Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 8,307, Josiah Davisson, Va.

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Va. Davisson, Josiah or Davidson S. 8307 carded

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6531 Virginia Josiah Davidson
of Harison Co in the State of Virginia who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Jacks of the ---- commanded by ----- in the Virginia line for 2 years Josiah Davisson Records correct Oct 4, 1904
Inscribed on the Roll of Virginia at the rate of 80 Dollars per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 23 day of Feby 1838 and sent to H[?} Johnson
Arrears to 4th of Sep. 1832                     $120
Semi = amt. allowance ending in '33         40 = $160
Revolutionary Claim Act June 7, 1832 Recorded by Geo.t Stiles Clerk Book D Vol. 7 Page 125

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The original papers in this case sent to W.G. Singleton, US Dist. Att. VA Aug 9. 1834. No copies taken for want of time -

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Brief in the case of Josiah Davidson of Harrison Co. in the State of Virginia (Act 7th June, 1832)
1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? One in open court & the other before a Justice of the Peace
2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?
3. How old is he? 73 years
4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed.
Period. Duration of Service. Rank. Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.
Spring in 1780 6 months As a Indian Spy under Capt Wm Lowether Virg. M[?]
March 1781      3 months  Do  under Ditto
June DO          3 months          private Capt. Geo Jackson Gen Clark [illegible]
1782                 6 months        spy        Major Wm. Lowther
1783                 6 months         DO         Ditto
5. In what battles was he engaged? none [?]
6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Nutters Fort
7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? Partially by one witness & the traditionary evidence of others - one a clergyman all certified to be credible persons
8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? Correct
Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned. E. Stephens Examining Clerk.

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State of Virginia Harrison County To Wit
On this [blank] day of November 1837 personally appeared Josiah Davisson now a resident of the same County in his 79th year of age in open court before the County Court now setting who first being duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress [?] June 7th 1832 That he was born near Princetown in State of New Jersey in October 1759 as he understud from his parents but, had no record of his age that his parents removed to Fayette County in State of Pennsylvania and brought him with them and shortly after they removed to the District of West August in state of Virginia now the present County of Harrison where he has [?] resided that in the year of 1777 he [?] undere Capt. William Lorother at Nutters Fort and served a term of six months and again in 1778 he [?] under the said Capt Lowther and served a term of six months and again in the year of 1779 he volunteered the [?} Lowther at nutters fort and served a term of six months that again in 1780 he volunteered under said Lowther at nutters fort and served a term of six months and that the said Capt William Lowther was a duly Commissioned officer and Commander of the [?] western District of Virginia during the War of the Revolution and that in 1781 he volunteered under Capt George Jackson in the Campain of General George R. Clerk agains the Western Indianas and served a term of three months and that Cat George Jackson was a duly Commissioned officer and in the Jurors of the State of Virginia and that in all of his tours he served as a private soldier and never had any [?} discharge Capt Lowther and Capt Jackson are both [?] and he nows of one now living by he can know his services by except Christopher Nutter of this County Whos Evidence he will try to [?] who was a soldier with him during the revolutionary war. Josiah Davisson X

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November the 18th 1837
I Christopher Nutter do hereby certify that I have been well acquainted with the within named Josiah Davisson since the year 1773 and that I and the said Davisson were messmates in Gen Clarks campaign and also that he was a volunteer in Capt Lawthers company of Volunteers and that he [?] the within named services Given under my hand and seal the above date Christopher Nutter
William Callihan J.P. in the County of Harrison I do hereby certify that the above named Christopher Nutter is a credible person and that his statement is entitled to full credit Berry Stout 
Virginia I David Davisson Clerk of the Court of Harrison County, certify that, William W Callihan and Benjamin Stout are states as above and that the foregoing signatures purporting to be theirs are genuine. In Testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my seal of Office and subscribed my name this 28th day of February 1838. D. Davisson

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Rev. and 1812 War Section. September 17, 1925. Josiah Davisson [handwritten S.8307]
A.H. Davison
1272 E. Ninth St.
Des Moines, Iowa
Sir: I have to advise you that in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 8301 of Josiah Davisson, when an examination of the case was made by the U.S. District Attorney in 1834, Josiah Davisson was a resident of Harrison County, Virginia. He alleged that from the spring of 1781, he served six months as a Spy under Colonel Pierce Duval and in 1782 served six months as Spy under same colonel and afterwards was a Spy for one month, no officers stated. In the REvolutionary War pension claim, S. 8307 of Josiah Davisson, when an examination of the case was made by the U.S. District Attorney in 1834, the soldier was a resident of Harrison County, Virginia. He alleged that he served as a private, four

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tours of six months each in 1777 - 1778 - 1779 - 1780 in Captain William Lother or Lothen's Company and that in 1781, after serving three months in Captain George Jackson's Company in Colonel George Rogers Clarke's Expedition, he "left the army (he won't say deserted)".  In neither of the above claims are the solders' original applications for pension on file, as they were forwarded to the U.S. District Attorney, for legal proceedings, and were destroyed when the office of the Federal Clerk at Clarksburg was burned in August 1836. Respectfully, WINFIELD SCOTT Commissioner.

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Let Pen: Agt 10 Mar: 35}
~ NG off ~ ~}
" to Hon J [crossed out:] Kingensmith Jan 10 1837
" Hon Jos Johnson [crossed out:] Apl 4 1838
Drop-
58307

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War Dept Pension Office Jan 10. 1837
Sir, Herewith enclosed are copies of the papers of John Read and John Goodwin; and transcripts of copies in the cases of Evan Thomas and Isaac Shrin (Shuin?), the originals having been sent to US Attorney for the Western District of Virginia, in  ? that suits might be ? for the recovery of the money improperly paid. In the case of Josiah Davison the original papers were also sent, and no copies retained in consequence of the [?] of [?] in this office at that particular period. The pensions in all these except that of Read were stopped because it appeared from an investigation had by the District Attorney that their services

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were not of that character which would entitle them to pensions, being engaged in protecting the frontier from the incursions of the Indians. The pension of John Read was suspended because his service was considered doubtful. Before his name can be restored to the roll, it will be necessary for him to produce satisfactory proof of his service. I also enclose herewith copies of the papers in the case of Simon Smith, a pension on the New York [?] under the act of March 18 1818. In the case of Elias Snyder, it appears that a pension was granted under the act of June 7 1832 on the 4th of April 1833, which he now receives. Am. J Klingesmith, AR

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Depart. of War Pension Office Apr 6 1838
Sir I have the supplemental declaration of Josiah Davison of Harrison Co. and have placed [illegible ... ] The claim after a re-examination, was [?] a bad one, and consequently, Mr Davison name was [?] from the pension role on the 10th of March 1835. The original declaration was burnt in the conflagration of the Clerk Office at Clarksburg in August 1836. In that declaration, he claimed for 6months service in 1780; 3 mo 1781; 3 mo again in 1781: 6 months in 1782 & 6 mo in 1783. He [illegible ] he stated, that he enlisted under Capt Geo Jackson & was stated at Nutters Fort, [?]. Was afterwards in Col G Clark Ref at Point Pleasant. and left on what leave "not [?] that Clark expedited was authorized." W Davison now alleges that he served 6 months each in the years 1777. 78. 79 & 1780 under late Wm Lowther and a [?]

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[?] in 1781 under Col Clark. [?] his own admission; this is order [?] that he desert during this time under Clark. A comparison of his several declarations will be sufficient to justify the [?] of claim; without any more serious objections. His name cannot therefor be restored to the pension roll.

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Hon. Jos. Johnson
April 6. 1838
G.C.
V

Record of V 46 page 404

[Vertical]
Hon Jos. Johnson
HR

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Harrison County to wit John Herbert personally appeared before the subscribed a Justice of the Peace in & Law the county of Harrison I made oath that he has been long acquainted with Josiah Davidson & that he affirms the acted as a Indian Spy in the County a Lancaster during the Revolutionary War Given under my hand this 30 day of December 1836 Caleb Baggy

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2nd Breif
Josiah Davison

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BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Josiah Davison which require further proof or explanation.

I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides?
Yes.
II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides?
Yes.
III. If the applicant did not make the declaration  where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so?
————
IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? 
Yes.
V. * Has he mentioned 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? 
Yes.
VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations?
Yes. 
VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832?
Yes.
 VIII. Has the Court given their opinion?
Yes. 
IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate?
Yes. 
X. Is the Clerk’s seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal?
Yes.

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XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service?
Yes. -
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it?
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had?
Yes. -
XIV. If the applicant has produced a witness or witnesses as to his service, has the magistrate who administered the oath certified that he, she, or they are persons of credibility?
And is the official character and signature of the magistrate certified by the proper officer under his seal of office?
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service?
XVI. Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct?
Yes.-
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered?
1st & 2nd Not satisfly answered.-
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the 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 , 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 not 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."

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3
It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which the 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.
QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.
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 claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as 
well as the regiment, company, and line to which be belonged. The magistrate who may administer
the oaths must certify to 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.
QUERE XVI. Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticated the papers is not
written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the
certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the end 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.

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Washington City Jany 11 1837.
Sir In answer to your inquiry made ? day. I have the honor of answering. that the Pension Declaration of Josiah Davison Sent to me (among others) for legal proceedings ? had ? . was burnt in the conflagration of the Federal clerks office at Clarksburg in August ?. Very Respectfully ? W. G. Singleton To J.L. Edwards Esq Present.

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Rev War 8304 Invalid
No 8307 Josiah Davidson Pri Rev War Act June 7th 32 Vo 1st Page 90 Josiah Davisson Records corrected. Oct 4 1904

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Mr Sylvester
2m at

Hon J. Johnson.

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State of Virginia
Harrison County
On 21st day of February 1838 personally appeared before the Court of the County of Harrison in the State aforesaid Josiah Davisson a resident of said county of Harrison aged Seventy Nine Years, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain and be restored to the benefit of the provisions made by the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832. That in the Spring of the Year 1777 he volunteered as a private under Capt Wm Lowther at Nutter's Fort there in West August but now Harrison County for a tour of six months that during said tour he was engaged in ranging and spying in the western part of Virginia and when his six months tour experied he was discharged but recieved no written discharge. That again in the spring of the year 1778 he returned in Capt Wm Lowthers Company at Nutters Fort aforesaid for another tour of six months, and served one his tour of six months in spying and ranging in the same section of the county he spied and ranged the previous years. That again in 17779 at Nutters fort aforesaid he volunteered under Capt Wm  Lowther for another time of six months, and served out his term in the same [?] of service of the preceding years - again in the spring of 1780 at Nutters fort aforesaid he volunteered under Capt Wm Lowther for another term of six months and served out said term in the same kind of services of the preceding years as the end of each term term he was discharge dby his captain and received no written discharge. That

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said Lowther was duly Commissioned by the State of Virginia to raise [?] to guard and defend the western frontier from Indian [?] [?] during his services and Capt Lowther he saw no regular officers, and there was none in the region or county in which he served. That in the spring of 1781 he volunteered under Capt. George Jackson at the place where the Town of Clarksburg is established and marched from [?] and joined the troops under Gen. George Rodger Clark near Fort Pete. from [?] illegible Ohio River, ? continued in his service thru ? - ? during this service he frequently saw General Clark and other regular officers whose names he has forgotten. ? Capts Lowther and Jackson are both dead and he is unable to prove his service accept by Christopher Nutter. He further states that he was born in the state of New Jersey near Princeton in the year 1759 but has no record of his age. That service the Revolution he has resided in Harrison County. He hereby states that he was placed on the ? pension roll of Virginia at the rate of Eighty Dollars per annum but that his Pension has been suspended, that

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his object is to be restored his aforesaid Pension that he thereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension except the one which has been suspended as aforesaid, and declares that his name is ? on the roll of the agency of any state except as above stated. Josiah Davisson X his mark
And the said court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the ? and after ? the interrogatories proscribed by the war Department that the above named appplicant was a Revolutionary soldier and served as  he stated. I David Davisson Clerk of the Court of Harrison County do hereby certify these the foregoing ? the original proceedings of said court, in the matter of the application of Josiah Davisson for a pension. In testimony ? I have ? in my ? of office at Clarksburg this 28th day of February 1838 D. Davisson

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1537 

Josiah Davisson, Pen [pensioner]

Harrison [?] City

Doubtful [underlined]

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Josiah Davidson draws $80 on the 8th July 1836[?4] . Davidson made the following Declaration. was born October 15. 1759. a ? of New Jersey. resided near Clarksburg Harrison County at the cmmencement of the war of Revolution he Enlisted under Capt. George Jackson. / ? in what year. Went to Nutters Fort near where Clark sburg now stands, was then ? and ? for a five years. a James Arvado & heirs of followed Spying. they made a business of it. was in the woods this quarter post of the summer. he was one of the head spies. Some times he followed secreting - he was in ? all the while. When he left Nutters Fort went to Clarksburg continued there until this was closed. that is made Clarksburg his place of residence. while at Clarksburg [entire line is illegible] Capt Jackson. in the service ? detail. he ? in Clarks expedition - in which cannot say in what year) he ? from Clarksburg under ? Lother & Capt Jackson to ? Point Pleasant at that point ? of him ten others left the army (he won't say deserted) and returned to Clarksburg. When at Point Pleasant had heard that Clarks expedition was unauthorized - and ? after others left the army. (did not desert but walked off like men) this expedition he was gun thrown from . ? he thinks tat he was in actual ? during this war with Revolution prior for year. Jacob Cope can with his declaration. ? ? service  [ illegible] Josiah Davisson x his mark 
Christopher Nutter knew that Davisson ? a great deal of service during the war. He also knew that he deserted or left Clarks expedition at Point Pleasant ?

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? I am a detached by this man as having been down at Nutters Fort & Clarksburg was I have no doubt in Est of neighborhood Service and unauthorized?  - he claims to be an Indian Spy - in the absence of proof. I should place no confidence in his statement although he is a man of fair character. W. G. Singleton.

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Rev. and 1812 Wars Section. May 1, 1924.
A.H. Davison, 12173 E. Ninth St., Des Moines, Iowa. Sir; I have to advise you that in the Revolutionary War pension cliam, S. 8301, Josiah Davisson, when an examination of the case was made by the U.s. District Attorney in 1834, it was stated by the soldier that he would be seventy one years old on October 4, 1834, place of birth not stated, and that he had a family during his services in the REvolution. Whereas it was stated by a witness, Christopher Nutter, that Josiah Davisson was married in 1787 and was then only seventeen years old. There is no further data on file as to hi s family. ******* IN the revolutionary War pension claim S. 8307 of Josiah Davisson, when an examination of the case was made

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by the U.S. District Attorney in 1834, the soldier stated that he was a native of New Jersey born October 15, 1759, and that at the commencement of the Revolution, he lived in Harrison County, Virginia. It is not stated whether he was ever married. The names of parents are not on record in either of the above noted claims. Respectfully, Commissioner.

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Rev. War Section Department of the Interior Bureau of Pensions Dec. 23, 1919. Washington
Miss L.B. Ewing, 3022 Cambridge Place, Washington, D.C.
Madam: In reply to your letter ? was received the 12" instant, you are advised that the Revolutionary War records of this Bureau afford information in regard to only two men named Josiah Davisson, of Virginia, (under any spelling of the name), both of them were residents of Harrison Co., Virginia, and were placed onthe pension roll for services as

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Rev. War Section. December 8, 1916.
Mr. Robert Lohr Trimble, Mt. Sterling, Ohio.
Sir:
In response to your letter dated the eighteenth ultimo you are advised that the records of this Bureau fail to afford any information in regard to Josiah and Jonah Davidson of Hampshire County, Virginia; but two residents of Harrison County, Virginia, named Josiah Davisson, were placed on the pension roll for services as Indian fighters on the frontiers during the Revolution, and both of said pensioners were dropped form the rolls after examination by the United States District Attorney in 1834. One, Sur. File No. 8,301, upon the ground that he had fraudently obtained pension, not being old enough to have rendered the alleged service; the other, Sur.. File No. 8,307, upon the ground that he was found to have been a deserter from General George Roger Clarke's Expedition.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.

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February 15, 1913.
Mrs. John B. Brannen, 227 East Main Street, Clarksburg, W. Va.
Madam:
In response to your letter dated the 8th and received the 10th instant, you are advised that there were two soldiers of the Revolution named Josiah Davisson, residents of Harrison county, Virginia, who were placed on the pension roll for services as Indian fighters on the frontiers, and both of said pensioners were dropped from the rolls after examination by the United States District Attorney in 1834. One. Sur. File No. 8,301. upon the ground that he had fraudulently obtained pension, not being old enough to have rendered the alleged service; and the other, sur. file no. 8,307, upon the ground that he was found to have been a deserter from Gen. George Rogers Clarke's Expedition.
In neither claim is the name of the wife stated, nor is there any Revolutionary War pension claim on file for Martha widow of Josiah Davisson of Harrison County, Virginia.
Very respectfully, J.C. Davenport Commissioner.

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August 22, 1925.
Hon. Commissioner of Pensions. Rev. and 1812, Wars Section, Washington D.C.
Sir;
Will you kindly give me the service which was the basis of the pensions granted to the two Josiah Davissons, Nos (Survivor file) 8301 and 8307. In your letter of May 1, 1924, you give some data but do not in any way give the service claimed to have been rendered. It is evident that something was wrong in the first of these at least, as the family record shows this man to have been born 4 Oct., 1767, and he was more than 71 years of ae in 1834, and he was married, 1785 (see Harrison Co. rec. 1, p.3) If Mr Nutter swore he was married in 1787, the record does not support him.
The other man was married,,1788 to Amy Shinn. The no. 8301 married Lucretia Shinn.
I desire to use the service claimed rendered.
Respectfully,
AH Davison
I am also very anxious to know where each of these men resided or were found when the U.S. Attorney obtained the affidavits mentioned in your letter of May 1, 1924. A.H.D.

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EXPLANATORY LETTER November, 1924.
During the last eight years of our work upon the compilation of the Davison-Davidson history and genealogy, while we have given the principal part of our time to the work, it has been found convenient and helpful to have a statement of the work, and of its progress, upon our stationery.
As we now approach the end of the work we shall omit many of the particulars heretofore carried on our letters. Forms for reports are sent to all applicants and to all persons from requests for informaiton are made. The work includes all lines of the name, except the Scandinavian and Hebrew lines, with whom the name has no historical significance.
The Davisons are of a Scotch origin - Lowlanders, Anglo Saxons. The Davidsons and Davissons in America generally are of Davison ancestry, and in almost every line the change in name has been made in America. This is generally unknown to the present generation.
If there are any Davidsons of true Highland origin in America, they are few and all came since the Revolutionary War. If there are any such Davidsons, they would be of Celtic origin. There has been a world wide propaganda; "that the Scotch name is Davidson," which may be the cause of the many changes in spelling. As to Americans that is a delusion - in plain English an untruth.
In early times there were no Davidsons in Ulster. In the Hearth Tax lists of 1666 and 1669 but one name was so spelled, and that at Moneymore, the town from which William Davidson who came to Mass. Bay, 1728, is said to have come.
Nearly all the Scotch-Irish lines in America have assumed the Davidson spelling. All are recorded as they spell the name now. Those who have come from England are generally still Davisons, and in England seem to have come from Scotland in earlier times.
The lines from Scotland direct, which have contained to the prsent are Daniel Davison, 1630-1693, of Ipswich, Mass., an exile for participating in the Covenanter War of 1650. His family is probably the most numerous of any of the name of his age. His grandson Josiah Davison, 1692-1759, invented, and went about advertising, the Davisson spelling. He made a success of the change, only a few of his descendants have resumed their true name.
William Davison, .... to 1723, came from Scotland in 1685 with the Campbell, Kerr, Johnston refugees, not exactly exiles as they had a choice to remain in Scotland and die or go - they went to New Jersey, of today. He resided about one and one-half miles southwest of Tennant Church, Monmouth County, N.J. Hehas many living descendants, but they are largely in the Eastern states. John Davison Rockefeller descends from his son Robert, a very ardent member of Tennant Church. Some lines of the descendants are not fully recorded in this family.
Alexander Davison who received a patent to land in Charles City, County Virginia, 1683, probably came direct from Scotland. Serious difficulties have been met in finding records of his famiy in the second American generation. Alexander who died, 1800, in what is now Appomattox County, was probably his grandson. The records of that region are so completely lost, that many of the descending lines may never be located, as such. The family of Alexander Davidson, who settled in Hunterdam County, N.J., about 1708, are not fully recorded but well toward completion.
Other Scotch individuals who came do not seem to have left descendants.
Nicholas Davison, 1611-1664, who was at Charlestown, Mass. Bay before 1640, was a son of Nicholas Davison, of Norfolk, England. His family has never been numerous, but has living representatives and is recorded ready for the printer.
The possible records of the Scotch-Irish are nearing completion, but the available data is in many instances very limited. Their settlements, with few exceptions, were made from Pennsylvania south, where few early Vital records exist, and under circumstances that did not favor the keeping of records in the family, and the few kept are often long since lost. What we are getting may aid future family historians to more complete work.
One of these lines, Robert Davison, who settled in Warren County, N.J. about 1730, has been completed in very satisfactory condition. Others are comlete in some branches, or in some geneartions. With continued co-operation, these investigations will be worth while. Alone no one can uncover the buried past in a half dozen generations, it must be a work of united effort.
On account of the general service in the Revolutionary War by the Scotch-Irish, and the patriotic impulses of this people, there is a general effort to complete their lines in order to gain membership in the DAR and SAR; incidentally this has been a considerable help in our work - they find us, and we find them more easily; the results have been very helpful and will continue no doubt. Every new lineage recorded adds to the material for the future historian to use. Those desiring our assistance are welcomed to call for it.
Complaints
We have always encountered the difficulties in securing reports of which many genealogists complain, but we have never intended to complain. Those refusing and their descendants will be the sufferers. Repeated applications have been made for family data to very many persons who have received our requests, with stamped directed return envelope enclosed, and yet have made no reply. In our printed work all these will bear a mark indicating the fact of repeated request, that all readers, and descendants may know who is responsible for the failure to print. These defective records, thus marked will be interpreted in different ways. Many may unjustly say the record is withheld to avoid disclosing a family skeleton, which may not be so in any case, as we ask only for such facts as the descendant will desire to know, all other to be omitted. Other persons may attribute the failure to selfish indifference and laziness; possibly this is often the true explanation.
A few think the compilation is a money making proposition and they do not propose to contribute. Such ignorance of facts is lamentable. The genealogist who realizes ten cents on the dollar of investment is fortunate.
Recently, noticing that a Davisson who held a commission in the Revolutionary war had no male descendants, but several females who were members of the D.A.R., as a special recognition to the memory of the worthy ancestor, a request was made for outlines of female descent. A post card request for remuneration was the reply! Holy Moses! Only one person has reported objection on account of belief in the transmigration of souls at death, and hence ancestry a fake. That fellow has inherited the soul of a lobster, no doubt.
A recent letter from one devoted to gathering data of ancestors of the present generation in his county, says, "It would have been far better had some people been born as cattle, hogs, or sheep, then if they had any good blood in them at all, they would have been registered, not so with God's people."
If you have no interest in ancestry your educated descendant will have, and when he discovers you were too indifferent, selfish or ignorant to report your line, will  have reason for sadness.
When we began these compilations, now nearing completion, few Davisons or Davidsons in America knew four generations of ancestors. Now there are hundreds who have been given their lines into Scotland, England and Ulster. The descendants of Hannah (Tracy) Davidson to the early English and French kings. Many of most honorable ancestors, and all to worthy ancestry.
There are a few fools who imagine they are descendants of unworthy ancestors - afraid they will find a hanging! We have yet to find the object of their fears. There has been dense ignorance and illiterary, but education and training show the blood is virile. If I could promise to connect you up with John Davisson Rockefeller, I could not take care of the reports; his ancestry is good and his money is safe, so far as we can aid.
The forms we mail to all applicants and with each request for data are self-explanatory. The fact that you can furnish but little of what is desired should not cause you to withhold that little, but tell us where we can get further facts, if you know. Seldom do we fail to find what is needed when we have co-operation. While we cannot give a large part of our time to answering questions, yet very many get all they ask and some more; none are ignored.
Pictures
It is desirable that we print the pictures of many of the early members of the family who are ancestors of many and worthy descendants. On request we have received a goodly number of pictures form which we shall make photo-engravings at our expense. If you have such a picture and are willing to pay for the plate, it will be inserted. Those which do not come within this description, in order to get insertion, it will be necessary to pay all expense growing out of the same, including printing, tipping in, and binding. All plates must be suitable for use on highly finished enameled paper.
It is hoped that the receipt of worth-while material may continue as rapidly as we can turn it into copy for several months yet, but when the supply fails, the typing and indexing will be completed for the printer.
Sincerely yours,
A.H. Davison, 1272 East Ninth Street, Des Moines, Iowa

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3023 Cambridge Place, N.W. Washington, D.C. 
Commissioner of Pensions,
My dear Sir:
In the interests of all author who is writing the history of his family, I write to ask for the following information: 
Josiah Davison, sometimes written Davidson, was a soldier in the Revolutionary Army, from Augusta

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County VA when born, and later from Rockingham County, virginia, when, in 1778 that county was formed from Augusta. Authorities as to service "Virginia Militia in the Revolutionary War," by J.T. McAllister. Section 277; Rockingham, page 229: Josiah Davidson, Captain 1780. Virginia County Records by William Armstrong Crozier.

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Vol X, page 26: "Josiah Davison, private Continental Line 3 years service."
------
Virginia State Library Report. Vol. 9, page 88 Revolutionary Soldiers: "Davison, Josiah: 1 Virginia Requireh, War Dept 2.1; W.D. 6.6; W.D. 2877; 2 V.S.R., War Dept 571.
Query: Was Josiah Davison a pensioner? If so, will

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you be so good as to send me his full record of such?
Very sincerely yours, Miss Lucy Barbour Ewing
3023 Cambridge Place N.W.
Washington D.C.
[stamp - pension Dec 12 1919 office]

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Commissioner of Pensions
Dear Sir -
Will you send all data possible as is contained in pensions applications of the following Rev. soldiers. If possible give names of children wife or ? and parents of each -
Pensioners of 1835 -
Peter Lohr - Augusta Co VA
Josiah Davidson. Hamphan Co VA 70 age
Jonah Davidson, Hampshin Co. VA - (Va. Book gives two Davidsons)
Please give both and if Obidiah Davisson applied send his also -
Thanking you in advance
I am, Resptig,
Robert Lohr Grimble
Mt. Sterling Ohio
Nov. 18-1917-

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Clarksburg, W. VA
February 8, 1913
Pension Dept, Washington D.C.
Gentlemen:
It is claimed by the descendants of Josiah Davisson of Harrison County VA, now W. Va that Martha Davisson, the widow of Josiah Davisson got a pension for her husband's service in the Revolutionary War, serving in the capacity of an Indian fighter on frontier. 
If there is any such record, please send me a copy with bill for issue and oblige.
Yours respectfully,
Maraget Coplin Branson
Registrar Daniel Davisson
Chapter DAR
Clarksburg WVA

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Clarksburg, West Virginia Dec 4 1906
Hon. Commissioner of Pensions Washington DC
Sir:
I have the honor to request that I be furnished with the military history of Josiah Davisson, who is said to have been a pensioner as a soldier in the war of the Revolution. He died in Harrison County, Virginia, probably between 1830 and 1840 - This information is desired simply as a matter of family history. I am very Respectfully.
Henry Haymond
[stamp Pension office Dec 6 1906]