Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 3,279, John Denson, N.C. Va. Sea Service

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(3-1776)
SERVICE 
N.C.
Va. Sea Service

Denson, John
NUMBER 
S3.279

carded

CONTENTS

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33.021
Tennessee, Nashville
John Denson
Of Franklin C in the State of Tenn. who was a private in the — commanded by Captain — of the — commanded by — in the Revolution [begin crossed out] line for [end crossed out] 9 months
N.C. and Va. Sea Service
[illegible] Aug 3 08

Inscribed on the roll of Nashville at the rate of 30 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 15th day of May 1852 and sent to Hon. GW Jones

Arrears to the 4th of [illegible] 
Semi-anl. Allowance ending

{Revolutionary Claim, 
Act June 7, 1832}

Recorded by H.J. Weightman Clerk,
Book 62 Vol. 7 Page 88

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Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7th, 1832
State of Tennessee }
County of Franklin} SS
On this [illegible] day of September in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and fifty one personally, appeared before me, James C. Handly an acting Justice of the Peace for the county and State above mentioned, Mr. John Denson a resident of the county of Franklin and State of Tennessee, aged ninety years past, who being first duly sworn according to Law, doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benifit of the act of Congress, passed June 7th 1832, That he entered the service, in seventeen hundred and eighty one in Edgecombe County, North Carolina as a private and was a drafted man, it was in the spring of that year, he entered the service
I am not positive I served six months, it might have been more or less
for six months and served during that time he first marched with a small number of men to Innfield old courthouse, and remained there for a short time only, and was sent home, to stand in [illegible] for orders, and after remaining a short time at home, he was called, out again, and entered the army, near Halifax, on the Oranoke river, affiant then declares, that he marched from that point, under Col. John Eaton and in a short time thereafter, they joined Gen Greens portion of the army, marching direct for Guilford Court House, where the affiant declares, that he participated in the memorable Battle of Guilford, marching from that 
(some time after the Battle of Guilford)
place, under Col Eaton he continued in service till [illegible, crossed out] year, 1781, and after having finished his tour of service, for that time, Affiant declares that his relatives living in South Hampton County, in the State of Virginia and on going into that section of country, he thinks either in September or October, of 1781, he entered as a substitute of six weeks, under orders, as he thinks from Gen Washington to raise men in that section of the country, starting to Little York, they were disbanded in a few days after entering the service, Affiant further declares, that he then in the winter of 1781, and 1782, entered as a marene, in an armed vessell under Capt James Bristell on Black Water river at a town called South Quay and having sailed down the river he went

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out at [illegible] Inlet, and being at sea only a few days, they fell in with a British man of war, and after a very severe engagement, the British proving too strong they were all taken prisoners of war, and taken to some one of the Bahama, Islands, and there reshiped to a very old ship on which he remained for, a considerable length of time though he cannot tell how long, but he well recollects that he did not get back till some time in the early part of 1783, when they were brought to Edenton North Carolina. Affiant would refer the department to the ship rolls of the ship commanded by Capt. James Brittell. Affiant further declares that he knows of no person now living that could certify to his service he having moved to the State of Tennessee some forty years past, and further that he cannot recollect all the officers names,
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity, except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State.
John Denson

Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid and I further declare that, I believe Mr. John Denson to be of the age that he states and from his high moral standing and for his known integrity I would further certify that I believe, that he was in the service that he states in the above declaration and that from [illegible] infirmity he is unable to attend court, 
I certify that the two [illegible] made on page 1st was made previous to signing
1 11th line from top, the other 12th line from bottom)
Jas C Handly J.P
Justice of the Peace for
Franklin County Tennessee

We H.L. Turney and Thomas H Garner
Residents of the county of Franklin and State of Tennessee hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Mr. John Denson who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be ninety years of age: that he is reported]and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution and that we concur in that opinion
H.L. Turney
Thos H Garner

Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
Madison Williams [illegible]

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3
1st.  Mr John Denson, where and in what year were you born
I was born in South Hampton Virginia in the year 1760.
2nd. Have you any record of your age and if so where is it
I have a record of my age now in my pension. 
3rd. Where were you living when called into service, where have you lived since the Revolutionary War, and where do you now live
I was living in Edgecombe County North Carolina when I entered the service. I lived twenty years in Richmond County N.C. and since that time I have lived in Franklin County Tennessee.
4th. How were you called into service were you drafted did you volunteer or were you a substitute and if a substitute for whom.
I was drafted, the first time and was a substitute the second time and when I went under Capt Brittell I was a volunteer
5th. State the names, of some of, the regular officers who were with the troops where you served, then continentae and militia regiments as you can recollect.
I know Gen Green was there and my impression is that Gen Butler, I know it was Col Eaton, but not positive it was John 
6th. Did you receive a discharge from the service; by whom was it given and where is it now.
I received a discharge or as I think an instrument of writing from a man named Edward Ruffin who told me it would answer every purpose, which is lost, from among my papers
7th. State the names of some persons in your neighborhood who can testify as to your character for veracity and there belief as to your service as a soldier in the Revolution
I would refer you to HL. Turney, late U.S. senator and Thomas H. Garner, of the neighborhood.
[begin crossed out] Sworn and [end crossed out]

John Denson
Sworn and subscribed this	day of September eighteen hundred and fifty one, I certify that the interrogation to question [illegible] done previous to signing
Jas C Handly, J.P.
Justice of the Peace for Franklin County Tennessee

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4
The county court for Franklin County [illegible] at Winchester do hereby approve the proceedings had before James Handly Esqr. whose name appears, to the foregoing certificate attached to the foregoing declaration and hereby confirm his action. And the said court do hereby declare, that there opinion is that John Denson whose name appears to the annexed declaration is a man of very high standing in this county, for his high moral character, and strict integrity, and it is the opinion of this court that [illegible, crossed out] he did the service therein annexed. And the court further certifies, that it appears, to them that, HL Turney and Thomas H Garner ————— whose, names are signed to the foregoing certificate are residents of this county and there statements are entitled to full faith and credit 
Given this 2nd day of September, at the September term of said court,
Wiley Denson J.P
Chairman of the county court of Franklin County Tennessee

State of Tennessee}
County of Franklin} SS
Wm E Taylor Clerk of the county court, of Franklin County, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains to original proceedings of the said court, in the matter of the application of Mr John Denson for a pension and I further certify that James Handly Esqr whose name appears, to the foregoing certificate is an acting Justice of the Peace, for said county duly commanded and sworn and that [illegible, ink smudge] is genuine. 
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal, at Winchester this 2nd day of September, 1851
Wm E Taylor Clk

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Know all men by these presents that I, John Denson of the county of Franklin and State of Tennessee for [illegible] good causes and considerations here unto moving have and by these presents do nominate constitute and appoint Taze W Newman of the Town of Knoxville Tennessee my true and lawful attorney irrevocably for one and in my name place and [illegible] to prosecute the General Government of the United States, for a pension due me an account of services in the War of the Revolution under the act of Congress of June 7th 1832 granting pensions to certain officers and soldiers in who served in the war of the Revolution, being entitled to a pension under this act, of Congress, I, authorize my said attorney to use all proof of file in any of the Departments at Washington City, and to file any [begin crossed out] and [end crossed out] additional evidance or argument, before the proper departments and to appoint one or [illegible] substitute under him to have such authority as he may have, and to do any and every other act, or, acts, that I could do, in and about the [illegible] and to to every other thing an attorney can legally do in said case, by virtue hereof
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affix my seal this 31st day of March A.D. 1852
Signed Sealed and delivered in presence of
Jas. C. Handly J.P. } John Denson [Seal]
Noah Nash }

State of Tennessee }
County of Franklin } S.S.
Be it known that on this 31st day of March A.D. eighteen hundred and fifty two personally appeared before me an acting Justice of the Peace Mr John Denson and acknowledged the foregoing power of attorney to be his act and deed for the purposes  therein contained In testimony whereof I have here unto set my hand
Jas. C. Handly J.P
Justice of the Peace of Franklin Co Tennessee

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Ho. of Reps. April 13. 1852
I am personally acquainted with John Handly, John Turner and Thomas Garner the within named affiants and know them to be men of truth and veracity entitled to full credit.
G.W. Jones
Tennessee

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No. Carolina }
Richmd. County } To all whom it may concern.
The Bearer hereof Mr. John Denson of the County and State aforesaid, has signified to us his intention of moving from his native State, and settling himself & family in some part of the Western Countries. 
These are therefore to Certify, that in due Justice to the Character of Mr. Denson. We recommend him as a peaceable honest worthy and upright Citizen who has acted faithfully in the defence of his Country and in securing that independence which we now happily enjoy—and his family in every respect has supported the Character of inoffensive worthy people—
We Further Certify that Mr. Denson has lived Neighbours to us about twenty one years, in peace and friendship and his friends can only regret the loss of his company and friendship, and can only hope that he will be received in all parts and among all classes of respectable men—with that friendship and benevolence which we consider him so justly entitled to.—Given under our hands this 1st day of April 1809—
B.H. Covington [illegible]
Clerk of the Genl Assembly of No. Carolina

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State of Tennessee }
County of Franklin } S.S.

On this 31st day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand eighteen hundred and fifty two personally appeared before the subscriber an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the county and State afforesaid, John Turner, aged eighty years past, a resident of said county, and being duly sworn according to Law doth on his oath make the following affidavit. That he is now well acquainted with John Denson, who was a soldier in the war of the Revolution, and has been acquainted with him for the space of thirty nine years, from the time of the settlement of this Franklin County Tennessee, and among the early settlers, it was considered that the said John Denson was a soldier in the war of the Revolution that the affiant considered it so, as does everyone that is acquainted with Denson That he never heard the same contradicted by any one of the old settlers, nor since. That he has considered Denson, to be entitled to a pension, as much so as any man, that served in the Revolutionary War. That this has been the opinion of the neighbors of Denson, ever since the Law passed, and the reason that, he Denson never, appeared was, that his papers was destroyed, and he was able to gain a support, without, it. Such is what Denson, Denson told affiant, repeatedly. 
Affiant further declares, that shortly after he moved to this Franklin County in the year eighteen [illegible, crossed out], hundred and twelve, he became acquainted with John Denson and has lived a neighbor to him ever since, and that, in frequent conversations after his acquainted, and shortly after the above, stated time Denson told him that he was, at the Battle of Guilford Court House North Carolina, and served six months, in one tour of duty, and that after that time, he went into Virginia and joined the army on board an American Vessel of War, and was taken prisoner and was taken to some one of the West India Islands and detained near two years. Affiant further declares that these statements of Denson at that early day was considered true by everyone in the country in which he lives that the same.

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is considered to be true by all his neighbors
Affiant further declares, that from his long and intimate acquaintance with John Denson that he thinks he would not for anything, nor under any considerations, vary from the truth in any statement even were he not under oath. Affiant thinks that if any one is entitled to a pension John Denson should be.
John Turner
Sworn and subscribed this 31st day of March A.D. eighteen hundred and fifty two, before me an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid And I would certify that Capt John Turner who makes the above affidavit is a man in whom full faith and credit, may be placed In testimony whereof I have here unto set my hand.
Jas. C. Handly J.P.
Justice of the Peace for Franklin Co Tennessee

State of Tennessee }
County of Franklin } S.S.

On this 31st day of March A.D. eighteen hundred and fifty two personally appeared before the subscriber an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the county and State afforesaid Thomas Garner aged seventy nine years past, a resident of said county, and being first duly sworn according to Law doth on his oath make the following affidavit. That he is now and has been acquainted with John Denson who was a soldier in the war of the Revolution that he has been acquainted with him for the space of thirty eight years past, and that he has always considered him as one of the soldiers of the war of the Revolution and all his neighbors considered him as one of the men that served in the struggle of this country for its Independence. That he was looked on as such thirty eight years ago, and is still considered as much in this county by all the persons that know him. The old pensioners considered him as such, as affiant has often heard them say, and no person ever contradicted the same. Affiant remembers that

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it was talked of as early as eighteen hundred and fourteen and at that time all persons, among the early Settlers thought and said the Denson was in the old war.
Affiant further declares, that Denson often told him of his service in the War of the Revolution, at the time of his first acquaintance that he served in the State of North Carolina on a tour of six months and was at the Battle of Guilford, in that State, and afterwards he entered in the navy service in Virginia and was taken prisoner by the enemy and detained, as such aboard a prison vessel in some one of the West India Islands, for, near two years, when he was sent home. Affiant further declares that such was the report also among, the early Settlers in this section of Country and that he affiant believes the same to be true, for no one ever contradicted said statement but, every person believed it to be true, and that Denson served as above stated. Affiant further declares, that any statement that Denson would make he would consider true even if he was not under oath, for he is a [strict?] man, and would not under any circumstances vary from the truth, he being a man that has the confidence of everyone that knows him. Affiant further declares, that he has often heard Denson say that the reason he did not, apply for a pension was, that his papers was lost, and that he thought he could live without it. Affiant thinks if anyone is entitled to a pension for services in the war of Revolution John Denson is.

Thomas Garner
Sworn and subscribed before me an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State afforesaid + I would certify that Thomas Garner who makes the foregoing affidavit is a man in whome full faith and credit may be placed In testimony whereof I have unto set my hand this 31st day of March A.D. 1832

Jas. C Handly J.P
Justice of the Peace for Franklin Co Tennessee

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John Denson,
Tennessee 
Act 7 June 1832.
Admd. 
9 mo per- $30
per ann.
Hon. Geo. W. Jones
Ho. of Reps

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{ State of North Carolina
{ Comptroller’s Office

I, William J. Clarke, Comptroller of the 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 sundry persons for Military services in the Revolutionary War, as follows, to wit:
John Denson
Indent of Army certificate No. 1641 paid by the Auditory of Halifax District of $14 & 15 specie
Book No. 2 page 31$9 specie
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my seal of office this 4th day of May 1852
Wm. J. Clark Comptr.

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3279
INVALID
File No. 3279
John Denson
Privt. Reo. War
Act June 7 1832
Index:—Vol. A, Page 92
[Arragnment of 1870.]

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State of Tennessee }
County of Franklin } S.S.
On this 31st day of March A.D. 1852 eight hundred and fifty two personally appeared before the subscriber an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State above written Mr John Hanley and being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following affidavit that he is sixty six years of age, that, he has known John Denson of this county for the space of thirty five years and is now well acquainted with him, and believes that he was a soldier in the war of the Revolution that such has been his opinion for many [crossed out] of [end crossed out] years, and he is still of the opinion that he served in said war, for all the old settlers in this section of country was and are now of the same opinion, and said opinion affiant has never heard contradicted, for any thing that Denson would say in regard to his service affiant would be forced to believe from the fact, that Denson is a man in whome full faith and credit can be placed, and affiant thinks and believes that he would not for any considerations, vary from the truth for he is a good citizen, and held in high regard by all his neighbors and looked on by them as one of the few survivors of the war of the Revolution, and as having aided in procuring for us the Liberty we now enjoy and undergoing the fatigues and hardships to which the American prisioners were forced to undergo, when the fell in the hands of the enemy, such being the case affiant thinks that if any man is entitled to a pension for services in the war of the Revolution John Denson is. 
J. Handly

Be it known that on this	day of March A.D. 1852 personally appeared before me John Hanley and being sworn according to Law, doth on his oath, make the above affidavit I would further certify that he is a man in whom full faith and credit may be placed In testimony I have here unto set my hand.
James C Handly J.P.
Justice of the Peace for Franklin Co Tennessee

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John Denson
Revolutionary Pension
additional proof

Original application on declaration filed by
T.W. Newman in October 1851

Geo. W. Jones
Ho. of Reps

[begin written vertically] hand and affixed my seal of office at office in Winchester this 2nd day of April A.D 1852
Wm E. Taylor Clk [end written vertically]

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State of Tennessee }
County of Franklin } S.S.

On this 31st day of March A.D. eighteen hundred and fifty two personally appeared before the subscriber an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State afforesaid John Denson and being first duly sworn according to law doth on [illegible] his oath make the following affidavit that he made an application for a pension in the year eighteen hundred and fifty one, under the act of Congress of June 7th 1832 that the reason that he did not file his application at an earlier day was that his paper was lost, and he knew of no one that served with him living and he thought he could live without the pension though now knowing that he is entitled to a pension from the moment, he hopes, that, his not applying at an earlyer day will not, be urged against his application 
John Denson

Sworn and subscribed this 31st day of March A.D. 1852 before me an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the said county. In testimony where of I have here unto set my hand
Jas. C. Handly J.P
Justice of the Peace for Franklin Co Tennessee

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State of Tennessee }
County of Franklin } To Wit,
I, Wm E Taylor Clerk of the County Court in and for the County and State of Afforesaid would hereby certify that Jas. Handly, John Turner, and Tho. Garner, who makes the foregoing affidavits are men in whome full faith and credit can be placed, and that John Denson who makes the foregoing affidavit and power of attorney is also, an old citizen of this county, a good citizen and a man, in whome full faith and credit may be placed.

I, further certify that Jas. C. Handly [ink smudge, illegible], before whom the foregoing affidavits was taken, is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said county duly commissioned and sworn and the several signatures purporting to be his are genuine

In testimony where of I have here unto set my hand and affixed my seal of office at office in Winchester this 2nd day of April A.D 1852
Wm E. Taylor Clk.

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Ho. of Reps
April 26/52

On the 14th of April 1852 I filed in the Pension Office additional evidence in support of the application of John Denson –
G.W. Jones

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Pension Office 
April 24 1852

Sir, 
I have the honor to return herewith Mr. Newmans letter relative to the pension claim of John Denson and to enclose you a copy of a letter from this office to him of the 24th Nov., last, which will show you the condition of the claim at that time since when no additional evidence has been recvd.

I have the honor to be
Very Respectfully,
[illegible]

J.E. Heath
Commissioner of Pensions

Hon. Geo. W. Jones
House of Reps.

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No. 38.322
John Denson 
Tennessee
Act June 7th 1832
~
Letter to Taze W Newman
Nov. 24/51.
Let Hon Geo W. Jones Apr 24 1852
Same “26”

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38.322

John Denson
Tennessee
Act June 7th 1832
Letter to Hon GW Jones
Apr. 24/52
Same 26 –

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Winchester Sept 4th 5[0?]
Hon J.E. Heath 

Dear Sir, inclosed you will find the Declaration of Mr John Denson a soldier of the Revolution the only proof, that I can find is a paper, which is inclosed though not attached from the fact, that the paper from B.H. Covington clerk of the Gen Assembly of N.C. was not found till after the Declaration was made. This certificate was given to Mr Denson long before the law for the benefit of such soldiers was passed and I would refer you to, the sentence in that affidavit or letter of recommendation, “As a worthy and upright citizen who has acted faithfully in the defence of his country and in securing that Independence, which we now happily enjoy”
This is all the proof that I can now find and would refer you to your office for other proof, I would refer you to the Name of H.L Turney as regard to the character of Mr John Denson.

Yours Respectfully
Taze W Newman
Attorney 
Winchester Tenn

Hon J.E. Heath
Commissioner of Pensions

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Brief in the case of John Denson
County and State of Tennessee
act of 7 June 1832

Claim, (“original,” or “[begin crossed out]for increase[end crossed out].”)
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Rescind.

(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?

Name and residence of Agent
Hon Geo W. Jones
House of Reps

Kirby 
Examining Clerk