Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 7960, William Woodside, N.C.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Nb.
Woodside, William
S 7960.
hard
CONTENTS

North Carolina 16.566
William Woodside of Iredell in the State of N.Ca who was a priv. in the commanded by Captain _____ of the Regt commanded by Col: Davidson in the N.Ca line for 23 months
Inscribed on the Roll of N. Carolina at the rate of 76 Dollars 11 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 30 day of Sept: 1831, and Sub J. Campbell. Statesville. N.Ca.
  Arrears to the 4th of March 1831.  153.32    Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 Sept "  38.33     $191.65  
{ Revolutionary Claim, } Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Nath Rice Clerk, Book E Vol. 6 Page 60.

William Woodside N. C. N o 95-34
Rev Linda Lee y Slater Raleigh Admi re of private 23 mo. $76.66
c. m.
H Campbell Halesville N.C.

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
apl 25 th 1833
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 subjjoined 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.
A Statement, shewing the Service of Com. Woodside
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served. Names and Rank of the General and Field officers. Battles in which the applicant was engaged. Country through which he marched. Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period. Evidence by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     Thinks 1775 vol. 3 Pri. Capt. J. Caldwell From Fayetteville about to Chatham 7 years C.H.   " near 3 some time on foot Capt. L. Pervines Col. Wm. Davidson Stono From Salisbury to Guilford C.H. then to Moore's creek then S.C. to Augusta & then back to S.C. Traditionaly Witnesses   16 and some times on horse Capt. R. Graham Col. Thorton From Salisbury thro Guilford   about 2 " Capt. R. Ransom Major Dickson and Armstrong   23 Capt. S. Stevenson  
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 day 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 he 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 [j] 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.
# The applicant must specify his services as required above. If he belong to the Continental Establishment, he had better apply to the Secretary of State for proof of service.

Wm Woodside
Additional declaration

State of North Carolina Indenture 3
On this 20 th day of May 1833 personally came William Woodside before me the subscribing Justice of the peace and being first duly sworn doth upon his oath make the following additional declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed the 9 th day of June 1832.
That by reason of old age and consequent loss of memory he is not able to state precisely the length of his service to the term of his enlistment he served not less than the periods mentioned below.
His 1 st term was under Capt David Caldwell he was a volunteer in 1775. or 1776 he now believes 1776. he was in this service on foot 3. months
His 2 nd term he was a volunteer in the foot under Capt Purvis. 2. 00.
His 3 rd term under Capt Graham & Col Purvis and transferred to Capt Ramsay of the Regular Army at Puryburg & continued to serve till discharged at Bacon's Bridge in the fall of 1779. after the battle of Stone in which he was 16. 00
That in 1780 he volunteered in the militia under Capt Stevenson and Col Cleveland sometimes commanded. This service was for 3 months but by the agreement 2 months in the house was to be equal to a 3 months term he served in the house, and served 2 00 Year. 1. 11. 0
That he was several times called for a few days into the service, to guard the Colawba and other services amounting altogether to more than 2. 00 and for such services I claim a pension

He was born in Ireland, County Perry in the year 1756. 7 th March.
He has a record of his age in a Bible in his possession. He was living in what was then Rowan but is now Iredell County at the time he was called into the Service, he being upwards of one year after the war in America & returned from them to Ireland and lives there yet.
He was always a volunteer.
He knew William Davidson, Gen. Lincoln, Col. Thornton, Col. Lytle all of the Western States army.
He has a discharge for his 18 months service from Col. Thornton but lent it to a neighbor who never returned it.
He refers to William Finster, Thomas Branton and Joseph Sharpe.
Sworn Subscribed
before me this 21 st day
of May 1833
Hampden H.
M c Woodside
State of North Carolina Iredell County.
I Abraham Simonton Clerk of the Court of pleas and quarter Sessions of Iredell County do hereby certify that James Campell before whom the foregoing Affidavit was made is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County and that his signature thereto is genuine In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office at Statesboro this 25 th day of May 1833
A Simonton Clerk

The deponent William Woodside in addition to the facts stated in the foregoing original and amended declarations being duly sworn upon his oath states that the tour of duty designated as his third tour, was performed as follows In the month of May 1778 he entered as a volunteer in the Militia under Capt Richard Graham in the Regiment commanded by Col. William Davidson. Their rendezvous was at Salisbury in Rowan County. He volunteered for 9 months. The company in which the applicant was, marched from Salisbury to Guilford Court house, thence to Dicks ferry on Dan River and thence to Moons Creek where where he lay with his company until the month of September. There he was with the rest of the Company offered a furlough to return home and many of the Company went home on furlough, but the applicant continued in the service. An offer was afterwards  then made that the company which remained might return home and as many of them as would agree to meet in rendezvous in the state of South Carolina, to them the time accepted in returning home and should be accounted as no actual service. Deponent with others accepted this offer and returned home. He staid at home about one month and then marched to South Carolina and joined the Army at Purysburg upon joining the army there he was placed under under Capt. Matthew Runday, in a Regiment commanded by Col Thaxton. in the same Regiment was Col Septon Major Armstrong & Major Dickson. He was placed in the army and served therein 9 months after he joined the army in South Carolina, marched to Savannah River and after the Battle at Brier Creek (in which the applicant was not) he was marched to the big chalk bluff on Savannah River, and thence to Augusta in Georgia from thence crossing below Augusta, was marched about

until the battle at Stone river river in which the applicant was. after the battle he was marched and countermarched in that state until the month of September 1879 when he was discharged at Bacon bridge.
This deponent further swears that Thomas Brotherston served the whole of the time from the first entering it under Capt. Graham until they were both finally discharged together.
Sworn to & subscribed this 20 th day of July 1883 before me
Wm Woodside
Humphrey W.

State of N Carolina Iredell County
On this twenty third day of August 1832 personally appeared in open court the bearer of pleas and quarters Sessions, now sitting, William Woodson a Resident of Iredell County and State of North Carolina Aged about seventy seven years, who being sworn according to law doth make the following declaration. In Order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed the 7 th day of June 1832. (to wit)
That the first service, he performed, was as a Volunteer, under the command of Capt David Caldwell, for the term of three months, which service he thinks, was performed in the year 1775 that he first marched to Fayetteville N. Carolina, from thence to Chatham Court House from thence to the Cherokee Nation of Indians, commanded by the same Capt.
That he next served as a Volunteer, on a scouting party after tories for nearly three months, under the command of Capt. James Purnell, that their services were mostly in the County of Iredell and Rowan, at that time all Rowan.
That he next served under Col. William Davidson & Capt. Richard Graham, that they first marched to Salisbury from thence to Guilford Courthouse, from thence to Dicks ferry on Dan River, from which place they marched to Moores Creek, where they remained some time, from thence by way of home, to South Carolina near Parrisburg, on Santee River, at which place he was placed under continental officers, was Col. Hinton

Major Dickson and Armstrong, Capt. Ramsey... and after Remaining near said Savannah River. Guarding the same for some time, were marched to Augusta Georgia, from thence back to S. Carolina, where they were sometime guarding, the Torgo and British. Until the Battle of Stono, on the 20 th day of June 1779. in which battle, he was engaged. after which he was discharged, at Bacon Bridge on Ashley River River, which discharge he believes was dated the 5 th day of September 1779 - making a term of sixteen months - which discharge he has last,
That he next served about three  two months. after the Torgo. under the command of Capt. Stevenson, were marched to Salisbury. through Guilford County. on Deep River. Ranging after, one John Fanning. and his party of Torgos. of which services he thinks were performed in the year 1780 - -
That in all his services. he was a private, sometimes on foot. and sometimes on horse. that he was frequently called upon, for short terms of services after the Torgo. the number and length of which services is not distinctly recollected - for all which services. there were no discharges given, (except the one above named) and therefore has no evidence of that time, to produce, that he knows of no evidence either of persons or documents, except what is herein contained, to establish his Claim.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a other pension or annuity, except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the

Agency of Any State, that he has uniformly been a resident of South Carolina for sixty years sworn to and subscribed the day and year above written - Sworn subscribed in open Court the day & year above written { Wm Woodside J. Simonton Clerk
Mr. William Fenster Thomas Brotherston and Joseph Sharpe all residents of South Carolina and Wilkes County. Hereby certify that they are well acquainted with William Woodside who has sworn to and subscribed the above declaration - that they believe him to be seventy seven years of age, that he is respected and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides, to have been a soldier in the Revolution, and that they concur in that opinion - The said Thomas Brotherston
States that he was in service with him for something like sixteen months as he believes, that he was at the battle with him at Stone Ferry, as by him stated, and that he believes his services, or states to be correct & true -
The said William Fenster, States, that he saw the said William Woodside, while in the service in South Carolina, and believes his statement to be true - Sworn subscribed the day & year above written. Thomas Brotherston J. Simonton

Joseph Sharpe says that he saw William Woodside in the summer of the country in the expectation to the Cherokee nation.
Room submitted in open board before the day year above written. Joseph Sharpe
In all 28 months
9 in regular term

Rev War
7960 INVALID.
File No. 7960.
William Woodside
Rev War
Act: June 7 th 1832.
Index:—Vol. 102 , Page 414
[Arrangement of 1870.]

State of North Carolina
Secretary of States Office
I William Hill Secretary of State in and for the State aforesaid, do certify, that it appears by a book of settlements of the accounts of the Officers and Soldiers of the Continental line of this State in the revolutionary war, that William Woodside a private of said line was allowed the sum of forty pounds six shillings and six pence (£40. 6. 6.) for services performed therein.
Given under my hand this 29 th August 1833
Wm Hill

William Woodside
29. 9534 William Woodside application for a Pension

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter 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 William Turner and Joseph Sharpe are residents of Decatur County and that Thomas Brotherston is a resident of Wilkes County and that their statement is entitled to Credit. Humphrey Lee.
I Abalon Simonton Clerk of the Court of pleas and quarter sessions of Decatur County do hereby Certify that the foregoing contains the Original proceedings of said Court in the application of William Turner for a pension In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal at office this 23 day of August. 1835 - A Simonton Clerk

BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD*
NAME Woodside, Robert GRADE Private LINE New Jersey
WARRANT NUMBER 8877 ACREAGE 100 ISSUED February 25, 1793 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.