Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 6,678, Micajah Clark, Va.

Page 1

(3-1776)

SERVICE

Va.              

Clark, Micajah
or
Clarke, Keziah

Number W.6678

Contents

Page 2

Virginia 3029
Keziah Clark,
Widow of Micajah Clark, dec
Va
Who died on the 1821
of Amhurst Co in the State of Virginia
who was a prisoner in the [illegible] commanded
by Captain Woodson of the regt commanded 
by Genl Stevery in the Virginia
line for 21 mo corpol
              3 as private

Inscribed on the Roll of Richmond
At the rate of 87 Dollars    Cents per annum
To commence on the 4th day of March 1831

Certificate of Pension issued the 29 day of Sep
1839  [illegible] and to R H Gray
Lynchburg, Virga

Arrears to the 4th of March 1839 $ 696.00
                       Sept 39                        43.50
				                        $739.50
{Revolutionary Claim}
{Act July 4, 1836}
{Section th 3a}

Recorded by D M McCurdy, Clerk,
Book A.  Vol. 2.  Page 155

Page 3

State of Virginia
Amherst county to witt,
On this 9th day of April 1839 personally appeared before me Isaac R Reynold a Justice of the peace in and for said county. Mrs Kiziah Clarke, a resident of said county, aged 78 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, passed Jul 4th 1836: That she is the widow of Micajah Clarke, who was a corporal in the Revolutionary war, that he enlisted under Capt Saml Woodson of the Virginia Continental line of service in the county of Goochland on the 10th day of April 1776, for three years and was attached to the 9th Virginia Regiment _ That he was at the Battles of Brandy wine, and German Town _ at which latter place he was taken prisoner (she believes) that her husband Micajah Clarke remained a prisoner 8 months and 12 days at Philidelphia (sic) as he told her _ that the American lost the victory at Germantown, in consequence of one of the Officer (Genl Stevan she believes) being drunk _ that at the battle in which he was taken prisoner, the american being defeated, he Clarke got under a barn, and when the british came to get plauk they found him under there and told him to come out a damed Rebel _ that while her husband was in prison the women came to see the prisoners and endevoured to effect his escape by dressing him in female apparel _ but failed because the guard noticed that there was one more that came out than went in _ That he is the same person no doubt, who is named in the certificate of balance of pay issued to Micajah Clarke on the 25th day of Nov 1785 for £25.60, which was delivered to Mr Jno Trigg _ who was about that time a delegate from the county of Bedford, and afterward a member of Congress _
And she the said Kiziah Clarke further declares that she was married to the aforesaid Michjah Clarke on the

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23rd day of September 1779 – in the county of Powhattan (by the Revd Hyde Saunders). After said Clarke had returned from the regular service- That the year after they were married they Clarke and family moved to the county of Bedford.
That in December of 1780 or Jany 1781 _ the militia was called into service form the county of Bedford Virginia to meet the British who were coming up to Richmond. That her husband Micajah Clarke was one who went into service on said occasion _ That she thinks her husband left home on or about the first of Jany 1781 _ that he went into service on said tour of service as Ensign or Lieut. of the Malitia that his services on this occasion was confined to the lower part of the state and that he was at Portsmouth, dismal swamp 82 then he did not return home until the latter part of May of 1781 _ That she cannot say positively that her husband was at the battle of Gilford, but she is informed that he was _ That at the time her husband the said Micajah [illegible] into service on said occasion that they had one child which was name Betsy _ That she was married as aforesaid to said Clarke on the 23rd Sept 1779 or will more fully appear by the proof answered (Family Register) [illegible] _ That her husband the aforesaid Micajah Clarke died on the 6th day of January 1821 _ That she the said Kiziah Clarke has remained a widow in said county ever since the death of her husband aforesaid to the present time _ That they removed to said county from the county of Bedford about the year 1790 where they lived until his death _ and where she has ever since resided to the present time.
Test. Micajah L Clark			
Keziah X Clarke
(X her mark)

The figure 7 and 8 were attained in my presence to read 1781.   Isaac R Reynolds J.P.

Sworn to and subscribed before me by her mark the day and year above written_
In the presence of _
Micajah L Clark			
Isaac R Reynolds J.P.

State of Virginia

Amhurst County to witt,
I Isaac R. Reynolds a Justice of the peace in and for said county do hereby certify, that Mrs Kiziah Clarke

Page 5

Who has this day sworn to, and subscribed the foregoing declaration before me by her mark _ I the widow of Micajah Clarke decd of said county – who was by reputation a regular soldier in the Revolutionary war who died about the 6th of Jany 1821. that she is the identical person who is claiming a pension as the widow of said Clarke _ and further that she the said Kiziah Clarke is too old and infirm, to attend court (12 miles without great days of health and body).
Given under my hand this 9th day of April 1839
Isaac R Reynolds J. P.

State of Virginia
Amhurst County to witt,
On this 9th day of April 1839 personally appeared before me Isaac R Reynold a Justice of the peace in and for said county Mr Charles Wingfield a respectable resident of said county who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath say, that he is 60 years old that he has been acquainted with Mr Micajah Clarke who was by reputation a regular soldier in the Revolutionary war, from about the year 1794 or 95 untill (sic) his death which was about the 6th day of Jany 1821 _ That he has frequently heard said Clarke speak of his Revolutionary services _ that Clarke told him he was at the Battle of German Town _ at which place he Clarke was wounded _ that he Clarke got under a barn that he was taken prisoner at the battle of German Town and remained a prisoner several months _ that he is the same person who married Kiziah Harris, now Kiziah Clarke his present widow _ That Mrs Kiziah Clarke has remained a widow ever since the death of her husband as aforesaid in said county, to the present time and That she is the identical person who is claiming a pension as the widow of said Micajah Clarke decd.
Charles Wingfield
The words of the peace interline before signed
Isaac R Reynolds J.P.

Page 6

State  of Virginia
Amhurst county to witt.
On this 9th day of April 1839, personally appeared before me Isaac R Reynolds a Justice of the peace in and for said county, Mr Robert Ridgeway a respectable resident of said county, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath say _ That, he is 64 years old that he was well acquainted with Micajah Clarke, who married Kiziah Harris a regular soldier of the Revolutionary war by reputation from the year 1788 to the time of his death, which he believes was on or about the year 1821 Jany 6 _ That he has frequently heard said Clarke speak of his services in the Revolutionary war that he was at the Battles of B. wine and Germantown; at which latter place he Clarke was taken prisoner _ that Clarke told him he got under a barn that he was a prisoner several months at Philidelphia (sic)     That he is the same prison who married Kiziah Harris now Kiziah Clarke – who is claiming a pension as the widow of said Clarke _ That Micajah Clarke was a professor of Religion. A man of strict veracity and would not say anything of his services that was not strictly true
Robert Ridgway

Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year above written

Isaac R Reynolds J.P.

Page 7

State of Virginia
Amhurst County to witt,
On this day of April 1839 personally appeared before me Isaac R Reynold a Justice of the peace in and for the said county Mr Jno Merrit who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath say _ That he is 60 years old that he was well acquainted Mr Micajah Clarke (who married Kiziah Harris, now Kiziah Clarke-) a regular soldier of the Revolutionary was, by reputation – from the year 1790, to the time of his death – which he believes was on or about the 6th day of Jany 1821. That he has frequently heard said Clarke speak of his Revolutionary services _ that said Clarke had a piece of (sic) his ear shot of which wound he received in an engagement that he Clarke had a conflict with 3 british soldiers – that he defeated them and made his escape _ that Clarke was a profesor of Religion, a man of strict veracity and would say nothing of his service that was not true
That Mrs Kiziah Clarke has remained a widow ever since the death of her husband aforesaid to the present time, and that she is the identical person who is now claiming a pension as the widow of said Micajah Clarke decd.
John Merritt

Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year above written 
Isaac R Reynold, J.P.

I Isaac R Reynolds a Justice of the peace in and for said county do hereby certify that Mr Jno Merritt who has signed the foregoing affidavit is a respectable resident of said county _ Given under my hand this 9th day of April 1839_
Isaac R Reynolds, J. P.

Page 8

State of Virginia
Bedford County to witt,
On this 28th day of March 1839, personally appeared before me Lodowick McDaniel a Justice of the peace in and for said county. M? Frances Leftwich, a respectable resident of said county, who being first duly sworn, doth on her oath sworn according to law say _ The she is 77 years old in May next _ that she was 17 or 18 years old when Mr Micajah Clarke and family move to said county from the county of Powhattan _ that said Clarke she understood married Kiziah Harris, daughter Chas Harris of Powhattan county that said Clarke lived next neighbour (sic) to Ms Francis Halley the father of deponent Frances Leftwich at the time the militia was called in to service from the said county of Bedford to go to the battle of Gilford (sic) which she thinks was the same year and in the spring that Lord Cornwallis was captured _ and that all the men from her neighbourhood went into service on said occasion, (that is the battle of Gilford) and among the number that went, she recollects that Micajah Clarke was one _ for she recollect distinctly that while said Clarke was in the army, that her Farther (sic) Francis Halley used to superintend his Clarkes plantation business for him and sent his hands to assist said Clarks woman Kagar (sic)  in working in the plantation _ that she thinks it was the latter part of the winter or early part of spring that he went into service, and towards the latter part of spring or the early part of summer that he said Clarkes and the other neighbours  returned from the Army for it was weather _ that she had heard said Clarke speak of his having been at the battle of German Town previous to his going into service on said occasion at the battle of Gilford

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That he Clarke told her he was taken prisoner at the battle of German Town and that while he was in prison, the women came to the prison to see him and endeavored to effect his escape by dressing him in Female apparel _ that said Clarke go a piece of his ear shot off at said battle of German Town as he told her _ that at the time said Clarke went into service at the battle of Gilford (sic) – which she thinks was in 1781 – that he said Clarke and his present widow Kiziah Clarke – was living together as man and wife, and legally married no doubt at least so considered by all who knew them and that they said Clarke and wife had one or two children at the time said Clarke went to the said battle of Gilford _ and further the said Clarke and family a few years afterward removed from said county of Bedford to the county of Amhurst _ where they lived as she has been informed until (sic) said Clarkes death _ and where as she is informed his widow Kiziah Clarke now resides _ and further that said Clarke was a carpenter by trade and that Chas. Halley went over into Amhurst to work at the carpenters trade with him _ That said Clarke was a highly respectable man, a profeser (sic) of Religion and considered a man of strict veracity _ and she does not believe that he would have related any thing in regard to his services that was not strictly true _ 
Francis Leftwich

Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year above written _
L McDaniel J. P.
State of Virginia
Bedford County to witt.

I Lodowich McDaniel a Justice of the peace in and for said county do certify that his first recollection of Micajah Clarke of whose services the deponent Mrs

Page 10

Frances Leftwich has made affidavit to commenced when I was a boy between the year 1790 and 1793 and living a close neighbour (sic) to him his acquaintance continued until some time in the year 1799 – for said Clarke was a carpenter by trade and executed several pieces of work for his father _ that during his acquaintance with said Clarke he he has frequently heard him speak of his services during the Revolutionary war – that he had a mark on one of his ears as alluded to in Mrs Leftwichs affidavit which I heard him say was done by a british soldier that at the time the said Clarke was taken prisoner he had concealed himself under a barn and that as said Clarke told him, the British soldiers told him to come out a dam,d Rebel _ that Clarke was a profeser of Religion and considered by all who knew him as a man of strict veracity _ and does not believe he would have said any in regard his services that was not strictly true _ I do also certify that his wife was name Kiziah, and that I then understand she was the daughter Chas. Harris _ and not a month ago heard from her, and that she still resides in Amhurst _ where said Mic. Clarke died _ and was where I first became acquainted with them.
Given under my hand this 28th day of March 1839.
L McDaniel JP.

State of Virginia
Bedford County to witt,
On this 29th day of March 1839, personally appeared before me Thomas Sale a Justice of the peace in and for said county, Mrs. Sally P Sale a respectable resident of said county, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on her oath say _ that she is 69 years old 1st day of Feb next that she was 10 years and 1 month old at the battle of Gilford (sic) which was in March 1781 that she recollect Micajah Clarke perfectly well, that said Clarke was married in Powhattan County as she understood and to Miss Kiziah Harris daughter of Chas. Harris who also moved to said county of Bedford when Clarke and wife did _ that in the month of November or december of

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1780 the militia was call into service from the county of Bedford and that among the number that went from the neighbourhood (sic) in which the deponent lived, that Micajah Clarke aforesaid was among the number _ that the troops called in service on said occasion served in the lower part of Virginia – that they went to meet the British where they came up to Richmond and Goodland County _ that she lived near neighbour (sic) to said Clarke where he went into service on said occasion and stayed seven weeks at Clarkes Brother in law Harris (Sathl) which he was gone, that said Clarkes family suffered much during his absence that said Clarke did not return home until (sic) some time after the Battle of Gilford  that she is under the impression that said Clarke served five months in the army on said occasion before he returned home _ which she thinks it was the latter part of the spring of 1781 _ that she thinks Clarke had on child at that time which was name Betsy _ That said Clarke told deponent that he was taken prisoner at German Town and was a a prisoner 8 or 9 months and was exchanged _ that he hid under a barn when he was taken prisoner that he had a piece of ear shot off_  That Clarke was a professor of Religion a man of strict veracity that he would not say any thing in regard to his services that was not true _ That Clarke was a carpenter by trade, that he removed from said county to the county of Amhurst where Clarke and family resided until (sic) his death _ and where his widow Kiziah Clarke now resides (as she is informed_)
Sally P Sale
Sworn to and subscribed before me that day and year above written

Th Sale J.P.
State of Virginia 

Bedford county to witt,
J Thomas Sale a Justice of the peace in and for said county, do hereby certify that he was acquainted w Micajah Clarke of whose service witness Sally P Sale has spoken from the year 1808 untill (sic) his death, which was in 1821 or 22 as she thinks -  that he was a profeser (sic) of Religion, and considered by all who knew him to be a man of strict veracity and that he would not say any thing of his services which was not strictly true that Clarke told him he was taken prisoner, probably at Germantown and remained a prisoner several months 
Given under my hand this 29th day of March 1839 – 
Th Sale J. P.

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Mic. Clarke died 6th of Jan
1839
18
1821

Page 13

[678]

FAMILY RECORD

BIRTH (left column)

Elizabeth Dawson Clark
was born on the 8th July 1780

Charles Harris Clark was
born on the 16th March 1782.

William Madison Clark
was born November 30th 1783.

Sarah Dickerson Clark
was born August 2nd 1786.

Nathaniel Harris Clark
was born June 20th 1790.

Ira Ellis Clark was born
on the 9th November 1793.

Joseph Garland Clark
was born Januar8th 1795.

Keziah Snelson Clark
was born December 12th 1797

Micajah Lynch Clark was
born on the 2nd May 1800.


BIRTH (right column)
Nancy Thomas Clark
born on the 30th May (record torn)

Harriot Loving Cl (record torn)
was born July 7th  (record torn)

Gilbert H Clar (record torn)
was born May the
14th 1823

(faint notation)
1824
1806
18

Elbert H Clark
was born May 12th
1823 to Micajah 
Clarke

State of Virginia
Amhurst County to witt.

Page 14

(NOTE: There seems to be a newspaper pdf behind this letter reading):
Micajah Lynch Clark was born on the [illegible] May 1800

State of Virginia
Amhurst County to witt
On this 9th day of April 1839 personally appeared before me Isaac R Reynolds a Justice of the peace in and for said county Mr Micajah L. Clarke a respectable resident of said county who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath say that the above family register purporting to contain a registry of the birth of the children of Micajah Clarke, and Kiziah Clarke his present widow, is a true copy from the original _ which was in his Fathers (Mic. Clarkes) our hand writing _ that the above copy of said family register, which imitates printing _ was executed by Jno Covey a school master in the neighbourhood _ About the year 1809 or 1810 _ at his fathers request _ for better preservation and that said family register above has been in the possession of Mrs Kiziah Clarke his present mother, and widow of said Micajah Clarke ever since the year 1810 to the present time.
Micajah L Clark

Page 15

Mrs. Thomas E. Massey
203 Shady Lane
Morrilton, Arkansas

Dear Madam:

You are advised that it appears from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, W. 6678, that Micajah Clark, while a resident of Powhatan County, Virginia, enlisted April 10, 1776 and served three years as corporal in Captain Samuel Woodson’s company in the Ninth Virginia regiment, and was in the battles of Brandywine, and Germantown where wounded and captured and held eight months and twelve days.

While residing in Bedford County, Virginia, he served from January 1, 1781 to May, 1781 in the Bedford County militia, and was in the battle of Guilford, no officers stated.

He died January 6, 1821 in Amherst County, Virginia.

Soldier married September 23, 1779 in Powhatan County, Virginia, Keziah, daughter of Charles Harris.

She was allowed pension on her application executed April 9, 1839, while a resident of Amherst County, Virginia, aged seventy-eight years.

Their children: 
Elizabeth Dawson 	 born   July		8, 1780
Charles Harris          “ 	    March        16,  1782
William Madison 	 “ 	   November   30, 1783
Sarah Dickerson	“ 	   August         21, 1786
Nathaniel Harris 	“ 	   June 	       20, 1790

Page 16

Ira Ellis		     born	November 9, 1792
Joseph Garland	“	January 8, 1795
Keziah Snelson	“	December 12, 1798
Micajah Lynch	“	May 2, 1800
Nancy Thomas	“	May 30, record torn
Harriot Loving	        “	July 7, record torn.

Very truly yours

E. W. Morgan
Acting Commissioner

Page 17

1940 Biltmore Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C.
December 7 1925.

Commissionerof Pensions, (sic)
Pension Office,
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sir: 

Might I ask you assistance in obtaining data regarding the ser-
vices of my ancestors in the American Revolution, two of who I have heard obtained pensions for their service.  I need these data to complete my application papers for the Daughters of the American Revolution.

These revolutionary soldiers were:

1.	Micajah Clark of Virginia
2.	John Hendrick (more) of Virginia
Thanking you in advance for your trouble and hoping to hear from you in this regard at your convenience, I am,
Very truly yours,
Mary H. Hume

Address: 
Mrs. Edgar E. Hume

Bottom
(Postal stamp)
U.S. PENSION OFFICE
L
Dec 8 1925

Page 18

(upper left corner): FN.E.
March 21, 1922  
(faint postal stamp) RECORD MAR 24, 1922 [illegible]

Department of the Interior, 
Bureau of Pensions
Washington D. C.

Dear Sirs, -

Will you please furnish me with the war record, (revolutionary) and what ever personal information you may have concerning MICAJAH CLARK (W6678) and ROBERT CLARK, (now of Bedford Co) both of Bedford County, Virginia.  I think they were both in the 9th Virginia Regt and possible other regiments
Did they receive land warrants?

Will you also please inform me what personal information and military service your records yield concerning my ancestor, Samuel Rowland, who served in the War of 1812 in Capt Luther Shepard’s Co Ohio Militia?
He received Land Warrant No. 61387, 160 acres,Act of 1855 (ok)
He must have given information concerning himself and family when he applied for the warrant and I am interest to have all the information your records contain,
Thanking you, I am,
Very truly yours,
Miss Jean Rowland
(Postal stamp) Pension Office U.S. Mar 23 1922

(Handwritten note in side) 
Answered Apr 4. 1922 _
See another letter from her in claim for B.L.
aw

Page 19

Virginia
V

Keziah Clark
widow of Micajah

See letter to Ro. H. Gray,
Aug. 10th 1839

(side – verticle) 44

Act July, 4th. 1836.

Page 20

Marrilton Ark
Jan. 20th 1931

Commissioner of Pensions.
Washington D. C.
(Postal stamp) Jan 23, 1931

Dear Sir_
You have been recommended to me as one who can help me find the war record of some of my family and I will appreciate it very much if you will do this _
In preparing my papers for membership in D.A.R. I want to know the war record of any members of the Clark (or Clarke,) family.  In my family Bible dating to 1749 I find the name Micajah Clark (from Virginia), also William Clarke; Balling Clarke; James Clarke some of them from Virginia and some from Kentucky _ but I do not know if they were Revolutionary War soldiers_ I wrote to the War Dept. and they found that Micajah Clarke was a corporal in the Revolutionary War in Capt. Woodson’s company, 9th Va. Regiment_ But they could not give me date of enlistment or anything else _  I will appreciate this very much & thank you in advance for this favor _  
Respectfully Jenwyl Clarke Massey
(Mrs. Thomas E. Massey)
203 Shady Lane
Marrilton Ark.,

Page 21

Revy  WIDOW, &c.
File No. 6678
Keziah Clark
Wid.
Micajah Clark
Corpl. Va. line
Act: July 4th/36, Sec. 3d.
Index: _ Vol. H, Page 115
[Arrangement of 1870]

1922 May 15 Hist. to J. Rowland ww auy
1926 Jan 19 – “      “  Mrs E. E. Hume
1927 Apr. 18. Hist. to Nella T. 
Evans. See Micajah Clark,
S. 30940.A.D.Y.
1931- Feb. 4. Hist Mrs Thomas E 
Massey auy.

Page 22

Rev.&1812 Wars Section.
ADY

April 18, 1929.

Mrs. Nella T. Evans,
201 East 31” Street,
Austin, Texas.

Madam:
I advise you form the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, W. 6678, it appears that Micajah Clark, while a resident of Powhatan County, Virginia enlisted April 10, 1776 and served three years as corporal in Captain Samuel Woodson’s Company in the Ninth Virginia Regiment, and was in the battles of Brandywine, and Germantown, where wounded and captured and held eight months and twelve days,
While residing in Bedford County, Virginia, he served from January 1, 1781 to May 1781 in the Bedford County Militia,and was in the battle of Guilford; no officers named.
He died January 6, 1821 in Amherst County, Virginia.
Soldier married September 23, 1779 in Powhatan County, Virginia, Keziah, daughter of Charles Harris.
She was allowed pension on her application executed April 9, 1839, while a resident of Amherst County, Vir-

Page 23

ginia, aged seventy-eight years.
Their children: 

Elizabeth Dawson 	born July 8, 1780.
Charles Harris	“ 	March 16, 1782.
William Madison 	“ 	November 30, 1783.
Sarah Dickerson	“ 	August 21, 1786.
Nathaniel Harris 	“ 	June 20, 1790.
Ira Ellis 		        “ 	November 9, 1792.
Joseph Garland 	“ 	January 8, 1795.
Keziah Snelson 	“ 	December 12, 1797.
Micajah Lynch	 “	 May 2, 1800.
Nancy Thomas 	“ 	May 30, record torn.
Harriot Loving	        ” 	July 7, record torn.

Respectfully,
E. W. Morgan,
Acting Commissioner.

Page 24

January 19, 1926
Mrs E.  E. Hume
1940 Biltmore St., N. W.
Washington, D. C.

Madam:
I have to advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, W. 6678, it appears that Micajah Clark, while a resident of Powhatan County, Virginia, enlisted April 10, 1776 and served three years as corporal in Captain Samuel Woodson’s Comapny (sic) in the 9th Virginia Regiment, and was in the battles of Brandywine, and Germantown, where wounded and captured and held eight months and twelve days.
While residing in Bedford County, Virginia, he served from January 1, 1781 to May 1781 in the Bedford County Militia, and was in the battle of Guilford; no officers named.
He died January 6, 1821 in Amherst County,

Page 25

Soldier married September 23, 1779 in Powhatan County, Virginia, Keziah, daughter of Charles Harris.
She was allowed pension on her application executed April 9, 1839, while a resident of Amherst County, Virginia, aged seventy-eight years.
Their children –
Elizabeth Dawson born July 8, 1780.
Charles Harris        “      March 16, 1782.
William Madison     “      November 30, 1783.
Sarah Dickerson     “      August 21, 1786.
Nathaniel Harris     “      June 20, 1790.
Ira Ellis                   “       November 9, 1792.
Joseph Garland      “       January 8, 1795.
Keziah Snelson      “       December 12, 17987
Micajah Lynch       “        May 2, 1800.
Nancy Thomas      “        May 30, record torn
Harriot Loving       ”        July 7, record torn

In order to make a proper search of the records for a soldier named John Hendricks,, some of the following data is essential – approximate dates of birth and death, places of residence at enlistment and after service, and given name of widow.
Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT
Commissioner

Page 26

3-525
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
BUREAU OF PENSIONS
Washington, D.C. , ___________, 19,___

In reply to your request of ____, received _____ for a statement of the military history of Micajah Clark a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained his (or his widow’s) application for pension on file in this Bureau.

(column 1)
DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT
April 10, 1776
Jan 7, 1787

(column 2)
LENGTH OF SERVICE
3 yrs to May 1781

(column 3)
RANK
Corpl

(column 4 &5)
OFFICERS UNDER WHO SERVICE WAS RENDERED     State
CAPTAIN.           COLONEL.
Saml Woodson in the 9th Regt of Va
Officers no named in the militia of Bedford Co. Va,

Battles engaged in, Brandywine & Germantown where wounded & captured 
Held 8 mo, 12 days & Guilford 

Residence of soldier at enlistments, Powhatan & Bedford Cos. Va

Date of application for pension, Apr. 9, 1839

Residence at date of application, Amhurst Co Va

Age at date of application, 78

Remarks: Sol. War Sept 23, 1779 in Powhatan Co Va Keziah Harris dau of Chas Harris. He d. Jan 6 1821 in Amhurst Co Va

Children Elizabeth Dawson b. July 18, 1780, Charles Harris Mar 16 1782.
Wm Madison Mar 30, 1783, 
Sarah Dickerson Au 21, 1786, 
Nathaniel Harris June 20 1790, 
Ira Ellis Nov. 9, 1792, 
Joseph Garland Jan 8, 1795
Keziah Snelson Dec 12 1797, 
Michajah Lynch May 2 1800. 
Nancy Thomas May 30_
Harriat Loving July 7, __
(Last name on family record born after soldiers death)

Respectfully,
Commissioner

Page 27

(Postal stamp)
LIBERTY
AUG 20

6

Robert H Gray Esq.
Lynchburg
Virginia

Page 28

Liberty August 20th 1839.

I John R Steplar deputy for Robert C Mitchell Clerk of the County Court of Bedford in the State of Virginia do hereby certify that I have carefully examined the record of said Court from the year 1778 to the 1783 inclusive, and have not been able to find any record evidence of the qualification of Micajah B Clark nor Robert Cobbs as commissioned officers of any sort of that date. Given under my hand the day and date above written

Jno R Steplar D.C.

Page 29

(Copy)
Treasury Department
3d Auditors Office
Feb 27th 1839_

Sir,
In reply to the inquiry contained in the memorandum you lift with me this morning regarding the services of Micajah Clarke who is stated to have inlisted (sic) under Capt Woodson about 75 or 76 and was at one time attached to the 9th Va Regt, I have to state that on reference to the rolls of the 9th Va Regt the name of Micajah Clarke as Corporal is found on a pay roll for December 1776_ and on a roll for July 1777 _ he is stated to have inlisted (sic)  10th April (believed to be 1776) for three years _ the last roll on which his name is found is one of the same company (Capt Saml Woodson) for October 1777 after which on a diligent search through the rolls of the Regiment his name is not found_

Apr 10
12.
6
18.

With great respect
Your obt serv
Peter Hagner and

Hon Walter Coles
House Representatives

Page 30

(postal stamp) LYNCH Va Aug 26

Va 
Addeproof
Keziah Clark

Free

J L Edwards Esq
Commisioner of Pensions
Washington City

Page 31

Lynchs August 23rd, 1839
Sirs,
Enclosed I send you the affidavit of Mic. L. Clarke in addition is Mrs Kiziah Clarkes case also the clerks certificate and the Auditors_ 
I think I have clearly established the fact that Clarke was in service after his marriage_ No one will doubt the facts that Gen C Jackson and that Mr Van Buren is President of the [illegible] (inferred U.S.).
That Genl McCombe is commander in chief of the U. S. Army, that Mr Kendal is full General [illegible] you are commissioner of Pension _ that Polk is elected Governor of Tennessee over Cannon and that Henry Clay is the whig back candidate for and wishes to be the next President of the U.S. but now of these facts come before you with cleared demonstrations of proof their (sic) that Mic Clarke served a tour in the malitra (sic) [illegible] he was married _ and still you [illegible] that y[illegible] must have proof of service by some person who was in the service with him_ this is extremely hard for I do not believe that there is a single person alive who was in service at that time from the section of county, that Clarke lived in _ or if there is they have imigrated (sic) to the west _ there has been men hung who not as strong evidence as I have furnished in this case _ you must give her the benefit of July 1836 _ as to the point between the Agent[illegible] [illegible] and myself _ you could with as much pros[illegible] as regarded fact require the widow to say that she was the widow of a pirate, or high-way robber as to say that she was the widow of a war pensioner when she was not _  I will [illegible], least like the unfortunate widow I weary you.
Ro H Gray, Agent.

Page 32

State of Virginia, Amhurst County to witt,
On this 22nd day of August 1839, personally appeared before me Isaac R. Reynolds a justice of the peace in and for said county, Micajah L Clarke as respectable resident of said count- who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath say _ that he is the son of Micajah Clarke who was a soldier in the Revolutionary war _ that he Clarke is 39 years old, that from the time he could recollect anything at all, that he has frequently, from time to time, previous to his Fathers death, heard him speak of his Revolutionary services_ that he understood distinctly to have heard him tell of his being in the regular service before he was married; that he was at the battle of Brandywine and Germantown_ and that at the latter place he was taken prisoner, and was a prisoner 8 months and 19 days _ and that after he Micajah Clarke his Father, came out of the regular service, that he was married to his present widow Kiziah Clarke (whose maiden name was Harris) in the County of Powhattan in the year 1779 _ from whence be removed to the County of Bedford_ and he the deponent recollects distinctly of hearing his Father aforesaid tell of his having served a drafted tour of duty in the militia from the County of Bedford since he was married _ of the time or the occasion he cannot speak with any correctness with certainty _ but he has heard his father say that at the time he went into service in the militia from Bedford, that he had one child name Elizabeth, that he lived a close neigh our to Francis Halley in Bedford at the time he went into service on said occasion_ that the said Francis Halley sent his

Page 33

hands to asist his deporants mother in working her plantation, while his Father was in service on said occasion – and further that he has heard his Father say he had command of a detachment of men sent out to reconnoitre the enemy while in service on said occasion _ that he does not recollect now what office his Father held, but from what he has heard him say, he had always been under the impression that he was either a commissioned officer or sergant –
Micajah L Clark 

The word hath inscribed before signed_ Isacc R Reynolds

and sworn to and subscribed, the day and year as above written. Before me  – 
Isaac R Reynolds, JP

Page 34

never seen a fact more thoroughly established (or so longstanding by verbal evidence) that the fact of Micajah Clarkes having been in the malita (sic) led service from Bedford County Virginia during the Revolutionary war, in the winter and spring of 1781 _ It is a rare thing I say that a fact of so long standing, should have been so clearly and distinctly proven by verbal evidence and that too of such respectable standing, and entire [illegible] – Mrs Frances Leftwich a wealthy and highly respectable lady is a daughter of Francis Halley, who lived a close neighbor to Mic. Clarke at the time he Clarke went into service _ and who assisted Clarkes Family during his absence _ Mrs Sale as lady of wealth, and intelligence, whose husband is a Justice, and whose sons are Lawyers, Doctors and Clergymen, also lived close neighbor to his Clarks family at the time _ and Mrs Jno Halley lived about 5 miles from Clarke at the time all testify distinctly are positively to the fact that Clarke was in service after he was married from Bedford County Virginia _ and Mrs Sale even recollected the name of the oldest child name (Elizabeth) the only one they had at the time he Clarke was in service _ none of there (sic) witnesses are the least akin to Clarke or his family, or related to them or connected in any way by marriage. Mrs Leftwich, and Mrs Sale _ was even intimate in Clarkes family and tho they differ a little about the length of service, yet neither makes it less than 3 months – I have also take Mic. L Clarkes affidavit to show that Clarke had spoken of his tour of service in the militia after he was married, during his life time when he had no idea of receiving a

Page 35

longer on the pay roll, is to be accounted for by his being taken prisoner at the Battle of German Town Oct 1777 fully sustained by his repeated declaration to the witnesses in his Clarke, life time _ and if there is any preservation of prisoner rolls in the War _ Office_ the fact will appear that Clarke was a prisoner 9 mo and 10 days in Philidelphia (sic).
Finally, I think that the 18 or 19 mo. As a regular, this proof of his being a prisoner, and not less than 3 mo service after marriage_ will clearly, and fully bring the widow under the provisions of the Act of July 4, 1836, at full pay of corporal and private _ this is what is claim and will not be satisfied with any less _ as we do consider her claim to be clearly, and thoroughly established as such do the best you can for us. Your ob s_     Ro. N Gray Agent.

JB. There is a question between the agent at Richmond for paying pensions, and myself, which I wish you to decide and send me written instructions _ Bartholomew Gaddy, Edmund Goode, and Henry Read (cases you have sent me) were privates in the Revolution, but were not prisoners in their life time _ as you will see by the widow certificates sent me _ I therefore in preparing the pension voucher to draw the money for the widow in there (sic) cases _ said in their powers of Attorney, that they were the widows of Gaddy, Goode, and Read, who were privates in the Revolution,, instead of saying they were the widows of ______ who were,, Revolutionary pensions of the U.S.,, of the propriety of which I am still fully satisficed _ but the agent has thought proper to stick to the form that no reference to this class of cases _ but only has references to that class of widows, whose husbands were pensioners. 
I shall be governed by your decision, tho it should be against my better Judgement _ I will observe, this that the beauty and validity of an instrument of writing courts chiefly, in its containing facts, which the papers refered (sic) to would not do, if the widows are required to say that they are the widows of persons who are Revolutionary prisoners and in fact some widows might be rather [illegible] to do so.
Ro. H Gray

Page 36

State of Virginia
Bedford County to witt,
On this 31st day of January 1839 personally appeared before me Jon Crenshaw a Justice of the peace in and for said County, Mrs Elizabeth Crenshaw a respectable resident of said County _ who being first duly sworn according to laws doth on her oath say _ That she is in the 76th year of her age, by the family record _that she lived in county of Pawhattan, at the time Mr Micajah Clarke was married to miss Kiziah Harris, the daughter of Chas Harris that she lived within one mile of Mr Chas Harris at the time and she thinks she was not more that 14 or 15 year old at the time they were married_ that she can not say positive but that she was preset at their marriage, but she is inclined to think that she was _ as she was well acquainted, and even intimate with the whole family _ and thinks she was at all the marriage, that took place in said Chas Harris Family _ that they lived several years in that county, from whence they they removed _as she believes to the county of Amburst as she has frequently heard from said Mrs Kiziah Clarke _ the widow of said Micajah Clarke from, said county of Amhurst _ but of the time of her said husbands death she cannot speak [illegible] _ that she is no was relation to the said Clarke or Harris family either by blood, or marriage – but they were a highly respectable respectable family of people _ and further she says that she the said Elizabeth Crenshaw as about 17 or 18 years old at the time she was married _ which she is very certain was before the battle of Gilford (sic) _ as her brother was in that battle after she was married [illegible] further, she is very positive in saying, that Mr Micajah Clarke was married to Kiziah Harris as aforesaid at least four or five years, before  she the said Elizabeth Crenshaw was_
Elizabeth Crenshaw

Sworn to and subscribed before me, this day and year as above written.
Jno Crenshaw, J. P.

Page 37

State of Virginia
Bedford county to witt,
On this Twenty fifth day of Febuary (sic) 1839  - personally appeared before me Jno Crenshaw a Justice of the peace in and for said county Mr Benjamin Hensley a respectable resident of said county Mr Benjamin Hensley a respectable resident of said county, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath say – That he is 69 years old – That he has been acquainted Micajah Clarke and his present Widow Kiziah Clarke (whose maiden name was Harris the daughter of Chas Harris) ever since the close of the Revolutionary war as man and wife – that he the said Hensley became acquainted with said Clarke and his present widow some short time after they came to said county of Bedford – which said acquaintance took place about the year 1781 and that they were then living together as man and wife – and no doubt legally married – at least so regarded by all who knew them – that they continued to live together as man and wife so long as they lived in said county, until (sic) they removed to the county of Amhurst – when the said Clarke died and when his widow still resides as [illegible] is informed – That he the said Hensley has often heard the said Clarke speak of his service in the Revolutionary war – that the said Clarke had a part of one of his ears off – which he said Hensley understood was shot off in the services of his county during the Revolutionary war – B Hensley

Page 38

State of Virginia
Bedford County to witt
I Jno Crenshaw a Justice of the peace in and for said county do hereby certify that the foregoing affidavit of Benjamin Hensley of said county was sworn to, and subscribed before me this day and year or above written – given under my hand this 25th day February 1839
Jno Crenshaw J. P.

Page 39

State of Virginia
Bedford County to witt
I Jno Crenshaw a Justice of the peace in and for said county do hereby certify that the foregoing affidavit of Benjamin Hensley of said county was sworn to, and subscribed before me this day and year or above written . Given under my hand this 25th day February 1839 – 
Jno Crenshaw J. P.

Page 40

State of Virginia
Bedford County to witt, on this 27th day of March 1839 personally appeared before me Paschal Buford a Justice of the peace in and for said county. Mrs Anna Halley a respectable resident of said county aged 78 years in time next – who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath say – That she is 78 years old in time next – that she lived in 5 or 6 miles of Micajah Clarke, who was married to Kiziah Harris, daughter of Chas Haris in Pawhattan county – That she was 19 or 20 years old when she first recollects seeing Micajah Clarke and wife his present widow Kiziah Clarke. That, at the latter end of the Revolutionary War, all the Malitia was called out in her neighbourhood, and that Micajah Clarke was among the number that went into service on said occasion; at any rate that was the neighbourhood talk. That she recollects perfectly well, of having heard that Mr. Francis Halley who lived close by Micajah Clarke at the time, sent his hands to help Micajah Clarkes force to work on the plantation, while be the said Clarke was in the service _ that she cannot say on what occasion it was _ but that so far as she heard any person speak of the prove it was generally understood that said Clarke was in the service at the time mentioned – which was about the close of the war – and she thinks that said Clarke had one child if no more, by this present widow Kiziah Clarke, at the time he went into service on said occasion, which was as aforesaid the latter end of the war._ that said Clarke was legally married – at least so considered by all who knew them _ that a few years afterwards she the deponent was married to Mr Jno Halley her present husband which was in 1785 _ at which time she

Page 41

Became more intimately acquainted with said Clarke and his present widow Kiziah Clarke _
That said Clarke removed to Amhurst County where they lived until (sic) his said Clarkes death.
That Clarke was carpenter by trade _ that [illegible] Halley went over into Amherst to work at the carpentry trade with him – that Clarke was a highly respectably man and considered by all who knew him to be a man of strict veracity and would not say any thing of his services that was not true _  Anne X Haley (X is her mark)

The said Clarke,, interlived 
before signed by deponent Halley _ Paschal Buford J. P.
Leut Charles W. Gill
Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year above written _ 
In the presence of 
Teste Charles W. Gill  Paschal Bedford J. P.

I Robert C Mitchell clerk of the County Court of Bedford in the State of Virginia, do hereby certify that Lodowick McDaniel, Thomas Sale, John Crenshaw and Paschal Buford Esqrs are and were at the time of signing each of their respective namers to the preceding certificates acting Justices of the Peace in and for the said county of Bedford duly commissioned & qualified as such according to law and that the foregoing signatures purporting to be theirs are genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said Court his 2nd day of April 1839 in the 63rd year of the Commonwealth.
R.C Mitchell, crec
By Jno R Steploe D. C.

Page 42

This is to Certify, That it appears from a List in this Office of such Officers and Soldiers of the Virginia Continental Line, during the Revolutionary War, as settled their Accounts, and received Certificates for the balance of their Full Pay, according to an Act of Assembly, passed the November Session, 1781, that a Certificate issued on the 25th day of Novemt. 1785, in the name of Micajah Clarke as a Soldier of Infantry for $25.60, which Certificate appears to have been delivered to Mr Trigg and was given for services prior to the 1st January, 1782.
{No Seal of Office} 
Given under my hand at the Auditor’s Office, Richmond, this
16th day of January 1889.
Jas E Heath, Auditor.

$84.34
½ 4 [illegible]

363P

Powhatan County Court Clerk’s Office,
February the 2nd 1839.
I William S. Dance clerk of the County Court of Powhatan do hereby certify that I have examined the records and files of my office from the year 1777 until the year 1795 and can find no return of the marriage of Micajah Clarke to Keziah Harris, nor can I find any marriage license bond given by the said Micajah Clarke; nor any deed on record from Charles Harris to Micajah Clarke; nor any will of Charles Harris recorded in this office.
Teste:
Wm. S. Dance C.

Page 43


Kiziah Clarke
Declaration
4465
4th July 1836
Married 1779
Died 1821
Allac 21nd Capt (ak)
3rd pri. $87 per anm
Va ConV line Capt
Woodson,

Robt. H. Gray
Lynchburg, Va
Agent 

8 years as corporal from 4th March 1831 to 4th March 1839 at $    p mo
Direct the certificate in this case me - in Lynch?
Ro H Gray

Page 44

State of Virginia
At a Court of Monthly Citizens held for the County of Amherst on the 15th day of April 1839

The foregoing declaration of Kiziah Clarke for a pension together with the affidavits of Charles Wingfield, Robert Ridgeway, John Merrith, Frances Sefsmith, Sally P Sale, Elizabeth Crenshaw, Benjamin Hensley, Ann Hally, Micajah S Clark, the several certificates of Irene R Reynolds, Lodowick McDaniel, Thomas Sale, John Crenshaw, Paschal Buford, Wm S Dance and Jas E Heath , Auditor was this day produced in open court and the same having been fully examined., the Court doth order it to be certified to the War Office of the United States that the said Isasc R Reynolds is a Justice of the Peace in the County aforesaid duly comonsaid & qualified and the proceeding aforesaid had sworn him in the County (and which an regularly signed by him in his own handwriting) an hereby approved, ratified and confirmed.
And the Court doth further certify that it appears to their satisfaction that the said Kiziah Clarke ( whose maiden name was Kiziah Harris) is the widow of Micajah Clarke and that they were lawfully married by the Rev Hyden Sauner of the Epistopal Church as it is believed (the banns having been published) in Pawhatan County in this State on the 23rd day of September 1779 and that he then said Micajah Clark died in this county on the 6th day of January 1821

And the Court doth further certify that the said Micajah Clarke for many years previous to his death was a highly respectable citizen of this county and remarkable for his strict regard to truth. and from that circumstance as [illegible] as from the papers hereth amid and [illegible] report through all this sections of County which was notorious the Court hath no hesitation in certifying that it appears to their satisfaction that the said Micajah Clarke in his lifetime was a soldier in the Revolutionary War and served as a corporal for three years having enlisted or gone into service under Capt Saml Woodson of Goochland County in this states on or about the 10th day of April 1776 and remained in service until the Spring 1779 being as least a part of the time attached to the 9th Regiment of Virginia Malitia that whilst so in service he was engaged in several battles to the north and actually taken and detained as Prisoner of War for upwards of eight months. After the marriage of said Micajah

Page 45

Clarke and after his removal to Bedford County the Court [illegible] testified that he again entered the service as Ensign or Lieutenant & served in Eastern Virginia & North Carolina for at least six months. 
And the court doth also certify that the said Lodowich McDaniel, Thomas Sale, John Grinsham & Paschal Buford a Justice of the Peace in the adjoining County of Bedford and that their respective signatures to the served certificates aforesaid are genuine. Wm S Dance is known to be clerk of the County Court of Pawhatan and Jas E  Heath auditor in this state and their respective signatures to their certificates aforesaid an proved to be in their own respective handwritings.  The Register annamed to the affidavit of Mr. S Clark is believed to be true.
And the Court doth further certify that the said Kiziah Clarke is a lady of high standing respectability and her oath intitles to full faith [illegible] from bodily infirmity she is unable to attend Court in proper person,  They also certify that the persons whose affidavits are hereth annamed (witness Chs Wingfield, Ro. Ridgway, John Merrith, Mrs Francis Leftwich, Mrs Sally P. Sale, Mrs Elzb Crenshaw, Benjm Hensly, Anne Haley, & Lodowick McDaniel s certificate ) an among these most respectable citizens of this Bedford County and the oaths of each & every of them entitled to the fullest credit.  The Court also certifies that is true that a Mr Trigg was once a representative from Bedford County to the Virginia legislature & afterword a member to Congress from that District.

In testimony whereof I Samuel M Garland clerk of the Court aforesaid have hereto set my hand & aforesaid the seal aforesaid Court this 15th day of April 1839 in the 63rd year of the Commonwealth.
Sam M Garland clk

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The evidence in this case is conclusive, that Clarke enlisted for 3 years as a regular soldier; that he had actually served 18 mo. Up to the battle of G. town which was in Oct 1777 at which time he was taken prisoner; which accounts for his name appearing on the pay roll, no longer than Oct. 1777. He was a prisoner 8 mo. And 12 days and no dout (sic)  served out the bal. of his 3 years of the war enchanged (sic) – this may be inferred from his certificate of pay – It is also clearly in proof,  by 3 respectable witnesses that claim he was in service after he was married – the witnesses differ it is true a little in regard to the time he Clarke (that is by month) went into the service, but agree exactly as to the month and year he came out. Which was the latter part of  May 1781 – they all agree that he was in service after he was married and that it was winter when he left home.  I think that the evidence is sufficient to entitle his widow to full pay as a corporal in the regular service.  It was therefore only necessary to prove any of his services after marriage, in order to bring her under the law of 1836.
Clarke was a deserving man, a good Christian, and a valiant soldier, and his widow is very needy. Do the best you can for him at any rate taking his regular, and militia services together, you can safely allow full pay as corporal. We have a number of cases before your please report some of them if the finances alow (sic) That we may be doing something.
Ro. H. Evans

Page 47

Kiziah Clarke
Declaration
4465
4th July 1836
Married 1779
Died 1821
Allac 21nd Capt (ak)
3rd pri. $87 per anm
Va ConV line Capt
Woodson,

Robt. H. Gray
Lynchburg, Va
Agent 

8 years as corporal from 4th March 1831 to 4th March 1839 at $   p. mo-
Direct the certificate in this case me in Lynch?
Ro. H Gray

Page 48

The National Archives
Form VAM-51
12-5-41

BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD*

Division of Veterans’ Administration Archives

Name   Clark, Michael
Grade Private      
Line  Maryland

Warrant Number  11060     
Acreage    100    
Issued  November 29, 179? (torn)
To Edward Jenkins, administrator

*The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 4 of  “Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800” which are registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subsequent dates.  Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800.  Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in the National Archives.

Page 49

The National Archives
Form VAM-51
12-5-41


BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD*

Division of Veterans’ Administration Archives

Name   Clark, Michael       
Grade Private      
Line  Maryland

Warrant Number  11095     
Acreage    100    
Issued  August 8, 1797
To James De Baufre, assignee

*The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 4 of  “Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800” which are registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subsequent dates.  Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800.  Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in the National Archives.