Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 3893, Gregory Gannaway, Va.

Page 1

Va.              Gannaway, Gregory              R.3893

Page 2

No. 7981
Widow of Gregory Gannaway
Act of July 4, 1836

Jno W. Stevens
Abingdon, VA

Page 3

Declaration of the heirs of Gregory Gannaway a soldier of the revolutionary war from the County of Buckingham in the State of Virginia. This declaration is made by his son Robertson Gannaway, one of the heirs, for the purpose of attaining, the benefits of the provision of the act of Congress of the 7th day of June 1832 wherein it is provided, that person engaged in the Military Service of the United States in the war of the revolution, are entitled to pension, and if not claimed during (scribbled out)their natural lives - it is competent for the heirs to claim and obtain said pension, that may be due the parties of the living.

State of Virginia, County of Smyth. SS.

On this 19th day of July 1859, personally appeared in open court, before the honourable County Court of Smyth, Robertson Gannaway, a resident of said county and state aforesaid aged 72 years who being just duly sworn according to law, doth on this oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the pension made by the Act of (unsure) passed the 7th day of June 1832. That his father Gregory Gannaway was a soldier in the war of the revolution from the county of Buckingham in the state (unsure), that he served alternate? tours of duty in said war, that his first turn was at the Battle of Guilford, state of North Carolina, that he was honourably discharged, but where his discharge is, the declarant cannot tell, that the said Gregory Gannaway married in the county of Cumberland, state aforesaid in the summer or fall of 1779 and that he died in 1804, that his widow survived him until February 1852 and died in the state of Missouri. The heirs claim on the ground, that Gregory Gannaway by his services in the war of the revolution, became entitled (unsure), but in as much as had earned his pension and died before claiming, it would under the law, be competent for his widow to claim, from the 4th day of March 1831. She having married the said Gregory Gannaway in the year 1779 before the termination of his service and obtain said pension from the 4th day of March 1831 to the day of her death which occured in the month of February 1852. The heirs in sight of the widow, their mother now claim the said amount of the pension that would have accrued to her from March 4, 1831 to the 15th day of February 1858 a period of twenty five years - at such amount per annum as stipulated by law, (unsure) and divided in such cases. That the said Gregory Gannaway, his widow nor his heirs have ever made application under

Page 4

any act of Congress for pension, nor are their names inscribed at any pension agency in the United States for paying pensions to my knowledge.

(Unknown Signature)

It was also proved in court by the oath of Jeffrey Winniford a witness of lawful age that Robertson Gannaway, Jeffrey Gannaway, Polly Harris, Catharine Oury, Sally Gannaway, John Gannaway, Norval Gannaway, William Gannaway, Pamela Rader, Thomas Gannaway and Martha McDearmon were the children of Gregory Gannaway deceased

In testimony that the foregoing are (unsure) from the record, of the aforesaid Court, I James J. Pendleton, Clerk of the said court have heresents set my hand and affixed the seal of the said court at Office in the town of Marion this 19th day of July A.D. 1853.

James J. Pendleton CLH.

Page 5

Rev.&1812 Wars Section

November 11, 1925

Ethel Gannaway
1316 Lafayette Ave.,
Mattoon, Ill.

Madam,
I have to advice you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim R. 3893 it appears that Reverand Robertson or Robinson Gannaway, born in 1780 and the eldest child, while a resident of Smyth County applied, July 19, 1853, for the pension which might have been due to his deceased mother on account of the services of his father Gregory Gannaway in the War of the Revolution.

He stated that his father while a resident of Buckingham County, Virginia, served two tours, one in which he was in the battle of Guilford and the other in which he was at the Siege of Yorktown, no officers and no further details of service given.

He stated that his father married in the summer or the fall of 1779 in Cumberland County, Virginia, Rhoda whose maiden name is not given, and that he died in 1804 and

Page 6

and she died in February 1853 in Missouri.

The claim was made on behalf of (scribbled over) himself and the other surviving children of his said father and mother, as follows -- Jeffrey Gannaway, Polly Harris, Catharine Oury, Sally Gannaway, John Gannaway, Norval Gannaway and Martha McDearmon.

The claim was not allowed as he failed to furnish any proof of the alleged service as required by the pension laws.

Respectfully, 

Winfield Scott
Commissioner

Page 7

Top Section Crossed Out

3893

Gregory Gannaway

(side text)

1925 - mayh - Hist - To Mrs. C.E. Burford
1925 - nos VH "  to Ethel Gannaway

Page 8

Jno. W. Stevens
Sept 20/53

Page 9

Pension Office
Sept 20. 1853

Sir,

The application of the deceased widow of Gregory Gannaway of VA, for a pension on account of the services of Gregory in the Revolutionary War, has been examined and filed under the act of July 4, 1836.

The declarant neglected to give the name of the widow, the date of her intermarriage with Gregory and the dates of his and her death have been proved, nor is it shown that she is his widow. To enable this office to investigate the claim satisfactorily it is essential that it should appear how long were the tours of service, when rendered and under what officers, and in what capacity, or so many of these facts as the declarant can state.

It should be shown who are the surviving children of the widow.

Jno W. Stevens Esq.
Abingdon, Va

Page 10

J. W. Stevens

Nov. 7. 1853

Page 11

Pension Office
Nov 7 1853

Sir, 

In reply to your letter.. (unsure)


J.W. Stevens
Abingdon, 
Virginia

Page 12

Hon. Com. of Pensions

Pension Officer
Washington City, DC

Page 13

Aug 30 1853
Appl. of Robertson
Gannaway, son
of Gregory Gan
naway & wife.
Virginia

act 7th June 1832.
Must be orig.

John W. Stevens
Abingdon,
Va.

Page 14

N 7.981
Gannaway decd
Widow of Gregory
[illegible]
3893
Act July 4, 1836

Page 15

Rev. and 1812 Wars Section

May 4, 1925

Mrs. C. E. Burford
345 Westgate Ave.,
St. Louis, Mo.

Madam:

I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim R. 3893 it appears that Reverend Robertson or Robinson Gannaway, born in 1780 and the oldest child, while a resident of Smyth County, Virginia applied, July 19, 1853, for the pension which might have been due his deceased mother on account of the services of his father Gregory Gannaway in the War of the Revolution.

He stated that his said father while a resident of Buckingham County, Virginia served two tours, one in which he was in the battle of Guilford and the other in which he was at the Siege of Yorktown, no officers and no further details of service given.

He stated that his father married in the summer or fall of 1779 in Cumberland County, Virginia, Rhoda whose maiden name is not given, and that he died in 1804 and

Page 16

she died in February 1853 in Missouri.

The claim was made in behalf of himself and the other surviving children of his said father and mother, as follows-- Jeffrey Gannaway, Polly Harris, Catharine Oury, Sally Gannaway, John Gannaway, Norval Gannaway, William Gannaway, Pamela Rader, Thomas Gannaway and Martha McDearmon.

The claim was not allowed as he failed to furnish any proof of the alleged service as required by the pension laws.

Respectfully,

Wilder S. Metcalf.
Commissioner.

Page 17

Mattoon, Ill. Oct. 5 ___ 1925.

Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sir; I am writing to know if you can assist me in getting the War Record for one Gregory Gannaway who was my great-great-grandfather, and who was a Revolutionary soldier. I have written the War Department and they suggested that I write to you.

Gregory Gannaway was probably from Wythe Co. or it may have been Cumberland Co. Va. I have made application

Page 18

for membership in a chapter of the D.A.R. and am anxious to get this data.

I think it should be there and shall appreciate very much your help in finding it. Should there be any charges for this, will you kindly let me know before sending it.

Thanking you, I am,
Respectfully,
Ethel Gannaway
1316 Laf. Ave.
Mattoon, Ill.

Page 19

St. Louis, Mo.
Mar 19th, 1925

Bureau of Pensions.
Washington D.C.

Sirs: I am writing to enquire if youhave any Revolutionary War Record of Gregory Gannaway. M have with date of birth - he was married September 22, 1779 and died near Cripple Creek Va. August 24, 1804. He was my great, great, grandfather. Thanking you for any informalities. 

Very Truly,
Mrs. C.E. Burford
345 Westgate Ave.
St. Louis, Mo.

Page 20

Abingdon July 29th 1853

Hon. Commissioner of Pensions

Dear Sir

Enclosed is an application of the heirs of Gregory Gannaway - a Revolutionary Soldier, through the son Rev. Robinson Gannaway for pension in light of the Fathers services - the soldier died before the Law? of 1832 __ the widow lived to 1852 __ They were married in 1779 __ proof of which will be sent to the department, I may be in error, but am clearly of the opinion __ They are not entitled on the Fathers account, as he was not living on the day of the passage of the law. __ the difficulty in my mind is, __ as he died too soon __ Can the widow or her heirs claim in light of his services _ If Gregory Gannaway during his life, had of shown clearly __he was entitled to pension __ he would have up [illegible] but not having done so and dying before the Enactment of 1832, __ Can this widow or heirs obtain __ I have so expressed to the [illegible] __in this state of the case, they urged me to make out & present their claim __ I make this statement to your honor , to show it is not my desire to annoy the department with [illegible] applicating in many cases __ I feel satisfied they are worthless __ but is hard to convince man, when against their interest, in this case, there is much doubt, there may be a shadow of hope for them.

I am [illegible]
Very Respectfully
Your Obt St

John W. Stevens

The only thing, we know of his service, is what we are told nothing clear or definite. We are told he served two alternate tours of duty, If the first was at the Battle of Guilford __ Where and When, the other, they cant tell, but we are told he had a discharge __ nothing shown to prove it. If the Rolls show service __ all is right.

Page 21

Although I [illegible] these claims __ I am not an instrument in the hands of applicants __ to be used as they may desire. If I think there is doubt, I tell them so. And try to show [illegible] uncertainty lies __ and if they are not [illegible] as I think I tell them and a full statement to the department. The publick interest, should be strictly guarded by all from the voracity of many.  When [illegible] claims not worth a spot.

Page 22

Hon. Com. of Pensions
Pension Office
Washington City, D.C.

Page 23

Abingdon, Aug. 29th 1853

Hon Com, 

Dear Sir,

I have just had a conversation with the Rev. Robinson Gannaway in relation to his claims, for the heirs, in right of his father Gregory Gannaway, - 1st, he says in his declaration, the names of all the children of Gregory are named. 2d. That their identity is proved, 3d. That his mother Rhoda, the widow of Gregory died in Missouri in 1852, 3d, that he alledges Marriage to have taken place in 1779. 4th that he is the oldest child, and that he is in the 74th year of his age that he was born in 1780, year after marriage, thus the last service of his Father Gregory, was at Yorktown, at the close of the war, that he had served a pervious tour of duty and that he remembers to have heard his father speak of Capt. Jones, but whether he was his captain at any time he cannot be certain, that Peter Johnston of (unsure) was well acquainted with him, his Father in the war. (that the heir, cannot name any officers who commanded their father, that Rev. Robinson Gannaway appeals to the department for an examination of the rolls of such regiments as were at the Battle of York. (unsure) name that he knows it will cost much labour but must respectfully  prays that it may be done, that as male as the heirs are born that he Robinson, is now old and inferring and broken down in the gospel ministry, he therefore prays that the cause be indulgently considered, and that such examination be made.

Very Respectfully
Your obt st
J. W. Stevens

text on bottom left: We are trying to get Certificate of Marriage

Page 24

Power of Attorney

From

To 

R. H. Gallaher



Filed:___ 185_

By 

R. H. Gallaher

Attorney

Page 25

Power of Attorney.

Know all Men by these Presents,

That I Robertson Gannaway, Heir & son of Gregory Gannaway a resident of the county of Smyth and State of Virginia to hereby select, ordain, constitute and irrevocably appoint, with power of substitution; John W. Stevens attorney at Law of Washington County, Virginia my true and lawful agent and attorney for me and in my name, place, and stead; to examine into, enter, prosecute, file, and defend; before the proper Department of Government or other Tribunal; any claim, or suit, in my behalf, or in which I may be legally interested: by virtue of a claims for pension due, in right of Gregory Gannaway for services rendered in the War of the Revolution.

And further empowering My said Agent and Attorney, or his substitute, to apply for, and receive, any Money, Bounty Land or Bounties, Pension Claim or Claims, or other Dues, of any kind whatsoever, that be found to be due me for said / services in pension now Claimed under the of the 7th of June 1832

And further empowering My said Agent and Attorney, and authorizing him to receipt therefor, and give full and free acquittance thereof, in his name as my Agent and Attorney in fact, but all for My benefit and behoof. Hereby ratifying and confirming whatsoever My said Agent and Attorney may lawfully do, or cause to be done, as in these premises specified: and, as though I were present personally, and acting for myself Binding my heirs, legal representatives and assigns to comply with and fully carry out and complete any obligation, contract, or agreement, that is, or may be, made between Me and My said Agent or Attorney, his representatives, heirs or assigns.

(bottom left)
Signed, sealed and acknowledged in the presence of
Legrand Sexton}
James C Smith}  Witness

(bottom right)
In Virtue whereof, I do hereunto affix my Hand and Seal, this 26 day of July 1853
R Gannaway

Page 26

State of      County of
Virginia.      Smythe

On this 26 day of July One Thousand Eight Hundred and Fifty Three before me a Justice of the Peace in and for said County and State, duly authorized by law to administer oaths, personally appeared Robertson Gannaway, one of the heirs of Gregory Gannaway for himself heirs of G.G. the identical person whose name is attached to the annexed Power of Attorney and being duly questioned, acknowledged the same to be his free act and deed, as specified.

In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my name, the day and year last above mentioned.

W.H. Hubbille Jr.

State of      County of
Virginia      Smyth


I James F Pendleton Clerk of the County Court, in and for the County and State aforesaid, do hereby certify that W H Hubbille whose genuine signature appears to the foregoing affidavit is, and was, at the time of signing the Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid, duly commissioned and sworn: that all his official acts as such, are entitled to full faith and credit:  and that the aforesaid County Court is a Court of Record having general jurisdiction.

Given under my hand and the Seal of my Office, at Office in Marion this 27th day of July A. D. 1853

James F Pendleton
Clerk.