L. White
Senate.
[Crossed out
Ao refs
James Hair
Knoxville
Tennessee]
Page 31

State of Tennessee
Monroe County        ⎬ 
Personally appeared before me
Joseph Marshall
and of the
Justices of the Peace in and for said County John Schrinshiar
who after being duly sworn according to
law departh and saith that that he was 81 years
of age last December that he lived in North
Carolina during the Revolutionary war that
he was at Ashley hill in the winter of 1782 that
Genl Greene had his head quarters there at
that time Col. Archibald Litle Regiment was
there that he frequently saw a soldier there by
the name of Burgess Witt who he understood
belonged to Capt Wm Littles Company in Col
Archabald Litles Regiment that he became
particularly acquainted with the said Witt in
1816 and has been intimately acquainted with
him eversence and that he believes him to be the same
man that he saw at Ashley Hill as above
mentioned that he is the same Burgess Witt
who was on the Pension all of the agency of
Last Tennessee but is now suspended said with
is the same man that I saw when a soldier at
Ashley hill to the best of my knowledge and belief
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 28th day
of November 1833
John Schrinshiar
+his mark
Joseph Marshall
Justice of the peace
for M. Co

I further Certify that John Scrinshiar who has
subscribed and sworn to the above afidaved is a credible
witness and that his statement is entitled to
credit
-
Given under my hand and
Seal date above written
Joseph Marshall
State of Tennessee
Justice of the peace
fore M. C.

State of Tennessee
Monroe County }
on this 4th day of December 1833
Personally appeared before me Joseph
Marshall one of the acting Justices of the Peace in and
Page 32

said County came Col John A Akin [Aikien] who after
being first duly sworn according to law deposeth
and saith that he is acquainted with the said Burgess Witt
mentioned in the foregoing affidavit that he
knew him in the County of Washington and State of
Tennessee when he quite a small Boy he
said 
Witt then lived within a few miles of Lanesboro, the
seat of Justice for that County-- said Witt was then
one of the Constables of the County in which capacity
he served for several years. This affiant is now
upwards of forty then years of age. He has sum the
said Burgess Witt recently well knows and from
his only recollection of him and his present appear
believes him to be seventy years of age perhaps
more - Sworn to and subscribed the day and year
foresaid before me
Joseph Marshall
Justice of the peace
John A. Aiken
I further certify that Col John A Akin [Aiken] who has subscribed
and sworn to the above Affidavit is the Attorney General for
this Satisatorial district and is a credible person and that
his statement is entitled to credit Given under my hand
and seal December 4th 1835
State of Tennessee
Joseph Marshall
Justice of the peace
[illegible] Mo Co
State of Tennessee
Monroe County
I William S Callaway Clerk of the Court of
Pleas and Quarter Sessions in and for said County
do hereby certify that Joseph Marshall before whom
the foregoing affidavit of John Schrimshiar and Col John
A Akin [Aiken] were taken was at that time and still is an
acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly commiss
ioned and sworn as such and full faith and credit is due and ought to
be given to all his official acts and the foregoing
signatures which purports to be his are his genuine
signatures In testimony whereof I have
hereunto set my hand and private seal
Page 33

having no seal of office at office in Madison
this 4th day of December 1833
WM S Callaway
Clerk
I Hugh L. White a Senator in Congress from the State of Tennessee
do hereby certify that Wm S Callaway is Clerk of the Court of
Pleas and Quarter Sessions in and for the said County of Monroe
and that the above signature which purports to be his is his
genuine signature as I verily believe
Hugh L White
Decr 20th 1833.
Page 34

State of Tennessee-
Monroe County} SS
On this 5th day of March 1846 personally
appeared before the subscriber a Justice of the peace for said County Valentine Mayo a resident of the County and State aforesaid and in the seventy ninth year of his age
who being first duly sworn according to law doth in his
oath make the following affidant that he is well
acquainted with Elizabeth Witt at the time
wident A Polk County Lumber and was also
well acquainted with in husband Burgess Witt up
to the time of his death affiant further declares that the
income of the aforesaid Burges Witt of Elizabeth
Mayo took place on the 28th day of September 1793
affiant is justified in the above date viz on the 28th
day of September 1793 from the said of his haveing a son
born on the day previous in his son Blackmore H. Mayo
affiant further declares that he is the Brother of Elizabeth
Witt consequently has permitted to leave the use of
his family record in order to estate in marriage
with her husband the aforesaid Burgess Witt at
further declares that the marriage of the aforesaid Burgess
Witt and Elizabeth Mayo took place in
South Carolina affiant further shows that he cannot be doubtfull
as to the above date of burning it took place 
Valentine Mayo
Page 35

sworn to and subscribed on the day and year before written before a Justice of the peace 
for said County
and I further certify that I have been justified
assignment with Mr Valentine Mayo that he stands as fair aug man in the County of Monroe and full faith and with is due to his statements in writing where I have 
here unto set my hand and let this 3 day of February 1846 
John Knox
Justice of the Peace for the Given
[illegible] of Monroe County 

State of Tennessee 
Monroe County     }

I John A Stephens clerk of the 
Count Court of Monroe County 
do herby certify that John Knox whose 
name appears to the foregoing, and whose signature appears to be in his own proper
hand writing is now and was at the time of signing the same and acting Justice of the 
Peace in and fore said County duly 
commissioned and sworn under full faith and credit are due and his office acts as such

Given under my hand and seal of office at 
office in Madisonville March 14th 1846
John A Stephens
Page 36

February 1, 1938
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Burgess Witt, W.54
BA-J/MCS

Mr. R. Beecher Witt
Madisonville
Tennessee

Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your request for the Revolutionary War record
of Burgess Witt.
The data which follow were obtained from papers on file in the
pension claim, W.54, based upon the military service of Burgess Witt.
Burgess Witt was the son of Hesekiah but the date and place of his
birth and the name of his mother were not given.
While living in Guilford County, North Carolina, Burgess Witt
enlisted in 1781, served as private in Captain William Lytle's company
in Colonel Archibald Lytle's North Carolina regiment and was discharged
May 4, 1782, having been in service eighteen months.
It was stated that Burgess Witt lived, time not given, within a
few miles of Jonesboro, Washington County, Tennessee,
He was allowed pension on his application executed October 18, 1825,
at which time he was sixty years of age and a resident of McMinn County,
Tennessee.
Burgess Witt December 16, 1843.
This soldier married in Spartanburg District, South Carolina, September
26 or 28, 1793, Elizabeth Mayo, and both were residents of Randolph
County, North Carolina, at that time.
As the widow of Burgess Witt, Elizabeth Witt was allowed pension on
her application executed February 3, 1844, at which time she stated she
was seventy years of age and she was living in Monroe County, Tennessee,
Page 37

The names of the following children of Burgess and Elizabeth
Witt were given: Valentine who was the third child and in 1844 was
forty-four years of age and living in Monroe County, Tennessee;
Hezekiah who in 1868 was living in Monroe County, Tennessee aged
sixty-five years; Polly who was sixteen years of age in 1825; Burgess
who was fourteen years of age in 1825 and was living in Monroe County,
Tennessee, in 1868.
In 1868 Hezekiah and Burgess Witt, noted above, stated that their
mother, Elizabeth Witt, died October 23, 1863, and that they were the
only children surviving [illegible], but an oath of allegiance to the United States
was signed (by mark) by the widow, Elizabeth Witt, in 1886. In
this year her age was given as eighty-eight years and her residence was
Monroe County, Tennessee, and it was stated that she lived on the pike
road from Madisonville, Tennessee, to Murphy, North Carolina, twenty
five miles from Madisonville.
The widow had a brother, Valentine Mayo, who was born August 10,
1767, and who married December 15, 1789, Martha (maiden name not given)
who was born April 3, 1775, and they were living in Monroe County,
Tennessee, in 1844.
Valentine and Martha Mayo had the following children:

Blackmore H. Mayo born September 27, 1793.
Robert A. Mayo            " March 28, 1796. 
Nancey P. Mayo           " November 11, 1798.
George W (?) Mayo      " April 25, 1801.
Valentive Mayo, Junior " August 17, 1803.
Moses Mayo                 " June 7, 1806. 
James Mayo                  " October 4, 1808.
Martha Washington Mayo " September 22, 1812.

The following family data also appear: B. H. Mayo and Grisy Kelso
The soldier, Burgess Witt, had brothers, Ares Witt who was born
January 1, 1760, and Rutherford Witt who was born in April, 1774, and
was living in McMinn County, Tennessee, in 1833. In 1834 Colonel John
Kelly was referred to as the brother-in-law of the soldier, Burgess Witt.
Very truly yours
A.D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator

Made no mention 7 
soldiers male, Burgess Witt.
as soldiers brother, 
Rutherford Witt
stated in 1833 that soldier had
no uncle named Burgess Witt
Page 38

Nov. 14, 1903. Hist to
Mrs. Frank E. Cole
City
1908 June 2 Hist to Dr
J. L. Witt & V.L.M.
1918 Apr. 20 Hist. to Mrs. W.A. [illegible]
1925 Febr. Hist. [illegible]
Mr R. Becker [illegible]
1938 -Feb 2 Information [illegible]
Mrs. M.B. Hollinshe [illegible]
in James Blackburn [illegible]
1938 Feb. 1 hist to [illegible]

54
Revy WIDOW, & c.
File No. 54 Witt
Elizabeth 
Burgess Witt 
Priv. Rev. War
Act Feb. 2. 1848.
Index:-Vol. M 
Page 85
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Burgess Witt Records corrected Nov. 13 03
Page 39

31.738
[illegible]
Page 40

JR Witt
[illegible] in Dec
1826
See letter 4 Hon T.J. Campbell
H.R. Dec 29 1844 to 
same Jan 21 1842
Let to [illegible]
Aug 9 4
Page 41

10.623
Elizabeth Witt
Ten.
Let to Hon. J.W. Blackwood
May 9. 1844
to same July 15. 1844
to same July 5. 45
Let to Hon. J.H. Cruzier 3 april 46
[illegible] 1838
Page 42

10019
Tennessee
Elizabeth Witt
Widow of Burgess Witt
who was a pensioner under the Act of 1818
and who died on the Dec 10, 1843
of Monroe C. in the State of Tenn
who was a Private in the Company
commanded by Captain Lytle of the
Regt commanded by Col. Lytle in
the Revolution line for 18 monthly

Inscribed on the Roll of Knoxville
at the rate of 60 Dollars -
Cents per annum, to commence on the
of 4th, March, 1836
under the Point Pres.
Certificate of Pension issued the 15th day of
May 1846 and sent to Hon.
J. H. Crozier, House of Reps
Total amount,
$300.00
(Act July 7, 1838.}
Recorded by T.W. Lumpkin
Book D Vol. 1.
Page 359

Reference
Point Blese
Page 43

1868 
[illegible] Letter
a [illegible] Sixty
1869 Sep 14 Letter to
JW Burg
Dec 19 [illegible]
1870 Jany 20
Reg Sec Drane
Dec 18 1869
171891

5686
Tennessee Knoxville
Elizabeth Witt
widow of Burges Witt
Col Lyttle NC
who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a private -
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of
96
Dollars
Cents per annum, to commence on
the 4th day of [March crossed out] July, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued th
6 day of June 18.
 and sent to
Hambright McMinn
Callahan Tenn.

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act
February 2, 1848, Page 315 Vol. 3.
Page 44

Witt, Burgess
N.C. W54
Page 45

1748
Tennessee Knoxville
Elizabeth Witt
widow of Burgess Witt
who was a Private
in the Revo.
husband died 16d Decr 1843
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of
60 Dollars
Cents per annum, to commence on
the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the
15th day of May 1846
and sent to
Hon J. H. Cozier
Ho of Rep
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book at 17th June 184
Vol. 2 
Page 199
Reported
Joint [illegible]
Jany 1845 [illegible]
Se the to Hon [illegible]
& 3 And to [illegible]
Letter to Hon. [illegible]
April 18 1850. [illegible]
to same 14th Jan 1850 [illegible]
Hon A. Johnson Augt 16/ 50
Page 46

Burgess Witt
Tennessee
Hon. T.J. Campbell
HR
Page 47

Be so
good as to say whether Burgess Witt has not
been paid from March 1833 to March 1835, as stated by
Mr King in the enclosed letter. His Books may possibly
be incorrect.
J. L. E.
He was paid in the 1st of 1835 from
4th March 1833 to the 4th March 1835
J H
Page 48

To what time was Burgess Witt, Knoxville,
Tenn. Roll, act March 18. 1818, last paid?
J. L Edwards
Feb. 27. 1841
Paid to 4th Sept. 1840, at $8 per mo.
J P Van Lyn
Feb. 27. 1841
p to 4 March 1841
Dec 29/41
JH
Page 49

December 16 1832 We do certify that it is much
doubted her whither Burges [Burgess] Witt is a lawful pentioner
and from his personal appearance we would not
think him nor old enough to have served
in the revolution
John Bolding minister of the gospel 
Obadiah Bolding

December 16. 1832. I do certify that I heard
Burges Witt's Brother say that it was his
uncle Burges with discharge
By virtue of which he now draws a pention [pension]
William L Bolding
Page 50

State of Tennessee
Mcminn County    ⎬ 
This day personally appeared
before me Henry Bradford an acting Justice
of the peace in & for said County, Burgess
Witt & makes oath that he disposed of the brown
mare mentioned in his declaration in the fall
of the year 1818 in procuring sustenance for his
family that said more was of the value of
forty dollars
D Witt
Sworn to before me the
19th day of October 1826
Henry Bradford
Justice of Peace for
Mcminn County
Page 51

June 26, 1868
Joseph H Barrett
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City D.C.
Sir:- I enclose application
of Burgess 
and Hezekiah Witt the only surviving
children of Elizabeth Witt decd. 
Restoration is desired that applicants
may draw the arrears to 
death of Eliz -beth
Yours Respect 
T.H. Burge
Athens
Mcminn County
Tennessee
Page 52

Respectfully returned
The claim referred to
was sent to us by Thomas
G. Boyd of Sweetwater, Monroe
Co. Tenn -
July 27/68.
Tucker & Sells
Page 53

Department of the Interior
PENSION OFFICE.
Washington D.C. June 30 1868
Gentlemen:
You are respectfully requested to furnish
the name of the party from whom you received the
application of Elizabeth Witt of Monroe Co. Tennessee for
restoration of her name to the pension roll Filed Aug
11. 1866.
Please return this letter with the
information.
Respectfully
Jas. A. Morgan
Acting Commissioner
Tucker & Sells
Present
We T. R. 46
Page 54

October 26, 1868.
Chris C. Coe,
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City D.C.
Sir: June 26.
1868 I forwarded to your office the application of Burgess
and Hezekiah Witt for arrears of Pension due them as
the only surviving heirs of Elizabeth Witt deed the widow
of Burgess Witt, a Revolutionary Pensioner. Four months
have now elapsed and I have not been notified of the
receipt of the application by you nor in any way else
apprised whether or not the same has come to your office.
Hence I write this to inquire whether the application
has been received or not, and also if received to know
whether any thing more is now needed.
If the application has not been received I wish
to prepare and forward another, hence the necessity of my making
the above inquiry.
Yours Respect,
T. W. Burge
Athens
McMinn County
Tennessee
Page 55

CHAS. C. TUCKER.
WM. H. SELLS.
TUCKER & SELLS,
Attorneys for Claimants,
Agents for Procuring Bounties, Pensions, Arrears of Pay, Prize money, Compensation for Horses, Boots, and other Property lost or
destroyed while in the service of the United States Government Vouchers of all kinds, and Claims of Quartermasters,
Contractors, Sutlers and other collected Officers ordnance and Quartermasters' Accounts adjusted Stoppages
of Pay removed and Certificates of 
Non-Indebtedness procured.
---
Washington, D.C. April 4th 1868
Hon J.H. Barrett
Com of Pensions
Washington D C
Sir
We request action in the
Claim for Renewal of Pension of
Elizabeth
Witt of Maine Co Tenn
filed in your office Aug of 66.
Respectfully
Tucker & Sells
Page 56

House of Reps June 11th 1850
J.L. Edward Esqr
Sir
Enclosed is the letter
of Majr Mcfarland of Rutledge Tennessee
asking to be informed to be informed whether pay is due for
lost Horses in certain cases. I am also
requested by Majr D.M. Key of Madisonville
Tennessee to enquire whether a declaration
&c of Mrs Elizabeth Witt was received
at the Pension Office which he states
was transmitted som 6 or 8 weeks
since & if so he desires to know when
it will be acted upon. He wishes it to
be directed my care
Most Respectfully
Your Obt Servant
A. G. Watkins
J.L. Edwards Esqr
Com of Pensions
Washington
●
& received May 15/50 and changed to Col
Page 57

Washington City March 23, 1844
Sir,
I herewith present the papers in the case of the heirs
of Thos. Lesly and Mary Lesly and also the papers in the case
of Mrs. Elizabeth Witt- asking for pension, which you will
please examine and report upon as early as possible.
I am Sir,
Respectfully,
Your Obt. Servt 
J.W Blackwell
Jas. L. Edwards Esq.
Com of Pens
Page 58

Athens Ten
May 3d 1845.

Sir,
I have the honor herewith to present a affidavit
of Mrs Elizabeth Witt, and one of Mr. Valentine Mayo, both
to be filed with the papers in the case of Mrs. Witt application
for pension. I have written to the Clerk of the Court of
Spartanburg Dect. S. Carolina, for a certified copy of the
Marriage bond of Burgess Witt and if I got it
I will forward it on, or send you the answer of the Clerk.
I am Sir
Very Respectfully,
Your Obt Sevt.
JW. Blackwell

Jas L. Edwards Esq.
Com of Pens.
---
P.S. this is one of Mr Jacob Newman cases.
J.W.B.
Page 59

Washington
Decr 25. 1833.
Sir,
your note of yesterday inclosing the papers in the case of B. Witt was
receive this morning. I have no acquaintance whatever with either
of the Holdings or with Mr. Edins. therefore cannot say what
confidence ought to be placed in their statements.
Herewith I return the papers.
with great respect
your Ms. Ob. Ser.
Hu L. White

J L Edwards Esq.
Page 60

10623
Elizabeth Witt
Tenn:
Act 7 July 38
decd in Feby 44
married before 1796
husband die Decrm 16 1843
Page 61

State of Tennessee
Polk County
On this 4th day of March 1844 Personally
appeared be the subscriber & Justice of the peace Mr Isaac Claud
resident of the County and State aforesaid in his sixtyeth
year of his age who being first duly sworn according to
Law doth on his oath make the following Affiant
that he was well acquainted with Burges Witt and
his wife Elizabeth Witt affiant dose not recolect
at this time of his being at Marrige of the aforesaid
Burgess and Elizabeth but that he will of his being
living within a half of a mile when the Marriage took
place and affiant further declares that he is certain the
Marriage took place previous to the first of January
seventeen hundred and Ninty four affiant dare not
recolect at this time, when the death of Burgess Witt 
took place but he thinks in 1832 or 43
and that the aforesaid Elizabeth Witt has remained
a widow ever since
Isaac Claud
Sworn to and subscribed before me a Justice of the peace
said County on the day and year above written
and futher certify that full faith and credit may be
given to his Isaac Claud Statements in witness whose
have hereunto set my hand and seal this 4th day
of March 1844
Jas Benton
Justice of the peace
Page 62

State of Tennessee
Polk County        ⎬ 
I James Park Clerk of the County Court
of Polk County do hereby certify that the aforesaid Jas
Denton was and is a Justice of the peace for said County duly
Commisioned and qualified according to law and that the signature
purporting to be his is genuine
In witness whereof have set
my hand and affixed my seal of office at office in Benton
this 5 day of March 1844
James Park
Clerk

I, JW Blackwell Representative in the 28th Congress
of the U. States from the State of Tennessee, do certify that
James Parks whose name appears to the above certificate was
at the time it bears date, Clerk of the County Court of
Polk Co. Ten duly elected, commissioned and qualified according to
law, and that the signature is genuine. Given under
my hand this 23d day of March 1844.
JW Blackwell
Page 63

House of Reps April 16 1850
J.L. Edwards Esqr
Sir
Permit me to enclose
you the letter of Majr Rey of Madisonville
Tennessee asking for certain information
in reference to a pension to which he refers
I have ceased all that part of his letter that
does not refer to your office & the pension
Please return Majr Reys letter with such
information desired by him as you have
Most Respectfully
Your obt Servant
A G Watkins

J. L. Edward Esqr
Com of Pensions
Washington city
Page 64

Rep Hall 30th Dec 1836
Sir,
I send You Colo Williams Letter in relation
to Burges Witt's Pension- Will you be so good as to
examine this cause, and inform me whether it is in
your power to order the payment of his pension for
the period it was suspended- of which he complains;
also the cause of such suspension.
I am very respectfully
your obt Servant
Wm B. Carter
Page 65

Washington December the 12th 1834
Dear Sir
Enclosed is the letter of
Burgess Witt whose pension has been stoped
on account of a supposition that he was personal in his sickle,
I have become satisfied from
Information reseved from Col John Kelly who is a man of undoubted veracity and
a brotheren law
of Mr Witt, and from the circumstance of old age
by the name of Davis who drew a pension until
his death saying he served in the same company with
will and they now each other, that will entitled to
pension, I now of my one nowledge that will is a very old man

yours respectfully 
James Standefer
Page 66

War Department
Pension Office
Decem. 24. 1833.
Sir,
The papers sent here by you
in the case of Burgess Witt I herewith return:
and I also enclose a letter from Arch
Edins, and paper containing information respect
ing said Witt, signed by John, Obadiah and William
Bolding, from which it would seem that Witt
was not a revolutionary soldier. As we are
not acquainted with the character of the parties,
we do not know what degree of Credit to attach
to the statements. As you perhaps may have
some knowledge of them, we have deemed it proper
to transmit the papers to you, and to ask for
your opinion on the subject 
I have the honor to be
Very respectfully
Your Obt Sent
J. L. Edwards

Hon. H. L. White
Senate U. States
Page 67

Madisonville, Ten. May 8. 1850
Mr J. L Edwards;
Dear Sir:-
The following is the deed
ration of Elizabeth Witt, made to secure the benefits of the act
of Congress, passed Feb 2. 1848. From the indorsement on some
of her pension papers, her case under the former acts is on record
in the pension office, Book A. Vol A, Page 199. Yours vc.
D. M. Key

State of Tennessee
Monroe County    ⎬
On this the sixth day of
May Eighteen Hundred and fifty, personally appeared
before me, James Clayton
an acting justice of
the peace for the County of Monroe aforesaid, Elizabeth
Witt, a resident of the Nineteenth District of the County
of Monroe aforesaid, aged seventy six years, who
first being duly sworn, according to law, doth on her
oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain
the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress
passed on the 2nd of February, 1848, granting pensions to
widows of persons who served during the revolutionary war
That she is the widow of 
Burgess Witt who was a
private soldier in Captain Lytles Company of the 10th
Regiment. That the under the provisions of the act of
Congress of the 17th of June, 1844, received the annual
amount Sixty Dollars. She further declares that she
is still a widow.
Elizabeth Witt
+her mark

In presence of David Fleming
John Key

Sworn to and subscribed before me
the day and year above with James Clayton Justice of the Peace
Page 68

State of Tennessee
Monroe County ┃
I, James Clayton acting
justice of the peace for the County of Monroe aforesaid,
do hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with
Elizabeth Witt, whose name is subscribed to the fore
going declaration, and I am satisfied that the statements
therein made by her an time.
This the 6th day of May 1850
James Clayton (Seal)
Justice of the Peace

State of Tennessee
Monroe County     ⎬ 
I, John A. Stephens, Clerk of the
County Court in and for the County and State afore
said, do certify that James Clayton Esq. whose
name is subscribed to the foregoing declaration and
certificate, is now, and was, at the time of signing
the same, an acting Justice of the Peace in and for
said County, and that his signature seems to be
in his own proper handwriting
Given under my hand and seal
of office at office in Madisonville this the 8th
day of May, A.D. 1850
John A Stephens (Clk)
Page 69

Mrs Witt further states that no pension
has ever been drawn by or for her husband, for
year 1842.
Is this so? Or is the office
at Knoxville the proper place to astain the
fact? If it has not been drawn can it
be by her, and how? The poor old
lady is in a quite destitute and helpless condition
and made the funds and is quite anxious to draw
soon,
I am very respectfully
Your obt servant
D. M. Key.

J.L. Edwards Esq
Pension Office
Washington City
D.C.
Page 70

State of Tennessee
Monroe County ⎬
On this 7th day of May 1844 personally
appeared before the subscriber a Justice of the peace Mr Valentine
Mayo and Mrs Martha Mayo both residents of the County
and State aforesaid Valentine Mayo aged in the Seventy ninth
year of his age and Martha Mayo aged in her seventh year
and after being first duly sworn according to Law doth on the
oath make the following affidavits that they are well acquain
ted with Mrs Elizabeth Witt at this time a resident of this
County and they were also well acquainted with her husband
Burgess Witt up to the time of his death he further data
that for records in the possession and the birth of a son the
marriage of Burgess and Elizabeth Witt to place in the
latter part of the year Seventeen hundred and Ninty three
---
of this affiants are position and they the aforesaid Burgess
and Elizabeth Witt were always recognised as man and
wife in the Neighborhood where they lived up to the time of
his the aforesaid Burgess Witts death
Valentine Mayo
Martha Mayo
+her mark

Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before
Justice of the peace for said County and I further certify
that full faith and it is given to Valentine and Martha
Mayo statements in witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand
this 7 day of May 1844

John Knox
Justice of the peace
Page 71

State of Tennessee
Monroe County     
                              ⎬
 I John A Stephens Clerk of the
 County Court of the County afore
said do hereby certify that John Knox Esqr whose
name appears affixed to the within certificate is
now and was at the time of signing the same
acting Justice of the Peace in and for
said County, duly commissioned and sworn
full faith and credit are due all his the
special acts as such under my hand
of office at office in Madisonville
May 7th 1844 John A Stephens Clerk

I, JW Blackwell, Representative in the 28th Congress
of the U. S. from Ten. do certify that John A. Stephens whose
name appears to the above certificate was at the
time it bears date Clerk of the County Court of Monroe Co
duly elected and qualified according to law, and that the
signature appeared to be genuine.
Given under my hand this 31th day of May 1844.
JW Blackwell
Page 72

No 10623
Ad 43 8626
Ad 44 330
Elizabeth Witt W. R. 452
widow of Burgess
Tru
act 7 July 1838 and
point resolution of 25 Jany
1845
Adm 18mo per
$60th per ann
from 4 March 1836 to 4th
March 1841
Adms. 3 March 1843 and
17 June 1844
$60th per ann
Hon
J.H. Crozier
House of Rep
Page 73

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the resolutions of
Congress of the 23 January 1845
State of Tennessee 
Monroe County
Wheres the one of the 30th of April
1844 published to & from drawing a period during with my husband was a pensioner I now
make the following statement under oath to obtain the
benefits of the resolution above mentioned & I am the under
of Burgess Witt who was a soldier in the North Carolina
continental line in the war of the Revolution that her
husband the aforesaid Burgess Witt drew a pension
at the rate of $96 per annum she now asks the amendment 
due her from the 4th day of March 1836 to the 4th day
of March 1841 and from the 4th day of March 1843
up to the present time and also a certificate up
to the 4th day of March 1848 I made my declaration
then before the 20th of April 1844 and it was filed in
the pension Office before the 23d of January 1845
Sworn to and subscribed before me on this 24th of April
in the year Eighteen hundred and forty six
Elizabeth Witt
+her mark

John Prock
Justice of the peace
I certify that the declarant is personally known to me
and that she is the same individual she represents herself to be
John Prock
Justice of the peace
Page 74

State of Tennessee
Monroe County     ⎬

I John A Stephens Clerk of the County Court of
Monroe County do hereby certify that John Prock who signed the foregoing is a Justice of the peace for the County of Monroe in the State of
Tennessee and that the above is his signature
In testimony whereof have hereunto set
my hand and affixed my seal of office at
office in Matesonvile
this 25th day of April
1846
John A Stephen Clk
By E.E. Griffith De
Page 75

State of June
Monroe County}

On this 16th day of April 1845
personally appeared before the subscriber a Justice of the peace
Mr Elizabeth Witt a resident of the County and State aforesaid
Seventy one years who being first duly sworn according to
Law doth on her oath make the following affidavit that
she is the widow of Burgess Witt who was a soldier in the
North Carolina Line in the war of the Revolution that sum
fifteen months as affiant made a declaration for pension
under the act of 7th July 1838 and as she understands was
not allowed for want of the proof of her marriage with her
his and the aforesaid Burgess Witt she further declares
that at the time of her marriage with Burgess Witt they
resided in Randolph County North Carolina near the line
of South Carolina the parties of mansions in South Carolina
is much greater then North Carolina they went on into South Carolina
and was joined in wedlock John Hooper Esquire
on the 26th day of September Seventeen hundred and Ninty
three when affiant made her declaration under the act of Congress
July 7th 1838 she had no data to join the attic
sent wish time she has had supposed to the records of Valentine
Mayo who had a son born the day after her marriage with he
husband the aforesaid Burgess Witt with record has date
September 27th 1793 She further declares that she has no
family word of her marriage & that of the with of her Children
out the maner took place as stated above in the Spartanburg District
South Carolina
Elizabeth Witt
+her mark
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before
me a Justice of the peace for said County and I further certify that
Page 76

I am well acquainted with Mrs Elizabeth Witt and free
faith and credit is given to his statements In witness whereof
have hereunto set my hand this 16th day of April 1845
John Prock
Justice of the peace

State of Tennessee
Monroe County     ⎬ SS

I John A Stephens Clerk of the County Court
Monroe County do hereby certify that John Prock is and was
Justice of the peace for said County duly commissioned and qualified
according to law and that the signature purporting to his
is genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set
my hand and affixed my seal of office
Offin in Matsonville this 17th day
of April A.D. 1845.
John A Stephens Clerk

I, JW Blackwell, late Rep. in the Congress of the U. States
from Tennessee, do certify that, John A. Stephens whose name
appears to the foregoing certificate is and was at the time it bears date
Clerk of the County Court of Monroe Co. Tenn. duly elected commissioned
and qualified according to law, and that the signature appears to
beginning. Given under my hand this 3d day of May 1845.
J.W. Blackwell
Page 77

State of Tennessee
Monroe County    ⎬
On this 14th day of April 1845
personally appeared before the subscriber a Justice of the peace
Mr Valentine Mayo a resident of the County and State
aforesaid aged Seventy eight on the 10th day of August
next who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his
oath make the following affidavit that he is well acqu
inted with Mrs Elizabeth Witt who at this time resides in
this Monroe County affiant was also well acquainted with
her husband Burges Witt up to the time of his
death affiant further declares that he will at the
marriage of the aforesaid Burgess Witt and Elizabeth Mayo
wich marriage took place on the 26th day of September
Seventeen hundred and Ninety three affiant is positive
of the above date from the part of aprants being in the
neighborhood and the day after the marriage Affiant
had a son born with record has date 27th September
1793 wich record is at this time in affiants possession
Valentine Mayo
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above with
before me a Justice of the peace for said County and &
further certify that I am well acquainted with Mr Valetine Mayo
and full faith and credit is given to his statements
In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand this
14th day April 1845
Ⓧ
Wm Blankinship
Justice of the peace
Page 78

State of Tennessee
Monroe County
I John A Stephens Clerk of the County Court
of Monroe County do hereby certify that William Blankenship is
and was a Justice of the peace for said County duly commissioned
and qualified according to Law and that the signature purporting
to be his is genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my
hand and affixed my seal of office at
Office in Madisonville this 17th day of April
A.D. 1845.
John A Stephens Clerk

I, JW Blackwell late Rep. in the 28th Congress of the
States do certify that John A. Stephens is Clerk of the
County Court of Monroe Co. Tenn. duly elected, commissioned
and qualified according to law, and that the signature appears to
be genuine. Given under my hand this 3d day of May 1845
J.W. Blackwell
Page 79

Department of the Interior,
PENSION OFFICE.
Washington, D.C. Sept 14
1869
Sir
In the claim of the heirs of Mr Elizabeth Witt whose
revolutionary pension was suspended by the act of 1862
proof of the date of death is required. They have for
in satisfactory set of their loyalty of the deceased
pensioner. They must comply with the enclosed circular
fully: and the witnesses who may testify, must state the
facts and circumstances through which they desire
their knowledge and be shown by the public officer
who may take their affidavit to have been likewise
legal.
Respectfully
T. W. Burge
Achins
McMinn Co
Tennessee
H. Van Aernan
Commissioner
Above complied with as per enclose.
Athens Tenn.
Nov 24 69
[illegible] T. W. Burge
Page 80

James E Heath Com of
Washington
D C
Page 81

Calhoun Tennessee
May 24th 1851
Sir
Herewith enclosed we send the claim of
Elizabeth Witt for a Pension under the provision
of the act of Congress passed on the 2nd of
February 1848.
It appears
that her husband
Burgess Witt
who was a revolutionary
pensioner and in whose wright his widow the
said Elizabeth Witt claims drew Ninety Six
dollars per anum. And that she only drew
Sixty dollars per anum under the act of
Congress of the 3d of March 1843 & 17 of June 1844. 
Of as above stated said and Burgess Witt
during his life received ninety six dollars
per annum, would not his widow Elizabeth
Witt have been entitled to the same under the
provisions of the acts of Congress of 3rd
March 1843 & 17th June 1844, and under the act of
Congress of 2nd Feby 1848. We respectfully ask
that you will Examine the claim and if
arrearages be due her advise us of the course
she must pursue to obtain the same and
that if she be allowed a pension under the
provisions of the act she now claims
under that her certificate be made payable
at Knoxville Tennessee and Enclosed to us at
this place
---
Respectfully

Hambright & McEvart
JE Heath
Coms of
Washington City
Page 82

June 29, 1869
H Van Aernam,
Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington City D.C.
Sir, about one year ago I as Atty filed the application of Burgess and
Hezekiah Witt for arrears of Pension due their decd
mother who was the widow of a Revolutionary Pensioner Burgess Witt 
and was a
pensioner herself after death of her husband.
Her name was dropped from pension Roll
under act Feb 4, 1862 and died before application for
Restoration and the above named as the only surviving
heirs applied for restoration and recovery of arrears
to death. Now the receipt of the application has never
been acknowledged. And I have never been appris
ed of and additional evidence being needed.
Please examine case and inform me of what
more will be needed to complete it, and I
will respond at once.
Yours Respect
TW Burge
Athens,
Marlin County
Tennessee
Page 83

Department of the Interior,
PENSION OFFICE.
Washington D.C. Sep 14
1864
Sir,
In the claim of the heirs of Mr Elizabeth Witt, when
was a Revolutionary pensioner was suspects under the act of 1862
of the date of the death is requires. They should have
furnished no satisfactory proof of their legally in the
loyalty of the pension. They much comply with the
Enclosed circular fully; and the witnesses who may
testify must state the facts and circumstances through
which they devise their knowledge, and be thous
by the public officer who may take the affidavit
to have been likewise by at.
T. W. Burge
Athens
McMinn Co
Tenn

HT. Ry
Page 84

Madisonville Ten
October 31, 1850
J. L. Edwards Esq.
Dear Sir:
Before
the adjournment of last Congress, I learned
from you that a bill had passed the House
and was before the Senate, which would
allow, if passed, to widows of Revolutionary
soldiers, who had become such since 1838, pension.
I had made application to your Department
in favor of Mrs Elizabeth Witt, and her
claim was disallowed, because her husband
had died since June 1838. The old lady is
truly in a deplorably helpless and indigent
condition, and write to learn whether any will
did pass Congress which would admit her
claim to pension; if so will she have to
make it a new declaration. I do not
trouble the Department, I assure you, because
it is a matter of personal interest to me, but
because the old widow's necessities require
said. Will you please answer whether any
thing can be done for her. By so doing
you will confer a great favor.
Very respectfully
Your obedient Servant
D. M. Key

J. L. Edwards Esq
Washington D.C.
Page 85

State of Tennessee
County of Monroe} SS
Before me personally appeared
John Vaughn and 
Zachariah Dalton
of County and State aforesaid to me well known whom
I certify to be respectable and entitled to credit, and to be persons
of unquestionable loyalty to the government of
the United States during the late rebellion, since and
now; and who being by me first duly sworn according
to law say, that they well knew Elizabeth Witt decd
widow of Burgess with deed in her lifetime, and also
her two sons Burgess and Hezekiah Witt who still survive;
;and that the said Elizabeth Witt departed this life
on or about the 23d day of October 1863, which affiants
know from living near neighbors to her and being present
at her burial.
Further that the said Elizabeth Witt
and her said two sons Burgess and Hezekiah Witt
or either of them did not bear arms against the Government
of the United States in the late rebellion, nor in
any manner aid or abet said rebellion, nor those
prosecuting the same, or manifest a sympathy with
their cause; but on the contrary did during said rebellion
earnestly desire its suppression by force of
arms; which affiants know from living in the immediate
vicinity of said Elizabeth, Burgess and Hezekiah
Witt, and from being intimately acquainted during the whole of said rebellion with them and their
families, and also from observing their conversations
Page 86

and conduct relative thereto, very much of which
came under affiants immediate knowledge and
notice both during and since said struggle.
Further that affiants have no interest in the pension
claim of said Burgess and Hezekiah Witt.
William Arang } Attest
[illegible]
John Vaughn
Zachariah Dalton
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 14th day of Oct
1869; and I do hereby certify
that the foregoing was read and explained to and understood
by affiant before signing and that I have no
interest in the pension claim above named.
D.S. Smith Justice of the
Peace for Monroe County, Tennessee
State of Tennessee
County of Monroe
I B. C. Pettitt Clerk of the County Court
which is a Court of Record in and for County and State for
said do hereby certify that D. S. Smith, Esq. before
action the foregoing affidavit was made and who
has thereunto signed his name was at the time
of so doing a Justice of the Peace in and for said County
and State, duly commissioned and qualified; and
that all his official as such are entitled to full faith
and credit and that his signature above written is
genuine; and further that I have no interest in the
pension claim of Burgess and Hezekiah Witt
In testimony whereof I hereunto set my
hand and official seal at Madisonville, Tenn. this 25 day
November 1869
B. C. Pettitt Clerk of the
County Court for thereto Tennessee
Page 87

Capital Hill
25th Feby 1841
Sir:-
I by leave to call in attention to
the case of Burgess Witt of Tenn
who has been a pensioner-
He was stricken
from the roll, some years since
& his home
was replaced. His pension is again stopped
without just cause, as he alleges
Very respectfully
Jos L Williams 

JL Edwards ESQ
Com of Pensions
Page 88

To the Hon James Standiffer
Washing City Congress
Calhoun
15 feb 1832
free
Page 89

Decr the 12th 1832
Dear Col
I have the pleasure
to inform you that we are all enjoying common
helth [health] threw the mercies of an indigent God
I have nothing strong to inform you of at
present.
I herewith inclose same certificates concerning
a certain Burgess Witt who has bin drawing
a pention for several years, and no doubt
with me from every circumstance and the
best information I can collect but he is
drawing it upon the survices & papers of an
Uncle of his and in fact from his own State
ments respecting his age some ten or twelve years
he is not yet sixty years of age which
statements I can establish by putting
my self to same trouble and exspence.
report says after his uncles death he went to
his aunt and in order to get a halt of the
Papers he promised her half the pention [pension], but
did not perform his promise to her

[(Crossed out) There is a
Walden of this country
petitioner 
for a pension whose he is [illegible] 
tells that he and all his [illegible]

the subscribers to the joint
certificate are minister of the Gospel & of the first
Page 90

of the first respectability
the others were also
a men of good standing which facts I pre
sume you know to be true
To Col James Standiffer
Yours with due esteem
Arche Edins
N.B
perhaps this as well be
kept betwen ourselves as he is
a very malitions [malicious] hearted man
A.E.
Page 91

November the 11th 1834
Dear Col
you say you
Convened from the information
of Col Philly that I am in titled to a 
pension and if
I would write to you
when you get to the City you would 
attend to my lease
Sir Would you be so good as to 
inform all I want about the case you 
Sir have known me for some time
and knows I am a very old man 
and at this time my self and wife are Both
afflicted with the ren make pains and 
stand in great need of the many 
that was allowed me 
by the government for my services 
as a Revolutionary Soldier 
and that has been unjustly
Stopped for some Cause which
I lean not account
Will you be so good as to 
allow to this care for me
you I am in need the records 
in the War office. 
Col J Mitchell 
informed 
that my name 
was their on the 
records of that 
department 
there you been to
Serve my Country
an am inable to this pay 
he so good to attest to
it for me and write to me
Direct your Letter 
liable officer
in Marin
County
Tennessee
I am Dear Sir
Respectfully yours
Burgess Witt

Col James Standfer
Washington City
Page 92

Elizabeth Witt
Act 2 Feb 1848
$60 per annum from
4 March 1848 to 30 June 1848,
then $96 per annum
4 July 1848,
Knoxville
Hambright & McGrant
Calhoun
Te.
Page 93

Elizabeth Witt for twelve years and that she is the
Identical Elizabeth Witt who was inserted on the
East Tennessee Pension list at Knoxville Tenn
at the rate of Sixty dollars per annum that the
said Elizabeth Witt has not married but
continues the widow of the said
Burgess Witt: 
That William Tilly and E B Clayton
who have sworn
and subscribed the foregoing affidavit an
personally known to him and that they are
persons entitled to full faith and credit.
and that the said Elizabeth Witt is entitled to full credit, that he has sworn her to her application for
the purpose of drawing her pension under the
provision of the act of Congress of
the 3 of March 1843 and 17th of June 1844 was
in her certificate of pension and as before
stated has full knowledge of the fact
that she is the identical person who
drew a pension of sixty dollars per
annum that she is the widow of Burgess
Witt, who was a revolution pensioner
In testimony whereof I have herto
set my hand on this 10th day
of May 1851

James Clayton
Justice of the Peace
Page 94

State of Tennessee
Monroe County}
I, John A. Stephens Clerk of the County Court
of the County aforesaid hereby, certify that James Clayton before whom the within Declaration, and
writs and certificate was made and who has
thereto subscribed his name as a Justice
of the Peace is now and was at the time
of signing the same a Justice of the Peace in
and for the County aforesaid duly elected 
commissioned and sworn.
In Testimony whereof, I have herein
unto set my hand and affixed the
seal of my office as Clerk of the
County Court of the County aforesaid
this 12th day of May 1857.
John A Stephens (Clerk)
Page 95

James Clayton one of the Justices in and for the
County aforesaid William Tily-and E B Clayton
of said County and State who
after being
first duly sworn according to law declare and
say that they are and have for many years
Known Elizabeth Witt who has sworn and sub
suited the foregoing declaration, that she is the
widow of the Saintical Burgess Witt who was a
revolutionary pensioned and inscribed on the
East Tennessee Roll at Knoxville Tennessee at
the rate of ninety six dollars per annum, that the
said Elizabeth Witt was also a pensioner
and inserted on the East Tennessee Roll at
the rate of sixty dollars per annum. deponants
further declare and say that the said Elizabeth with
now resides in Monroe County Tenn.
and has resided there for about thirteen.
years and that previous thereto she resided
in McMinn County Tennessee, deponants
further state that they are disinterested
Sworn to and subscribed
day and year above with
James Clayton
Justice of the Peace
William Lilly
+his mark
E.B. Clayton

State of Tennessee 
Monroe
County ⎬ 
I James Clayton
one of the Justices of
the peace in and for the County and State
aforesaid do hereby certify that I am well
acquainted with Elizabet Witt who has sworn
and subscribed the foregoing declaration, and
that she is the widow of the Saintical
Burgess Witt who was a revolutionary pen
sioner at the rate of ninety six dollars
per annum that he has filed may to the said
Page 96

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of 2nd
February 1848 entitled an act making further provisions for
surviving widows and soldiers of the Revolution"

State of Tennessee 
Monroe
County                        ⎬ 
On this 10th day of May 1851
personally appeared before me
James Clayton
one of the acting justices of
peace in and for the County and State aforesaid
Elizabeth Witt a resident of said County and State
aged seventy seven years who being first duly sworn
according to
law doth on her oath make the
following
declaration in order to obtain the benefits
of the provision made by the act of Congress
passed on the 2d of February 1848 granting pensions
to widows of persons who served during
to
the revolutionary war. That she is the
widow of Burgess Witt who was a private
in the revolution and who was inserted and
the East Tennessee pension list Roll at Knoxville
Tennessee at the rate of ninety six dollars per
annum that upon her application for a
pension under the provisions of the act
of Congress of the 17th of June 1844
session of sixty dollars per annum was
allowed her that said certificate was surrendered
to the agent for paying
pension at Knoxville
Tennessee upon the last payment made
on said certification as 
She was informed 
by her attorney
She further acknowledges 
that she is there a widow
Sworn to a subscribed on 
the day and year above written
James Clayton
Justice of the Peace
Elizabeth Witt
+ her mark

State of Tennessee 
Monroe County    ⎬ 
on this 10th day of May 
Personally came before me
Page 97

Washington D.C.
Oct 24 -03
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Please give me complete Statement
of the military history of my
Ancester Bergess Witt a soldier of the
revolution who received pension while
living in McMinn Co Tennessee was a
private in North Carolina Continentals.
wish especially to know where he was
form and where he enlisted
and oblige
Mrs Frank E. Cole
154 East Capital St
Washington D.C.
w-5,686

[U.S. NAVY FILES 08 OCT 1908]
Page 98

W. 54
W. 623

Logan Iowa
May 22-08
Logan Iowa
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir. Please give me complete
Military history of Bergers
Witt and Earis Witt, Soldiers &
pensioners of the Revolutionary war.
they were brothers of my grand
father Jesse Witt, who also fought,
but never applied for pension- think
ing that fighting for his country ought
to be done for "Patriotism, & his war
history is lost. They were from Virginia
I think or N.C. when enlisted, in Tenn,
when receiving pension,
shall be greatly obliged,
Dr. J.L. Witt
Logan
Iowa

[U.S.A. PENSION OFFICE 25 MAY 1908]
[RECORD DIVISION 26 MAY 1908]
Page 99

1608 Fulton Ave.,
Davenport, Iowa
April 13, 1918.
The Pension Bureau,
Washington, D. C.
Gentlemen:
I desire the record of Berges Witt who served
as private in the War of the Revolution from the state of
Virginia. He was born in 1757, his pension commenced Oct.
18th 1825. Whatever data regarding his family on record, desired, I am
Very Respectfully,
Mrs. W. A. Norton

[PENSION OFFICE U.S. 15 APRL 1918]
Page 100

R. BEECHER WITT
LOCKE H. JOHNSTON
WITT & JOHNSTON
ATTORNEYS AT LAW
MADISONVILLE, TENN.
Jan. 23, 1925.
The Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:
My great Grandfather Burgis Witt was a soldier
in the Revolutionary War. He enlisted in Monroe County
and his name appears as a soldier in the Census office.
I desire to become a member of the Society of the American
Revolution, and have been directed to write you to
procure a copy of his record.
I will appreciate a copy from the Pension roll,
and of course will pay whatever the cost of procuring
it will be
Kindly advise me about this matter.
Very truly yours,
R Beecher Witt

[PENSION OFFICE U.S. JAN 26 1926]
Page 101

R. BEECHER WITT
ATTORNEY AT LAW
MADISONVILLE, TENN.
Jan. 24, 1925.
Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir:
On January 23, I wrote you relative to copy
of service of Bergiss Witt in the Revolutionary War.
He was my great grandfather and since
writing you I happened to think that my grandfather
, whose name was also Bergiss Witt was a
soldier in the Civil War and I am writing
you so there will be no confusion as to which
record I want.
The record I want is that of Bergiss Witt,
who was a soldier in the Revolutionary War. I
want this in connection with my application for
membership in the Society of the Sons of the
American Revolution.
Bergiss Witt enlisted from Monroe County in
the 26th regiment, his name is listed as one of the Revolutionary soldiers living in 
Tennessee, June 1, 1840.
Very truly yours,
R Beecher Witt
RBW-LP
[PENSION OFFICE U.S. JAN 26 1925]
Page 102

R. BEECHER WITT
FRANK N. BRATTON
WITT & BRATTON
ATTORNEYS AND COUNSELLORS AT LAW
MADISONVILLE, TENNESSEE
Jan. 24, 1938.
Pension Bureau,
Washington, D. C.
Gentlemen;
I will appreciate it very much if you
will give me the date of the war record of Burgess
Witt, who was a soldier in the Revolutionary War.
I will be glad to pay for a transcript of
this record if necessary, or if you will give me a letter
showing his age, and where he joined from, also his wife
and children as shown by the record, I think this be
sufficient. I procured this record at one time, but it
appears it has been misplaced.
Thanking you,
I am very sincerly yours,
R. Beecher Witt
R. Beecher Witt.
Page 103

Rev. & 1812 War Section
February 20, 1925
Mr. R. Beecher Witt
Madisonville
Tenn.
Sir:
I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolution
ary War pension claim, W.54, it appears that Burgess Witt was the
son of Hezekiah.
While a resident of Guilford County, North Carolina, he enlisted
in 1781, served as private in Captain William Lytle's Company
, Colonel Archibald Lytle's North Carolina Regiment, and was
discharged May 4, 1782. 
having served 18 months
He was allowed pension on his application executed October
18, 1825, at which time he was sixty years of age and a resident of
McMinn County, Tennessee. He died December 16, 1843.
married Elizabeth May, September 26 or 28, 1793, in Spartanburg
District, South Carolina, and both were residents of 
Randolph County, North Carolina, at that time. She was allowed pension
on her application executed February 3, 1844, while a resident
of Monroe County, Tennessee, aged seventy years. She died there
October 23, 1863.
Page 104

The following children were referred to: Valentine, aged
forty-four years in 1844 and was the third child, Hezekiah, aged
sixty-five years in 1868, Polly, aged sixteen in 1825, and Burgess,
aged fourteen years in 1825.
---
Respectfully,
Commissioner
Page 105

information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension
on file in this Bureau.
Burgess Witt W.F. 54
DATES OF
ENLISTMENT OR
APPOINTMENT.
1781
LENGTH OF
SERVICE.
18 mos.
discharged May 4 1782
RANK.
Prt.
OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.
CAPTAIN.
William Lytle
COLONEL.
Archibald Lytle
STATE.
N.C.
Battles engaged in,
C
Residence of soldier at enlistment,
Enlisted in North Carolina resident of Guilford Co. N.C.
Date of application for pension,
Oct 18, 1825 His I was al.
Residence at date of application,
McMinn Co. Tenn.
Age at date of application,
60 years- Died Dec 16, 1843
Remarks: 
Soldiers son of Hendrick Witt both res. of 
Randolph Co. N.C. 
marched in Spartanburg Dist S.C. 
Sept. 26, 1793
Elizabeth Mayo 
She was allowed pension 
on an application executed 
Feby. 3, 1844 while a 
resident of Monroe Co. Tenn.
70 yrs of age. She died Oct 23, 1863.
there in 1825. children
Polly 16 yrs, 
Burgess 14 yrs,
Valentine born in 1820
and Hezekiah 65 in 1868
Very respectfully,
31793b5m1c-07
Commissioner.
Soldiers brothers Rutherford and Ares.
2
26 or 28 Sept