Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 3759, John Bryan, Va.

Page 1

(0-1776)

SERVICE
Va. 

Bryan, John 
Catharine 

NUMBER
W.3759 

CONTENTS

Page 2

(Left Side) 

3532 
Virginia, Richmond 
Catharine Bryan 
widow of John Bryan
Va
who served in the Revolutionary 
war, as a privateer 
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 
20 Dollars
Cent per annum, to commence on 
the 4th day of March 1848. 
Certificate of Pension issued the 
31 day of Aug 1849 
and sent to 
Metty Robinson 
Richmond Va
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 134 Vol. 3

(Right Side)

Reported 
January 31/49

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Bryan quad

10 & Co. 3rd

Governor

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State of Virginia, Campbell County

In open court, held in and for said County On this 10 day of June 1844 before me Richd Harvey a Justice of the peace in and for said county – personally appeared Ms. Catharine Bryan a resident of said county, aged 77 years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the act of Congress passed July 7, 1838 – entitled, "An act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows"; that she is the widow of John Bryan who died of said county, who was a soldier in the Revolutionary war and served at least three tours as such if not more. That she has always understood from her husband and others that the said John Bryan, at the beginning of the war, served a tour out at the lead mines against the Indians in the early, or middle of the Revolution, of at least 6 months duration under Col. Christie (the captain's name she does not recollect). That he also served a tour of 3 months duration under Capt. Thos Dixon at the Battle of Guilford in North Carolina in March 1781 – at which battle Capt. Dixon got his horse shot from under him and Mr. Bryan aforesaid, had a ball shot through his clothing. And that her deceased husband, the said John Bryan, was also at Jamestown and Yorktown in the lower parts of the state, in the Summer and Fall of 1781 – it being the fall of the year after the Battle of Guilford: and that her husband was present at the capture of Lord Cornwallis, which was in October 1781 – that Thos Dixon was his captain also in this last tour of service. Moreover, while belonging to Dixon's company, which were minute men at home, he was subject to be called out at every minute – and did perform extra services as such on one occasion particularly against the Tories in said county. That said Bryan performed not less than 3 months service at Jamestown and Yorktown in and during said tours. She underscores further that her husband was also at the Battle of Brandywine to the north – with his brother Andrew Bryan – as a regular soldier: And that he must have served from one to two...

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year, in and during the Revo. war. She further declares that she was married to the said John Bryant in said county on the 29th day of September 1788; and that the aforesaid John Bryant her dead husband died in said County on the 4th day of September 1825. That she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the 15th day of Jan. 1794, sir. at the time above stated as will more fully appear by the proof annexed. And that her maiden name was Evans, and that she has remained a widow ever since the death of her husband as aforesaid to the present time. 

[illegible]

Catharine X Bryan

Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written 

Before me a justice of the peace J.P. 
in open court as aforesaid.

Richd. Harvey J.P

In presence of
W. W. Dinwiddie

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Know all men by these presents that We John Bryan and Samuel Davidson are held and firmly bound to Edmund Randolph Esq. Governor & Chief Magistrate of the state of Virgina in the sum of fifty pounds current money. To the which payment well and truly to be made to the said Governor or his successors we bind ourselves our heirs Exors and admrs jointly and severally firmly by these presents sealed and dated This 1st day of Sept 1788. The Condition of the above obligation is such that Whereas there is a marriage shortly intended to be had and solemnized between the above bound John Bryan and Miss Catharine Evans both of this County. If therefore afterwards be no legal cause to obstruct the same then the above obligation to be void otherwise to remain in full force and virtue

Sealed and delivered
in presence of
John Bryan [seal]
Samuel Davidson [seal]

So please to grant the bearer Mr. John Bryan a license
to marry my Daughter Catharine and so doing you
will oblige Your Humble Servt
Reese Evans
August 28 1788
Witness
Daniel Evans
Jane Evans

Mr. Ro Alexander eea
In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed
my hand and approved the seal of Office
this 20th day of July 1844 On the day
of the Commonwealth
Wm A Clement OR
[signature]

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RECORD DIVISION. 3-525.
0

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,

n 7 3759 [underlined] Bureau of Pensions,

Washington, D.C., __________, 190 __

In reply to your request of __________, received __________ for a statement of the military history of John Bryan [underlined] 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. | LENGTH OF SERVICE. | RANK. |OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. |  
| * 1777 | 6 mon. | Wm Leftwitch | Christie | Va | 
| Mch 1781 | 3 mon. | Thos Dixion | 
| September & fall 1781 | 3 mon. | Thos Dixion | 

*Brandywine where he received a pain wound
Battles engaged in, Guilford, Jamestown capture of Cornwallis

Residence of soldier at enlistment, Va

Date of application, June 10, 1843 [illegible] 

Residence at date of application, Campbell Co. Va

Age at date of application, she says 77 reported 

Remarks: Soldier married on Campbell Co. Va; Sept 2 1788, Catharine daughter of Reese Evans and died in Campbell Co. Va. December. 1825. Children are referred to but no names are stated. 

Very respectfully, 
Soldier brother andrew referred to 
_________________________. 

1505b3m10-08 Commissioner.

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[Left Side] 
June 27 – 1902
Walter S Dinwiddie
Charlottesville Va
1912 Oct. 8 flint. Lotta B Morehouse J.L.M.
1914 Nov. 16 flint to Mrs. Elizabeth L Bryan (mr. W.A.) V.L.M.
1915 Nov. 17 w. a. Bryan given 
Data as to Andrew Bryan, seeing
letter in case.

[Right Side]
Privy WIDOW, &c.
File No. 3759 
Catharine Bryan
Wid,
John Bryan 
[illegible] 

Act: Holy, 2748 

Index :---- Vol. a, Page 82

[Arrangement of 1870.]

Page 9

[Right Side] 
2 Certs :
ack. 38437/44
[scribble] 
rep 
Let. to R.H. Gray Oct 10. 1844

[Left Side] 
Richmond, 6942, Virgina

Catharine Bryan 
widow of John Bryan 
who was a Private
in the Rev. war

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 
20 Dollars 00 
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.

Certificate of Pension issued the 
29 day of May '45 
and sent to 
R.H. Gray Lynchburg

[Act of March 3, 1843.] [scribble] 
Recorded in Book a June 17. 1844
Vol. 2 Page 134

Page 10

Letter to R.H Gray 10. Oct 1844

Page 11

Page 12
9357
Virginia

Catharine Bryan
widow of John Bryan
who was a private under the Act of 
and who died on the Sept. 1825
of Campbell in the State of Va.
who was a Private in the Company 
commanded by Captain of the 
commanded by in
the Va line for 6 mos.

Inscribed on the Roll at Richmond
at the rate of 20 Dollars 00 
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day
of March, 1836.

Certificate of Pension issued the 29 day of 
May '38 and sent to 
R H Gray Lynchburg
Total amount. $ Na

[Act of July 7, 1838.] 
Recorded by F L Swann, Clerk, [signature] 
Book C.Vol. 2, Page 203.

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State of Virgina, Campbell County to wit, 
on this 15th day of april 1845, before me Leroy W Cralle a Justice of the peace in and for said county, personally appeared Blackdon Finch a respectable a resident county of said county, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath say - that he is 77 years old, and was well acquainted with Jno Bryan decd of said county, who married Catharine Evans – and have frequently, heard him in speaking of his revolutionary services - say that he served a tour of duty out at the Lead Mines on new River, driving the only boat of the revolutionary was under Capt. Leftwitch, for the purpose of guarding the frontier against The Indians; - and that he served another tour at the Battle of Guilford. The dep says further, that sometime after he had returned. From said service, that said Bryant was at the court house and, that he heard him speaking of his services in the Revolutionary War, in the presence of Brother Names, his wife and others, and that he recollects distinctly that he said that he was under Capt. Wm Leftwich, during the time he had just returned from their [there]. Said Bryan had been dead a great many years. The dep. does not recollect the names of the captain that Bryan served under at Guilford.

his
[signed] Blackdon x Finch
mark

[crossed out] 
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year first above written – 

Before - Leroy W. Cralle JP
In presence of -
Ro. H. Gray

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State of Virginia, Campbell County, S.S.

On this 14th . day of May - 1844, before me Z. E. Cheatham, a Justice of the peace in and for said county, personally appeared Peter W. Oblesby a respectable resident of said county, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath say - That he is 75 years old -  and was well acquainted Jno. Bryan [illegible] of said county during the Revolutionary War - the same for him who married Miss ____ Evans in said county about 56 years ago. That deponent is believing, and has always understood from those who well knew the fact, that said John Bryan was in the service of his country during the Revos war - and who, but a youth at that time deponent recollects perfectly, that when the militia was called into service from said county - that it was talked about among the neighbors, that said Jno. Bryan was one among the men that who went down to Yorktown, to assist in the taking of [illegible] Cornwallis. Deponent and also recollects well when all the militia of the neighborhood let wounded home, Bryan among the number, and recollects hearing it stated that said Bryan was very much alarmed at the bullets flying so thick, and close around him - and that one went through his clothes, at said battle which was in Oct 1781. That on said occasion the militia to which he belonged; left home in the Summer, and untamed [illegible] in of [illegible] – the name of the Catherine he ran under he does not recollect.

Best Ro. H Gray Peter Webber

Peter W. Oblesby 

Sworn to and subscribed in the day and year 
above written - Before me - [signature] Z. E. Cheatham J.P. 

messenger of – [signature] John D Pettigen

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State of Virginia, Corporation of [illegible], Campbell County, S.S.

On this 31st day of July 1844, before me Henry H. Didlake a Justice of the Peace, in and for said Corporation personally appeared William Akers a respectable resident of the county of Amherst, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath say - that he is 59 years old, and was well and intimately acquainted with Jno Bryan decd of Campbell County who was by reputation a soldier in the Revolutionary War - and who married Catharine Evans - now Catharine Bryan - about the year 1786, or 87 - judging from the ages of their children. Deponent knew said Jno Bryan, from the time that dept. was 10 years old to the time of his death, which was in the year 1825 - . That being frequently in his company, from time to time, he has heard him talk much of his services, in The Revo war. That he dept. understood the said Bryan to say, that he was at the Battle of Brandywine with his brother Andrew and out against the Indians at the Lead Mines, on the frontiers. That he was also at the Battle of Guilford in N. Carolina in march 1781 (which was after the Battle of Brandywine, and his Lead Mine service) where he got a hole shot through his hunting shirt, and [illegible] the skin. In the town at Guilford he was under he was under Capt. Dixon, who had his horse stun down under him - being a lame man, had to ride. That he heard said Jno Bryan say, that he was also at the capture of Lord Cornwallis at Yorktown, in October 1781 - and served regular term at the Lead Mine, Guilford, and Yorktown -  and sometimes as a regular soldier at the north, at Brandywine and in the early part of the war. Bryan no doubt sound pretty much throughout the war. Said Bryan died in said county, about the year 1825 - leaving his present widow Catharine - maiden name Evans - who has remained a widow ever since his death to the present time. 

Bryan related many anecdotes connected with his services above related.

Sent No. U Gray.      [signature] William Akers

Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above mentioned -

Before me –     [signature] Henry H. Didlake J.P.

In presence of [signature] Wm B. Murrell

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State of Virginia
Corporation of Lynchburg, Virgina.

I James Benagh clerk of the Hastings Court for the Corporation of Lynchburg in the State of Virginia, do hereby certify that Henry M. Didlake who hath given the foregoing certificate is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the Corporation aforesaid, duly elected, and sworn, and that all due faith and credit ought to be given to all his official acts as such, and also the foregoing signature purporting to be his, is genuine. 

In witness whereof, I have hereunto Affixed the Seal of the said Hastings Court, and signed my name as Clerk of the said Court, this 3rd day of July 1844 and in the 68: year of the Commonwealth

[signature] Jas. Benagh

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111h5

Catharine Bryan

Declaration
Va
cut 7. July 38.
m 88. d 25
command
6 mo [illegible] 
also out 3 months
‘43 [illegible] 
no cut 43 - 7847
" " 44 - 612

[signature] R. H Gray 
Lynchburg 
Va

Page 17

At a Court held for Campbell County 10 day of June 1844 The declaration of Mrs. Catharine Bryan widow new hand in Cout: [illegible]. using a pension under the act of July 7. 1838. together with the affidavits of Agness Bagby, Richd Morgan and Peter Webber and the Court being satisfied such the come do certify to the War Department that Catharine Bryan is the widow of Jno Bryan deceased of comply who [illegible] revaluation a soldier in the revolutionary war and who died in the the day 18 and that his [illegible] widowed Catherine Bryan [illegible] name bound has remained unremarried ever since the death of her husband and resigned to the present time and that Agness Bagby Richd Morgan and Peter Webber are respectable inhabitants of said County and that their oaths are entitled to credit and that Richd Daniel, Z E Cheatham and Richard Harvey are acting justices of the peace in and for said County duly commissioned and qualified [illegible] and that the signatures purporting to be their applied to their several Certificates is there [illegible] and genuine.

In testimony Whereof I have hereto administered my name and affixed the seal of office this 20th day of June 1844 in the 68 year of the Commonwealth.

[signature] Wm A Clement clk

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State of Virginia Campbell County S.S.

On this 5th day of October 1843, before me Richard Morgan an justice of the peace in and for said county personally appeared Mrs. Agnes Bagby a respectable resident of said county who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath say - that she is 88 years old - and was well acquainted with John Bryant or Bryan - during the Revo war - the same person who married Catharine Evans in said county - about 54 or 55 years ago-  deponent [illegible] that the next day after they were married at her fathers. The said John Bryant, or Bryan was in the service during the Revo war at the Battle of Guilford; in March 1781 - deponent recollects the peach trees were out in full bloom in February before the Battle of Guilford - and it was the same spring, that said Bryan was at the Battle She saw him after he had returned - and he examined [illegible] the bullet holes through his hunting shirt, and also [illegible] flint - which he said was made by the balls of the enemy, at the Battle of Guilford she thinks it was about the latter part of the Spring of 1781 - when he returned from said tour; and must have been gone at least 3 months from home in said occasion. said Bryan performed other services, in the Revo besides this - or she is in some [illegible] - perhaps out against the Indians at another time but she has no further knowledge of his services herself. "Worn, interlined before signed."

[illegible] Agnes X Bagby

R. Bagby

Ro H Gray -
sworn to and subscribed on the day and year
above written -

Before me [signature] Richard Morgan J.P. [underlined]

Page 19

State of Virginia Campbell County S.S.

On this 8th day of October 1843, before me Richard Morgan a Justice of the Peace in and for said county, personally appeared Mr. Richard Daniel Sr a respectable resident of said county, who being first duly sworn according to law, oath on his oath says - that he is 93 years old - and was acquainted with John Bryan or Bryant during the Revolutionary war - the same man that married Catharine Evans in said county some 5 or 6 years after the capture of Cornwallis at Yorktown in Oct. 1781. Deponent knows of one tour of service of militia - that said Bryan performed during the Revo war-  which was at the Battle of Guilford in March 1781 - said Bryan was under Capt. Thos. Dixon, but dept. was under Capt. Billy Jones (from said county) who was killed at said Battle – and Capt. Dixon had his horse shot from under him - he being a lame man had to ride: Said Bryan was near being killed at said Battle having a bullet or ball shot through his hunting shirt; [crossed out] and body shirt and just [illegible] the [illegible] Dept. saw said Bryan at Guilford  his town out eyes during the battle - before and after, and is satisfied of the fact, that he served did tour out faithfully - which was of three months duration. Bryan may have served more, but dept. has no knowledge of it. "he, interlined before signed" R. M J.P. 

witness
Richard Daniel m his Richard X Daniel Sr
Ro H Gray - mark
sworn to and subscribed, on the day and year 
above written -

Before me - Richard Morgan J.P.
and Cody Flint, and [illegible] the skin "[illegible] before" interlined
signed – [illegible] - R. M.J.P.

Page 20

State of Virginia, Campbell County, to wit, 
I, Wm A. Clement, Clerk of the County Court of the County aforesaid and State of Virginia do hereby certify that Leroy W. Cralle & Z. E. Cheatham and Richard morgan are [illegible] justices of the peace in and for said county duty commissioned and qualified [illegible], and that the foregoing certification fourth thing to be [illegible] believe to be procured and that full faith and credit is dire and ought to be given to all their official acts as such. In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said court and office this 18th day of april 1865 in the 89th year of the Commonwealth 

Wm. A. Clement Clerk of 
Cumberland County Court

[signature]

Page 21

[Left Side] 
X

[Right Side]
13
4u
6947

Anthy Robinson
Rich 
Va

Page 22

State of Virginia

On this 17th day of October 1848, before me Leroy W. Cralle a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Campbell in the said State, personally appeared Catherine Bryan, a resident of the said county aged eighty two years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth, on her oath, make the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress passed on the 2d February 1848, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War_ that she is the widow of John Bryan, who was a private in the Army of the Revolution, and that under the Act of Congress of the 7th June 1834, she received a pension at the rate of twenty dollars per annum.

She further declares that she is still a widow.

her
Catharine Bryan
[mark] month

Sworn to and subscribed the day and year above written

In presence of
W.W. Dinwiddie
A.W. North

Before me 
Leroy W. Cralle J. Peace

I certify that Catharine Bryan, the Declarant above named, is personally known to me.

Leroy W. Cralle J. Peace

State of Virginia, Campbell County, to wit,

I George Wm Dabney Clerk of the County Court of the county and state aforesaid, do hereby certify that Leroy W. Cralle is a Justice of the Peace in and for the said County, duly commissioned and qualified, that he is - legally authorized to act as such, and that the foregoing signatures, purporting to be his are genuine.

Given under my hand and the seal of the said court, this 13th day of October one thousand eight hundred and forty-eight.

[signature] Geo Wm Dabney

Page 23

11145 July 8, 1844
No. 
Catharine Bryan
7 May 1838
[sideways] Jas. L. Edwards Esq Com. of Pensions Washington City

Page 24

Lynch’s July 4, 1844

Sir,
Enclosed I send you the declaration and fifth attending - of Mrs. Catharine Bryan or Bryant claiming a pension under the Acts of July 7, 1838 and March 3, 1843. The certificate might embrace both acts. Bryan has no doubt performed much more service than, I heard have been able satisfactorily to make appear clear of objection. But such evidence as I have gotten together, - at this late day – I have forwarded, and should more be procured, it will be sent on in due time. All due allowance I trust will be made, for the want of that kind of direct and positive evidence which is required by the dept where it is possible to be procured. In this case, the evidence in part tho, not positive is yet very satisfactory to the mind that Bryan, performed at least 3 tours of service in the Militia – and in, also in the Regular Service, either State or Continental. Be as liberal as you think the evidence will admit of.

Yours respectfully
Ro H. Gray

Page 25

April 21, 1845
Declaration 
[underlined] Catherine Bryan.

[sideways text] Jas L Edwards Esq
Comm of Pensions
Washington City
[underlined] D.C.

[backward text] Josiah Shepperson [illegible] Acting Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Campbell, State of Virginia

Page 26

Josiah Shepperson [illegible] Acting Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Campbell 

[sideways text] Jas L Edwards Esq 
Comm of Pensions
Washington City
[underlined] D.C.

[underlined] Catherine Bryan.

Page 27

Lynch Apr. 17, 1845

Sir,
Enclosed I send you the aft of Agnes Bagby, Peter Webber, Richd Daniel, and Blackdon Finch which you will please file with Mrs. Catharine Bryan's papers, of Campbell to [illegible] of Jno Bryan as May 7th 1838. Bryan, Jno Bryan as Widow of Jno Bryan and July 1838. Bryan, from [illegible] send a great deal with the Revos man , tho it is difficult to get positive testimony in her case; After his widow is needy, if you are disposed, you may give her certificate for 6 mo. with some more trouble, and perseverance I could no doubt get additional testimony as to his services.

Yours with due respect -

Ro H Gray [underlined] Agent

Page 28

Oct 3 -'12

The Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington D.C.

My dear Sir: -
Have you any record of John Bryan of the Revolutionary war - who was wounded at the battle of Brandywine. Lived from Virginia supposed to have been a Capt.: or Corporal? Please tell me what you can of him -

Sincerely yours
Lotta B. Morehouse
1326 O St. N.W.
City.

Page 29

V.L.M. Rev. War Section. 

November 17, 1915.

Mr. William Alanson Bryan. 
P.O. Box 36. 
Honolulu. Hawaii. 

Sir: 
In response to your letter dated the 31 ultimo. you are advised that in the Revolutionary War pension claim of John Bryan. W. File No. 3.759 is an affidavit made by William Akers of Amherst County. Virginia. In which appears the following quotation “ he understood the said Bryan to say that he was at the battle of Brandywine with his brother Andrew. There is no other data on file in reference to said Andrew. 

Very respectfully, 

Emergency

Commissioner.

Page 30

Honolulu, Hawaii, Oct. 31, 1915.

Mr. G. M. Saltzgaber,
Com’r. of Pensions,
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sir;-

I am trying to trace a line of descent, and in a statement received from your office, Nov. 16, 1914, of the military record of John Bryan, the following item is given under "Remarks": - "Soldier’s brother Andrew is also referred to." This Andrew is the ancestor that I am trying to locate, therefore I write asking that you send me a copy of whatever reference there is to Andrew Bryan.* The statement concerning John Bryan bears the following legend.

V. L. W.
W. F. 3759, [underlined] Rev. [underlined] War.

Trusting to hear from you soon,

I am,

Very truly yours,

[signature] Wm Alanson Bryan

p.o. box 38.

*not necessary, Revolutionary evidence, as that has been secured from other sources.

Page 31

M /
PACIFIC SCIENTIFIC INSTITUTION
HONOLULU, T.H.
P.O. Box 38
October 31 - 1914

President’s Office
United States Pension Commissioner
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sir;-
Please pardon the liberty I am taking in so frequently addressing you on the matter of Revolutionary soldiers. My cause is that the Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution are trying to enlarge their very small chapter here, and we are so far removed from all records, that constant appeals to your records are necessary.

I would like the military record of
John Bryan of Borden Colony & Staunton river, Va.
Mr. Andrew Morrison Bryan of Mollie Co., Campbell Co. Va.
Mr. John Andrew Bryan  “   “
Mr. William Akers (Acers) Augusta Co. Va.

Any help that you can give me will be greatly appreciated.
Elizabeth L. Bryan
(Mrs. W. A. Bryan)      Regent Aloha Chapter