Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 1953, [ILLEGIBLE] Witherington, N.C.

Wunderjahr, Wunderjahr
Q. 1953
CONTENTS
carded:

North Carolina 16.431.
William Witherington of Craven - in the State of N.C. - who was a P.V. - in the _____ commanded by Captain _____ of the Regt. commanded by Col. Davis in the * line for 10 months
Mc. Line Sept. 16/04 Records completed.
Inscribed on the Roll of North Carolina at the rate of $3. Dollars 33 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 8 th day of Aug t 33 and due to Edward J. Stanley Newbern N.C.
Arrears to the 4th of March 1833 106.66 Pension allowance ending Sept. - 26.66
$133.32
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Nath. Rice Clerk, Book E Vol. 6 Page 59.
John D. Drury Apr 28 1853-

State of North Carolina } ss. Craven County
On this 25 th day of October A.D. 1832 Personally appeared in open court before the Hon. Joseph P. Daniel Judge of the Superior Court of Craven Now Sitting, William Witherington a Resident of Craven County North Carolina, aged seventy three 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 June 7 th 1832. — That at the instigation of General Caswell who was his neighbor in the Fall of the year 1776, he volunteered, in Captain Thomas Williams' Company, and repaired to Kinston, within five miles of which place he resided, and under General Casw. -ll, they marched through Duplin and Sampson Counties, on to Cross Creek (Now Fayetteville) and thence to Moore's Creek, where Genl. Caswell, was an engagement with the Tories under M c Leod, M c Daniel, and Campbell, — the Tories were easily routed as the engagement only lasted about ten minutes. This applicant was not in the engagement, having been sent off with others, by Genl. Caswell, on a scouting party, under Lieut. Barwell Morris, and was at the time of the engage- ment, about a mile and a half distant. In this expedition Capt. Depe Cobb of Leek County commanded a company of Minute Men. After the affair of Moore's Creek, they returned

their steps homeward, and after the usual delays reached Kinston, and was then discharged. This applicant residing near Genl. Caswell never received a discharge formal discharge never having applied for it. — This applicant served in this town, in the Militia between two and three months. — A short time after the discharge of this applicant as aforesaid he again volunteered under Genl. Caswell at Kinston, and marched in the Company of Captain Thomas Williams for the town of Wilmington N.C. and was stationed there three months, Col. Farris was the Colonel of one of the regiments; Richard Caswell Jr. was Colonel to this applicant's regiment, and Burrell Manning lieutenant; Capt. Cobb of Lenior, was Captain of one of the companies. Whilst stationed at Wilmington, the Independence of the State was declared by Congress on July the 4th 1776, and six weeks after that time, we broke up at Wilmington, and marched home for Kinston, where this applicant was discharged by General Caswell — He retained his discharge until sometime after peace was declared, but not thinking that it ever would be of any value to him, he did not preserve it, and it is now lost. — This applicant served in this town, three months. — In February 1777, this applicant again volunteered under Capt. Samuel Caswell, and was placed under the General Command of General William Caswell, to guard the Magazine of arms, and Ammunition, in Kinston N.C. which was collected there for the

are of the troops - there were in all about sixty men upon this duty, in which we served three months, and this applicant received his discharge at the end of that time from General William Caswell, but has lost the same, not deeming it of any value to him. —
In April 1777 this applicant again served as a Substitute for John Creech, who was drafted by Capt. Menah Patrick in Kinston, and then was in Capt. Thomas Pasteur's Company - under General Sumner, Col. Richard Caswell, and Capt. Pasteur, they marched from Kinston, up through Johnston, & Wake Counties, Salisbury and Charlotte, into South Carolina. In Charlotte & Salisbury, the light horse belonging to this applicant's Regiment, and the British light horse, had several engagements, but they resulted in nothing of a decisive character. In this Campaign, we never met the Enemy, and it was therefore not characterized by any active operations, and our time of service being about to expire, we began to retrace our steps back through North Carolina. When we reached the Yadkin river, this applicant, was discharged by General Sumner, but he has lost the same, not deeming it of any value. — One Knight was a sergeant, one John, a Capt, in some of the Companies, who were associated in this Campaign, with this applicant. Depe Bryan was lieutenant, in this applicant's Company, and Ephraim Payer ensign. — In this Campaign, this applicant served in all five months and eleven days. — In August 1782

This applicant again volunteered under General Lillington in Kinston, and marched under his command and that of Capt Matthew Morley, to intercept Major Craig, a British officer who was then on his way from the South to Newbern; they met him at Hargett's in Jones County, and had a short engagement, the British retreated to New Bridge over Trent river, and on a picket guard, engaged with the light horse belonging to the British, who again retreated, and made good their way to Newbern. - The Americans immediately after their last engagement, came on to Trenton in Jones County, where we remained eight days, and marched thence under Major William Shepard, to Kinston, having agreed to serve only ten days, for the special purpose of opposing Major Craig in his march to Newbern. - This applicant has no documentary evidence, to substantiate the facts herein set forth. - He hereby relinquishes every claim whatsoever to a pension or annuity, except the present, & declares that his name, is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State. - From to, and subscribed the Willm. W. Hargett day and year aforesaid. - Affidavit
We Richard Richardson and Caleb Hooten each residing

in the County of Craven, Truly Certify, that we are well acquainted with William Witherspoon, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration. That we believe him to be seventy three 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. —
Richd. Richardson
Given to, & subscribed, the day Caleb Hooton and year aforesaid. —
Edw. Farley
Interrogatory 1st. — Where and in what year were you born? —
Ans In Lenoir County at Ca, about five miles from Kinston on the 16th day of July A.D. 1759. —
2nd. Have you any record of your age; and if so where is it? —
Ans; I have, and it is contained in our old family bible which I have in my possession at home. —
3rd. — Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived, since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live? —
Ans. — When called into service I lived in the County now called Lenoir, about five miles from Kinston, and then I continued to reside until within the last thirty years, when I removed into the County of Craven, where I have ever since lived & continue to reside. —
4th. — How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you

did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? and if a substitute for whom?
Ans. Three times I volunteered, and once I was a substitute for John Creech who was drafted under Capt. Mearns Patrick in April 1777. —
5th. — 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 service. —
Ans. Genl. Richard Caswell, Genl. William Caswell, General Sumner, General Lillington, Captain Samuel Caswell, Captain Thomas Williams, & Capt. Depe Cobb. I do not recollect the names of any of the regiments, and we never were associated with any of the regiments of the line, except that we met altho' accidentally, on our Marches. — We were engaged with the Tories at Moore's Creek as detailed in my first tone of service station at Wilmington N.C. for three months, and guarded the Magazine at Newbern under Genl. Caswell three months; In April 1777 I was marched through N.C. into South Carolina & was, subsequently, engaged in the attempt to intercept Major Craig in his March to Newbern. —
6 Did you ever receive a discharge from the service; and if so by whom was it given, and what has become of it? —
Ans. — I received a discharge from Genl. Caswell, Genl. Wm. Caswell and General Sumner, but I have lost all three of them, not thinking that they would be of any value to me, I did not take any pains

to preserve them. — Ques. 7th State the names of persons to whom you are known, in your present neighbourhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the revolution. Ans. — Richard Richardson, Andrew H. Richardson, Joseph Withington, & Solomon Withington. Tell Mr. Withington from me before me this day & every
affairs. — Edw. Paul We the undersigned being first duly sworn, do testify and say that we have known Mr. William Withington, for a long number of years, that he is reputed and believed in his neighbourhood, to have been a revolutionary soldier, and that we concur in that opinion. — We further add, that we have been his neighbours for a long time, that we believe him to be of the age as represented in the foregoing decla- -ration, and he has ever since we have been acquainted with him borne the reputation of having served faithfully in the revolutionary war. —
From me before me the day & year aforesaid; Edw. Paul Joseph his & William Mark Withington
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatory, sus- cribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. And the Court

For the certis, that it appears to them, that there is no clergyman residing in the neighborhood of the applicant, but that Richard Richard- son, Caleb Hooton, Joseph Withersington, Andrew H. Richardson & Solomon With- ersington who have signed the preceding Certificate are residents of the County of Antrim, and are Credible persons, and that their statement is entitled to Credit. —
J. V. Daniel 1832
I Edward Gault, Clerk of Session Superior Court do hereby certify that the foregoing, contains the original proceedings of said Court, in the matter of the application of William Withersington for a pension. — In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this 25 th day of October A.D. 1832. —
Edward Gault
John McPherson
21176

The amended declaration of William Witherington who served during the Revolutionary war. — Personally appeared before me the undersigned a Justice of the Peace for the County of Craven in the State of North Carolina, William Witherington, who being duly sworn, deposes and saith, that by reason of old age & the consequent loss of memory, he cannot serve precisely as to the precise length of his service, but he knows most positively, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following places. — First as a volunteer under Genl. Caswell two months and a fraction — Second as a volunteer under Genl. Caswell three months — Third he volunteered under Capt. Saml. Caswell & served three months. fourth as a substitute for John Creech, in which campaign he served five months and eleven days — fifth he volunteered under Genl. Lillington to intercept Major Craig, & served ten days; and for such service I claim a pension. — Given to before me this 28th day of June A.D. 1833.
Hardy Whitford J.P.
Solomon Witherington maketh oath that he is the brother

of William Withington, that they lived together during the Revolutionary war, that he knows of his brother engaging to serve in the Revolutionary army, and of his leaving home for that purpose, three several and distinct times; this affiant and his brother, never served on the same expedition, save the one to intercept Major Craig. — This affiant recollects well of his marching for Morris Creek, together with his brother James, but he cannot say how long he was in the service. — Solomon Withington Withington Given to before me this 28th June 1833.
Hardy Whilford
State of North Carolina, Brave County } I James G. Stanley Clerks of the Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions of Brave County, hereby certify, that Hardy Whilford Esquire is an acting Justice of the peace of Brave County. This paper signature is subscribed to the foregoing affidavits.
In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand & affix the seal of said Court, at Newbern this 28th of June 1833.
J. G. Stanley Clerk

Dresden Jan'y 1 st 1854
Sir
William Witherington served as a revolutionary soldier 9 months under General Sumner and received a pension of about 50 dollars until his death which took place on the 28 day of December 1844 and his wife who survived him only 8 months and died on the 4 day of May 1845 - never received a pension at all - They had one child who is now living and who wishes to make application for what pension may be due his father & mother if he is as an heir entitled to the same the facts set forth above he can substantiate therefore you will please state to him whether he can obtain any thing and remit to us the form necessary for a declaration etc
Respectfully
To L P Waldo
Com of Pensions Washington D C
John J. Avery

William Witherington was married to Susannah Coward September the 17 th . 1797 In Green County North Carolina Father died in Craven County North Carolina December the 28 th . 1844 Mother died in the State and County aforesaid May the 14 th . 1845

Pension Office Jany. 18, 1855.
Sir
It does not appear that William Witherington was pensioned in Tennessee. — I must be informed in what State he was pensioned, when his wife died, when he was married to her and when he died, before I can answer your inquiry as to whether his children are entitled to a pension in their mother's right.
I am, respectfully, Your Alt. Servt. L. M. Waldo Commissioner.
John J. Drury, Esq. Dresden, Tenn.

William Witherington N. C. N o 21176.
On
Admit as a pirate Homo of 55.55.
e. l.
Edward Stanley clerk Craven Co N.C.

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
apl 20 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. Those 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 William Witherington
   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.     1776 vol. between 2 & 3 mos. Pri. Capt. Thos Williams Genl. Caswell thru' In- pln & Samsom Co. 73 years   " 3. " " " From Lenoir   1777 " 3 " Capt. David Caswell Col. Davis Kingston C o N. C.   " sub. 5 " " Capt. Thos. Caswell Genl. Caswell thru' Johnston & Watm. Co. Traditionary   1782 vol. 10 " Pasteur Genl. Sumptry Salisbury & Charlotte into S. C.   d. d. 16 21 " Capt. John Caswell Col. Richd. Caswell thru' N. C.   16. 0 " Dr. Moser Genl. Lillington  
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.

Rev. and 1813 Wars Section.
Out Am
April 2, 1924.
Kate D. Smith, 1223 Niazuma Ave., Birmingham, Ala.
Madam;
I have to advise you that in your former letter, your request was for a William Worthington or Witherington or Withington of South Carolina. You are here-with furnished the history of William Witherington of North Carolina.
From the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim S. 7953, it appears that William Witherington was born July 16, 1759 in Lenoir County, North Carolina, and while residing there, he enlisted in the Revolutionary War.
He was allowed pension, for sixteen months service as a private in the North Carolina Troops, on his application executed October 25, 1832, while a resident of

Craven County, North Carolina.
Soldier married in Green County, North Carolina, September 17, 1797, Susannah Coward. He died December 28, 1844 in Craven County, North Carolina and she died there May 4, 1845.
They had one child, Reding Witherington, alive in 1855.
Respectfully,
Commissioner.

Rev War
7953
1924-Apr. 2-Host to Rate to Smith - eng.
✓ INVALID.
File No. 7953
William Witherington
Rev War
Act: June 1 st 1832
Index:—Vol. 103 , Page 460
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Wm Withington Jew Mr Raper's in Tenn. M rs M rs of the Official Business June 18 1833 D r Waldo Esqr Commissioner of Pensions Washington D C

William Witherington M.C. - 25-1832
Official Business
J. R. Waldo Esqr Commissioner of Pensions Washington City D. C.

Dresden Tennessee April 17 th 1853- L P Waldo Esqr
Enclosed you will find a letter to myself from your department stating that you could not furnish me the informa- tion required, "to wit" (whether his children were entitled to a pension) un- til you could ascertain something in reference to his marriage death & also where he lived & died - on the back of said letter you will observe from the jury of Reading Withington the only heir of the said William a statement of said facts you will will please state to me whether he is entitled and also instruct me in case he is entitled how to proceed to procure it &c
Respectfully
John H. Greer

State of North Carolina ( Crown County)
Personally appeared before me this 20 th day of November A.D. 1832 one of the justices of the peace in said county of Crown and State of North Carolina Capt. Frederick Hudler a resident of said county who being first duly sworn according to law doth on oath say and declare that he knows William Witherington believes him to be about 73 years of age and have always heard that he served in the Revolutionary War, has resided in his neighbourhood twenty seven years and believes that he did serve in said war.
date as is above J. Hudler Attest Rich d Richardson J.P.
State of North Carolina Crown County
Personally came before me this 20 th November A.D. 1832 one of the justices of the peace in said Crown County Richard G. Farnville Esq. a resident of said county who being first duly sworn acor- -ding to law doth on oath say and declare that he knows William Witherington believes him to be about seventy three years of age and have often heard that he was a Soldier in the Revolu- -tionary War, has been acquainted with him and resided in his neighbourhood for the last twenty five years and believes he did serve in the Revolution- ary war.
— Date as is above Attest Rich d Richardson J.P. Rich d G. Farnville

State of North Carolina Craven County Personally appeared before me this 20 th day of November A.D. 1832 Richard Richardson one of the Justices of the peace for said county of Craven Isaiah Saylor a resident of said county who having been first sworn according to law doth on oath say and declare that he knows William Witherington and believes him to be about 73 years of age have been acquainted with said William Witherington and resided in his neighbourhood twenty five years always heard it reported that he served in the revolutionary war and believes it to be so 20 th Nov. 1832 Attest Rich d Richardson J.P. Isaiah Saylor.
State of North Carolina Craven County Personally came before me this 20 th November 1832 one of the Justices for said Craven county Clement L. Davis a resident of said county who having been first sworn according to law doth on oath say and declare that he knows William Witherington and believes him to be about 73 years of age have resided in his neighbourhood the size of twenty years always heard that he was a soldier in the Revolu- tionary war and believes the same this 20 th Nov. 1832 Attest Clement L. Davis Rich d Richardson J.P.

State of North Carolina, Craven County Personally appeared before me this 20 th day of November A.D. 1832 one of the Justices in ord for the said county of Craven Moncus C Boggess a resident of said county who having been first sworn according to law doth on oath say and declare that he knows William Witherington and believes him to be about seventy three years of age have been acquainted with said Witherington and resided in his neighbourhood thirty years have always heard that he was a soldier in the Revolutionary war.
Sworn & Subscribed on the day of November and before me Rich d Richardson
Mo Boggess
State of North Carolina Craven County Personally came before me this 20 th day of November A.D. 1832 one of the Justices for said county of Craven John H Richardson a resident of said county who having been first sworn according to law doth on oath say and declare that he knows William With- erington and believes him to be about 73 years of age have been acquainted with said Witherington and resided in his neighbourhood twenty years have always heard that he was a soldier in the Revolutionary war.
Sworn & Subscribed on the day of November before me Rich d Richardson
John H. Richardson

State of North Carolina Craven County
I James G. Stanley Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions of Craven County hereby certify that Richard Richardson Esquire is an acting Justice of the peace of Craven County and his proper signature is subscribed to the within affidavits.
In Testimony whereof I have unto set my hand and affix the seal of said Court at Newbern this 8th of December A.D. 1832.
J. G. Stanley Clerk

MRS. J. MORGAN SMITH 1223 NIAZUMA AVENUE BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA
March 27th. 1924.
Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D.C.
My dear Sir;
I received your letter, in reply to mine, saying the name Worthington, Witherington, Withington does not appear on the records of your office-- Pension Records.
I have a copy of a publication--- " A Census of Pensioners for Revolutionary Military Service with their names, ages, and places of residence, as returned by the Marshalls of the several Judicial Districts, under The Act for taking the Sixth Census.
"Published by authority of an Act of Congress ,under the direction of the Secretary of State.
Washington; Printed by State and Street 1841
Printed by Blair and Rives.
1841."
On page 137 of this publication, in third column, Graven Co. is the Name WILLIAM WITHERINGTON ,age 82", I do not doubt this is the man I am searching for, and am hopeful that the records in your office will prove it.
Pardon me if I seem inopportune ,but I will be very appreciative of a prompt reply to my letter.
Very truly,
(Mrs. J. Morgan)
Hattie D. Smith

NAME Merly, William GRADE Private "in the artillery" LINE Jennings's
WARRANT NUMBER 10667 ACREAGE 100 ISSUED June 25, 1794 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.