Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 18,258, John Watson, Va.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Va
Watson, John Hannah
N. 18,258
CONTENTS

Virginia. 1829.
Hannah Watson widow of John Watson
who died on the _____ 1824 of Mathews in the State of Virginia who was a private in the Comp y commanded by Captain Billings of the reg t commanded by Col W a in the militia line of Virginia
for 12 months, private
Inscribed on the Roll of Virginia at the rate of 40 Dollars _____ Cents, per annum, commence on the 14th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 24 th day of Octo- ber 1837 — and sent to John P. Stokes, Mathews C.H. Va
Arrears to the 14th of Sept r 1837 $260.00 Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Mar ch 38 20.00
$ 280.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the 30 }
Recorded by D. M. Cundy Clerk, Book A. Vol. 2. Page 160.

State of Virginia County of Mathews on the 17 th day of May 1837 personally appeared before me a Justice of the peace in and for the said County and State Hannah Watson a resident of said County aged Eighty Eight 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 provi- sion made by the Act of Congress passed July the 4 - 1836 that she is the widow of John Watson who was a soldier in the Revolutionary war he entered the service of the United States in 1776 under command of Capt Richard Billings at the time Lord Dunmore came to Gwynn's island and so continued in the service from time to time until the war ended I do not recollect the number of his tours of duty he served with the other militia that belong to this parish and went out on guard when Everette Billings called on him the length of his tours of duty was from one to three months I know of no engagement that he was in except the one at Little York. my husband John Watson came to this parish just before the war he told me that he ran away from the British that was in Boston - she further declared that she was married to John Watson in February 1776 by parson Fields we were married at church I know of nobody that is now living that was present on that occasion and that her husband the afore- said John Watson died in 1824 and that she has remained a widow ever since that period as will more fully appear by the accompanying proof here to annexed
Her Hannah Watson May 17
sworn to and subscribed on this day and year above written before me a Justice of the peace in and for the said County and I do hereby certify that Hannah Watson who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration is a woman of character and that her statements is worthy of credit and that she cannot attend the court by reason of bodily infirmity given under my hand and seal
W. Shultice (P.B.)

Virginia
I Shepard G. Miller Clerk of the County Court of Mathews, do hereby certify that William Shultice Esquire, before the within declara- tion was made, is a justice of the peace in the County aforesaid, duly commissioned and qualified and that his signature hereto is genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and fixed the seal of the said Court this 17 th day of May 1837
Shepard G. Miller
1951

The Agnes Hannah Watson Children June 2 nd 1851

Mary Watson was born March 10 th 1777 Joseph S Watson was born October 24 th 1778 John Watson was born February 3 1781 James Watson was born October 8 th 1784 Letitia was born March 28 th 1786 Nancy G Watson was born July 22 1788 Betsy Watson was born January 20 th 1795
18
19
1788 1783
55
1795 1783
62

Best of his Recollect at present and I do hereby certify that he is a man who has ever sustained a character for veracity given under my hand and seal this the 13 day of May. 1837
John D Jarvis J.P.
Virginia
I Shepard G. Miller Clerk of the County Court of Mathews do hereby certify that John D - Jarvis Esq. before whom the foregoing affidavit was made is a Justice of the peace in the County of Mathews duly commissioned and qualified and that his signature hereto is genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of the said Court this 17th day of May 1837.
Shepard G. Miller

the deposition of William Morgan taken before me the undersigned a Justice of the Peace in the County of Mathews and State of Virginia in support of the services of John Watson in the Revolutionary war. the Affiant being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following statements to wit. He deposeth and sayeth that he became acquainted with John Watson on or about the year of 1775 and so continued to be until his death which happened in the year 1804. - - I Also know that he entered the Service of the United States in 1776 as a private in the militia service under Capt. Richard Billeaps who commanded a militia company and went to Erick Hill to stand guard on account of Lord Dunmore having possession of Gwynn's island and served a tour of duty of one month. - - Sir John Payton Col. - - in 1777 he was again called out under the same officers and went to the mouth of Horn Harbor on the bay shore where the British were expected to land and served a tour of duty of six weeks. - - in the same year he was called out in like order under the same officers and served another tour of duty of two months at New Point and the mouth of Peppercorn creek. - - in 1778 he was again called out under the same officers and started to go to Hampton on account of the British being in the Bays and started to Gloucester Cause House and hearing there that the greater part of their hand gone off and we stay there and after a while returned home there was one or two other companies started with Capt. Billeaps in company they all returned together on that tour of duty he served one month - - in the same year he was called out in like order under the same officers and served another tour of duty for two months at New Point and other places on the bay shore wherever the guard was wanting. - - in 1779 he was called out in like order under the same officers and started to go to William Burg on account of the British having gone up James River expecting that they were going to make an attack on Williamsburg  that place we started at Gloucester Cause House and thence on to King & Queen where we crossed the ferry and went on to Williamsburg where we were stationed for some time expecting the British to make an attack or every night but they made no attack and after we being there some time we marched down to Little York and then came on home in that tour of duty he served two months. - - in the same year he was

called out in like order under the same officers and went to Lillys neck and served the tower of duty for one month - - - - - in 1780 he was again called out under the same officers on account of some Bargsis coming up the  the River and went down, on the River shore when we had a little engagement with them after the Bargsis had gone down the River Capt R. Billings march his com- pany to new point where they was station for six weeks and then was Relieved by some other company, in the same year he was called out in like order under the same officers when several other companys was called out to go to old James town on James River on account of the British being up the River and march on to King & Queen and cross the ferry at the Brick House and then march on to Biscoe Tavern where Col Page met us and stop us there for a little while on account of our fatigue and give us all something to drink and then march us down to Williamsburg where we was stationed some time and then march us down on James River to a place below Biscoe ferry and after being station there sometime the British came along down the River and Col Page saw them coming he had us all pinned Expecting that they would land and placed us under the side of a Hill and kept up a contin- ual march up on the Brow of the Hill and then down in the valley so as to make out that we had a grate many men but at the same time we did not have more than 3 or 4 hundred but the British did not land they passed on down the River viewing us as they went after they had gone we march again to Williamsburg and thence down to Little York where we fell in with the Balance of the Gloucester Militia Bared down to Hampton and they wanted us to go and let them go back again but our officers would not agree to it Capt Houlden Hedges told the officers that was from King & Queen parish to persuade them men it was done Capt Hedges placed himself in front and soon that not one of the men from King & Queen should go to Hampton that they had all ready been from home long Enof and that the militia from the upper part of Gloucester might go if any went in the mean time one of the Continental officers rode along by and asked what men these was Capt Hedges told him that they was the Gloucester King & Queen militia commonly called

The Blood Hounds the other militia went on down to Hampton and we came on here on that tower of duty he served two and a half months - - - - - in 1781 he was again called out under the same officers and went to New Point and served a tower of duty of one month - - - in the same year he was called out in like order under the same officers on account of Cornwallis coming to Little York and went up on the lines when he was stationed some time and then back down to Hubbard Old Field where we were stationed some time and then back down near Gloucester town where we were stationed until the Battle of Yorktown and after the surrender of Cornwallis we were all discharged and came home on that tower of duty he served three months the way I know that Watson served the above mentioned towers of duty I served the greater part with him and I saw him in the service frequently Watson was an Englishman came to this county just before the war commenced and learned and was as valiant a soldier as we had in the army he had many little engagements with the British Barges whilst stationed at New Point the number of them I do not recollect
I further declare that John Watson was married to Hannah Taber in the months of Jany or February 1776 I was not present at the marriage but it was said that they were married and I never heard it disputed by any body I saw them together a short time after they were married they lived in this neighborhood all the time since their marriage and his family live here now I was well acquainted with Hannah Taber before Watson married her and I know that she has remained a widow ever since the death of Watson
William Morgan
State of Virginia County of Mathews Personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace in and for the said County William Morgan Resident in the County and made oath that the matters and things contained in the foregoing affidavit is the truth according to the

The deposition of Richard Hunt taken before me a Justice of the peace in the County of Mathews and State of Virginia in support of the services of John Watson in the Revolutionary war the affiant being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following statements to wit - He deponeth and saith that he was well acquainted with John Watson late a Resident of this County the said Watson was an Englishman came this County just before the Revolutionary war and some short time after he had been here he intermarried with Hanner Tabor who was Raised in this parish and Remained here the balance of his life and I do further declare after hearing the Magistrate Reading the deposition of William Morgan about the services of John Watson in the Revolutionary war and having explained to him the different towers of duty mentioned therein and each year for the said Hunt doth say that the different towers of duty set forth by Morgan in his deposition is correct according to the best of his Recollection at present for served with him in the Revolutionary war I with him at Gloucester Court House Williamsburg and at Gloucester town and many other places and I do further declare that John Watson was married to Hanner Tabor in the Month of January or February 1776 and that they lived together in this parish as long as Watson lived I was not present at the marriage but it was a common talk in the neighborhood Hood and I never heard any body dispute it he had several children by her which now lives in this County Watson died in 1824 as well as my mother since then and his wife Hanner has Remained a widow ever since
Richard Hunt (Seal) Craarke
State of Virginia County of Mathews to wit
Personally appeared before me the undersigned a Justice of the peace in and for the said County Richard Hunt a Resident of said County and made oath to the truth of the foregoing affidavit and I do hereby certify that he is a man who has ever sustained a character for veracity given under my hand and seal this the 15 th day of May 1837
Richard B. Bousley J.P.

Virginia
I Shepard G. Miller Clerk of the County Court of Mathews, do hereby Certify that Richard B Brownley Esquire, before whom the within affidavit was made, is a justice of the peace in the County aforesaid, duly commissioned & qualified and that his signature thereto, is genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of the said Court this 17th day of May 1837
Shepard G. Miller

V 1987 Hannah Watson mā of John Virginia
Marr'd 1776
Died 1874
Pa. 12 m. per share $40 per ann. comg 4 shares 1831.
Virginia Militia
Capt Billings
Col

Mathews Court House Va May the 18 57
Sir
Enclosed you find the declaration of Mrs. Hanner Watson who is a Plaintiff for a pension supported by the Indepositions of William Morgan and Richard Hurst There cannot be any Evidence had from the Clerks office in con- nection to the marriage of Hanner Taber and John Watson in consequence of the office having been burnt and all the papers being destroyed you will find inclosed a old sheet of paper which will give you some satisfaction if it be not Evidence
Yours Respectfully yours
John P. Stokes
J. L. Edward Esqr Washington City

WIDOW, &c.
File No. 18258
Hannah Watson
Widow of
John Watson
Priv. Rev. War
Act: July 4 th 1936
Index:—Vol. M Page 3111
[Arrangement of 1870.]

On the Matthew B. H. m. September 27.
Fru
J. L. Edwards Esq. Washington City. pension office

Matthew Grant W September 29 th 1837
Mr Edwards Sir
I received a letter from you under 22 nd of August last Relative to the case of Mr Han- nah Watson for which I returned an urgent answer for which I have received no answer I would be very glad to no what disposition you have made of the papers please let me hear from you as soon as you receive this
I am Respectfully yours
John P. Southwick

Great
Mathew 23
Sept 23
Hannah Walsh Dulwich May 1987 24 May
Washington pension office

Matthews Court House
August 28 1837
I received your letter of the 16 inst. with its enclosure and have to say in reply that I am much obliged to you for your information. I am also requested to give you the Christian name of Ellen Watson it is Hannah. The Declaration Ellen Hannah Watson with the affidavits in support of it was entered and forwarded to your office by me same time in May, last and I have had nothing from them since you will please let me know from you as soon as you receive my letter.
I am Respectfully your John B. Trotter
Geo. Washington Esqr Washington City person of office

Sept 6 Stashns C. 86. 82 Sept. 4
See
J. Edward Esq. Washington City Pension Office

Autumn Court House Va September 4th 1837
Sir
I answer your letter of the 23 rd inst relative to the case of Mrs Hannah Watson it appears that there are some doubts prevailing upon your mind relative to the truth of the state- ment set forth in the Depositions of Mrs Morgan and Richard Duest in support of the services of John Watson in the Revolutionary war, and you allude as a reason for your doubt of Mrs Morgan that four years ago she was unable to give any specification of his services and that he could now at the late hour of the day convert and give a full specification of his services. you say since some what remark- able & what Mrs Morgan said four years ago I am unable to answer for but this much I will say that what he said then he will say say now. again I have to inform you that Mrs Morgan is a woman of truth and her that any statements made by her in a court of justice when she is kind enough to take an oath or any means if you doubt this you have better make some enquiry about her character. you also state that it might be that in granting Mrs Watson a pension for twelve months from the knowledge that the Department knew of the militia on the Eastern Shore in 1775 & 1776 and if she could exist of have to the best of her knowledge inform the Department of it Mrs Watson would be thankful to know any thing that the Department might allow her in justice if the Department give no credit to what Mrs Morgan and Mrs Duest has said in support of the services of John Watson I do not notice

a pension could be granted her for twelve months and if what they have said is believed I do not believe they can sustain the time set forth in the Depositions & accounts twelve months for it is very evident that the knowledge that the Department people of the services, the militia on the Eastern Shore is no Evidence in this case you have the papers before you to Dis- pose of as you think proper
I am Respectfully yours
John P. Stokes
W. L. Edwards Esq. Washington City Pension Office

Charles G. P. Lee The option No size Hannah Watson
due General Express Washington City Purdue Office

Matthias C. H. Oct 16 1857
Sir
I am sorry that I am so obliged long tho I expect a gain Inquiry of you concerning about the papers of Alexander Wetmore more papers was forwarded to your office in May last in & I hope you addressed a letter to me acknowledging the conformity of them to the schedule of the Department stating at the same time that you might be desirous in granting him a pension for twelve months I am sure that letter as soon as was convenient I have never been any answer from you since besides I have written to you since and I have not received any answer at all as your will please answer my inquiries as soon as you have my letter
I am Respectfully yours
John P. Kirtland
J. L. Edwards Esq. Washington City Pension Office