Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 38669, John Doss, Va.

Page 1

SERVICE
Va.

Doss, John

NUMBER 
S. 38669

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[so 19.698]

East Tennessee

John Doss
of Marion Co in the State of Tennessee
who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Dillard of the regiment commanded by Colonel Morgan in the Virginia line, for the term of two years from March 1777 to March 1779.

Inscribed on the Roll of East Tennessee at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence on the 28[?] day of October 1826

Certificate of Pension issued the 24 of Oct 1826
and sent to G.W. Churchwell, Esq
Jasper Tennessee

Arrears to 4th of 
Semi-anl. all'ce ending 4 March 1877 $40.77
$40.77
{Revolutionary claim, Acts March 18, 1818, and May 1, 1820}
[stamped] THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF THE UNITED STATES
[handwritten] Sept. 16, 1838

Lis[?] Wm Cayle, July 12/

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19633

John Doss
Marion Co. Ten:

G.W. Churchwell
Jasper Tenn:

Recd. 11 June 1835
[stamped] THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF THE UNITED STATES

[[written vertically across the page, starting at the bottom]] 
Jasper T
May 20

Hon. James Barbour
Secretary of War
Washington City

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State of Tennessee
Marion County, Circuit Court April Term 1835

On this 8th April 1835 personally appeared in open Court John Doss of the County of Marion & State aforesaid aged about 76 who having been duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to  obtain the pension made by the acts of Congress of the 18th March 1818 & 1st May 1820.  That he enlisted as a private soldier in the service of the United States in the Revolutionary War and during the term of two years on the 7th day of March in the year of 1777 in the County of Pitsylvania in the state of Virginia in Col Thomas Dillards Company  which he Dillard was a Captain & Joseph [[illegible]] was Lieutenant [[illegible]] Choice Ensign in the 2 Regiment of Virginia Continental Regular[?] & Regiment commanded by Col. Morgan marched to Petersburg then to Cabin Point thence to old James Town thence to [Givens? Gwins?] Island where he fought Governor Dismore, from thence to Portsmouth thence to the long Bridge from thence we marched through the Wilderness 600 miles across the Mississippi down to Illinois Town from thence Back to Virginia discharged March 20th 1779  I have lost my discharge in moving down the River, the Boat sunk and all my papers lost.  And in pursuance[?]  of an act of Congress of the first of May 1820, I do solemnly swear that I was a resident citizen of the United States, the County of Bledsoe in the state aforesaid and that since that time I have not by gift, contract, or in any other manner disposed of my property or any part thereof with intent to diminish it as to bring myself within the provisions of an act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land [?] and [[illegible]] (service) of the United States in the Revolutionary War passed on the 18th day of March 1818 and that I have not nor has any person in trust for me any property, securities, contract, or debts due to me, nor have I any income other than what is contained in the Schedule hereto amount{?] and by me submitted [?]  I have no real Estate:  By occupation a Hatter. My family consists of myself and wife and 9 children my children are grown and have all left me.  My wife & me are now alone.  My wife is 66 years of age.  I have long been diseased & my wife also.  I am solely dependent on my [[illegible]] who [blot] also poor.  I am entirely unable to work or maintain myself & wife and am now compelled to call on my country for assistance.  I would have done so before this time, but knew not of the provisions made by Congress for Continental Soldiers.

Schedule  One Bed & furniture $15.00
& cow & calf  7.00
Cupboard furniture  1,00
Pails, Peggins, & pots 3.00
[[illegible]]1,50
[[Total]] $27.50

Sworn to by declarant in open Court April 8th 1875
S Hicks, clk

John X Doss
his mark

John  x Doss
his mark

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State of Tennessee, Lit[?]

L.S.
I Stephen Hicks clerk of the Circuit Court of Marion County do hereby certify that it appears to the Satisfaction of the Court that the said John Doss did serve in the Revolutionary War as Stated in the preceding declaration against the common enemy for the term of two years under one engagement on the Constitutional establishment I also certify that the foregoing and the Schedule thereto [[illegible]] are truly copied from the Records of the said court.  And I do further certify that it is the opinion of the said court that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid Schedule is twenty seven dollars, and 50 cents.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and private seal (not having an official sea) at office in Jasper this 7th day of April 1825.

S. Hicks, clk
of the Circuit Court of Marion County

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I Certify that I have known Mr. John Doss the applicant in the foregoing declaration for a pension, for the Term of fifteen years, that he is an aged, indigent and helpless old man and that his Honesty cannot be questioned by those who best know him, and further that his pious and upright deportment in life, forbid the idea that Mr. Doss would declare any thing except truth.-
S. Hicks

Mr Barrer Sir please to send the warrant or patents to Jasper Marion County as soon as practical to me 
yours with the highest 
consideration of respect
G W Churchwell

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Amended  
Declaration 
of
John Doss
B
[round black ink stamp]
THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF THE UNITED STATES

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State of Virginia
Marion County
August Term 1826

On the 21st day of August 1826 personally appeared in open Court John Doss of the County & State aforesaid who having been duly Sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following Declaration as an amended one to the one filed by him in the Circuit Court of this county in April 1825 to obtain a pension. This affiant States that the reason Why he did not apply for a pension sooner As that he being Ignorant did not know whom to apply for it  And he made frequent inquires but Could not get any person  to do it for him until April 1825.

That he was poor and unable to employ Lawyers to do it & he did not know what provisions had been made for old soldiers as how to obtain that provision and further that he was so much afflicted since 1819. Until the year 1825 that he could not assist himself & that he could not frequently rise without help & could not walk but with crutches & that he is now much afflicted & entirely unable to support himself and has no person to do it for him

The account of my  property as the 8th March 1818 and since will appear in the following pages

[Chart of property]
Description of property
one horse worth $20
two Cows$20
the other cow I kept to give milk until 1825
[illegible] I inployed a man to fatten his & [illegible]

Names of persons to whom disposed of
Swap to with James Doss
Sold one to Joel Doss

Time of sale
in 1819 in the winter
in 1820 

[illegible] Recd. in Return 
a mare which died in 1821
comes  to work for me 

[round black ink stamp]
THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF THE UNITED STATES

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his and I paid him a part of her for it and hog 
as pet pig which I eat in 1824 my son Give to me

The cow mentioned as in my Schedule of April 1825 was a calf that I saved from the cow last mentioned above.

That the amount of property I now have you will see by Rifferance to my Declaration of April 1825 Which is 
[illegible] and furniture $15.00
old cow & calf  $7.00
[crossed out: Cup] 
Cupboard and furniture $1.00
pail pigins & pots 300
Fowls 150
27.50

The Fowls as we raise them we get them I have sometimes received Some charity from the Religious people but verry little & more of late because I think they are tired of helping me & they think & say my country aught to pay me or give me support My wife is much afflicted & unable to do any thing for a support

The above Schedule is true as to the property owned by me Sold me or in Sold me or in any 
manner disposed of or retained .
John Doss [his mark]X

Sworn to and declared on the 21st Augt 1826 before the Court of pleas & quarters Sessions for the County of Marion  I John Kelly Clerk of the Court of pleas and quarter Sessions of Marion County do hereby certify that it appears to the Satisfaction of the court that the said John Doss did serve in  the Revolutionary war as stated in the proceeding declarations & the declaration of April 1825

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against the common enemy for the Term of two years in the Continental establishment under an elistment  I do also certify that the foregoing oath & the schedule of property as exhibited by said doss [Doss] are truly copied from the Records of the said Court that it is the opinion of said Court that the total amounts in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid Schedule is twenty seven Dollars & fifty cents.

In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and private seal, not having an official seal, of office in Jasper this 22nd of August 1826
John Kelly Clerk of the Court of pleas & quarters Sessions of the County of Marion

[hand written seal attached]

State of Tennessee
Marion County 
I John Mitchell chairman of the Court of pleas and quarter Sessions for the County aforesaid do hereby certify that John Kelly is now & was at the signing of the above certificate an acting clerk for the County aforesaid & is duly authorized as such given under my hand & seal this 24th August 1826
John Mitchell [hand drawn seal]
presiding Justice of the court

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State of Kentucky 
Wayne County C

I William Doss aged 58 years do upon my oath declare that I have been long acquainted with John Doss who has signed this declaration in my presence & well known that he is the Identical person he represents himself to  be. 
& further I know that he did enter in Capt Thos Dilliards Company & Regiment of the Virginia Continental line commanded by Col [Daniel] Morgan 

That he enlisted on or about the 17th March 1777 in the County of Pitsylvania Virginia, & that he did perform military service for two years and discharged honorably on 20th March 1779
William Doss

Personally appeared before me David Duncan an acting Justice of the peace for the County of Wayne & state of Kentuckey. William Doss who signed the above affadavit & makes oath that the facts therein are true. Also certify that he that he is That he is not interested in John Doss's pension afs [aforesaid] the witness is respectable & that full faith & credit ought to be given to his testimony. 
This 4 day of August 1826 
David Duncan JP

State of Kentucky Wayne County Sct
I John Chrisman Clerk of the Court of the County aforesaid Do hereby Certify that David

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Duncan Esq whose names appears to the foregoing Certificate is now and was at the time of signing the same an Acting Justice of the peace for the County and State aforesaid duly commissioned and legally qualified according to Law and that full faith and credit should be given to all his official acts & 
In  testimony where of I have hereunto Subscribed my name and affixed my private seal having no publick seal as yet provided this 7th day of August 1826 & 35th year of the Commonwealth 
John  Chrisman Clk [hand drawn seal]

State of Kentucky Wayne County Stt
I Christopher Huffaker Presiding Justice of the peace in and for the County & State aforesaid Do hereby Certify that John Chrisman whose name appears to the fourgoing Certificate 
is now and was at the time of Signing the same 
Clerk of the Court of the County aforesaid  and that his Certificate is in due form of Law 
Given under my hand & Seal this 7th day of August 1826
Christofer Huffaker
presiding Justice of the peace 
for Wayne County Ky

[round black ink  stamp]
THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF THE UNITED STATES

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REVOLUTIONARY WAR RECORDS SECTION. 3-525
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
WASHINGTON, D.C. [date left blank]

S.F. 38,669 

In reply to your request of ...., received.....
for a statement of the military history of John Doss a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 
you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau.
DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT 
Mch 17. 1777
LENGTH OF SERVICE.
Mch 20 1779
RANK
[blank]
OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.
Captain Thomas Dilliard
Colonel [Daniel] Morgan
STATE
Va
Battles engaged in, [blank]
Residence of soldier at enrollment, enlisted in Pittsylvania Co. Va
Date of application for pension, Apr. 8. 1825 
His I was all
Residence at date of application, Marion Co. Tenn
Age at date of application, 76 years old. He died Sept 16. 1838*
Remarks: In  1825 Soldier stated that his wife was 66 years old and that there were nine children all grown and away, and that he and his wife were dependent upon their two sons; there are no names stated or any other family data
*from A. B.
Respectfully,
Commissioner.

3-285C

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V. L.M. Rev.-2 CKL
Rev. War Section. 3-1865

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR 
BUREAU OF PENSIONS
WASHINGTON 16, 1917.
January 16, 1917.

S 38669
Mrs. Ella G. Shields,
1132 Sunnyside Avenue,
Chicago, Ill.

Madam:
In response to your letter dated the 11" instant, you are advised that the records of this Bureau show only two claims for Revolutionary War pension on  file for soldiers named John Doss, both of whom served in the Virginia Troops: 
John Doss, File No. 5,350, born in 1758 in Buckingham County Virginia, resided there in 1833, and died December 2, 1841; John Doss, S. File No. 38,669, born in 1749, enlisted in Pittsylvania County, Virginia, was a resident of Marion County, Tennessee in  1825, and died September 16, 1838.

If either of these soldiers is the one whose history you desire, please notify this Bureau quoting the number as given above.

Very respectfully, 
GM Saltzgaber
Commissioner.

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E. G. SHIELDS
W. G. SHIELDS
SHIELDS COMPANY
NOT INC
1132,SUNNYSIDE AVENUE,
CHICAGO, U.S.A.

TYPEWRITER RIBBONS
AND CARBON PAPER ENGRAVING
SPECIALISTS IN OFFICE DEVICES

Jan 17th 1917
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City, D.C.
Dear Sir,
I do not know which John Doss it is whose 
Rev. service I wish. The one I want had 2 sons, Moses and Aaron and 3 daughters Biddie, Dide and Hannah Ann Hall. The wife I do not know. The family history is that he served in the Rev, 
from Va. and the Va. records are so poor, and only give John Doss as a pensioner.

The daughter Hannah Ann Hall went to Tenn. which makes it probable the John Doss S File #38.669 is the one. but it might have been the one who died in Va. If [illegible] give the above children that is the one I want.

Yours truly
Ella G. Shields

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[left hand page]
38669
Revy INVALID 
File No. 38669
John Doss 
Pri Rev War
Act : 18th March 18th
Index:- Vol. 3, Page 131

[Arrangement of 1870.]

[right hand page]
Feby 1 Hist to Ella Y Shields

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An
Amendment 
to John Doss'
declaration of April 
1825

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State of Tennessee
Marion County 
1826
October Sessions
[illegible black ink stamp]

John Doss personally appeared in Open Court 
this 2nd day of October 1826, resident citizen of the County of Marion & State aforesaid, and being duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath declare that he was a resident citizen of the United States on the 18th day of March 1818 and that he has been ever since that period - That this declaration is intended as an amendment to the one he filed in April 1825 - In which there was an omission of the above fact of residency by mistake.
John Doss [his mark] X

Sworn to in Open Court this
2nd day October 1826
S. Hicks Clk
I Stephen Hicks Clerk of the Circuit Court of Marion County, do hereby Certify that the above declaration by John Doss is truly copied from the records of said Court. 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & private seal not having an official seal at office. In Jasper this 2nd day of October 1826 
Stephen Hicks 
Clerk of the Circuit Court
of Marion County

[black ink stamp]
THE  NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF THE UNITED STATES

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CMs J. L. Edwards
War Department

[round black ink stamp]
THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF THE UNITED STATES

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State of Tennessee
Marion County
August 24th 1826

To J. L. Edwards
Sir, I here include to you the declaration of 
John Doss filed in April 1825 which is the original also an amended declaration showing the reason why he did not apply ealier for a pension. And the reasons 

If you knew the man I am sure would be perfectly satisfactory but as you do not, I have obtained & enclosed the affadavits of James Chaudoin a merchant & Justice of the peace, also John Burgess a Justice of the peace, & of Stephen Hicks all respectable citizens of this County which affatt is marked A - 

you will see that he has complied with your
last letter respecting his property since 1818- by a reference to his amended declaration marked B - you will also see by reference to document marked - C -

Wm Doss affadvit & one D- affdavit of Frederick Miller properly authenticated that Doss has clearly proved his enlistment & service  & discharge 

As I have now complied with your last letter 
May 11th 1826 of your sof 6th June

[round black ink stamp]
THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF THE UNITED STATES

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I hope that I have for once established a claim. 
I regret very much that I have been under the necessity of troubling you so often. but those old soldiers are so ignorant & so poor that they know not what to do when you direct them & are unable generally to get it done

If his claim is established please to send the warrant to me, or to John Doss at this place.

Accept my thanks for your attention to this business
I am yours respectfully 
G. W. Churchwell

Page 22

F. J. L. Edwards

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Jasper Marion County
October 3rd 1826

JL Edwards-
Sir, yours of 9th Sept

I have recieved which informed me 
there was a mistake of Doss - meaning 
he was a citizen of the 16 States on 18th 
of March 1818. I have made the amendment, 
so required by Act of Congress of the 1st of May 1820-
your letter states that is the only requisite, 
now, & that the other documents are satisfactory -

I hope the certificate will commence from 
the time the evidence was closed .
Please to direct the Certificate to me at
Jasper

I am your respectfully 
G. W. Churchwell

Hon. J.L. Edwards

[round black ink stamp]
THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF THE UNITED STATES

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War Department 
Pension Office.
John McLean 
G. W. Churhwell, Esq.
Jasper, Tennessee

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Jasper, T. 
Oct. 6th 1826
Free
wz IOU
Hon. J.L. Edwards
War Department
Washington City

[left margin]
recd. 24 Oct 1826

Page 26

[file is very dark]
[note written top letter sent to JL Edwards]

1965?
John Doss
Marion Co. Ten
G. W. Churchwell
Jasper Tenn
Recd. 9 Sept 1826
Suspended - Sen
letter 9 Sept 1826

[additional text illegible]

Page 27

War Department 
Pension Office
James Brisbour

G. W. Churchwell Esq.
Jasper,
Tennessee.

Page 28

State of Kentucky
Wayne County D
I Frederick Miller aged 79 years, do upon oath declare that I have been long acquainted with 
John Doss who has signed this declaration in my presence & well known that he is the Identical person he therein represents himself to be  & further I know that he did enlist in Capt Thomas Dilliards company 2 Regiment of the Virginia continental line Commanded by Col [Daniel] Morgan, on the 17th of March 1777 in the county of Pittsylvania Virginia and that he did perform the military Service he stated for two years he left the service & was discharged on the 20th March 1779 - discharged Honorably

Fedrick Miller [hand drawn seal]

Personally appeared before one David Duncan an acting Justice of the peace for the County of Wayne & State of Kentucky Frederick Miller & made oath that the facts set forth in his affadavit above are true & that he is not interested in any way whatever in J Doss pension  - I also certify that the said Miller is a respectable man & full faith & credit ought to be given to his testimony - 
this 4 day of august 1826
David Duncan Justice of the Peace

State of Kentucky Wayne County Sct
I John Chrisman  Clerk of the Court of the County aforesaid do hereby certify that David Duncan Esq

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whose name appears to the foregoing Certificate is now and was at the time of signing the same an acting Justice of the peace for the County & State Aforesaid duly commissioned and legally qualified according to law & that full faith and Credit should be given to all hIs official Acts & 
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my private seal having no publick seal of office as yet provided this 7th Day of August 1826 & 35th year of the Commonwealth 
John  Chrisman Clk [hand drawn seal]

State of Kentucky Wayne County Sct

I Christopher Huffaker presiding, Justice of the peace in and for the County & State aforesaid do hereby Certify that John Chrisman whose name appears to the foregoing Certificate is now and was at the time of Signing the Same Clerk of the Court of the County aforesaid and that his Certificate is in due form of Law.
Given under my hand & Seal this 7th day of August 1826
Christofer Huffaker
presiding Justice of the peace for Wayne County Ky

[round black ink stamp]
TH NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF THE UNITED STATES

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Affadavits 
of
Jas Chaudoin
John Burgess
&
Stephen Hicks
A

Page 31

State of Tennessee 
Marion County
August Sessions 1826

Personally appeared in open court Stephen Hicks & made Oath that he has been long &
intimately acquainted with John Doss the Declarant for a pension, & from that acquaintance & from his general Character,
he would have no hesitation in giving full faith 
& credenence to his oath & that he believes 
the facts set forth by said Doss to be true 
S. Hicks
August 23rd 1826
Sworn to in open Court
Jno Kelly Clerk of Said Court

State of Tennessee
Marion County
August Sessions 1826

Personally appeared in Open Court James Chaudoin & John Burgess two of the acting Justices of the peace for the County aforesaid  & makes oath that they are both acquainted with the declarant John  Doss a pension and believe him to be a verry correct honest & good citizen, & that they would have no hesitation in giving full faith  & credit to his testimony in facts stated by him
James Chaudoin
John  Burgess

Sworn to in open Court
August 23rd 1826
Jno Kelly 
of the Court

[black ink round stamp]
THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF THE UNITED STATES