Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 177, John Williams, Continental (N.C.)

SERVICE
NUMBER
Continental (N.C.)
Williams, John.
W. 177
Martha.
B & Wt. 21 81-160.55
Born in N.C.
Patsy or
CONTENTS

12.970. North Carolina
John Williams
of Wake in the State of N o Carolina who was a pri:car: in the company commanded by Captain Gamble of the Reg t commanded by Col. Washington in the North Carolina line for 2 years
Inscribed on the Roll of North Carolina at the rate of 100 Dollars Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 20 th day of June and sent W m Seawell Raleigh N.C.
Arrears to the 4th of March '33 - 2 00 Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 Sept th " - 50
$ 2 50
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by W m Miller Clerk Book E. Vol. 6. Page 59

187034 Mar. 26/55
act 5. Mar 55
Martha Williams wid. John Williams
Dragoon in N. Contl. line,
"Pensioner" (act. Feb. 3. 53)
Rev: War
Admit 166100, July 9 th 1855,
B. C. [unintelligible]
Brynton
N 6 July 53 No 3489
2181 ip July 9/55 J. W. Kilkham Raleigh N. Car.
Vol 102 page 2-

Restoration
No. 2489
North Carolina
Martha Williams
widow of John Williams who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Private of Cavalry Capt Gamble N.C.
Raleigh agency.
Rate 100 Dollars or cents per annum.
Commencing 4 th March 1861 terminating 6 th June 1861, Payable to W m Jones for Legal heirs
Certificate dated 28 th April 1869 and sent to W m Jones Esq No 275 So 3 rd St Williamsburg N.Y.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act Feb- ruary 3, 1853, Page 220 Vol. 26
J. N. Smith Clerk

25264 John Williams Wakelee - N. Carolina
Dear Mr. Hall Admiring as private. Ever - 2 yr $100
William Seavell Raleigh Wakelee - N. Carolina

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
183
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. These points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
N. Carolina
A Statement, shewing the Service of John Williams Wake County
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. Proof by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     Enlistment Feb 1776 discharged Sep 81 5 Private Cavalry Capt Gamble Col Washington Genl Lincoln 79 years Bute Co N. Carolina Witnesses & traditional evidence stated audibly by the Court  
I am, respectfully; Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS, Commissioner of Pensions.

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
 1. The Regular Troops.  2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.  3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.  4. Indian Spies. 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss. County of }
On this day of personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of in the county of and State, Territory or District of aged (c) years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) , with and served in the (e) regiment of the line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. [This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I of the Court of do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this day of &c.
If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the and C. D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with , who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, Clerk of the Court of do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this day of &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration, (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his.

alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following ( m ) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.  6. { To a Soldier. } Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it? { To an Officer. } Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?  7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. 
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons—one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, 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. 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 that 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.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he 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.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers 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.
Proof of Service.
[j] 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 claimant's 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.
[k] The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[l] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[m] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[n] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
John C. Ashton

Rev. John Martha Williams Widow of John William Reuben Now applying under act 3 march 1855-
from J H Ketchum Raleigh N.C.

State of North Carolina Wake County March— the twenty fourth one thousand eight hundred and fifty five Mrs Martha Williams aged about 84 years a resident of Wake County North Carolina This day personally appeared before me the Undersigned an acting Justice of the peace in and for said County who being first duly sworn according to law, makes the following declaration under the act of Congress the third day of March 1855— She declares that she has never made any application or declaration for Bounty land under this or any other act of Congress nor made any other application therefor. but this She declares that she is the Identical Widow of John Williams deceased Wake County N. Carolina who was a pensioner of the United States from said County of Wake N. Carolina at the rate of one hundred
Dollars per annum who died about nine years ago in said County N. Carolina and she has remained the widow of the Identical John Williams ever since his death She declares that her maiden name before her said marriage to the said John Williams was Martha Jones and was married in Franklin County N. Carolina to said John Williams and she respectfully refers to the evidence on file among her papers in Washington City upon said evidence as the widow of the Identical John Williams & she now draws a pension of one hundred Dollars per annum and the following is a true copy of her pension Certificate, Department of the Interior Widows pension. I certify that in conformity with the 2 d Section of the act of February 3-1853

Martha Williams widow of John Williams who was a private of Cavalry in the Revolutionary war is inscribed on the pension list at the rate of one Hundred Dollars per annum commencing on the 3 rd of February 1853 and continuing for life unless she should again marry in which case the pension is not payable after the time of such marriage. Given at the Department of the Interior this twenty first day of January one thousand eight hundred and fifty four P B McClelland Secretary of the Interior
Examined & Countersigned L P Waldo
Commission of Pensions She declares that the above is a true copy of her said pension Certificate, and that she has not intermarried but continues the widow of the above mentioned John Williams and her said Pension Certificate is N o 3489 and that she claims under said act of Congress 3 March 1855, and this is her first & only application & she has never before applied and never rec d Bounty land from the U States for her said husband services who died in Wake County N.C. about 9 years ago
Subscribed & sworn to before me. H. H. Gully J.P. Martha W Williams marks

We J B Ezell and Alsey Catman residents of Wake County in and for said County and State of North Carolina upon our oaths declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Mrs Martha Williams in our presence and that we believe from the appearance and statements of the applicant that she is the identical person she represents herself to be
J B Ezell Alsey Catman
The foregoing Declaration and affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above written and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons that the claimant is the person she represents herself to be and that I have no interest in this claim
F. M. Gully J.P.
State of North Carolina Wake County } I Thomas J. Alley Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for the County of Wake aforesaid do hereby certify that F. M. Gully whose name appears to the foregoing Declaration & Certificate was at the time of signing the same a justice of the peace in and for said County duly commissioned and sworn and that the signature purporting to be his is genuine
In testimony whereof I hereunto subscribe my name and affix the seal of said Court at Office in Raleigh this 24 th day of March A.D. 1855
Thomas J. Alley Clerk

Martha Williams widow of John
Petition for Pension. Act 1853.
Filed by P. H. Winston Raleigh N.C.

State of North Carolina Wake County }
On this 16th. day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty three, before me the undersigned a Justice of the peace in and for the County and State aforesaid personally appeared Martha Williams, aged about 84 years, to me well known and whom I certify to be fully entitled to credit, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth upon her oath declare, in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed 1853, that she is the widow of John Williams who was a Revolutionary pensioner of the United States, pensioned for his services in the Revolutionary War, at the rate of one hundred ($100) dollars per annum, as will appear by his pension certificate recorded in the Pension Office at Washington City; that she was married to the said John Williams by William Arrandell a minister of the Methodist Protestant Episcopal Church, in the County of Franklin State of North Carolina in the month of February about the year 1810 ; that said John Williams died in the County of Wake on the 7th. day of June 1845 ; and that she has not intermarried but still continues his widow. Of the truth of which statement I am fully satisfied
Sworn to and subscribed } before me, the day & year first above written.
Drury King J.P. Witness Wm. Clarke
Witness John L. King.
Martha her X Williams mark

State of North Carolina Wake County
On this 16th day of March 1853 before me the undersigned a Justice of the peace in and for the County and State aforesaid personally appeared John P. C. Wyatt and John C. King persons well known to me and whom I certify to be fully entitled to credit, who being first duly sworn ac- cording to law, do upon their oath declare that they are wholly disinterested in the statements which they now make, that they were well acquainted with John Williams deceased and his widow Martha, that the said John Williams was always considered and believed to be a Revolutionary soldier, and that the said Martha who is now present was always considered and recognized as his wife, and that the said John Williams died several years ago and that these deponents attended his funeral in the county of Wake, and that the said Martha Williams still continues his widow
John P. C. Wyatt John C. King Witness, Wm. J. Clarke Rufus H. Page
Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year first above written Dewey King J.P.

State of North Carolina,
Wake County S. James D. Marriott Clerk of the Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions for the County of Wake, aforesaid do hereby certify that Drury King before whom the foregoing affidavits were made, is and was at the time of signing the same an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the County & State aforesaid - regularly com- missioned & sworn as such, and that the foregoing signatures purporting to be his are genuine.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed the Seal aforesaid Court and subscribed my name at office in Raleigh this 17 th March 1853.
James D. Marriott, Clerk.

Pension Office Jan 12/54
The rule of this office, requiring declarations to be sworn to in open court of a court of record, was not in this case.
S. P. N. also Commissioner

State of North Carolina Wake County
Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions May Term 1833
On this 20 th day of May 1833 personally appeared in Open Court before the Worshipful the Justices of the Peace of the Court aforesaid now sitting John Williams a resident Citizen of the County of Wake & State of North Carolina, aged 79 years, 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 at An act to provide for the purchase of land by the United States for the use of the poor & distressed soldiers of the United States. That he was born in Warren County North Carolina in the year 1754, & that he has no record of his age - that he entered the service of the United States under the following named Officers, and served as herein stated. He enlisted in the County at that time called Bute now Warren for the term of five years in the Revolutionary War & faithfully served out his full time of said five years in the service of his Country as a private Soldier in the Light Horse or Dragoon Companies, that he enlisted in the fall of the year 1776 - in the County above stated & was honorably discharged in the Town of Halifax State N. Carolina in the month of September 1781. by Captain Gamble who was Captain of the Company, which discharge he has since lost. - That soon after he entered the service which was in Captain Edward Gamble's company of Light Horse or Dragoons, commanded by Col. William Washington They were marched to Kingston on New River & from thence to South Carolina on to Charleston & was several years, stationed in that State & some times in the State of Georgia He was in the severe Battle fought at Savannah when General Lincoln commanded, & he was beside in many Skirmishes with the British & Tories, He was honorably discharged in Sept r 1781. about one month before Gen l . Washington took Corn Wallis & the British Army at Little York in the State of Virginia.
That he knows of no other documentary evidence but that of his last discharge, and as this applicant is informed & believes that there never has been any Record or other Military document of the Light Horse dragoons, made or kept in the State of N. Carolina or if there ever was, they are lost or destroyed, as the Secretary of the State informed your applicant, And by which means & for want of such documentary evidence he has been deprived of his just right as heretofore to his pension & also for his land for his full five years service, being 640 acres. - That on account of such returns not being made, he has not been able to obtain his County land from the State, & now he sets forth in this declaration his application to the General Government for his land as he is informed & believes they will grant it to him, & more especially now since the Land Office in North Carolina is closed so that no Military Warrants are now issued as he is informed & believes, And he now makes application to the

United States for his Military Bounty Land, and a Pension according to the several acts of Congress - That he has never received any Pension or any Land for his Military Service either of the State North Carolina or United States.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a Pension or Annuity, or claim for Land except the present and declare that his name is not on the Pension list Roll of the Agency of any State or United States
Sworn to & Subscribed the day & year
aforsaid
his John + Williams mark
We the Subscribers residents in the County of Wake and being with the above named for years past, hereby Certify that he is a Witness of Credibility and entitled to full faith and Credit upon his Oath Given under our hands this day of
We the Subscribers residing in the County of Wake ( & not being acquainted with any Clergymen to whom the above named John Williams could obtain any Certificate of his identity from in this immediate Vicinity ) Herby Certify that we are neighbours and old acquaintances with the above named John Williams for many years past that we are well acquainted with him, who has Subscribed & Sworn to the above declaration, that we believe him to be 79 years of age, that he is reported & believed in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a Soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that Opinion Given under our hands
his William Ellis mark
Witness John Williams 3
his Joseph Williams mark

State of North Carolina Wake County
Personally appeared before the Subscribers acting Justices of the Peace
in & for the County of said. Nathan Rhodes who being duly sworn according to Law, deposes & saith that he was a Soldier in Revolutionary War, & was then & now is acquainted with John Williams, & knows him to be the same person whom he often saw in the Army of the Revolution as a light Horsemen or Dragoon that he particularly said John Williams as present in the State of South Carolina. Six Tories were taken & hung near Ashby. saw him frequently after wards in the Army with he was in the 2 d Regiment under Col. Green, & commanded by General Green. That the said John Williams was commanded by Col. William Washington, and that he is informed & does believe that John Williams faithfully served out the full time of five years in the war of the revolution & was honorably discharged. Sworn & subscribed to before me this 27 th day of April 1833
Stephen D. Roberts J.P.
Miss Nathan Rhodes mark

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion - after the investigation of the matter & after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier & served as he states. And the Court further certifies that Richard Roberts before whom Nathan Rhodes has certified is an acting Justice of the peace of the County of Wake & State of North Carolina. And that the said Nathan Rhodes, William Ellis & Joseph Williams are residents of the County of Wake & State of North Carolina - and that their statements are entitled to full credit & belief -
I Benjamin S King Clerk of the Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions for the County of Wake & State of North Carolina do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of John Williams for a pension -
W. S. King's

mailed without review
January 14, 1936
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Margaret Williams
Byron, Georgia
JOHN WILLIAMS
W. 177
BA-J/MLB aw
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letters in which you request the Revolutionary War records of John Williams, of Wake County, North Carolina, and of Thomas Williams, of Currituck County, that state.
Because of the great demand for Revolutionary War data, and the limited trained clerical force available for furnishing such information, it is impossible to comply in full with each request relative to soldiers of that war. The record of John Williams is furnished you herein as shown in pension claim, W. 177, based upon his service in the Revolutionary War.
John Williams was born in 1754 in Warren County, North Carolina; the names of his parents are not given.
John Williams enlisted in Bute (which was later Warren) County, North Carolina, in the fall of 1776, served as private in Captain Gamble's company, Colonel William Washington's Regiment of Light Dragoons, was in the battle of Savannah and in many skirmishes with the British and Tories, and was discharged in September, 1781.
The soldier was allowed pension on his application executed May 20, 1833, while a resident of Wake County, North Carolina, and died there June 7 or 10, 1845.
John Williams married in 1813 in Franklin County, North Carolina, Martha (or Patsey) Jones, a resident of that county, his residence then not shown. Their marriage bond dated January 6, 1813, and signed by the soldier and one Henry Baker (no relationship stated), was recorded in the County Clerk's Office of Franklin County, North Carolina. The date and place of Martha Jones' birth and names of her parents were not given.
Soldier's widow, Martha Williams, was allowed pension on her application executed March 16, 1853, in Wake County, North Carolina, at which time she was aged about eighty-four years. She died June 6, 1861, in said Wake County.

In 1869, William Jones, aged sixty-seven years and residing at 275 South 2nd Street, Williamsburg, New York, stated that he was a son and heir of soldier's widow, Martha Williams. He did not state his father's name and no reference was made to a former marriage of Martha Williams.
In 1833, one Joseph Williams was a resident of Wake County, North Carolina, his relationship to soldier's family not shown.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator

3489 North Carolina, Fayetteville Martha Williams widow of John,
who served in the Revolutiona-
ry war, as a priv of Cavalry
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 100 Dollars 00
Cents per annum, to commence on the 3d February, 1853.
Certificate of Pension issued 21 st day of Jan'y 1854 and sent to
W. J. Clark Raleigh N.C.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 3, 1853, Page 140 Vol. A

Raleigh Jan'y. 6th. 1854.
Dear Colonel
I take the liberty of calling your attention to the case of Mrs Martha Williams who is applying for a pension as the widow of John Williams who was a Revolutionary pensioner on the list of this state.
I have known Mrs. Williams twenty years and upon you the claim is just.
She was required to show why she made the declaration before a Magistrate and not in open Court. The certificate of the Magistrate, enclosed, shows that satisfactorily I hope.
There is a slight discrepancy between the date of the marriage Bond and the date stated in the Declaration.
She did not know when she was married and I guessed at it as well as I was able. She was undoubtedly married and I thought her oldest son upwards of 40 and accordingly stated the year 1810 instead of 1813.
I hope you will have no difficulty in passing the claim as she is very poor and needy, and being an old acquaintance and a soldier's widow, think that she has a claim upon me because I was a soldier, to have me work for her, and shell out five dollars anytime she may call upon me, and she scolds me no little because her claim is not allowed. Hoping to hear from you soon I am With profound respect
Your obt. serv't.
William S. Clarke
Please send me the blanks you spoke of when last I saw you

Williams

Brief in the case of Martha Williams widow of John - Wake County and State of North Carolina act 3 February 1853
Claim, ("original," or "for increase.")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Husband pensioned, Act 1832, $100. pr. ann. Maria proved by Maria Bond & Confirmed by acquaintance of respectable witnesses with the parties, who were known as man & wife - Identity of husband as a pensioner certified by Magistrate - Other witnesses (If for increase.) testify to his character as Revolutionary soldier. His death as alleged by the widow confirmed by D. Auditor's record
Name and residence of Agent
W. J. Clark Esq.  M. Har Examining Clerk. Raleigh N. Carolina

3489 Restoration  Restoration Brief in the Case of Martha Williams - Widow of John Pro Cad. Rev. Wake County and State of North Carolina  Raleigh Act 2 d Sec Feb. 3, 1853.
CLAIM FOR NEW PENSION CERTIFICATE,
PROOF EXHIBITED,
Pension of $100 pr. annum Paid to March 4. 1861 and died June 6. 1861.
Claim for Arrear by W m Jones - only legal legal heir of deceased.
The Holder of NC Certificate was present June 10 th here and identified the claimant, stating that he knew all of the parties.
Admitted April 25. 1869 to Pension of $100 pr. Annum to commence March 4. 1861 & terminating June 6. 1861. Payable to W m Jones for legal heirs.
Name and residence of Agent.
W m Jones 4902 75 th St Williamsburg New York
W m Trask Examining Clerk.

State of North Carolina } Wake County }
I, Drury King, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid, do hereby certify that the Declaration of Martha Williams widow of John Williams, made before me some time ago was, made before me and not in open Court, because on account of her age and bodily infirmity she is unable to attend Court. I further certify that I have known her for many years and also knew her husband John Williams, that I am perfectly satisfied of her identity that she still remains the widow of said John Williams, that she lived with said John and was by him always recognized as his wife nor have I ever heard it questioned that I know when said John died several years ago, and that he was always recognized & considered a Revolutionary soldier and I believe drew a pension as such. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my private seal there being no seal of office, this 16th. day of December 1853.
Drury King J. P. (Seal)

State of North Carolina }
Wake County }
I Thomas J. Utley clerk of the Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions for the County of Wake aforesaid do hereby certify that Dewey King whose name appears to the foregoing Certificate is now and was at the time of signing the same an acting justice of the peace in and for the County aforesaid duly commissioned and sworn and that the signature purporting to be his is genuine
In testimony whereof I hereunto subscribe my name and affix the seal of said court at office in Raleigh the 5 th day of January AD 1852,
Thomas J. Utley clerk

State of North Carolina
Franklin County. } Know all men by these presentes that We John Williams and James Baker - are held and firmly bound unto William Hawkins, Governour or his successors in office, in the full sum of Five hundred pounds, Current money to be paid to the said Governor, his successors or assigns, for the which payment Well and truly to be made and done, we bind ourselves, our heirs, Executors and Administrators jointly and severally, firmly by these presentes. Sealed with our seals and dated this 6 th day of January Anno Domini 1813
The condition of the above obligation is such, that Whereas the above bound John Williams hath made application for a Licence for a marriage to be celebrated between him and Patsy Jones of the County aforesaid: Now, in Case it shall not appear hereafter that there is any lawful cause or Impediment to obstruct the said Marriage, then the above obligation to be void, otherwise to remain in full force and virtue.
Sealed and delivered in the presence of N. Long.
John his X Williams (mark)
(Seal)
Henry Baker
(Seal)
State of North Carolina
Franklin County - I Young Patterson Clerk of the Court of Pleas and quarter Sessions for the County aforesaid Certify that the foregoing is a true and exact Copy of a Marriage Bond between John Williams and Patsy Jones, as the same appears of Record in my office.
Given under my hand and seal of office at office this 11 th day of November A.D. 1853
(Y. Patterson bbb)

State of North Carolina
Secretary of State's Office
I William Hill Secretary of State in and for the State aforesaid, do certify that it appears from a Book of Settlements of the accounts of the Of- ficers and Soldiers of the Continental line of State this in the revolutionary war, that John Wil- iams a private Soldier of said line was al- lowed the sum of £41. 15. 1 for services performed in said line - There are no rolls of the Light horse companies of the line of this State in the revolution in this Office.
Given under my hand this 15 th June 1833
W. Hill
Mr Williams has called since writing the a- bove certificate and I have asked him several questions and am of opinion he served and is justly entitled to a pension
W. Hill

2181
Hookers

W: Feb. 3, 1853, N.Y.
Brighton

N o 3647
North Carolina
Martha Williams widow of John.
1853, 24. Nov. Letto P. H. Winston
Estimated $100 per ann. from 3 Feb. 1853
W. J. Clark Raleigh N.C.
Act 3 Feb 1852

No. 18704
ACT OF MARCH 3, 1855.
Received Mar 26, 1855
Martha Williams Wid of John Williams. Revolutionary War.
Warrant No 2181-160-55
J. H. Kukham Raleigh N. C.

10 June 25 ✓ Foreign Office January 12/34
Sir. Please report time of last payment to, or debt of, without named pensioners or if annuities to whom paid
Respectfully &c. W. Pole H. Bart Esqr 3 and Present
John Williams, Act 1837, $100 per annum. Said 10 June 1845. Paid.
F. Burt Auditor

Brief in the case of Meath Williams widow of Sam Wake County and State of North Carolina act of February 3-1853
Claim, ("original," or "for increase.")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
on Husband a pensioner under act of June 7. 1832 at $100 per annum & private of cavalry in revolutionary war
Moved $100 per annum to commuted Feb 3. 1853. (If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Marriage proved by public record

Byron Ga Dec 6 1935
Veterans administration Wash. D.C.
Dear sir.
Please send me any information you can of John Williams - of Wake Co. N.C. He was a pensioner of 1840.
Thanking you.
Margaret Williams.

Byron Ga Nov 20 1935
Veterans Administration Wash D.C.
Dear Sir
Please send me the Pension record & any other date of Thomas Williams Ft. N.E. Continental line - Currituck Co - pensioner of 1835 (?). D.A.R. book says Pension suspended Mch 5 1833.
Thank you
Margaret Williams.

1936 Jan. 14 - Deed to Margaret Williams — m.p. B
177 Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 177
Martha Williams
Widow
John Williams Chir. Rev. War
Act. Feb. 3 rd 1853.
Index: — Vol. M. , Page 336.
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Application for Restoration to the Pension Rolls
Whose Names have been Dropped under the Act of February 4, 1862.
District State of Columbia County of Washington, ss.
On this twenty third day of April, A. D. one thousand eight hundred and sixty nine, personally appeared before me, (1) M. Callan, Clerk of the Levy Court in said State and County, the same being a Court of Record, (2) William Jones aged sixty seven years, a resident of Washington in the State of New York, who being duly sworn according to law, declares that (2) he is the identical (2) William Jones who is the son of Martha Melanin who was a pensioner on the roll of the agency at ... and whose pension certificate is herewith returned; that (2) he has resided since the first day of January, A. D. 1861, as follows: at ... N. J. That his said mother resided in ... until her death June 6, 1861, at which time she was 80 years of age that during this period (2) his means of subsistence have been (1) his pay as an officer in the U. S. Navy during all the war. Her support was derived from her pension
and that (neither) he nor she has borne arms against the Government of the United States, or (2) has not in any manner encouraged the rebels, or manifested a sympathy with their cause; and that (2) she was last paid (2) her pension on the fourth day of March, A. D. 1861
This application is made for the purpose of securing a restoration of (2) her name to the pension rolls, and of obtaining a new pension certificate, such as (2) she may be entitled to under existing laws, reference being made to the evidence heretofore filed in the Pension Office to substantiate (2) her original claim. And I hereby appoint
of my Attorney to present this my application, and perform all that is necessary therein, without revocation, as well as to receive my Certificate when issued. And I declare that he is the only loyal heir of the said pensioner.
Also personally appeared (6) G. F. McLean, a resident of (7) Washington D. C. and (6) John Danby a resident of (7) Washington D. C. persons whom I certify to be respectable and entitled to credit, and who, being by me duly sworn, say that they were present and saw (5) William Jones sign make her name to the foregoing declaration; and they further swear that they have every reason to believe, from the appearance of the applicant and their acquaintance with (2) her that (2) he is the identical person (2) he claims to be; and they further swear that they have no interest in the prosecution of this claim.
John Danby G. F. McLean
Sworn to and subscribed before me, this 23rd day of April A. D. 1869: and I hereby direct or indirect, in the prosecution of this claim.
(1) M. Callan Clerk of the Levy Court Wash. Co.
OATH OF ALLEGIANCE.
do solemnly swear, (or affirm,) in the presence of Almighty God, that I will protect and defend the Constitution of the United States and the Union of the States thereunder; that I will in all manner, abide by and faithfully support all laws and proclamations which have been made during the late rebellion with reference to the emancipation of Slaves: So help me God.
Sworn to and subscribed before me, this day of A. D. 186

State of _____ } ss. COUNTY OF _____
I, _____ Clerk of the _____ Court within and for said County, do certify that _____ Esq., before whom the foregoing declaration, affidavits and acknowledgement were made, was, at the time of taking the same, and still is an acting _____ within and for said County, duly commissioned and sworn, and that the several signatures, purporting to be his, which are appended to said declaration, affidavits and acknowledgement, are his genuine signatures.
In Testimony Whereof, I hereto set my hand and affix the Seal of our said Court, at _____ this _____ day of _____ A. D. 186 _____
(Seal.)
INSTRUCTIONS.
FIGURE (1)—Judge, Justice of the Peace, or Clerk having Seal. [NOTE.—If a Judge or Justice of the Peace authenticate the papers, the signature must be verified in usual form by the Clerk of the Court.
 (2) He or She; Name of Applicant; His or Her; Him or Her; Himself or Herself, as the fact may be.  (3) Name the place or places at which claimant has resided since last paid, and during the time for which original Pension has not been drawn.  (4) Here name the employment or other means by which a livelihood has been gained. (4½) Means of subsistence.  (5) Signature of Applicant. If X is made, two witnesses who can write must sign their names opposite the same.  (6) Names of Witnesses in full. (7) State name of residence, City, Village, County, and State. If applicant resides in a City or Village, name of street must be given, and where houses are numbered, the number of the house. 8. Signature of Witnesses. 
NOTES TO BE PARTICULARLY OBSERVED.
If the declarant, or any witness, sign by mark, the officer must certify that the contents of the paper were made known to the affiant and witnesses before signing.
In every case, the declaration or affidavit must be either signed by the affiant's own hand or else by mark, (X.) Signed by another hand, when the party is able to write, or without a mark when the party is unable to write, is wholly inadmissible.
The allegations made in the applicant's declaration, must be sustained by the testimony of two credible and disinterested witnesses, to be certified as such by the officer before whom the testimony is taken. If the applicant be an Invalid Pensioner, he must be examined by an Army Surgeon, or by a Surgeon duly appointed by the Pension Office, as to the continuance of the disability.
If a Widow, she must prove by two credible witnesses (certified to in the usual manner, and under seal) her continued widowhood.
I remarried, the minor children, (under 16,) through their guardian can apply for the Suspended Pension, and if the guardian of a minor child be newly appointed, he or she must file the proper evidence of his or her appointment as such.
In all cases, the ORIGINAL Pension Certificate must be surrendered.
Application for Restoration TO THE PENSION ROLLS, Under Act of February 4, 1865.
APPLICANT'S ADDRESS: _____ Applicant.
FILED BY _____ _____ _____

BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD*
NAME Williams, John GRADE Private LINE Maryland
WARRANT NUMBER 11827 ACREAGE 100 ISSUED May 11, 1790 To - not shown
*The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 4 of "Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800" which are registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subsequent dates. Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800. Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in The National Archives.