Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 7,898, James Wilson, Penn.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Penn.
Wilson James
87898
carded
CONTENTS
born in Tyrone Co. Ireland res at enl. Oxford, Chester Co. Pa - res in 1832 Youngstown, Trumbull Co. Ohio aged 86 or 87 yrs - d. Nov. 29, 1835 -

25.812.
Ohio
Pittsburgh
James Wilson, of Trumbull Co. in the State of Ohio
who was an Ensign in the Comp y . commanded by Captain M c Gone of the Reg t commanded by Col Butter in the Pennsylvania line for 2 years.
Inscribed on the Roll of Ohio P.A. at the rate of 240 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4 th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 9 th day of January 1834. and sent to W. Hine, Youngstown, Ohio.
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by John T. Sprague Clerk, Book E. Vol. 8. Page 133.
D.M. Wilson Jan'y; 21/40 3: AM

The State of Ohio, } TRUMBULL COUNTY, SS.
To all persons unto whom these presents shall come,
GREETING:
Be it Known, that on the 14 day of November A. D., one thousand eight hundred and fifty six  six the Court of Probate, within and for the county aforesaid, granted Administra- tion de bonis non on the Estate of James Wilson late of said county to Andrew McCartney And the said Andrew McCartney having given bond as required by law and the order of said Court, is duly qualified and empowered to Administer on said Estate agreeably to Law.
Witness: GEO. F. BROWN, Judge, and the Seal of said Court, at Warren, this 14 day of Nov. A. D. 185 6 :
Geo. F. Brown Judge.

James Wilson
(Dec.)
Carnegie, Letter,
[Faint, mirrored text from the reverse side of the page, likely bleed-through from the original document.]

The State of Ohio, } Court of Common Pleas, began and Trumbull County, ss. } held at the Court House in the town of Warren, within and for the County of Trumbull, on Tuesday, the twenty-sixth day of April, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hun- dred and thirty-six.
Present: the Honorable Matthew Birchard, President; Richard Wayse, Robert Price, and Henry Manning, Esquires, Associate Judges, holding said Court.
In the Matter of James Wilson, deceased.
This day it was satisfactorily proven in open Court by the oath of Samuel M c Neill, that James Wilson, late of Youngstown, in said County, dec'd, was, at the time of his death a Revolutionary pensioner of the United States under the act of June 7 th 1832; that he died on the 29 th day of November, A. D. 1835, without leaving a widow, but leaving Andrew Wilson, Jane Shannon, wife of John Shannon, Mary Eckman, wife of James Eckman, Eleanor M c Cartney, wife of Andrew M c Cartney, and Martha Philips, wife of Joel Philips, his only children and only heirs at law.
Ordered by the Court that a journal entry of said facts be made to enable the said heirs to obtain whatever pension money may have been due the said James Wilson, at the time of his death.
The State of Ohio, } J. Geo. F. Brown, Probate Judge, hereby Trumbull County. } certify that the above and foregoing is truly taken and copied from the Probate Records of said County, which Records are by law, deposi- ted in the office of the Probate Court.
Witness my hand and the seal of said Court, at Warren, this 15 th day of November, A. D. 1856.
Geo. F. Brown Probate Judge

In the matter of James Wilson late of Youngstown Ohio (Deceased)

The State of Ohio, Morrow County. ss.
3 On this 14th day of November, A.D. 1856, before me, Ippesen Palm, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of said, personally appeared John Eckman, a resident of said County, and made oath according to law that he was well acquainted with James Wilson, late of Youngstown Township, Mahoning County, Ohio, (formerly in Columbiana County, to the time of his death, ) since the year 1802, resided within three miles of said James Wilson, and was well acquainted with his family. He had six children, five daughters and one son. Their names were Andrew, Eleanor, Mary, Jane, Nancy and Martha. Of said children, Andrew, Mary, Jane and Nancy are deceased. Two only are living, Eleanor, married to Andrew McCartney, and now resides in Liberty Township, Columbiana County, Ohio, and Martha, married to Joel Phillips, and now resides in Liberty Township in said County. Said Eleanor and Martha are the only heirs and children now living, of said James Wilson, deceased,
John Eckman
I was to and subscribed before me at the Court of Assizes this 14th day of November, A.D. 1856, William Palm , Justice of the Peace for said County.
L. Jefferson Palm, a bustin' of the Plume for Munkell County, do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with John Beckman, who is a respectable resident of Munkell County, and that his statements

are entitled to full credit.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this 14 th day of November, A. D. 1884,
Josephus Palmer, Justice of the Peace,

State of Ohio Trumbull County S.S. }
On this fourth day of October A.D. 1832 personally appeared in open Court before the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas for said County of Trumbull now sitting, James Wilson a Resident of Youngstown in said County of Trumbull & State of Ohio aged /according to the best of his knowledge/ 86 or 87 years, who being first sworn according to law doth on his said oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated. He cannot now recollect either the day or month when he entered the service but thinks it must have been in the month of June A.D. 1876. That he enlisted in the fourth Regiment of the Pennsylvania line under Captain John M c Gowan. & at the time of his enlistment was a Resident of the Township of Oxford in the County of Chester & State of Pennsylvania. Colonel William Butler commanded said Regt. La man was Major until the battle of Pele, when he was slain. Captain M c Gowan commanded the Company to which he belonged & Thomas Campbell & William Henderson were the Lieutenants. That there was no ensign in said Company from the time he joined it until some time in the spring of the year 1877 when the said Wilson received the appointment of Ensign in said company. The recollection of the said Wilson

being considerably impaired by age he does not now remember the date of his commission nor by whom it was signed. but will remember that some time in the spring of 1777 in the City of Philadelphia Capt. McGowan sent him word that his commission of Ensign was made out for him & wished him to call & receive it. That he did im- mediately after call at said Capt. McGowan's quarters & received his commission. but carrying the com- mission with him while in the service, it became lost and damaged soon after receiving it & before he left the service entirely lost. The first battle he was engaged in after entering the service was that of Trenton & Princeton. The Fourth Regt to which he belonged had their winter quarters at Valley Forge during the winter of 1776-77. during the campaign of 1777 in and several marches in the vicinity of Valley Forge - was engaged in the battles of Brandywine & Germantown & again took winter quarters at Valley Forge. The next year marched through New Jersey & was engaged in the Battle of Monmouth. He cannot now recollect any battles he was engaged in after that of Monmouth. He however recollects continuing in the Army until the close of the war. He marched with the army to York Town at the capture of Cornwallis & though the Regt to which he belonged was not actively engaged in the battle, it was stationed where he saw the attack made on the British. He further states that at the Battle of the White Horse he received a wound in the shoulder from a cannon ball or grape shot as he believes. He has no documentary evidence in possession to produce & knows of no person whose testimony he can produce as to his services in the revolutionary army except that of William Dunlap which is now taken. He further states that he

was born in the County of Tyrone Ireland but in what year does not know & has no record of his age. When he entered the service he resided in the Township of Bedford Chester County Pa. Soon after the close of the Revolutionary war he removed into the western part of Pennsylvania where he resided til 1799 when he removed to Youngstown in said County of Trumbull where he has resided ever since. He voluntarily entered in the service. General Anthony Wayne commanded the Regt in which he served & he does not now recall any other regular officers of said Regt except those above mentioned. He received a commission of Ensign as above stated. & names George Tod & Josiah Robbins Esquires as persons who can testify as to his character for veracity & their belief of his services as a soldier of the Revolution. He hereby acknowledges every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present & declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State.
Sworn to & subscribed the day & year aforesaid before me E. Baldwin associate judge Darius his H. Wilson mark
We George Tod & Josiah Robbins residing in said Youngstown hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Darius H. Wilson who has subscribed & sworn to the above declarations that we believe him to be between 80 & 90 years of age, that he is respected and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution & that we concur in that opinion. Sworn & subscribed the day & year aforesaid
George Parsons Clerk
George Tod Josiah Robbins

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter & after putting the interrogatories presented by the War Department that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier & served as he states. And the Court further certifies that it appears to them that George Todd and Josiah Robbins Esquires who have signed the foregoing certificate are residents in Youngstown in said County of Trumbull and are credible persons & that their statement is entitled to full credit.
The State of Ohio Trumbull County ss I George Parsons Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of said County do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of James Wilson (of Youngstown) for a pension that Eli Balaam Esq whose signature in his own proper hand writing is affixed to the foregoing certificate is an acceptable Judge of said Court. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said Court at Warren this 19 th day of October A.D., 1832.
George Parsons Clerk.
Application
James Wilson
17168

No 17. 198
James Wilson Trumbull County Ohio
Return
Adm 2 years Ensign
24 2 780 720 600
H. Aine Esq Youngstown Trumbull Co
Anti- tionary so do hereby the appl

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
8 August 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
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. Proof by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     June 1776 4 Reg Penn lines In the Spring of 1777 promoted to Ensign and served in that Capacity Untile the close of the War pa Col M c Gorre Col Butler 86. or 7. Chester County Penn a Living Witnesses Traditionary.  
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) , who has hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with , who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, Clerk of the Court of do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this day of &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration, (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his

alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.  6. { To a Soldier. } Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it? { To an Officer. } Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?  7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. 
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons—one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the inquiry 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 prothonotary is suppt Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed 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.

March 24, 1932
BA-J/AWF
Mrs. J. M. Barnhart Ithaca Michigan
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter relative to James Wilson, a soldier of the Revolutionary War.
The data contained herein are obtained from the papers on file in pension claim, S. 7898, based upon the Revolutionary War service of James Wilson.
He was born in county of Tyrone, Ireland, date not given.
While residing in Oxford, Chester County, Pennsylvania, he enlisted and served as a private and was in the battles of Trenton and Princeton, he was appointed in the spring of 1777, ensign in Captain John McGowan's company in Colonel William Butler's Pennsylvania regiment and also in Colonel Anthony Wayne's Pennsylvania regiment. He was in the battles of Paoli, where wounded in the shoulder, and in the battles of Brandywine, Germantown and Monmouth, was taken prisoner at Charleston, South Carolina, made his escape, marched to Yorktown, and witnessed the capture of Cornwallis, served until the army was disbanded in 1783.
Soon after the Revolution he moved to Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, and in 1799 moved to Youngstown, Trumbull County, Ohio.
He was allowed pension on his application executed October 4, 1832, then a resident of Youngstown, Ohio, and was about eighty-seven years of age.
He died November 29, 1835 in Trumbull County, Ohio,
did not use date of enlistment as capt John M. McGowan's Co. Wm. Butler's Co. with in 4th Pa. Reg. as early as June '76

leaving no widow, and the name of his wife is not shown.
The following were his children— Andrew Wilson; Jane the wife of John Shannon; Mary, the wife of James Eckman; Eleanor or Elinor, the wife of Andrew McCartney; Martha, the wife of Joel Philips; and Nancy. Wilson  the wife
The only surviving children in 1856 were— Eleanor or Elinor McCartney and Martha Philips, both living in Liberty Township, Trumbull County, Ohio.
One John Eckman in 1856 was a resident of Trumbull County, Ohio, no relationship stated.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Assistant to Administrator

Reahan
7898
INVALID.
File No. 7898
James Wilson
Ensign Rev. War
Act: June 4 th 1832
Index:—Vol. 1 B , Page 409
[Arrangement of 1870.]

May 4/95
Will H. Wilson 42 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, O. mch 1908 Oct. 22. Hist. to Mrs. Martha J. Rogers. L 1932 - mch 24 - hist. to Mrs. J. M. Barnes - Cinc.

Ohio 25,812
James Wilson Trumbull in the State of Ohio who was a Ensign in the Company commanded by Captain M c Donell of the Reg t commanded by Col Butler - in the Pennsylvania line for 2 Yrs Ensign $ 240.00
Entered on the Roll of Ohio P. A rate of 240 Dollars & Cents per annum. Commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 9 th day of Jan y and sent to Ohio 1834 H. Hine, Youngstown, Trumbull Co.
Arrears to the 4th of Sept 1833 - 500.00 Semi-ann. allowances ending 4 Mch '34 - 120.00 $ 620.00
Revolutionary Claim, } Act June 7, 1832. } Recorded by John J. Sprague Clerk, Book ( - Vol. Page 133
Died 29. Nov 1837

Report at the Pittsburgh Agency,
20 th Day 1834 - See his letter to Col. H. Garbett
Let. to Hon. George Fries, Aug. 5, 1845.
33 24 62

A. H. Markland

Department of State, Washington, Aug 27. 1855
Sir,
I have to inform you in reply to your note of this day's date, that James Wilson served as wagon conductor, from the 1 st of February 1778, to the 12 th of October of the same year. It does not appear at what period he entered the service, but his name is found on rolls dated 1. Feb. 1 st June and 12 August.
I am respectfully Your Obedt Servant
W. L. G. Smith, Assistant Secretary
A. H. Markland Washington

Application of James Wilson, Ohio 1852 for increased funding

Washington City Dec 3rd 1856
George B. Whiting Esq. Comm'r of Pensions,
I enclose, herewith, the application of the Adm't of James Wilson of Ohio, for the increase of pension due said Wilson as a Wagon Conduct'r in the War of the revolution, Wilson during his life was allowed a pension as an ensign only, Mr Wilson, never served as an ensign but as a Wagon Conduct'r under John M c Gowan who was a Conduct'r of Military Stores; I, also, enclose evidence of his services, further and fuller evidence may be found in the files of the Pension Office.
I Am Sir Very Resp'tfully J. N. Markland
J. N. Markland

War Department Pension Office 8 th Aug 1833
Sir
The evidence in support of the claim of James Wilson has been again examined. The evidence adduced by the claimant is not deemed sufficient to entitle him to a pension, as the rolls of the Pennsylvania line in this Office afford no evidence whatever of his services. The papers are therefore again returned, and unless there is direct proof produced to establish the fact as alleged, the claim cannot be admitted.
I am Sir Very Respectfully Your Ob st Serv t J L Edwards
H. Aine Esq Youngstown Trumbull County Ohio.

Homer Hine
Mar 23 rd 1833-
Youngstown, 23 rd Mar Free
Hon. Elisha Whittelsey Esq.
Washington City
to Colonel

Youngstown 23 d Nov r 1883
Dear Sir -
I now forward you the papers in the case of James Wilson under the full belief that he is justly entitled to his pension under the law of Congress. You will observe that Mr. Edwards says they cannot find his name on the Rolls in the office - I understand the Rolls are principally lost. & it might be that Mr. Wilson was detached from that Reg t & was in other service during a considerable period of time - And indeed I have this week learnt in conversing with his old acquaintance that this is actually the case - Mr. Wilson you will learn from the testimony has now lost his resolution and is unable to give a correct history of his Military services - But Joseph Wilson and old Mr. Kunkel who were both personally acquainted with James Wilson during his services in the war & have heard him repeatedly state them since while the services were fresh. & his resolution good - They state that Wilson volunteered together with about 90 or 100 others & sailed for Charleston S. C at the time it was first attacked by the British

That the whole party was captured by a man of war & that he was retained prisoner on board the blockading fleet until he with two others of his fellow prisoners made their escape in a small boat & after an absence of about 10 months he returned to Philadelphia. They further state that Wilson went to the South with a Brigade of Wazoo to convey the French Army from Rhode Island to Hudson River. But how long he was on that service they know not. I have since conversed with Mr. Wilson on the subject & he has related to me I suppose the main circumstances as they occurred both in his expedition to S. C. & also to R. Island. with the exception of dates. He cannot tell the year nor the time engaged in each service. But Joseph Wilson mentions to have heard him & others state that James Wilson was about 10 months gone on his trip to S. C. Under all these circumstances would it not be best to get up a supplemental statement of Wilson and forward it on to you. - If you think it advisable I will do it & in such manner as you shall judge best -
Very Respectfully your Friend H. Hines

Dear 3 Paps. Washington D.C. July 21, 1846.
2 vi:
Please furnish me, as soon as possible, with such evidence as may be in your office, relating to the services of Ensign James Wilson, of the Pennsylvania line, Army of the Revolution, in having drawn a pension for many years prior to his death. — Please, also, state, what, if any, pay, or bounty bonds, the heirs of the said Wilson are entitled to in right of their deceased ancestry, and under what law their claim arises.
Very respectfully G. A. Collett
Col. E. L. Edward, Mrs. Fries Commissioner of Pensions.

Washington December 23 rd 1833-
Sir
I received a letter from Mr. Edwards dated on the 10 th inst. relative to the claim of James Millson for a pension, in which he stated he had referred the subject to the Secretary of War; and that he had decided, if the Department could be satisfied by a certificate from me or any other member of Congress as to the reputation of the claimant, that the claim would be allowed. I wrote to Mr. Hine who drew up the application on the 12 th and requested him, as I was not acquainted with Mr. Millson, to obtain the certificate, or depositions of several Gentlemen with whom I was acquainted, stating what Mr. Millson's character has been. I received Mr. Hine's answer this evening - containing the certificate of James Hillman, William Mayen, Charles Dutton, Henry Meigs, and the statement of Mr. Hine, which you will find inclosed. I have been acquainted with all these Gentlemen since the year 1806, and know they would not certify to any fact, without good evidence of its truth. Mr. Hine in his letter to me said Mr. Madburn the only justice in the village, was absent, or they would have given their certificates in the form of affidavits. I should believe them as soon without oath as with - From their statement I have

no doubt and so certify. That James Wilson the applicant for a pension and whose papers are herewith returned is, and from 1803 has been a man of truth and veracity, and so taken and esteemed among his neighbours.
Very Respectfully Yours G. Whittier
Hon Lewis Cope Secretary of War

We the subscribers do certify that we have been well acquainted with James Wilson of Youngstown who as we are informed is now an applicant for a pension from the year 1804 to the present time. We have ever considered him a man of a fair character for truth and veracity & have no hesitation in saying that full faith & credit was at all times to be reposed in his statements under oath. We further state that we have frequently heard Mr Wilson giving a narration of his military services in the Revolutionary war & have never entertained any doubts as of his having been actually in the service. Mr. Wilson is now old & has lost his recollection but we have reference to his statements made during the former of his life - In testimony whereof we hereunto subscribe our names this 18 th Nov r 1833
James Hillman William Naylor Charles Duggan Henry Wick
I do certify that I have been acquainted with James Wilson of Youngstown who is now an applicant for a pension since the year 1803 that I have always considered him a man of truth in his common conversation and his oath at all times entitled to as much confidence as the first class of our citizens generally - I have frequently heard him state that he was in the Revolutionary service & never entertained a doubt of the fact - I

When called upon by his son to draw up his application for a pension, perceiving the old gentleman had then very much failed in his recollection I directed his son to call call in a number of his neighbours that I might ascertain from them whether the statement he then made to me was such as they had heard him make at early periods of his life - Accordingly a number came in one of whom had been acquainted with him since the year 1784, that is within one year after Mr. Wilson was discharged from service. They all declared the statement I had then made in writing was the same they had repeatedly heard him make before when his recollection was good & the events of the war fresh in his mind. They said they had heard him state also several other particulars of his service which I had not written - but so far as it went - it was precisely the same - I took the above precaution in this case as I have determined to have nothing to do in drawing up applications for pensions unless myself fully convinced of the justice of their claims. In testimony of the truth of the above statement I here subscribe my name - Youngstown 18 th Feb y 1833
Horner Hill

Personally came before the Court of Common Pleas now sitting at Warren within and for the County of Trumbull & State of Ohio William Hunsaker was a resident of said County who being duly sworn deposeth & saith that from the year 1776 to the close of the Revolutionary war he resided in Colerain Township Lancaster County Pa. adjoining the Township of Oxford in Chester County Pa. where James Wilson now an applicant before said Court for a pension then resided, & although not personally acquainted with said Wilson at the time he joined the army he was intimately acquainted with members of his Friends & neighbors & heard from them from time to time that the said Wilson was then a soldier in the Continental army. His Regiment was at the same time a soldier in the Pennsylvania Station. & as such continued to perform occasional turns of duty until the close of the war - was in the same army with the said Wilson during the most part of several campaigns - & although he had not much inter- course with the said Wilson owing to their being engaged in different service yet he learnt from daily conversation with them mutual acquaintance that said Wilson was constantly engaged in the regular service. This Deponent according to the best of his recollec- tion saw the said Wilson either shortly after the battle of the White Horse or that of Red Bank & then heard from him as well as others the particulars of the said Wilson having received a wound in the shoulder at the battle of the White Horse either from a musket ball or grape shot & that his epaulette was thereby shot from his shoulder - This Deponent is always understood that said Wilson was a com- missioned officer & it is impressed on his mind

That at the close of the war he was either a Lieutenant or ranked as a Lieutenant. This Deponent further states that he understood during the war that said Wilson was (but in what year cannot now recollect,) that said Wilson was taken prisoner and carried into Charleston South Carolina he also recollects to have heard the particulars of their capture and the manner in which they made their escape from the British ship of war related by the said Wilson soon after the war who was taken prisoner with the said Wilson & also recollects his escape with him - Soon after the close of the Revolutionary war this Deponent became intimately acquainted with the said Wilson in Western Pennsylvania where they both resided for several years - In the year 1801 this Deponent removed to said County of Franklin where he found said Wilson then residing - and from that time to the present they have resided in adjoining town- ships - have had repeated conversations together upon the military services performed by said Wilson, the battles in which he was engaged & in which the transactions were fresh in recollection, & from the repeated & uniform relation of his military services in the Revolutionary war stands by said Wilson when young & also since he has arrived to advanced years. This Deponent feels confident that the declaration which the said Wilson has made of his Revolutionary services before this Court is substantially correct. Given what this Deponent learnt from said Wilson & his friends in early life he thinks his age must

now be eighty seven years - for two or three years past he has failed considerably in his recollection & has now forgotten many events of his military service which he could relate accurately a few years since - Said Wilson has ever maintained the character of an honest & worthy man since the war & during his military service he was universally esteemed by his acquaintances as a brave and trusty soldier. William Dunlap
Sworn to and Subscribed this 4 th day of October 1832 in Open Court before me
George Parsons Clerk
The State of Ohio } Summit County } ss. George Parsons Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for said County do hereby testify that William Dunlap whose deposition in his own proper hand writing is annexed who was by me duly sworn to the truth of the foregoing deposition on the fourth day of October 1832 touching the application of James Wilson for a pension is a resident of said County and that full faith and credit is and ought to be given to his testimony.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office at Warren the thirteenth day of July 1833 -
George Parsons Clerk

State of Ohio } Trumbull County S.S. }
Youngstown 24 th May 1833
James Wilson of Youngstown in said County of Trumbull & State of Ohio being first sworn according to law doth on his said oath (in addition to his declaration made on the fourth day of October A.D. 1832 before the Court of Common Pleas for said County of Trumbull in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832 & in with forwarded) further depose and say. That he belongs to that denomination of Christians usually called Seceders. That the Rev. James Hunsan officiated as his clergyman from his first settlement in Youngstown until the year 1815 or 1816 when said Hunsan left this country & moved to the State of Indiana where he has since heard he died. After the removal of said Hunsan a Mr. Hogle officiated as his Minister for five or six years when he died. Since which time he has not been personally acquainted with any clergymen of any denomination. and does not now know of any Seceder Ministers residing in said County of Trumbull. That for these reasons he was unable & is still unable to prove the affidavit of a clergyman relative to his revolutionary services. Said James Wilson further deposes & saith

that he never had the advantage of an education & during his services in the Revolutionary war although he could write his own name intelligibly was unable generally to write or read writing -
Sworn to & subscribed { James Wilson the day & year aforesaid } mark before me John Fieght Jr. P.P.
Personally came Joseph Wilson a President of Youngstown in the County of Trumbull & State of Ohio before me the subscribing authority, who being duly sworn deponeth & saith that the said James Wilson is his Uncle & as Deponent has always understood is about fifteen years older than himself. Deponent further moved from Chester County Pa. previous to the Revolutionary war to Westmoreland County Pa. when Deponent according to the best of his recollection was about eight or nine years old. Deponent distinctly recollects to have seen said James at his Father's before his removal to Westmoreland City - During the Revolutionary war Deponent did not see said James - But remembers to have heard his Father's family from time to time during the war talking about the said James being a soldier then serving in the American Army. After the close of the Revolutionary war the said James came to the residence of Deponent, Father in said West- moreland County, where he soon after settled & resided until the year 1799 when he removed to Youngstown Ohio his present residence - Deponent also removed to Youngstown the year following & purchased land adjoining the lands of the said James & has ever since that time resided

a near neighbor to him. Respondent here said James state his services in the Revolutionary army immediately after the close of the war & very often since. Although his (the said James') memory is now impaired so that he cannot state all the particulars of his military services as he once did, still what he does state is substantially the same. Respondent does not now nor ever has entertained a doubt, but that the said James served in the Revolutionary army substantially as he has set forth in his said declaration. Respondent further states that said James is an illiterate man - not being able to write, except it be to subscribe his name - said James has been a member of the Second Church ever since his residence in Ohio & for some years previous. Rev. James Harnan was formerly the clergyman settled over the Second Society here. But he left this part of the country some time ago, say twelve or fifteen years. For for a number of years past I have known of no clergyman in this quarter with whom the said James has had any intimacy or acquaintance
Joseph Wilson
sworn to & subscribed this 24 th day of May 1833 before me Johns Right f. P.

The State of Ohio Trumbull County
By George Parsons Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for said county do hereby certify that John Light Esquire whose signature is affixed to the foregoing certificate in his own proper hand writing is and was at the time of subscrib- ing the same a justice of the Court and for said County duly commissioned and sworn agreeably to the laws of said State and that the foregoing paper contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of James Wilson for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said Court at Warren the 25 th day of May 1833.
George Parsons Clerk

January 1857.
Mr Markland abandons the claim for increase on ac- count of wagon service, as he is satisfied of its want of founda- tion! - but asks to have the case put under the act of 1828, instead of 1832. - If his request were com- plied with, it would bring his clients into debt, as the "Wagon man" was a private  Master Ensign .
Hiplett Examin

The State of Ohio { Youngstown July Twelfth Tuscarawas County S.S. } Ann. of Homm. P 833 -
Personally appeared before me the undersigned Justice of the Peace in & for said county of Tuscarawas & State of Ohio James Wilson of Youngstown in said county. who being duly sworn deposes & saith, that by reason of old age & 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 & in the following grades. To wit, For two months I served as a Private. For six years & seven months I served as an Ensign. And for such service I claim a pension. The said Deponent further saith, that though from failure of memory he is unable to state precisely the number of days or even months that he served in the revolu- tionary war, yet he is able to say with certainty that he enlisted in the service in the early part of the year 1776 and that he served in the army from that time, without any interruption to the close of the war. And until the army

was discharged in the year 1783 and feels confident that he served at least the length of time above stated in each grade & further deponent saith not.
James Wilson his mark
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid before me John Bright J.P.
I do hereby further certify that Joseph Wilson who was by me duly sworn & qualified to the truth of his deposition taken on the 24 th day of May 1833 touching the application of the aforesaid James Wilson for a pension, is a man of truth and good standing in society and that full faith and credit is to be given to his tes- timony. John Bright J.P. July 12 th 1833
The State of Ohio
Franklin County
I George Parsons Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for said County do hereby certify that John Bright Esquire whose signature in his own proper hand writing affixed to the foregoing certificate is and was at the time of subscribing the same a Justice of the peace in and for said County duly commissioned and sworn agreeably to the laws of said State of Ohio.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said Court at Warren the 13 th day of July 1833
George Parsons Clerk

POSTAL CARD
THE SPACE BELOW IS FOR THE ADDRESS ONLY.
Mr. Commissioner of Pensions Bureau of Pensions Washington D.C.

506 N. 4th St.,
Newark, P.O., Dear Sir: Please give me the serv. rec. of James Wilson, who mar. Harriet Jamison He enlisted in Penn.
Also
Thomas Wilson who enlisted or any Wilson who served in the War of the Revolution who had dau. Mary 1812 McBane - Members of my family diff. as to our Revolutionary ancestors. The first mention ed rec. is paven but I do not know if they are mentioned in records -
Respectfully Mrs Martha H. Rogers

D. LESTY, PRESIDENT. JOHN F. RUST, } V. PRES'T. H. TIEDEMANN, } H. R. NEWCOMB, SEC'Y & TREAS. M. H. WILSON, ASS'T SEC'Y & TREAS.
W
a. E. W. Own Dir
THE SAVINGS AND TRUST COMPANY.
42 & 44 EUCLID AVENUE.
25-812 cdf
C. C. KING, President. D. LESTY, } V. Pres't. H. TIEDEMANN, } H. R. NEWCOMB, Sec'y & Treas. M. H. WILSON, Ass't Sec'y & Treas.
CAPITAL $ 750,000 22
CLEVELAND, O.
April 15 1895
Hon. Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.
Sir:
I wish to obtain for genealogical purposes all the information possible which may be contained in the Pension Records with regard to my great grandfather James Wilson who was a soldier in the Revolutionary War.
"James Wilson was an ensign in the Penna Continental Line. He was placed on the pension list Jan'y 9 th 1834, pension to begin March 4 th 1831 at $240 00 a year. He was, at that time 87 years old. See Vol. 2, p 514 Pension Records."
He died Nov 30/35 in Youngstown Twp. Mahoning Co. O.
I would be glad to know the place & date of his birth, parents names and other information which probably may be obtained from the application for pension - I will be much obliged to you for the information Yrs respectfully M. H. Wilson

Res.
Ithaca, Mich.
March. 10, 1932
The Director of the Pension Bureau, Washington D. C.
Dear Sir,
I am seeking information re- garding James Wilson  very likely your father who fought in the Revolutionary War. I believe he en- listed from Pennsylvania - Moved to S. Salem Ohio about 1798 or 1800. Died there about 1850. His widow's name was Sarah I think. He also fought in 1812 . I believe he re- ceived a grant of land for his services. These were his children. John, Eleanor, Wilson, Sarah, Amanda, Edward, Polly, Betsey, Rebecca, Robert, Sallie.
Will you also give what information you can about Wm Anderson of South Carolina, Enlisted from S.C. Moved to Ohio. Died there. I do not know his widow's name but he had a daughter named Esther.
Very truly yours.
Mrs. J. M. Baruhart