Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 4,395, John Wilson, N.C.

SERVICE
Nb
Wilson, John Elizabeth
NUMBER
W.4395
CONTENTS
[Ruled lines for writing]
[Ruled lines for writing]

4269.
North Carolina
Duplicate
Elizabeth Wilson
widow of John Wilson
N C who was a Prio of Inf ty H.C. 13
in the Revolution
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 33 Dollars 83 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 9th day of Jan y 1844. and sent to Patrick Murphy Taylors Bridge N.C.
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A Vol. 1. Page 206.

Daniel Wilson was born the 9 th of March, 1793. Alexander Wilson was born the 23 rd of December, 1795. James Wilson was born the 18 th of June, 1798. William Wilson was born the 3 rd of May, 1800. Rebecca Wilson was born the 16 th day of June, 1802. Catharine was born the day of May, 1804. David Wilson was born the 8 th day of March, 1806. Stephen Wilson was born the 1 st day of March. Elizabeth Wilson was born the 25 th day of June, 1810. Mary Wilson was born the 21 st day of October, 1812.
35  1639  1795 4 4 146

Rebecca Wilson Book 1819 Rebecca Wilson Edward Wilson

Horace Wilson was Born April the 19 th 1875 Sarah Jane Wilson was Born in the year of our Lord October 18 th 1875

State of North Carolina Duplin County
On this the 31 st day of July A.D. 1839 before the Subscriber a Justice of the Peace in for said County personally appeared Elizabeth Wilson a Resident in the County of Duplin aforesaid and State aforesaid aged sixty six years the 11 th of this month who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 7 th 1838, entitled "An act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows," That she is the widow of John Wilson who was a private in the war of the Revolution and served as follows viz She believes he served first in a company of Duplin militia under Captain Isham Shuffield entered in January 1780, was drafted for three months, was a private & marched from Duplin to Wilmington or rather to Jumping Kun just below Swan there stationed & served two months and were discharged in April 1780, that he resided in said County of Duplin when he entered the service. Secondly That he volunteered in January 1781 & entered again in a company

of Duplin militia under Captain Aaron Williams and marched to the Big Bridge in New Hanover County and after having served six weeks as a private, he was drafted for three months scattered service in a company of militia under Captain Aaron Williams and was attached to a regiment commanded by Gen. Lillington, in February 1781 and was in a battle at the Big Bridge in March 1781 and marched thence by Rutherford's Mills, Harnestown to Kingston in Lenoir County where he was discharged in May 1781 having served his three months tour as a private.
That in a few days thereafter he entered the service again in a company of Duplin Cavalry commanded by Captain Aaron Williams in the last of May 1781. Served three months as a volunteer and private, was stationed at Rockfish Bridge (after having marched & traversed Duplin & New Hanover Counties) and were there attacked and defeated or put to route by the enemy in August 1781. Then formed again at Duplin Old Court House and were discharged in September 1781.
That he enlisted in the year 1782 for twelve months and entered service in Captain Sharpe's Company of the 10 th Regiment of the North Carolina line as a private and served twelve months -

that she has no documentary evidence except the Certificate of the Secretary of State of this State herewith sent -
She further declares that she was married to the said John Wilson on the twenty third day of December seventeen hundred and ninety one, that her husband the aforesaid John Wilson died on the twenty second day of June eighteen hundred twenty nine; that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first of January seventeen hundred and ninety four; and that she has not since married -
Sworn to Subscribed the day her Elizabeth Wilson A year aforesaid before me and + mark I do hereby certify that said applicant is old infirm in bad health, that she resides at the distance of twenty miles from the Court House of said County of Duplin and it would likely prove injurious to her health might endanger her life to travel to and attend Court.
Wm Rivinbark D. J.P.

[Faint, mirrored cursive handwriting, likely bleed-through from the reverse side of the page.]
[Faint, mirrored cursive handwriting, likely bleed-through from the reverse side of the page.]
Report to Hon. J. J. McKay H. R.

Dear,
Taylors Bridge N.C.
April 6 th 1840
Sir:
I have received yours of the 27 th ult. in relation to the family register sent on in behalf of the claim of Elizabeth Wilson addressed to the Hon. James J. McKay, and by him transmitted to me.
You state that under the circumstances you cannot place it as evidence in the case. I admit, there is an appearance of suspicion about it - but take the dates of the births of the two youngest which is very plain and upon a separate piece of paper and go backwards allowing the usual difference in the ages of children in this country which upon a fair average is two years and I think it will make the birth of the eldest to be near about the time as recorded. In this however I may be mistaken as I didn't take notice and as she lost some children whose ages perhaps are not recorded. Having had as I understand that they children I am fully satisfied that it was not marked over with a view to be used as evidence in her behalf.
When she first came to me about her business I inquired if she had any family Record of her marriage and she being illiterate incapable

of reading writing, went to her nearest neighbours to examine for her who marked over the ages as well as she could ascertain the dates - and part of the old figures may now be ascertained under or about the new marks. She did not know till the day that her affidavit was taken and attached to the family register that it would be taken as evidence or even that any further evidence in relation to the marriage was necessary, concluding that the marriage was satisfactorily established as by your letter of October last in which the clerical error was made. She and her son Thomas came here on said day without the book in which the births of her children were recorded - & understanding from me that it might be of use, her son went after it.
I cant perceive why the proof in relation to the marriage is not satisfactory according to the regulations adopted for carrying into effect the act of Congress. Record-proof is required whenever it can be obtained, but when there is none, the fact must be established by the testimony of one or more respectable persons - In this case it has been proved by Stephen Williams Sen: a respectable and credible man which

I certify to, and if necessary I can procure the Certificate and affidavits of a score of respectable men to the same.
Relying upon your letter of last October we have missed the opportunity of procuring the affidavit of a Mr John Williams who has recently died and who was at the wedding of Mrs Wilson but I presume proof of his declarations as to the fact would under the circumstances be received as evidence if required. No other record proof that we know of can be obtained.
I presume that we can procure further testimony as to the ages of her eldest children by comparison with others born about the same time.
Please inform me what further proof if any is required. but hope that after giving due consideration to all the circumstances of the case, that this explanation together with the proof that has been adduced will be adjudged sufficient.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully
Your obt Servt Patrick Murphy
Hon, James L Edwards Washington D.C.

State of North Carolina Duplin County
On this the 17 th day of July 1841 before me William R. Ward a Justice of the Peace in and for said County personally appeared Robert Knowles a resident of said County aged sixty four years the 30 th of next October who being first duly sworn according to law maketh oath that he was well acquainted with John Wilson the husband of Elizabeth Wilson an applicant for a pension under the act of Congress of July 7. 1838. That said John was the Uncle of this affiant, his mother being the sister of said John, that soon after the death of said John's first wife, said John removed with his family and resided in the family of this affiant's father. That his mother might assist in taking care of the children of said John, that said John continued to live with his father until his second marriage with Elizabeth the applicant.
aforesaid with whom he is also well acquainted resides in about three miles of her that she has not remarried since the death of her husband the said John but continues his widow, that said John Wilson's first wife left three children, viz. Nancy, Isaac & John an infant at the death of his mother, that said John just at the time of his father's second marriage was between three and four years of age, he is confident he was not exceeding four years old - and he is informed that his birth is recorded April 1788 and he believes that to be correct Sworn to & subscribed the day
Col. E. G. [Signature] G. H. [Signature]

and year aforesaid before me and I hereby certify that said Robert Knowles is well known to me to be, a credible person and that his statements are entitled to full faith and credit. Given under my hand the day & year aforesaid
W m R d Ward J d
I, James Dickson Clerk of the Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions for Dublin County hereby certify that William R d Ward is a Mag- istrate as above and that the foregoing signa- ture purporting to be his is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of Office this the 22 nd day of July A d . 1841.
James Dickson Clerk of the Court of Dublin County

Near, Taylor's Bridge N.C. July 6 th 1840
Sir
Unable so far to procure any direct documentary proof of the marriage of Mrs Elizabeth Wilson, I have obtained something via the birth of Stephen Williams, recorded by his Father and proof by his Mother that he was born not long before the marriage of Mrs Wilson with a further explanation by Mrs Williams the grandmother of Mrs Herring who marked over the ages of Mrs Wilson's children to make it plainer, the Record of which has been sent to the Pension Office and rejected as evidence in the case, together with the affidavit of Mrs Hannah Knowles a sister of Mrs Wilson who was present at the marriage.
I hope this additional testimony will be sufficient to establish Mrs Wilson's marriage satisfactorily.
I have the honor to be
Very respectfully Your obt servt Patrick Murphy
Hon: James L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions Washington City D.C.

John Knowles's Affidavit.

State of North Carolina } ss Duplin County
On this the 17 th day of July A.D. 1841 before me William R. Ward a Justice of the Peace in and for said County personally appeared John Knowles a resident of said County aged sixty two years the 11 th of next October who being first duly sworn according to law maketh oath that he was well acquainted with John Wilson deceased the husband of Elizabeth Wilson an appli- cant for a pension under the act of Congress of July 7 th 1838, that the mother of this affiant was a sister of said John Wilson, that after the death of said John Wilson's first wife, he the said Wilson with his family removed and resided with the family of the father of this af- fiant that this affiant's mother the sister of said John Wilson might assist him in taking care of his small children, and there remained until his marriage with Elizabeth Wilson the aforesaid applicant, that John Wilson son of the aforesaid John by his first wife was an infant about three days old when his mother died, that said John Jr was not, at the time of the marriage of his Father with the applicant Elizabeth aforesaid, this affiant is fully satisfied and feels perfectly safe in deposing, exceeding four years old and does not believe he was that, that he understands that said John Jr's birth is recorded April 1788 - and he is satisfied that it is correctly recorded - This affiant believes that he was about twelve years of age at the time of his Uncle John Wilson's

marriage with said Elizabeth, that the scrip herewith annexed containing a record of his age was taken from a large bible of his uncle Charles James in the State of Georgia where his age was recorded as he has understood as was recorded the day The day this affiant was born, that it was taken from said book about twenty five years ago when this affiant was in Georgia, and he rather believes nearer thirty years than twenty five, that it is in the handwriting of his uncle the said Charles James, and was correctly transcribed as he saw him do it, and he believes true and genuine; that it has always been generally reputed and believed that his Uncle the said John Wilson performed considerable service in the War of the Revolution and he has frequently, heard his Father, his said Uncle & others say so and that his said Uncle run a very narrow risk of his life at Rockfish while in the light horse service.
Sworn to & subscribed the day John Knowles and year aforesaid before me and I hereby certify that said John Knowles, is well known to me, is a credible person and that his state- ments are entitled to full faith and credit and that "heard," was interlined before sworn to & subscribed & "was recorded the day," erased. Given under my hand the day & year aforesaid -
W. B. Ward J. P.

I, James Dickson Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for Dublin County, hereby certify that William R. Ward is a Magistrate as above and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of Office. This the 22 nd day of July A.D. 1841 -
James Dickson Clerk of the Court of Dublin County
I James Dickson Clerk of the Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions for Dublin County hereby certify that I have searched the Records of my Office for a marriage licence Bond of John Wilson, that I cannot find such an one, that it was not formerly, I am well satisfied, the universal practice to give such bonds or even to get licences for marriages, neither is it now and that a great many marriages both formerly and now take place without any bond being given, though not void on that account but considered legal -
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of Office this the 22 nd day of July 1841
James Dickson Clerk of the Court of Dublin County

State of North Carolina Duplin County } ss
On this the 22 d day of May 1846 before me Cornelius McMillan a Justice of the Peace in & for said County personally appeared John Wilson a resident of said County aged fifty three the 28 th of last April who being duly sworn maketh oath that he is the son of John Wilson decd. whose widow is now an applicant for a pension viz Elizabeth Wilson that she is his step mother that he has heard his Father & step mother both say that he this affiant was about two years old when they were married, that this affiant's age is recorded to wit the 28 th of April 1788 - and that this affiant's mother his Father's first wife died when this affiant was three days old accor- ding to common reputation - Sworn to & subscribed the John Wilson day & year aforesaid before me and I hereby certify that said John Wilson is well known to me, is a credible person and that his statement is entitled to full faith & credit. Cornelius McMillan J.P.
1846
53
1788 Age recd.

State of North Carolina
Duplin County } I James Dickson Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for Duplin County certify that Cornelius McMillan is a Magistrate as above and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his is genuine. In Testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my Seal of office this 25 th day of May AD 1841
James Dickson Clerk of the Court of Duplin County

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
Bureau of Pensions,
Washington, D. C., _____, 19_____
In reply to your request of _____, received _____ for a statement of the military history of John Nelson a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau.
W. File 4395
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     Jan. 1780 2 mos. Pvt. John Shuffield N.C.   Jan. 1781 6 wks. " Aaron Williams "   * Feb. 1781 3 mos. " Aaron Williams Gen. Ligon "   * May 1781 3 mos. " Aaron Williams "   1782 1 1/2 mos. " Sharp 10 N.C. Mts. "  
Battles engaged in, "Big Bridge" + Rockfish Bridge
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Duplin Co., N.C.
Date of widow's application for pension, July 31, 1839. Hrs ch. al.
Residence at date of application, of widow - Duplin Co., N.C.
Age at date of application, Widow born July 11, 1775.
Remarks: Soldier mar. Dec. 23, 1791 Elizabeth _____. Children: - Daniel, Alexander, James, William, Rebecca, Catherine, David, Thomas, Elizabeth b. June 25, 1810, Mary b. Oct. -, 1812, Morgan b. Apr. 19, 1815, Sarah b. Oct. 18, 1818. By his first wife he had three ch.: - Nancy, Isaac, and John b. Apr. 28, 1788. Soldier died June 22, 1829, without applying for a pension.  Very respectfully,

1912, Feb. 28, Hist 15 Mrs. Louis J. Northam
Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 4395- Eliz th Watson Wid. John Watson Pat. Rev. War
Act: March 3 rd 1833
Index:—Vol. M , Page 338
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Agent notified
6532
North Carolina
Elizabeth Wilson widow of John Wilson —
who was a pensioner under the Act of and who died on the year 1829 of Duplin Co. in the State of N. Carolina who was a Priv. of Inf. Cav. in the company commanded by Captain Williams of the regt. commanded by Col. Duane in the N. C. Militia time for 6 months 112 days, Infantry " " " " Cavalry
Inscribed on the Roll of N. Carolina at the rate of 33 Dollars 83 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 1 st day of Feb. 1842 and sent to Patrick Murphy, Taylor's Bridge P.O. N.C.
Arrears to the 4th of March 1841 $169.15 Semi-annual allowance ending
{ Act July 7, 1838.
Recorded by D. Brown Clerk Book A. Vol. 2. Page 190

Eliz. Wilson W.C. ✓
Let to Patrick Murphy Jan 6. '42
Act 4 July 38

John Knowles the son of James Knowles & Nancy Mills his wife was born october the 11 th - - - - - 5779

James Knowles

LORD AND SAVIOUR
JESUS CHRIST
Stephen Williams was born May the 31 st 1791

Near, Taylor's Bridge N.C. July 22 d 1841
Sir,
Enclosed are the affidavits of Robert & John Knowles, in proof of the marriage of Elizabeth Wilson showing that it took place previous to Jan 1. 1794 - Also the Certificate of James Dickson the Clerk of the Court, that it was not the universal practice to give marriage licenses Bonds - Yours respectfully Patrick Murphy

State of North Carolina Duplin County } ss
On this the 1 st day of July A.D. 1840 before the Subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said County personally appeared Elizabeth Williams a resident of said County aged seventy two years the 24 th of last March, who being first duly sworn, according to law, maketh oath that she is well acquainted with Elizabeth Wilson the widow of John Wilson deceased who is an applicant for a pension under the act of Congress of July 7. 1838 and was at Mr Stephen Herring's (who married her grand daughter), when Mrs Wilson came there to examine or have examined the record of her childrens' ages which she understands has been sent on to the pension Office in proof of the alleged date of her marriage, that it was she believes in March 1839, that Mrs Herring looked at the family record of her childrens' ages and said it was very dim but that she thought she could see what it was, and observed that she would make it plainer and she believes she done so, but this affiant does not remember to have seen Mrs Herring do so, and is confident that she done it without

any bad or improper design, and what she thought to be correctly and for the purpose of making it so that it might be seen better - She does not know precisely the date of Mrs Wilson's marriage, but this affiant was married in May 1790 and moved to the neighbourhood of Mrs Wilson and they have resided near each other ever since about two miles apart, that this affiant's oldest child was born the 31 st of May 1791 as appears from the family record herunto attached which is in the handwriting of her husband David Williams deceased and is genuine and has been in her possession for many years; that she believes Mrs Wilson aforesaid was married not long after her this affiant's oldest child Stephen Williams was born, and she feels confident and safe in asserting that she was married prior to the first of January 1794 - and that she and her husband John Wilson lived together as man and wife till Mr Wilson's death - her Sworn to & subscribed the day & Elizabeth Williams year aforesaid before me and I hereby certify mark that Elizabeth Williams is well known to me is a highly respectable and credible witness and that her statement is entitled to full faith and credit.
Wm. Rivers Parks J.P.

State of North Carolina Duplin County
On this the 1 st day of July A.D. 1840 before the Subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said County personally appeared Hannah Knowles a resident of said County aged sixty one years who being first duly sworn according to law maketh oath that she was present and witnessed the marriage between John Wilson now decd and her widow Elisabeth Wilson an ap- plicant for a pension under the act of Congress of July 7, 1838 and a sister of this affiant - it took place just before Christmas and she believes it was in the year 1791 -
Sworn to & subscribed the her day and year aforesaid before Hannah Knowles me and I hereby certify that said mark affiant Hannah Knowles is well known to me is a credible person and that her statement is entitled to full faith and credit.
W m W. Rivenbark J.P.
I, James Dickson Clerk of the Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions for Duplin County, hereby certify that William W. Rivenbark is a magistrate as above & that the foregoing signatures purporting to be his are genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of Office. July 4 th 1840 James Dickson Clerk

Elizabeth Wilson
Wid of Jn o .
N o C o
Ad July 7. 1838
(Married 1791
died 1829
Allow 6 mo 12 days or
for Infancy and 3 mo
or for barrenness least
Maternity but otherwise
N o C o Militia
$33.83 per ann.
E
Patrick Murphy Esq. Taylor Bridge P.O. N o C o

State of North Carolina Sampson County } ss
On this the 4 th day of December A.D. 1841 before me Patrick Murphy Clerk and Master of the Court of Equity for said County of Sampson personally appeared Elizabeth Wilson Widow of John Wilson decd a resident of Duplin County in the State of North Carolina aged sixty six years the 11 th of last July and an ap- plicant for a pension under the act of Congress of July 7 th 1838 who being first duly sworn according to law maketh oath that she was born according to what her parents and others have informed her on the 11 th of July 1775, that she was married to her late husband John Wilson while in her seventeenth year of age and on the 23 d day of December on Thursday in the year 1791. She most solemnly declares on oath that the record of her children's ages sent on to the Pension Office, some of the dates of which were drawn over with a pen, was not so done for the purpose of being used as proof in support of the date or time of her marriage, that she did not know at the time it was so done that the family record would be taken as evidence of the date of marriage; that the day on which the affidavit accompanying her family record sent on, bears date she came up to the residence of Mr. Murphy who was preparing her application

and he informed her for the first time that the family record would be received as evidence of marriage and her son who came with her was immediately despatched after the book containing said record and brought it the same day and the record was taken out and attached to her affidavit. That before she made out her application for a pension though after she had understood the widows of soldiers in the Revolutionary war were entitled, she being illiterate and unable to read the record of her children's ages, for the purpose of ascertaining the date of her marriage went over to her neighbour's Mr Herring's and took with her the book containing the record of their births and Mr Herring not being at home his wife Mrs Herring now deceased examined the record and to make it plainer marked some of the dates over with a pen. That when she married, her stepson (or husband's son by his first wife) John Wilson was between three and four years of age. That she is unable to procure any documentary evidence of her marriage or further proof by eye witnesses than has been furnished though when she first applied and for sometime afterwards, she believes, she might have obtained the affidavit of John Williams now deceased and also the amended affidavit of Stephen Williams also since deceased stating more positively that our marriage took place previous to the first

of January 1794 and on the 23 d of Dec r 1791- both of whom she believes would have established this fact conclusively- but she was informed by Mr Murphy who attended to her business that the proof of her marriage was satisfactory which he was led to believe from a letter from the Pension Office and which he was afterwards informed was a mistake That she has repeatedly heard her husband speak of his services in the Revolutionary War, a great deal about his services in the light horse and the narrow escape of his life at Rockfish and the loss of his mare bridle and saddle, and gun and hat- being hotly pursued by the enemy. That she has not intermar- ried since the death of her husband but continues his widow.
Sworn to and subscribed this Elizabeth her Wilson the 4 th day of December A.D. 1841- mark before me and I hereby certify that I have known the affiant for more than two years, that she has the reputation of being a credible person, that I believe her to be so and that her statement is en- titled to full faith and credit.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of Office the day & year above mentioned Patrick Murphy Esq e

State of North Carolina. Sampson County -
I, Patrick Murphy hereby certify that I never informed Mrs Elizabeth Wilson that her family record would be evidence of the date of her marriage until the day mentioned in the foregoing affidavit when she came to my residence and her son was despatched for the book containing it.
Patrick Murphy
Sworn to & subscribed this the 7 th day of Dec r A.D. 1841 before me & I hereby certify that said Patrick Murphy is well known to me & is entitled to full faith & credit. Witness my hand & seal of Office
Thomas J. Harrison Clerk of Sampson County Court.

44/3
Oct 23 1843
Mr
W. M. Mar 3 rd 1843
Eliz. Wilson
$38 $33:88 per an
Patrick Murphy Fort Lee Bridge C.
James L. Edwards Comm re of Pensions Washington D.C.
free

Gaylord Bridge, P.O. Sampson County N.C. Oct. 17. 1843
Hon: J. L. Edwards
Sir
Enclosed is the declaration of Elizabeth Wilson for a pension under the Act of Mar: 3. last. In answer please direct to me as above.
Please be so good as to inform me about the cases of Mrs Elizabeth Hollingsworth Mrs Eliza Kerr under the above act and Mrs Margaret Odens under the act of July 1838, which I have sent on
I remain very resp y
Yr obt serv t Patrick Murphy

4173 Elizabeth Wilson's Declaration.

State of North Carolina } ss Duplin County
On this the 16 th day of October 1843 personally appeared before the Subscriber, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County Elizabeth Wilson, aged Sixty Eight years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed on the 3 d March 1843 granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War. That she is the widow of John Wilson who was a private in the Revolutionary War and served as set forth in her declaration for a pension under the act of July 7, 1838 to which she begs leave to refer, and the annual amount of the pension which she received under the said act of July 7, 1838, was thirty three \frac{83}{100} dollars. She further declares that she is still a widow. Sworn to and subscribed on the _____ day and year above written before Elizabeth her Wilson mark me and I certify that said widow is personally known to me and believe the above to be true. W. R. Ward J.P.
I, James Dickson, Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions of Duplin County hereby certify that William R. Ward is a Magistrate as above and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his as genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of Office the 17 th day of October 1843. James Dickson Clerk.

State of North Carolina Duplin County
On this the 31 st day of July A.D. 1839 before the Subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said County personally appeared James Blanton a resident in said County of Duplin aged seventy seven years last March who being first duly sworn according to law maketh oath that he served in the war of the Rev- olution with John Wilson the husband of Elizabeth Wilson an applicant for a pension under the act of Congress of July 7 th 1838, as follows viz:- First in a company of Duplin Militia under Captain Isham Shuffield in January 1780, were drafted for three months & were privates. Marched from Duplin to Jumping Run below Wilmington and there stationed and we served there two months didn't quite finish the three months, the soldiers having become dissatisfied because they were fed on horse flesh. and were discharged in April 1780. Secondly They turned out as volunteers in January 1781 in a company of Duplin Militia under Captain Aaron Williams, and after hav- ing served six weeks as privates we were drafted for three months and entered service as privates under Captain Aaron Williams in February 1781 were in a battle at the Big Bridge in New Han-

ver County in March 1781 I marched thence by Rutherford's Mills Himestone to Kingston in Lenoir County and were there discharged in May 1781 on our return met Cornwallis this army going northerwardly & came near being taken prisoners. Thirdly Soon after the last tour said John Wilson this affiant entered service again in a company of Cavalry under Captain Aaron Williams in the last of May 1781 and served three months as a volunteer and privates, were in the battle at Rockfish Bridge in August 1781 where our party were routed put to flight and afterwards collected at Col: Kean's near Duplin Old Court House and were there discharged in September 1781.
That the militia Company to which he belonged being obliged to furnish three soldiers for the Southern army for six or twelve months, said John Wilson and two others, (one of whom he re- collects was David Davis,) turned out or enlisted; he can't state the date but was present - and he was absent from the neighbourhood for either six or twelve months he can't say which.
Sworn to & subscribed the day & his year aforesaid before me, and I James Blanton hereby certify that said James mark Blanton is well known to me & that his statement is entitled to full faith & credit. Wm Rivenbark D. J. P.

State of North Carolina Duplin County } ss.
On this the 3 rd day of August A.D. 1839 before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in said County personally appeared Stephen Williams Sen r a resident of said County of Duplin aged seventy five years the 22 nd of last June who being first duly sworn according to law maketh oath that he was present and an eye-witness of the marriage that between John Wilson now deceased and his widow Elizabeth Wilson an applicant for a pension under the act of Congress of July 7 th 1838. that the time stated in said Elizabeth Wilson's declaration viz. the 23 rd December (1791) seventeen hundred & ninety one he believes to be the true time when the marriage took place. That the marriage cere- mony was performed by David Williams Esq. then an acting Justice of the Peace; that he lives a neighbour to said Elizabeth Wilson, is well acquainted with her and that she has never married since the death of her husband the said John and is now a widow.
Sworn to & subscribed the day & year Stephen Williams aforesaid before me I hereby certify That said Stephen Williams is a credible witness that his statement is entitled to full faith & credit and

that the erasure in the 10 th line of the foregoing page was made before sworn to & subscribed
5985"> 5985
Wm W. Rivers
I, James Dickson Clerk of the Court of Pleas Quarter Sessions for Duplin County N.C. do hereby certify that William W. Rivers whose signatures appear to the foregoing declaration and affidavits is and was at the respective dates thereof an acting Justice of the Peace in & for said County duly commissioned & sworn, that the foregoing signatures purporting to be his are genuine & that full faith & credit are due to his official acts
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand Seal of Office this the 5 th day of August A.D. 1839
James Dickson Clerk of Duplin County Court
Elizabeth Wilson widow of John act 1828 5985
en

William Hill's certificate for Widow of John Wilson -

State of North Carolina
Secretary of State's Office
I William Hill Secretary of State in and for the State of North Carolina, do hereby certify that the musterrolls of the Continental line of this state in the revolutionary war, shows that John Wilson a private soldier in Capt. Sharpe's Company of the 10 th Regiment entered the service in the year 1782 for 12 months, and that nothing more is said of him on said Rolls.
Given under my hand this 18 th day of June 1835.
W. Hill

Near, Taylor's Bridge N.C. Jany 22 d 1842
Sir,
I have received yours of the 6 th inst. upon the subject of the claim of Mrs Elizabeth Wilson, and this is to inform you that she will accept the pension offered for nine months twelve days services by her husband part of which I think was in the cavalry, perhaps all. The proofs will show.
I remain, very respectfully Your ob t Serv t Patrick Murphy
Hon: James L. Edwards Comm te of Pensions Washington D.C.

Dec 11. 1874
NC.
[Monogram: J.E.]
Hon: James L. Edwards Comm te of Pensions Washington D.C.
Edg. H. Wilson

Near, Taylor's Bridge N.C. Dec r 4 th 1841
Sir
Enclosed is an additional affidavit of Elizabeth Wilson in support of the date of her marriage which I hope will be a sufficient explanation as to the marks about the dates of her children's ages - and in connection with what has heretofore been offered upon that point be sufficient to show that the marriage took place previous to the 1 st of Jany 1794.
As to the other objection viz a presumption against the Claim because her husband did not apply for a pension during his life, I was of the opinion that was obviated and relied upon your letter of the 24 th Feb: 1840 stating that the other requirements of of your letter of Oct 26, 39 had been complied with - If not, would not Mrs Wilson be entitled to some pension for the militia services of her husband?
If deemed material I could procure the recorded age of John Wilson son of John - who according to the testimony of the Messrs Knowlton & Mrs Wilson was about three years of age or between three and four at the time of the marriage, his age is recorded April 1788 -
I have the honor to be Very respectfully your ob l serv t Patrick Murphy
Hon James L. Edwards Comm r of Pensions Washington D.C.

Near, Taylor's Bridge N.C. July 5 th 1841
Sir,
Enclosed is the affidavit of John Wilson going to show that the marriage of his step mother Elizabeth Wilson took place before the 1 st of January 1794 - It would probably have been more satisfactory to have sent the family record of his birth, but presume that the statement of a credible witness may be relied on - Should it however be more desirable to have the Record and further proof by parole showing that the marriage took place previous to the 1 st of January 1794 I will endeavour to procure both as I have lately been informed of two old gentlemen Robert & John Knowles whose testimony will strongly support the allegation that the marriage occurred prior to 1 Jan; 94 - Tho' hope that this together with Mrs Elizabeth Williams her testimony sent on which is very strong will be satisfactory.
Very respectfully your O bt Servt Patrick Murphy
Hon: Jas L. Edwards Com r of Pensions Washington D.C.

State of North Carolina § Sampson County §
On this the 28 th day of February A.D. 1840 before me Patrick Murphy Clerk & Master of the Court of Equity for Sampson County aforesaid & ex officio Commissioner of Affidavits personally appeared James Blanton a resident of Duplin County N.C. aged seventy eight years the 15 th of next month who being first duly sworn according to law maketh oath that he was well acquainted with John Wilson decd the husband of Elizabeth Wilson an applicant for a pension under the act of July 7. 1838 - and lived near him nearly all his life within a mile and a half - , that said decd. was an industrious hard labouring man and made a competent support for himself and family, that he owned at his death a mare worth about seventy five or eighty dol- lars - stock of cattle worth about eighty dollars & perhaps more - , stocks of hogs & sheep worth about seventy five dollars, and provision on hand and household and kitchen furni- ture worth about one hundred  seventy five dollars or thereabouts making his property (besides his land) worth at least three hundred and seventy five dollars; This affiant knows that he served in the war of the Revolution & refers to his affidavit sent with other Wilson's papers - but never heard Wilson the said decd ever speak of applying and there was no report that he was entitled & he lived in a remote & unfrequented section of Duplin County.
his James Blanton
Sworn to subscribed the mark day & year aforesaid before me & I hereby certify that the word "crop," was inserted and the words "one hundred, & "twenty five," erased

and the words "seventy five,, interlined before sworn to & subscribed," that said James Blanton has been known by me since the year 1833 that I believe him to be a credible man & that his statement is entitled to full faith and credit.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office the 29 th day of February A.D. 1840.
D. Murphy M.C.
Hon. J. J. McKay H22

State of North Carolina } Sampson County }
On this the 24 th day of December A.D. 1839 before the Subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said County personally ap= peared Alfred Ward a resident of Duplin County in the State of North Carolina aged fifty years the 12 th of next month, who being first duly sworn according to law maketh oath that he was well acquainted with John Wilson the husband of Elizabeth Wilson an applicant for a pension under the act of Congress of July 7 th 1838. and resides in about two miles of where he did & knows that he owned a tract of land containing by estimation two hundred & eighty four acres. lived in comfortable circumstances and could do very well without aid or pension from the Government since the year 1818 when I moved into his neighbourhood Sworn to & subscribed the day & year Alfred Ward aforesaid before me & I hereby certify that Alfred Ward the aforesaid affiant is well known to me & entitled to full faith and credit - Dickson Sloan J.P.
I Thomas S. Garrison Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for Sampson County do hereby certify that Dickson Sloan is a Magistrate as above & that the foregoing signature purporting to be his is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have here= unto set my hand & seal of office the 28 th day of December. A.D. 1839. Thomas S. Garrison Clerk

(5985)
Elizabeth Wilson
N.C.
act 7. July 38
allow 9m 12b
Hon. J. J. McKay H.R. 11

State of North Carolina Sampson County } ss
On this the 17 th day of March A.D. 1840 before me Patrick Murphy Clerk Master of the Court of Equity for said County and ex officio Commissioner of affidavits personally appeared Elizabeth Wilson a resident of Duplin County in the State of North Carolina aged sixty six years the 11 th of next July and an applicant for a pension under the act of Congress of July 7. 1838 who being first duly sworn according to law maketh oath that the Record of her children's ages hereunto annexed has been in her possession ever since the death of her husband nearly eleven years ago and in their possession for several years before, that about a year ago this affiant took it with her to one of her neighbours Mrs Herring who has since died, to ascertain her children's ages with more precision than she then knew them, as this affiant cannot read writing, and it being very dim, Mrs Herring marked over some of the dates as well as she could find them out. That she believes the same is true and genuine as far it can be ascertained and that it is in the handwriting of Thomas Blinson a schoolmaster who recorded it at the request of her husband and herself about twenty six years ago, that the Record of her two youngest children's ages hereunto annexed was recorded in the same book with the other, that it is in the handwriting of John Wilson a son of her husband by a former wife and that the same is true

and genuine. She has no record of her marriage.
Elizabeth her T. Wilson mark
Sworn to & subscribed the day and year aforesaid before me and I hereby certify that I have known said affiant for about twelve months, have seen her upon several occasions within that time and transacted business with her and have had several opportunities of knowing her reputa- tion among a portion of her acquaintances, and from my own knowledge as aforesaid, and the said reputation I believe her to be a credible person and that her state- ment is entitled to full faith and credit,
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of Office This the 17 th day of March A.D. 1840 & in the 64 th year of American Independence Patrick Murphy Com d

Dear,
Payton Bridge N.C. March 17 th 1840
Sir,
The foregoing contains the affidavit of Elizabeth Wilson with the family Record of her children's births which is some evidence going to show that her marriage took place previous to the 1 st of January 1794. and hope it will be satisfactory
I am very Respectfully
Your ob dt Serv t
Patrick Murphy
Hon. James L. Edwards Com r of Pensions Washington
S.G.

Certificate in proof of Elizabeth Wilson's marriage -

We Robert Tate a Clergyman resident in the neighbourhood of Stephen William, Sen r now deceased and the others whose names are hereunto subscribed resident in the same hereby certify that we were well acquainted with said Stephen William, Sen r a resident of Duplin County N.C. who died a few months ago, aged seventy odd years whose affidavit we understand and believe was sent on with Mrs Elizabeth Wilson's application for a pension, in proof of her marriage, that said Stephen William, was a highly respectable man a gentleman of veracity and integrity, and that not only his affidavit but his statements not under oath could be implicitly relied upon - Given under our hands. May 25 th 1841 -
Rob t Tate Stephen Herring John W m Carr Boney Wells John at Boney Wills Boney Hardy Herring Cornel M c Millan J.P.

W.W. Westbrook Hotel Fort-Worth, Texas Feby. 14 th 1912.
Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.
Dear Sir:-
Will you do me the favor to give record and copy of pension certificate of John Wilson, a Revolutionary soldier of North Carolina? Also Wid. File no. 4398.
Very truly yours Mrs Louis J. Wortham Westbrook Hotel Fort-Worth, Texas -