Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 17752, William Watson, Va.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Va.
Watson, William
S. 17752
CONTENTS
carded

Letter to 3 d Aud t 2 th Dec r 13 do. to same & the Hon. John White H.R. Jan. 12. 1841 — do Jan. 11. 1841 to Hon. John White H.R. do. to 3 d Aud t Jan. 15. 1841 —
Paid at the Treasury under the Act of the 16 th April 1838 from 4 March 1831. to 4 March 1840. Age notified 16 March 1841.
Letter to Hon. John White & Cir to Per. Agt. 23 rd June 1841.
To Madison Indiana from 4 Sep r 1840. 7 th July 1841. Notifica- tion to Hon. John White H.R.
1841. 2. 1841
Dec r 29. 1855
Indiana — Madison. 742  Kentucky 7429
William Watson of Madison in the State of Kent who was a Lieutenant in the company commanded by Captain Bowden of the Reg t commanded by Col. Smith in the Virginia line for 1 year!
Inscribed on the Roll of Kentucky at the rate of 160 Dollars — 1 Cents per annu. to commence on the 14th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 10 th day of April 1831 and sent to David Green Richmond Kent.
Arrears to the 14th of March 320. Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 th Sept 8.
$400
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.
Recorded by Book 6
Vol. 7
Page 32
Daniel Boyd Clerk

BRIEF in the case of Wm Watson County of Madison in the State of Kentucky (Act 7th June, 1832.)
 1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Judge  2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity? It does  3. How old is he? 90  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.   Years, Months, Days.     Fall - In 1780 vol 6 or 7 months As a Secret Gen. Col Smith Captn Camden Col Tucker    he states he was more than 12 in service
 5. In what battles was he engaged? none stated -  6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Pittsylvania Co Virginia  7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? living witnesses  8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? authenticated 
X  Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
John L. Ashton Examining Clerk.

18500
Wm Watson Madison County Kentucky
from 1778 Lieutent 1 year. for $160.
Daniel Brek Richmond Kentucky

Will. Watson Paper
Hon. J. A. White Sp. Ho. Reps.

State of Indiana,
Posey County — ss.
On this 27 day of May 1841 before me the Subscriber, a justice of the peace for the said County of Posey personally appeared William Watson, who on his oath declares that he is the same person , who formerly was a Lieutenant in the Service of the United States during the Revolutionary War — That in consequence of his very great age, his recollection is indistinct as to the officers, under whom he served. He served in Virginia very early in the war — His impression is that his Capt. part of the time was by name of Smith — That he was also attached to Capt. Cowden's Company — That Maj. Holcomb & Maj. Duvall were also officers — He is the same person named in the Pension certificate numbered 7429. dated 10. April 1833. Signed Lewis Cope Secretary of War — That his name was placed on the Pension roll of the State of Kentucky — That he removed from Kentucky, the County of Madison, to the County of Posey aforesaid in 1833. in the winter of that year — or very late in the year 1832: That he now resides in the County of Posey aforesaid, where he intends

to reside & remain & continue his prison to be there hereafter in in future — The following are his names for removing from Kentucky to Indiana —
His wife was dead & he lived with his Son John Watson — his Son removed to Indiana and he removed with him & has ever since resided with him —
Affiant formerly wrote his name but his eye sight has failed him so much that he cannot now write ————— William his Watson mark
Sworn & Subscribed to before me this day 1841 of said ————— J.P.
State of Indiana Posey County, S.S.
John Watson that on this 28 th May 1841 made oaths before me that  he a justice of the peace for the County aforesaid that William Watson, who has made & subscribed the foregoing statement, is the father of affiant and that he knows him to be the same person he represents himself to be — & the same person named in said Prison certificate — that he has lived with affiant for many years past and removed with affiant to the County of Posey aforesaid.

from Madison County, Kentucky, in 1833. and has ever since I have resided with affiant in said County of Posey - That his father, he has always un- derstood, was an officer in the American Revolution, a Lieutenant -
John Watson
Sworn & subscribed before me this day & year aforesaid - and I further certify that said John Watson is personally known to me as a man of good standing & a credible person on oath, —
John Alcorn J.P.
State of Indiana
Posey County. S.S.
I James Nelson — Clerk of the Circuit Court for the County aforesaid hereby certify that Thomas Alcorn — whom certificates are forgoing, was at the date thereof & still is a justice of the peace in & for the County of aforesaid and that his signatures thereto are genuine.
In testimony whereof I have set my hand & affixed my seal of office this 28 th day of May - 1841 —
J. Nelson clerk

Will. Watson - Duluthian
18500
✓
1832 000 1762

State of Kentucky § 55 Madison County § 56
On this 12 th day of Sept. 1832 personally appeared before John Breckinridge one of the Justices of the County Court in the State County of Madison aforesaid William Watson a resident of said County aged 90 years the 28 th day of September 1832, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832. That he received the brevet of the United States, under the following named officers & services as here in stated — That in the Fall of 1780, he knows it was but a short time after Genl. Greene moved on to the South, he went out in the Militia from Pittsylvania County Virginia as Sentinel of a company commanded by Capt. Thomas Smith — Robert Smith his Twin B r , was killed — his recollections are volunteered — he remained in North Carolina & did not return till after the Battle of Guilford or Guilford Court House — he was not in the battle having been out upon a scouting or foraging expedition. Not returning till the morning after the battle — Shortly after that battle he was dis- charged & returned to Virginia — At the time he was out on this tour or campaign six or seven months — Immediately after his return to Virginia the Militia were again called for & he again volunteered as Sentinel of a

company commanded for some time by Capt. Smith - that he was afterwards detached & served as lieutenant in a company commanded by Capt. James Crowder - thinks Col. Tucker was his Col. - was in Genl. Lawton's Brigade. he marched to Richmond - was at James Town - Malvern Hill - & York - continued in the service till a short time before the surrender of Cornwallis - when he was discharged - thinks he was out on this tour five or six months - is confi- dent he was out in all more than 12 months - his memory has failed him a good deal of late & he cannot detail things as he once could - his commission as Lieutenant was signed he thinks by Mr. Jefferson - by him or Patrick Henry - it has been lost or destroyed long since - he has no discharge or documentary evidence in his possession to prove his services - trusts the proof of his old friends Anthony & Saml. Perkins will be sufficient - he was born in Louisa County Va - has been in Tenn. about 28 years - he hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present & declares that his name is not on the pension of the agency of any state - Sworn to & subscribed by William Watson said Watson with his own hand the day & year first above John Broadus J. P.

Knowlton, Madison County. S.S.
We Anthony Perkins & Samuel Perkins residents of Madison County of aforesaid, do hereby certify that we have been acquainted with William Watson an applicant as a Revolutionary officer, for the benefit of the late acts of Congress, ever since we were boys. That we knew him in the Revolutionary war & that he was an officer in the Militia in the service of the United States, we think a Lieutenant - we both saw him in the service as an officer at Mobbins Hill during the war - fully con- fident he was a Lieutenant - that he has always been so reported - that we believe him to be 90 years of age as he states - & that he served in the Revolutionary war as a Lieutenant - we further certify that said Watson has always sustained a fair character -
Anthony his Perkins.
Samuel his Perkins mark
Subscribed & sworn to before me, Henry B. Hawkins, a Justice of the peace in & for the County of Madison aforesaid, & I certify that

Said Anthony & Samuel Perkins, who have subscribed the foregoing certificates, are residents of Madison County aforesaid from credible persons of good character That their statement is entitled to credit - Given under my hand this 8 th day of September 1832 - Henry B. Hawkins Jr.

I John Broadley one of the Justices of the Peace for the County of Middlesex do hereby certify that the within is a true and correct copy of the original thereof as shown to me by the said Applicant. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of the said Court this 11th day of March 1881. I further certify that the said Applicant from his great age & bodily infirmity cannot without great inconvenience attend the County Court aforesaid at the trial of justice for said County - And I further certify that I am acquainted with Anthony Hann & Perkin, whose affidavits or evidence is hereto attached, that they are credible persons of good character - & their statements are true to the best of my knowledge - I further certify that I am well acquainted with said Applicant - that he is a man of good character & reported to have been an officer of the Revolution - John Broadley J.P.

a late of Kentucky Madison County ss
I David Irvine clerk of the court for the county aforesaid do hereby certify that John Barraday and Henry B. Hawkins Esqrs whose names are subscribed to the writings are both acting justices of the peace, and that there are and their proper signatures, & are both justices of the Madison County Court.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office this 21. day of September 1822.
David Irvine Clerk

January 7, 1935
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
William Watson-S.17752 James White-S.37536 BA-J/AWF
Hanna Mrs. Scott C. Hamet 20 E. Delaware Place Chicago, Illinois
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War records of William Watson and James White, both of whom served from Virginia and were pensioned from Kentucky.
The data furnished herein were obtained from the papers on file in pension claims based upon the military service during the War of the Revolution of William Watson and James White.
William Watson-S.17752
William Watson was born September 5, 1742 in Louisa County, Virginia, names of his parents not given.
While residing in Pittsylvania County, Virginia, he volunteered in the fall of 1780 and served six or seven months as lieutenant in the Virginia militia, under Captain Thomas Smith and Colonel Robert Smith. He, again, volunteered, served as lieutenant and grp Captain Smith and James Cowden, Colonel Tucker, was discharged a short time before the surrender of Cornwallis, having served five or six months.
He was allowed pension on his application executed September 13, 1832, then a resident of Madison County, Kentucky, having then lived in Kentucky about
Letter to William Watson Sept 5, 1742

twenty-eight years.
The soldier, William Watson, moved in 1833 with his son, John Watson, to Posey County, Indiana, where they were both living in 1841. The soldier's wife was dead in 1833, her name is not shown and there are no further details in regard to her.
Reference was, also, made to the soldier's sons, William H. Watson and Francis M. Watson.
The soldier died September 2, 1846.
There are no further data in this claim relative to the family of William Watson.
*****
James White-S.37536
The date and place of birth of James White are not shown in the claim, nor are the names of his parents given.
He enlisted in February, 1777, while residing in King George County, Virginia, served as a private in Captain John Hudson's company, Colonel William Brent's Virginia regiment, and was discharged in 1780 in Fredericksburg, Virginia. He enlisted and served eighteen months in Colonel Christian Febiger's Virginia regiment, and was discharged at Yorktown.
He was allowed pension on his application executed February 22, 1830, at which time he was seventy-five years of age and living, with his son, John White, on Ripple Creek, Campbell County, Kentucky.
The soldier died January 27, 1833, leaving children, two of whom were living in the state of Illinois, the other children residing in Kentucky and Tennessee.
The name of the soldier's wife is not given, nor

are the names of children stated, other than John White, referred to above.
There are no further data in this claim relative to the family of James White.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator

J. L. Edwards Esq Chair of Pensions Sir
Pension Office Basingstoke Hg. 29 June 1841.
In reply to Your letter of the 23. inst I have to inform You that William Watson a pensioner on the roll of this agency under the act of 7 June 1832 at 160 Dollars per annum was last paid on 4 Sept r 1840 And will not again be paid at this agency
I am Sir resp y Yours etc James A. Mansel Reading Agent

Telephone Whitehall 4970
Veterans Administration Washington, D. C.
My dear Sirs -
Please send me copy of all information given in the pension application of the Rev. soldier James Blank- va. here residing in Campbell Co. Ky. - the Rev. soldier - the Rev. soldier Wm  Blank- va. here residing Henderson Co. Ky. Thanking you
Yours truly
Elaine L. Hanes (Mrs Scott C.) 20 E. Delaware Place. Chicago.
Dec. 12. 1934.

1212 S. 46th St-
Phila, Pa
Jan 5, 1904
Bureau of Pensions Washington, D.C. Gentlemen,
OWR E.C.
Is it possible for you to advise me whether or not William Watson, of Virginia, an enlistee in the Revolution, ever drew a pension or not? - I think he enlisted from Charles- ton - perhaps it was Amelia- ton at that time - I do not just

region How the counties 2 were named at that time - I should also like to learn, in case he did draw a pension for services rendered, if his wife and children are mentioned in same -
This man also fought in the War of 1812 as a captain and it is possible he received a pension for this service. Any information that you can give me in this

matter will be very greatly appre- ciated — Very truly yours, Mary E. Paulson
(Miss) Mary E. Paulson 1212 S. 46th St Philadelphia Pa.

U. OLD WAR & NAVY JAN 3 1904 FILES. P.

RECORD DIVISION.
Department of the Interior, BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Briefed by F. W. Dec. 20, 1909.
Claim No. _____
Certificate No. _____
Claimant _____
Soldier William Watson
Service 1812.
Additional Service. _____
No ✓ claim, State records ✓ , 190___
No claim, combination records ✓ , 190___
REMARKS:
No war of 1812 claim.

14452
INVALID.
File No.
177.522 William Watson Leint Row Wm
Act:
June 7 th 89
Index:—Vol.
/
, Page
396
[Arrangement of 1870.]

June 16, 1904 - His 5 Miss Mary E. Pugh ow- 1935 Jan 7. birth to Mrs. Scott C. Hanna  Hanna
Shippensburg, Pa

Wm Watson BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of 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 in the county 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

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? living witnesses -
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it? no
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?
XIV. † If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service? yes
If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses? yes
Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct?
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? yes
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? 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 me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served 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."

It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours; the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must in every case be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
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 he 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 XV.  Mode of authenticating papers.
In every case where the certificate of the certifying officer to authenticate 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 ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, has no public seal of office, the certificate of a member of congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.

TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
Second Comptroller's Office,
January 16 th 1841.
Sir :
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," William Watson, — a Pensioner on the Roll of the Kentucky Agency, at the rate of One hundred Sixty Dollars and — Cents per annum, under the law of the 7 th June 1832, has been paid at this Department, from the 1 st of March 1831, to the 1 st March 1840.
Respectfully yours,
William B. Passmore
Comptroller.
To the Commissioner of Pensions,
Present.

Free
Hon. John White, Speaker H. Rep. Washington City, D.C.

Richmond June 15. 1841.
My dear Sir,
I send you enclosed the papers of William Watson for a transfer of his Pension to Indiana — say Vincennes as most convenient — Please have it attended to & enclose the new certificate to me —
I trust you will have no trouble in the business — you will probably have heard of the faithlessness, ingrateitude & treachery of one friend Park before this reaches you — Jackson undertook by attachment to secure the Heronimus note on Park & I believe did secure it — The some nights on the next Park sent off his slaves — I have not seen him, but have taken steps to take hold of what is left & to hold Park by a re-quest — What can be done, shall be
Your friend D. M. D.

Pension Office, December 27, 1838.
Sir,
In reply to your note, without date, I have to state that William Watson's pension under act of June 7, 1832, for his revolutionary service, appears to have been paid to 4 th March 1842 - The arrears accruing from that date to the date of his death, are receivable by his children before the 3 rd annuity of the Preamble. I enclose the proper form and instructions.
He was not an invalid's pensioner - and he does not appear to have applied for such an allowance. Invalid's pensions are only allowable from the date of the application of the party to the date of the death of the soldier. Of course there could be no arrears of pension due in respect of his  his service in the war of 1812. Very respectfully YC
W. M. Jackson Esq, Proctor, Kentucky.

Claim of William H. Watson Madison Co. Ky
State the conditions of the claim. The heirs think it was a Cleave
Yrs Dr Miller from D. Wilson for all purposes

J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions

House of Representatives Jan'y. 11 th 1841-
The undersigned, states, he is personally acquainted with Daniel Bruck Esq - of Richmond Ky, whose Affidavit, where is filed with the Papers of David Watson - in the Pensions Department - That he has known Mr Bruck intimately for 15 years - That he is a lawyer eminent in his profession - he has been several years a Member of the State Legislature - a man of sterling integrity - He, states, he also knew, William Watson, but not, intimately - when he knew him, he resided, on Falls Creek, Madison County Ky - some 8 or 10 years ago - he emigrated west about, that time - The undersigned has not seen him him since - as he recollects - He knew, his sons John & William H Watson, the first slightly - having seen him but seldom - Thos H - The undersigned, knew intimately - he resided in the Town of Richmond several years - learning the Saddlers Trade - The moral character of William Watson ,

as albumin - John & William H. his sons is good, so far as the undersigned knows or believes -
John White

Here. Lewis Caps. Vog. of Man -

Richmond, Ky. Sept. 21. 1832.
Hon. L. C. G. S. Sir,
I have heretofore forwarded to you a number of Revolutionary Claims issued the late act of Congress. Some of them time matters since or more — Information in relation to some of them has been received — I recently learned a few days since that the delay was probably occasioned by my not being personally known to you or the officers of your Department — Should that have been the cause of the delay, the Hon. R. P. Letcher has assured me that he would use discretion to oblige me

I now have the honor to furnish you the class of William Watson, a part of the militia of the Revolution. Information in reference to his class you will please communicate to
Most respectfully
Yours & Servt.
Samuel Park

State of Kentucky
Madison County, Set,
On this 1 st day of January 1841. personally appeared before me, Hugh Giddins, a justice of the peace in & for the County aforesaid, Daniel Beck, a resident of said County, & made oath in due form of law - That in 1832 he prepared the declaration & papers of William Watson for a pension - That said Watson then resided in the County of Madison aforesaid & was person- ally well known to affiant for many years before - That he claim- -ed & was reputed to have been a Lieutenant in the Army of the Revolution - Affiant forwarded the papers of Watson to the War Department - In the winter of 1833 & before any return was received as to the fate of his applica- -tion, said Watson removed with his son to the State of Indiana. His certificate was rendered to affiant, who did not for a long time ascertain the

residence of said Watson - He then sought to advise him that his claim had been allowed, but believes he never obtained the intitlements - His certificate was laid by like the month of December last when affiant was in Indiana, found the said William Watson, the same person, named in the previous certificate accompanying the Power of Attorney to the Hon. John White to draw his pension from the 4 th March 1831 to the 4 th March 1840 - Affiant has known said Watson for twenty five years past, but did not see him from the winter 1833 till December last - He knows that the William Watson named in said previous certificate is the same identical William Watson, who subscribed & acknowledged said Power of Attorney to the Hon. John White - Affiant was present when said power was acknowledged as a subscribing witness - to the same - Samuel Brock

The foregoing affidavit submitted & sworn to before me on the day & year first therein written, and I further certify that said David Irvine is a credible witness on oath. — S. G. Giddens J.P.
State of Kentucky Madison County, ss.
I David Irvine Clerk of the County Court of Madison County aforesaid certify that Hugh Giddens whose certifi- cate & signature are above, is an acting justice of the peace in the said County & that his said signature is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have subscribed my name & affixed the seal of my said office this 1 st January 1841 —
David Irvine Clerk of the Court of Madison County —

3 d Auditor's Office
Dec 23. 1838.
Sir.
William Watson, appears to have been paid at Madison Ind. under the Act of June 7 th 1832, to March 11. 1842.
Very Resp y
of  of  the  the
Auditor
Geo: C. Whiting Esq.
Co. comm ee of Pensions

Pension Office, Dec. 22, 1838
Your auditor will please certify the date to which within named pensioner was paid. 4 m' 42
Very resp John Dobb Chief Clerk
Healy