Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 8237, James Conner, Continental N C.

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Service Continental N C
Conner James
Number S.8237
Born in Ireland Landed
Contents

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16727
North Carolina
James Conner [illegible] in the state of N. Car was a priv. 2nd in the [illegible] commanded by Captain [illegible] of the [illegible] in the N. Car for [illegible] years
N. C. Continental
Oct. 31, 04
Records Completed
Inscribed on the Roll of North Carolina at the rate of 273 dollars 32 cents per annum to commence the 4th day of March 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 17th day of Sept. 1833 and [illegible]
[illegible] to the 4th of Sept. [illegible]
Semi-anl. allowance ending 
$19.96
Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7th, 1832
Recorded by N. Rice, Clerk.
Book 3 Vol 6 Page 37

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State of North Carolina
Mecklenburg County 
On the 14th day of February 1833 personally appeared before me, Alexander B. Jetton one of the justices of peace for said county, James Conner a citizen of Mecklenburg County and State of North Carolina aged now seventy nine years past, who being first sworn according to law, doth on his oath make this following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of congress passed June 7th 1832. That he has no record or register of his birth but that he was born in Ireland and that when he left Ireland for America in the year 1772 he was informed by his parents that he was then nineteen years old, that he resided in the county of Mecklenburg at the commencement of the Revolutionary War, and has continued to reside in said county ever since.
That in the month of August to the best of recollection, in the year 1775 he enlisted in Capt. George Davidson’s Company of state troops for six months in Colonel Martin’s Regiment. In the autumn of that year we were ordered to South Carolina to suppress the tories in the western part of that state and from there we marched to Cross Creek now Fayetteville to suppress the Scotch tories—about this time, he states that his terms of service expired and he was dismissed and returned home. 
That in the Summer of 1776 he volunteered to go against the Cherokee Indians, in Captain Dixon’s Company of Militia, he thinks in Colonel Lock’s Regiment. The expedition was commanded by General Rutherford. That he served as a sergeant in Captain Dixon’s Company, and continued out three months, the date not recollected.
That then in the year 1777 a call was made upon the militias of this state to go to the defense of Charleston, that he again volunteered under Capt. Dixon, Colonel Locke’s Regiment as well as he now recollects, that we were marched to Camden, where we were stationed during greater part of the winter at least three months, that he then acted as Sergeant and the term of service expiring he returned home and were [illegible].

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That in the first of June 1778 he set off for the north to see an only brother in America, then in the Continental Army that he arrived at, and joined the United States Army, then encamped on the lands of the Raritan State of New Jersey and on the 6th of July 1778 he states that he was appointed wagon master by Colonel Thompson, who was then wagon master general. That upon his appointment he was attached to one of the New England Brigades of troops, commanded by Brigadier General Patterson, that he continued in that brigade until the army went into winter quarters, near Morristown, New Jersey; where he was detached with a number of the horses, to New Canaan, Massachusetts, to see that they were taken care of during the winter.
That in the opening of the next campaign in the year 1779 he was attached to the Brigade of Light Infantry, commanded by General Wayne and that he continued to act as wagon master for said brigade, during Campaign, and was a volunteer at the storming of Stony Point, that when the brigade broke up [illegible] Newark and marched to head [illegible] we met with Ford Stirling, with a detachment of continental troops marching for Staten Island, that he with several others, who had horses [illegible] and went with him, and [illegible] upon the [illegible], from Elizabethtown to the island in order to attack a British fort on said Island, but were repulsed with some loss and [illegible]. That on his arrival at headquarters he was ordered to the south with the Virginia and North Carolina troops, part of which he overtook at Fredericksburg, the Virginia Troops to the best of his recollection commanded by General Woodford, that he continued with them until they arrived at the Yadkin River when he obtained a furlough for two weeks, and that after the expiration of which he set off to rejoin the army at Charleston, when on his way there about ten or fifteen miles this side of Camden he met the baggage and

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Some of the artillery retreating as Charleston had fallen into the hands of the British.
That he had returned home and took sick and remained unable for duty until the latter part of the summer of the year 1780 when finding no Continental troops in this section of the country to which he might attach himself, and by the advice and request of Brigadier Genl. Wm. L. Davidson, who was also a Colonel in the Continental Army but at that time commanding a brigade of militia, that he accepted the appointment of Forage Master under him and served a tour of duty in that capacity, of three months, principally in Mecklenburg County. A part of the time we were with Colonel Morgan before he was detached to South Carolina by Genl. Greene
That then in the latter end of the year 1780 there was another call upon the militia to oppose the [illegible] of Cornwallis when I again volunteered and was appointed Brigade Quartermaster by Genl. Davidson, that he was [illegible] by him at Brettinford to appose the crossing of the British, but the main army crossing the river about four miles below and about to come in our rear, we returned to [illegible] at which place we attempted to make a stand, but were [illegible] and defeated by Tarleton’s Light Dragoons
That he with others retreated to the Yadkin, that he was surprised by the British advance guard. There I lost my clothes and all my papers including my appointment in the Continental Army and that in the militia by Genl. Davidson. That as soon as I could cross the river I joined Genl. Greene’s army and continued with it until after the Battle of Guilford, which battle he was in and during the action

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he was attached to Colonel Leis corps of cavalry with a few other volunteers. After the battle, he returned home, finding no call for his service in the staff. I served three months this tour.
Then in the year 1781 shortly after the Battle of Guilford, the state of South Carolina ordered Genl. Sumpter to raise four regiments of cavalry and Colonel Wm. Polk being appointed to the command of one of them, he again volunteered and received the appointment and acted as Quartermaster to this regiment, that he continued his service with this regiment until in the month of August he became so much [illegible] that with the advice of the [illegible] he was induced to quit the service for three weeks, but that he again joined the troops and served out the time which was ten months. 
He further states that he has no recollection of ever having received any written discharge. That he received a commission of wagon master from Colonel Thompson of the United States Army. That he also received a commission of forage master and brigade quartermaster from Genl. Davidson while acting in the capacity as above stated. But that they were all [illegible] at the Yadkin as above stated. That he further states there is no living witness that he knows of that can prove his services in the Continental Army as wagon master. That several Continental officers who knew his [illegible] and lived in this country are long since dead. That he has no documentary evidence to establish the fact of service, but for that purpose he was [illegible] the certificate of Samuel Wilson and others.
That from the [illegible] we were marched to the North River and crossed the [illegible] at King’s Ferry and the march was continued to White Plains and the army lay there for some time but cannot recollect how long, when then Genl. Putnam was ordered off with their [illegible] of

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the New England troops and General Patterson with his, and to [illegible] troops. He was a [illegible] as wagon master and we were marched to Hartford in the State of Connecticut, where we were stationed till the fall of the year, when we were marched to winter quarters.
State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character and their belief of your service as a soldier of the revolution.
I am acquainted with Genl. [illegible] Goodan, and [illegible] D. M. [illegible] of Lincoln County, [illegible] and James McRee of Iredell county. The Hon Mr. H. H. Conner [illegible] Saml. Wilson of Mecklenburg County and many others
He hereby [illegible] whatever to [illegible] an annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state.
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
James Conner 
Alex B. Jetton J. D.

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State of North Carolina
Mecklenburg County
On this 14th day of February 1833 came Samuel Wilson before the subscribed [illegible] of the [illegible] for said county and made oath that he is well acquainted with James Conner who has [illegible] had the foregoing statement that he has been acquainted with him near [illegible] years to the best of his recollection, that he served with said James Conner in what was called the [illegible] in South Carolina; the length of the depart was in company with said Conner cannot now he stated, for after the [illegible] a needy [illegible] I was [illegible] to Charleston with [illegible] and the said Conner, returned with the troops to North Carolina, but have always declared [illegible] said Conner enlisted for six months and served his term out. 
Deponent states he was a captain in the Cherokee expedition, and he knows that said James Conner served in that expedition under Captain Deacon at least three months, and to the best of his recollection several as sergeant. That before the Battle of Guilford, he [illegible] to have seen the said James Conner acting as brigade quartermaster, the service of said Conner in this time is not known precisely, but understood to be three months. Deponent states he has no knowledge of the services of said James Conner in the North, but had heard him state it many years ago, and knowing him to be a man of truth believes what he has stated respecting his service there.
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
Saml. Wilson
Alex B. Jetton J. D.

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Joseph Graham also came before the [illegible] on the same day and made oath that he has been acquainted with said James Conner, almost fifty three or four years, that on the 30th January 1781 he saw said James Conner acting as brigade quarter master in what is now Mecklenburg County of North Carolina [illegible] the Catawba Plains, that he [illegible] getting on musket and bayonet [illegible] said Conner, to which I was acting as a spy on the British in the night and [illegible] to him the next day. That during the march from that plain to the battle of Guilford he remembers to have seen said Conner still as acting Brigade quartermaster, and deponent further states he no knowledge of the services of said Conner in the North, but many years ago had him relate his services there.
Sworn to and subscribed; the day and year aforesaid
J. Graham
Alex B. Jetton J. D.
The Revd. James McRee also came before me on the same day and made oath that he has had an extended acquaintance with James Conner who has signed the foregoing declaration for more than forty years, that he is a good and respectable member of civil and religious society, in which he has sustained office of [illegible] that [illegible] has been, that of [illegible]. [illegible] opinion is, that whatever said Conner may state as to the time, place or term of his service during the American Revolution is entitled to full credit.
I well remember said Conner in conversation many years ago, has imparted me with a notion of his services in the army in the North, speaking of the North, New Brunswick, [illegible] bay and has engaged in the public service of our county, and as to the [illegible] I am certain no doubt.
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
James McRee
Alex B. Jetton J. D.

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State of North Carolina
Mecklenburg County
I Alexander B. Jetton, one of the justices of the County Court of Pleas and quarter sessions, in and for said county do hereby certify and declare his opinion, after an investigation of the matter, and after putting the [illegible] prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier and as he states. And he further certifies that said James Conner the applicant cannot from bodily infirmity attend the court of said county and I further certify that appears to me that James McRee, who has signed the preceding certificate is a [illegible] resident in the County of Iredell, said state, and that Joseph Graham, who has also signed the same, is a resident in the County of Lincoln, said state and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit. And I further certify that Samuel Wilson, who has given his affidavit, and said Revd. James McRee and Joseph Graham, who have given their affidavits are credible persons, and that their affidavits and statements are entitled to credit.
Alex B. Jetton J. D.

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State of North Carolina
Mecklenburg County
Amendatory of the declaration of James Conner of said county and state for a pension under the act of Congress of June 7th 1832. The above named James Conner personally appeared before me, Alexander Jetton, one of the justices of the peace for the said county of Mecklenburg and state of No. Carolina, who being duly sworn according to law [illegible] and saith that, there is no living witness in North Carolina known to him who can prove his service to the North in the Continental service; that his commission given him by Col. Thompson of wagon master, together with his commission of brigade Q. master, under which he was then acting for Genl. William L. Davidson, with other valuable papers there as stated in the original declaration, lost, at the Yadkin River near Salisbury, which endeavoring to cross to the east side, the [illegible] in my care, being surprised as the last were crossing by the British advance guard, the wagon crossed safely in which were my portmanteau, containing those papers which were stolen and never recovered. He would respectfully refer to the report of Col. Thompson, if they have not been destroyed, for his name, which he believes will be there found, as stated by himself. His services and grades, are found in the regional [illegible] different periods by the oaths of Saml. Wilson, Joseph Graham, William Polk, and William Hutchinson to whom the said James Conner was personally known during the Revolution and has been, up to this date. Sworn to and subscribed this [illegible] day of August, 1833
James Conner
Sworn to and subscribed before me 
Alex B. Jetton

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1. Where and when you were born
A. I was born in the County of Antrim, Ireland. I left my father and mother, for America in 1772, and was told by my parents that I was nineteen years old then.
2. Have you any word of your age and if so where is it
A. I have no word of my age, other than that given in the preceding answer
3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary War and where do you now live?
A. I then lived in Mecklenburg County North Carolina and have and I do now live in said County
4. How were you called into service, were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute, and if a substitute, for whom
A. I volunteered in every instance.
5. State the names of some of the Senior officers who were with the troops where you served, such [illegible] as you can remember and the General [illegible] of your service
A. I knew Genl. Patterson, Genl. Wayne, Col. Thompson, Col. Fleury, Col. Meigs and Col. Butler to the North, and the cast there I was with at the storming and taking of Stony Point. To the South I knew Col. William L. Davidson, Col. Morgan, Col Leis, Col. Washington, and Genl. Greene and Genl. Sumpter. I remember the regiments of [illegible] commanded by Col. Campbell of Virginia by Col. Hampton of So. Carolina, and by Col. Locke of North Carolina with many others. The general commanders of my service has been given in the original declaration. I was at the storming of Stony Point and a skirmish on Staten Island. I was in the Battle of Guilford and at a skirmish [illegible] No. Ca., one of Widow [illegible] after the British crossed the Catawba River and one at the Yadkin before named which I lost my portmanteau.
6. Did you ever [illegible] and discharged from the service and if so by whom was it given and what has become of it.
A. If I ever received a discharge I have lost or mislaid it. In the year 1777 I [illegible] as a private and [illegible] the appointment of August. In 1778 I was appointed wagon master by Col. Thompson in the fall of the year 1780 I was appointed forage master

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By Genl. William L. Davidson and [illegible] of the same year. I was appointed Brigade Quarter Master by the same Genl. Davidson and in the spring of 1781 I was appointed by Col. William Polk Regimental Quarter Master in the cavalry, for that appointment, I had a commission, all of which have been lost and all prior to the lost, under Col. Polk, in my portmanteau on the Yadkin River.
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your personal neighborhood and who can testify to your character for veracity and their belief of your service as a soldier of the Revolution.
A. Daniel M. Forney, Robt. H. Barton, James G. Torrence, Alexander Torrence. Hon. Henry W. Connor and many others
James Conner 
State of North Carolina 
Mecklenburg County 
I Alexander B. Jetton a justice of the peace in and for the said county do hereby certify that James Conner, the applicant and who has subscribed and sworn to the above as amendatory, to his original declaration for a pension under the act of Congress 1832, is from old age and infirmity, unable to attend the Court of his county. Witness my hand and seal this 10 day of August 1833.
Alex B. Jetton J. D.
State of North Carolina
Mecklenburg County
Personally appeared before me undersigned justice of the peace for the county aforesaid James Conner who being duly sworn, deponith and saith, that by reason of old age and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but according to the best of his recollection, he seemed not less than the period mentioned below, and in the following [illegible]. For six months, I served as a private. For six months, I served as a Sergeant. For twenty two months I served in the continental service  as wagon master. For three months, I served as forage master. For three months, I served as Brigade Quarter Master. For six months I served as Regimental Quarter Master in a regiment of cavalry. Sworn to and subscribed this 20th day of August 1833
James Conner
Alex B. Jetton J. D.

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State of North Carolina
Mecklenburg County
I Braly Oates Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for the County foresaid, do hereby certify that Alexander B. Jetton, before whom the foregoing affidavit and oaths were made, is an acting justice of the peace for the county aforesaid, duly qualified and commissioned and that due faith and credit should be given to his official acts as such. In testimony whereof I hereinto set my hand and applied the seal of said court at Charlotte this 29th day of August, 1833
B. Oates Clerk of Mecklenburg County Court
N. C.
State of North Carolina
Mecklenburg County
I certify that I am personally well acquainted with Samuel Wilson, Joseph Graham, and William Hutchinson who are witnesses of the Revolutionary Service of James Conner and know him to be gentlemen of high respectability and veracity and their services as soldiers of the revolution [illegible] and believed true by all, each of which were captains in the revolution. Col Polk, who resides in Raleigh I know to be a gentleman of high respectability and is very wise credible. I am also personally and intimately known to James Conner the applicant, and believe his veracity to be unquestionable and his service as a soldier of the revolution believed by all in the section of county where he resides.
Witness my hand. This 20th August 1833
Henry M. Connor

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James Conner
N. C. 
24894
not authent.
admit
10mo Regt. Q. Master Cav. 166.66
3. Brig. Q. Master 60.00
4. Seigt. 30.00
5. Pri. 16.66
$273.32
Hon. Henry M. Connor
Beaties Ford
N. Ca.

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WAR DEPARTMENT
Pension Office
May 20, 1833
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subscribed notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will show what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: }). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, showing the service of James Conner
Period when the service was rendered.  
Duration of the claimant’s service. 
Rank of the claimant.
Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served.
Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. 79 years Mecklenburg Co. No. Ca.
Proof by which the declaration is supported. Traditionary witnesses
1775 enlist 6 months Pri. Col. Martin 
1776 vol. 3 months Sergt. Col. Locke Genl. Rutherford
1777 vol. 3 months Col. Locke
February 1778 Wagon Master Col. Thompson
1779 Genl. Wayne
1780 vol. 3 months Forage Master Genl. William L. Davidson
1780 vol. 3 months Brigade Q. M. Genl. William L. Davidson
81 vol. 10 months Q. M. Col. Polk
I am, respectfully, 
Your obedient servant,
J. L. Edwards,
Commissioner of Pensions

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REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832. 
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been constructed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army and to include under the terms “Continental Line,” “State Troops,” “militia,” and “volunteers,” all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefit of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular areas at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service. 
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
1.	The regular Troops.
2.	The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.
3.	Persons employed in the Naval Service.
4.	Indian Spies
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians, or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record in the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record. 
DECLARATION
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of County of } ss
On this day of personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of in the county of and State, Territory or District of aged (c) years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d), with and served in the (e) regiment of the line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company officers; the time he left the service: (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers:) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service: the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f), whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of 
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I of the Court of do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of said Court in the matter of the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this day of &c. 
If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers, or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the and C. D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with , who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration: that we believe him to be years of age; and that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed days and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B. and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the and is a credible person, and their statement is entitled to credit. 
I, Clerk of the Court of do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of said Court, in the matter of the application of for a pension
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this day of &c. 
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission, but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will also state under oath, and will the procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witnesses cannot be found, the applicant will also state in his declaration,(l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his

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alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principle means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case. 
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the State troops, Militia, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
1.	Where and in what year were you born?
2.	Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?
3.	Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary War, and where do you now live?
4.	How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?
5.	State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.
6.	To a soldier. Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it? To an officer. Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?
7.	State the names of persons to whom you are known in your current neighborhood, and who can testify to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons—one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that he is the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary Solider, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of the other persons giving such certificates.
The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject. 
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of the Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of the Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein require is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can provide, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court on the whole matter
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign significant reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned
[d]  The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served
[e] Every Continental soldier or officer must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
“Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served no less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades: --For------year-----------months, and ---------days, I served as a -----------. For ----------months and -----------days, I served as a --------; and for such service I claim a pension.”
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months, is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of officers, and the other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of Authenticating Papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate. 
Proof of Service
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant’s entering the service, and the time and matter of his leavings the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
The notes from [a] to [illegible] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers, and State Troops. The proof required by rule in point [j] applies to continental troops only.
[k] This traditionary evidence is indispensable in military cases
[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.

Page 19

February 17, 1939
BA-J/AWF
James Conner
S. 8237
James Conner
W.C. 28533
Mrs. Ewell T. Weakley
1233 Troy Avenue 
Dyersburg, Tennessee
Dear Madam:
The data concerning James Conner which follow were obtained from papers on file in claim for pension. S. 8237, based on his service in the Revolutionary War.
James Conner was born in County Antrim, Ireland, date not given. He left in 1772, then aged about nineteen years; the names of his parents were not stated.
While residing in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, James Conner enlisted sometime in August, 1775, served six months as private in Captain George Davidson’s company, Colonel Martin’s North Carolina Regiment, went to South Carolina to suppress the Tories, and was in the “Snow Campaign”. He enlisted in the summer of 1776, served three months as a sergeant in Captain Dixon’s company, Colonel Locke’s North Carolina regiment, out in pursuit of Cherokee Indians. He served three months in 1777, as sergeant in Captain Dixon’s company, Colonel Locke’s regiment. About June 1, 1778, he started “North to see an only brother in America”, who was then serving in the Continental Army, name of brother not given; he (James Conner) joined the army about July 6, 1778, then encamped on the banks of the Raritan in New Jersey, and was appointed Wagonmaster Colonel Thompson, Wagonmaster General, and was attached to

Page 20

the New England troops, was in a skirmish on Staten Island, and at the storming of Stony Point, shortly after which he was ordered south with the Virginia and North Carolina troops, and in the fall of 1780, he was appointed Foragemaster by Colonel William L. Davidson, served three months; later he was appointed Brigade Quartermaster, and served three months, was in several skirmishes and in the battle of Guilford Court House; in the spring of 1781 he was appointed Regimental Quartermaster, and served ten months in Colonel William Polk’s North Carolina regiment of Cavalry.
James Conner was allowed pension on his application executed February 14, 1833, at which time he was living in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina.
Reference was made in 1833 to “Hon. H. W. Conner now in Congress”; and in 1851 Henry W. Conner, son of James Conner, was living in Charleston, South Carolina, stated that he was “one of the two surviving heirs” of James Conner deceased, but did not state the date of death, nor name the other heir. 
The papers on file in this claim contain no further discernable data in regard to family.
In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, name and address of person paid, and possibly the date of death of this pensioner, you should apply to The Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, this city, and furnish the following data- 
James Conner
Certificate #16727, issued September 17, 1833
Rate $273.32 per annum
Commenced March 4, 1831, Act of June 7, 1832
North Carolina Agency.
James Conner—W. C. 28533
The data which follow relative to James Conner

Page 21

Were obtained from papers of pension and bounty land, filed under W. C. 28533, based upon his service in the War of 1812. 
The date and place of birth of James Conner, and names of his parents were not stated. 
While a resident of Halifax County, Virginia, James Conner volunteered May 24, 1814, served as sergeant in Captain Mathew Sim’s company of Virginia militia, and was discharged at Norfolk, Virginia, September 5, 1814.
He was allowed eighty acres of bounty land on his application executed November 6, 1850, then aged fifty-three years, and a resident of Tuscumbia, Franklin County, Alabama, where he had moved in the spring of 1832. He was allowed, also, eighty acres of bounty land on his application executed April 28, 1855, still a resident of Franklin County, Alabama.
He died April 7, or 8, 1857 in Tuscumbia, Alabama.
James Conner married July 11, 1825 in Courtland, Lawrence County, Alabama, Martha T. Scales. After the death of her husband, James Conner, she moved to Iuka, Mississippi, and from there moved to Brownsville, Haywood County, Tennessee.
The widow, Martha T. Conner, was allowed pension on her application executed April 27, 1878, at which time she was aged seventy years, and a resident of Brownsville, Tennessee. The date and place of her birth, and names of her parents were not stated. 
Reference was made to “a number of children” of James Conner, and wife, Martha T., but no names were designated.
Thomas and John Conner, brothers of the soldier, James Conner, served in the War of 1812; Susanna P. Conner

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widow of Thomas Conner, in 1879 was living in Como, Henry County, Tennessee, and Rebecca Conner, widow of John Conner, in 1879 was living in Tracy City, Tennessee.
One Susanna P. Conner was eighty-two years of age in 1879, stated that she was a resident of Halifax County, Virginia, about 1835, and James T. or F. B. Conner was fifty seven years old in 1879. It was not stated that they were related to the family.
If you wish to obtain information in regard to location of the land received by James Conner, you should apply to The Commissioner of the General Land Office, this city, and furnish to following data-
Warrant #10009- 80 acres- Act of 1850
Warrant #22053- 80 acres- Act of 1855
In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, name and address of person paid, and possibly the date of death of the widow, Martha T. Conner, you should apply to The Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, this city, and furnish the following data-
Martha T. Conner, widow of James Conner
Certificate #28533, issued January 24, 1880
Rate $8.00 per month
Commenced March 9, 1878, Act of March 9, 1878
Tennessee Agency.
Very truly yours
A. D. Hiller
Executive Assistant to the Administrator

Page 23

February 19, 1939
BA-J/AWF
James Conner
S. 8237
James Conner
W.C.28533
Mrs. Ewell T. Weakley
1233 Troy Avenue
Dyersburg, Tennessee
Dear Madam: 
Reference is made to your letter in which you request information in regard to John O’Conner who came to this country from Ireland, settled in Virgina about 1740, that he had eight sons, John, William, Lewis, Charles, James, Phillip, Thomas, and Timothy, all of whom served in the War of the Revolution. You state that your grandfather, James Conner, was born March 9, 1795 in Halifax County, Virginia, served in the War of 1812, married July 11, 1825 in Nashville, Tennessee, Martha T. Scales, and died Tuscumbia, Alabama, in 1857. You refer, also, to a James Conner of Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, in 1834, who deed certain property to his son, Henry Workman Conner, of Charleston, South Carolina.
You wish to know the “connections between the James Conners referred to above and the John O’Conner and his eight sons, and the Revolutionary and [illegible] records of John O’Conner, and eight sons, who perhaps spelled their name Conner.”
The Revolutionary War records of this office have been searched and no claim for pension or bounty land found based upon the service of any Lewis, Charles, or Timothy O’Conner, or of a James and Thomas O’Conner who served from Virginia. The sur-
See [illegible] letter on Rev. Claim James Conner S. 8237

Page 24

name was searched under similar spellings.
With the data furnished, this office is unable to identify the records of the other persons named herein.
This office has no general genealogical data on file, and the data furnished are obtained from claims for pension and bounty land which have been made to the United States, based upon service in the War of Revolution and in the War of 1812.
You are furnished herewith the Revolutionary War record of James Conner of Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, and the War of 1812 record of James Conner of Virginia, Tennessee, and Alabama.
Very truly yours
A. D. Hiller
Executive Assistant to the Administrator

Page 25

[illegible] of Reb. March 29th
My dear sir
Have examined the enclosed and [illegible] the information be desired much [illegible].
A. M. Seales Jr. 
I [illegible] in reference to a land [illegible] for a Mr. Turner of [illegible] Co N. C. [illegible] also from this at your earliest convenience.

Page 26

EWELL T. WEAKLEY
Attorney-at-Law
FIRST CITIZENS NATIONAL BANK BUILDING
DYERSBURG, TENN.
January 31, 1939
Mr. A. D. Hillard, Executive Assistant
Veterans Administration
Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir:
I would like to get some information relative to war service of the O’Conner family. A few years ago there appeared in DROP STITCHES in a Sunday Commercial Appeal, of Memphis, Tennessee, an article which referred to John O’Conner having immigrated from Ireland to the United States in 1740 and that he had eight sons, John, William, Lewis, Charles, James, Phillip, Thomas, and Timothy that served in the Revolutionary War. 
This article sets out that Lewis O’Conner, one of the eight sons of James O’Conner, died in Culpepper County, Virginia in 1832 at the age of eighty-six years. The O’Conners, or most of them, dropped the “O” and spelled their name “Conner.”
My grandfather, Major James Conner, came from Halifax County, Virginia and the available records show that he was born March 9, 1795, and married July 11, 1825 near Nashville Tennessee to Martha T. Scales. He died at Tuscumbia, Alabama in 1857. Some of the records available show that he served in the War of 1812, attaining the rank of Major. 
There are various land grants issued to Major James Conner for war service, these grants being in Louisiana and perhaps other states. 
Many of the records in the Register’s Office pertaining to deeds in this and other counties in West Tennessee show various conveyances from James Conner, of Michlenberg, North Carolina, in 1834 and in the early thirties. He deeded certain property in 1834 to his son, Henry Workman Conner, of Charleston, South Carolina. 
Henry Workman Conner’s will is dated August 7, 1860 and appointed James Conner, H. W. Conner, Jr. and William C. Courtney executors of his will.
I would like to know what connection, if any, there is between James Conner herein referenced to and James Conner and others referred to above as sons of John O’Conner and what your records show as to military service of the eight sons of John O’Conner, who perhaps spelled their names “Conner”, as to service in the Revolutionary War or the War of 1812 and from what places they enlisted and the record on each of them as to when they died and where.

Page 27

EWELL T. WEAKLEY
Attorney-at-Law
FIRST CITIZENS NATIONAL BANK BUILDING
DYERSBURG, TENN.
Page 2-
1/31/29
To: Veterans Administration
Re: “Conners”
I would especially like for you to give me information as to the services of my grandfather, Major James Conner in the War of 1812 and what relation, if any, he was to any of the eight sons of John O’Conner, or John O’Conner himself referred to in the first part of this letter.
Some information I have refers to General William Conner as having served in the War of 1812 and I would like to know from where he enlisted and where discharged and what relation, if any, you can find between him and John O’Conner and whether he was a son of John O’Conner or whether he is the William referred to as one of the eight sons of John O’Conner.
Any information that you can give as to the war record of the various Conners, whose names are set out above, and the relationship between any of them will be greatly appreciated.
I have other information that James O’Conner, or Conner, was born in Culpepper County, Virginia, around 1750 and I would like to know if you can ascertain whether he is the James referred to as one of the eight sons of John O’Conner and what relation, if any, he was to Major James Conner, my grandfather.
Yours very truly,
Ursula Green Weakley
Mrs. Ewell T. Weakley
1233 Troy Avenue
Dyersburg, Tennessee

Page 28

8234
INVALID.
File No. 8237
James Conner
2nd Qms Rev. War
Act: June 7th, 1832
Index:--Vol. Ten, Page 75
[Arrangement of 1780]

Page 29

J. L. Edwards Esq. 
Pension [illegible]

Page 30

Beaties Ford N. C. 7th Sept. 1833
J. L. Edwards Esq.
D. Sir
I have herewith sent you the papers of James Conner, amended as [illegible] it was practicable for him to do it. His service, in the militia, are proved by the testimony of gentlemen of unquestioned veracity, commissioned officers in the services, and three of them Graham, Hutchinson, and Polke in the pension least already. His service in the continental army from the fact of service being performed to the North, is impossible for him to obtain living testimony. If there are in Sept. as possibly there are the [illegible] of Col. Thompson no other master general for 1778 and 79 his name, will doubly be found there as a deputy: to which I request you to refer Mr. Conner has made his mark. This is owing to old age and his being badly palsied. It is within

Page 31

my own recollection when he wrote with a good hand. If his papers are acted on before my arrival at Washington [illegible] pleased to address them to him at Beaties Ford.
With much respect
Your [illegible] Henry W. Conner

Page 32

Pension Office
April 3rd, 1855
Sir:
In your letter of the 16th April you ask for an increase of the pension of James Conner, decd. of North Carolina under the Act of June 7. 1832
James Conner was allowed for six months service as Regimental Quarter Master of Cavalry; three months as Brigade Qr. Master, six months as Sergeant; and five months as a Private. He did not [illegible] to have served as a Captain of Cavalry and I do not [illegible] that there is any occasion for the allowance of any increase.
Very Respectfully,
Your Obt. Servant,
L. P. Waldo
Commissioner
Geo C. Ames Esq.

Page 33

Washington March 11, 1855
Gen. L. P. Waldo
Sir
Since ten years since I filed an application for increase in the case of James Conner of North Carolina act 7 June 1832. Which I think was disallowed for the want of a proper understanding of the claim.
Conner was pensioned for 10 mo. service as a Qr. Master of Cavalry to Col. William Polk’s Regiment of Genl. Sumpter’s S. C. Brigade, 2 mo service as a Brigade Qr. Master, 11 mo service as Sergeant and 5 mo as a private. He claimed for service as a Forage Master and also as Wagon Master. 
For his service under Col. Polk he was entitled to $50 per mo; he was allowed only as a Lieutenant of Dragoon. He is clearly entitled therefore to an increase per the pay of a Lieutenant to that of Capt. Of Dragoons
In support of his services in the Wagon and Forage Departments I have been unabled to find additional evidence, but the high position he occupied

Page 34

after, as well as, during the War, see Wheeling Hisling of N. C. forbids the idea that he could make a statement under oath which was [illegible]. I hope therefore that when a answer of the claim that an increase will be allowed for this service [illegible].
Very Respectfully
Your Obt. Serv.
Geo C. Ames

Page 35

State of North Carolina
Comptroller’s Office
November 7th, 1851
I, William J. Clarke, Comptroller, of Public Accounts in and for the state aforesaid, do hereby certify that it appears of record in my office, among the payments made by said State to [illegible] pensions for Military services in the Revolutionary War as follows to with James Conner.
Book “J.” Brigade Quarter Master, and Wagoneer.
Vol. 3 Statement of Commissioners of Army Accounts account 10.938 $64.08 as private
Book A. A. £14&12 services in 1780 (specie)
Book G17 Page 27 £25 P12 DQ specie
Book No.2 Page 16 £132 P10 specie
Book No.6 Page 11 £9 specie
Book No.6 Page 12 £9 P4 specie
Book No. 23 Page 43 £1 P12 specie
Book No. 23 Page 110 £9 specie
Book L2 Page 31 £10 P19 specie
In testimony whereof I have hereinto subscribed my name and applied my seal of office.
Wm. J. Clarke Comptr.

Page 36

Know all now by [illegible] that I Henry W. Conner of the city of Charleston son of the [illegible] of James Conner Decd. of Mecklenburg County in the state of North Carolina an officer of the Revolutionary Army. its by the [illegible] appear Geo Little of Raleigh NC [illegible] Ky. [illegible] attorney (with the proof of [illegible] for the land [illegible]) for the purpose of knowing the claim of my father James Conner for services as an officer in the Revolutionary Army [illegible] with a [illegible] an [illegible] of the same and a which of the same to be made to them as on of the two summary witness my hand and send to Charleston SC the 23 Day of June
H. W. Conner
The annexed signature acknowledged before me the 23rd day of June 1851
J. M. Burdell

Page 37

State of North Carolina
[illegible crossed text]
Geo C. Ames

Page 38

Washington June 30, 1851
 James E. Heath Esq.
Sir
Enclosed you will please find Power of Attorney from the [illegible] of James Conner decd. late a pensioner on the North Carolina Roll under the Act of 7 June 1832 are a [illegible] of them for these claims.
The [illegible] claim an increase upon the grounds that the annual allowance was not made w. complements with the service as Quarter Master of Cavalry and Brigade Quarter Master, which was admitted authorized [illegible] and also for service specified with his declaration as a Forage and Wagon Master, which was not allowed on the admissions of his pension. They ask a examination of the evidence now compile, with a new of [illegible] the [illegible] which was commissioned by the office on the settlements of his claim
Very respectfully
Your Obt. Servt.
Geo C. Ames
James E. Heath Esq.
Governor of Pensions

Page 39

Sept 4, 1846
James Conner
Pensioner
16727
G. W. Crump Esq.
Commisr. of Pensions

Page 40

Washington Sept. 4th 1846
Dear Sir,
I am requested to persecute the claim of James Conner decd. Qr. Master of No. Carolina act 32 to an increase of pension and to do so under understandingly and have to request to see the last letters written on that subject. Powe of attorney is on file with his papers, from H. W. Conner, Esq. his son, in favor of my partner Mr. Carroll.
From, very respectfully
Yr. Mo. Obt. Sr.
D. D. Addison
G. W. Crump Esq.
Act. Commr. of Pensions

Page 41

Washington April 14 1855
Gen. L. P. Waldo,
Sir
In your reply to me of the 3rd this, in the case of James Conner of North Carolina you state that Mr. Conner did not pretend “to have served as a Captain of Cavalry and that you do not perceive any occasion for an allowance of increase”
If there is anything in my communication indicating that an increase was claimed on account of Conner’s service, which he rendered as a Captain of Cavalry, I was unfortunate in making myself understood. I understood to claim a higher pension than was allowed for his service of 10 months as a Quarter Master, under Col. Polk of Genl. Sumpter’s Brigade. Conner for his service was entitled to $50 per mo. But his pension was computed at the rate of $33.33. When I asked for an increase from the [illegible] he did [illegible] to what he was entitled to receive as a Quarter Master of Dragoons. I request therefore that this claim may be again further

Page 42

taken on and that an allowance may be made in Conformity thereinwith.
Very Respectfully
Your Obt. Servt. 
Geo C. Ames

Page 43

State of North Carolina
Mecklenburg County
I William Hutchinson do certify that I have been acquainted with James Conner of this county for upwards of fifty years and that he served in the revolutionary war and was out with me in the state of South Carolina and was appointed and acted as Quarter Master under Col. Wm. Polk the term of seven years ten months which I believe the aforesaid James Conner served out. In testimony of that I have stated I have subscribed my [illegible] this 26th day of July 1833
Wm. Hutchinson
State of North Carolina
Mecklenburg County
Personally [illegible] proceeding magistrate of the Court of Pleas and quarter sessions for the County aforesaid do hereby certify that the following certificate was sworn to before me by William Hutchinson, and I further certify that the said William Hutchinson is a person of credibility. Given under my hand and private seal having no seal of office this 26th February A. D. 1833
P. Thompson P. M. Seal

Page 44

State of North Carolina
Mecklenburg County
I Isaac Alexander Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for the county aforesaid do hereby certify that Alexander B. Jetton and Peursall Thompson before whom the foregoing affidavit were made, are acting [illegible] of the County aforesaid duly qualified and commissioned and that due [illegible] ought to be given to all of their official acts as such
In testimony whereof I have hereinto set my hand and official seal of aforesaid court at Charlotte this 26th day of February AD 1833
Isaac Alexander Clerk of Mecklenburg County Court

Page 45

State of North Carolina
I do certify that James Conner of Mecklenburg County in the state aforesaid was appointed and acted as Quarter Master in a regiment by me commanded and the service of the state of So. Carolina in a Brigade under the command of Genl. Thomas Sumpter, the troops were enlisted for ten months; whether M. Conner served the whole term or only a part of it I am not able to say, having no adornments whereby I can ascertain the part. In testimony of what I have hereinto subscribed my name this 12th day of February 1833.
Will. Polk
State of North Carolina
Wake County
I Wm. Boylan, Presiding Magistrate of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for the county aforesaid, do hereby certify that the above certificate, was sworn to before me by Wm. Polk, and I further certify that the said Wm. Polk is a person of credibility. Given under my hand and private seal/having no seal of office/this 12th February 1833
Wm. Boylan, P. M. Seal