Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 14896, John Towers, Va.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Va.
Towers John
W 14896
Kenderson Dorcas
B.L.Wt. 2422-100
(former widow)
CONTENTS
This woman's other husband was a pensioner, see claim of William Kenderson Va. S.

John Towers's Will copied for Mrs. Ann Simms No. 17. 1845 at R. I. Queen June 23 d 47 write copy for same June 24 d 47
District of Columbia
For as Thomas Henderson former
widow of John Towers, and now widow of W m Henderson, dec d who died on the Nov r 1834 of Washington Co in the State of District of Columbia who was a private in the Company commanded by Captain Hamilton of the 1st st commanded by Col. Gibson in the War of 1812 for three years.
Inscribed on the Roll of District of Columbia at the rate of 80 Dollars + Cents per ann. to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 30 day of March 1837 and sent to Thos Sangster Esq. Post
Arrears to the 4th of March 1837 $480 - Semi-ant. allowance ending 1 st Sep. 40
Died Feb 3, 1841 $520 -
Revolutionary War Act July 4, 1836 Section the 3
Recorded by H. Allison Book Vol. 1 Page

unrecd to have
15.
Wimburg June 22. 1800
I certify that John Fowers & Dorcas Godfrey were on this day joined together in Marriage by me.
John Bracken Rector of Winton Parish

Copy
John Fowles's Will
52 cents

I John Towers of Fairfax County and State of Virginia being in a poor state of health but in sound memory do make ordain and declare which is written to be my last will and Testament revoking all others after all my Just debts are paid. — Item to my dear Beloved wife Darky Towers, I give and bequeath the use profit and benefit of my whole estate. — except such parts thereoff as are specially Dispos'd of hereafter. — Item to my Daugh- ter Peggy the wife of John Simms, I give one Ewe and Lamb. — Item to my Daughter Nancy I give one third of what I may dye possessed of when she arrives at age. — Item to my Daughter Polly, I give one third of what I may dye possessed of when she arrives of age. Item my meaning and intention is that after my Daughters Nancy and Polly Receives to the amount of Sixty pounds each that my Daughter Peggy shall come in for an equal part for the worst after the death of their Mother. Lastly I Institute and appoint my Dear beloved wife Darky Towers Executrix, And John Simms Executor. — In Witness of all, and of each of the things herein contained, I have set my hand & Seal this twenty Seventh Day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight Hundred. —
Tho: Lindsay. John Wood.
Edward Bates.
John his X Towers mark

At a court held for Surfax county the 10 th day of January 1804 - This Last Will and Testament of John Towers deceased was pre- = sented in court by Darky Towers the executrix therein named who made Oath thereto, and the same being proved by the Oaths of Thomas Lindsay and John Wood two of the witnesses thereto is admitted to record and the said Executrix having perform- = ed what the Law requires a Certificate is granted her for ob- = taining a probate thereof in due form -
Test W. H. [unintelligible] Clerk
A. B. [unintelligible] Test W. H. [unintelligible] Clerk

the Rev. Dr. John Hamilton Lupton of the Free Public Library Ref 145 for the month of Nov 1878 the name of J. John Lupton as having elected for the Chair in July 1878 for the term of 1878-1879
J. Sangster Pres. Mar 28.

Declaration
This day personally appeared before the subscribers William Branch one the Judges — for the county of Washington in the District of Columbia, Mrs. Dorcas Henderson aged 76 years, who being duly sworn make the the following Declaration, for the purpose of obtaining the benefit of the acts of Congress approved the 4 July 1836 & 3 rd of March 1837. That she was the widow of John Towers an enlisted soldier of the Revolutionary war, in the 1 st Virginia Regt. commanded by Col. George Gibson and was in the companies of Capt. Hamilton & Capt. Marbury or Marbury & a part of his time in the light infantry, that after the Battle of Bean- -dysine he was turned over to the continental line of Virginia with Col. Gibson, Regt. he served in the State of Pennsylvania New Jersey & that quarter, and was at Brandywine, Valley Forge, Trenton & Monmouth as she herself knows, being personally present & being greatly injured in his health was turned over to the Laboratory and discharged as per certificate annexed, dated Richmond 16 th May 1783 and did receive as a during the war soldier 200 acres of land from Virginia. — she further declares that the was legally married to said Towers by Parson Braken at his Home near Williamsburg in Virginia on the 22 day of June 1780 agreeably to the accompanying certificate which she has held in her possession ever since, and that John Towers died at Fairfax County State of Virginia on the 25 day of December 1803. that she remained a widow about 6 months, & married William Henderson who died about 2 years before the 4 th of July 1836. but cannot say the day, & since has remained a widow. — signed this 28 th day of March 1837. —
Sworn and subscribed before me, this 28 th day of March 1837.
W. Branch
Dorcas
Henderson

John Fowers
No. 2422
R. J. Queen
Present

R. T. Queen
Rec d July 7 th 1847.

Washington County } Displaced Coverts District Columbia } Set. June 29, 1847 -
vs Margaret, & Ann Simmons
The heirs at law of John Jones, do, upon oath, testify & declare to the best of our knowledge & belief, that the said John Jones did enter the service in 1779 for the term of "during the war" as a private in the Regiment No. One, under the command of Col. Guy Gibson of the Virginia Line, and that he continued in the service aforesaid until 1783, when he was discharged. We further declare that he never received a warrant for the land then promised to said John Jones on the part of the United States; nor do we believe that he ever received it, or transferred his claim to it in any manner whatsoever.
Yost: Ed. A. Roach R. G. Lewis
Acknowledged & sworn before me this 29 th day of June 1847 J. P. Van Lyne J. H.

Know all men by these presents that We do hereby appoint Richard T. Ducey our lawful attorney to demand & receive from the War Department the Land Warrant, as to surrender the same to the General Land Office for the purpose of procuring the scrip due thereon, for us on account of the Revolutionary services of our deceased father, John Ducey, of the Virginia Revolutionary line as
In the presence of, Wm. Bullock,
Margaret Ducey A Ginn
Acknowledged sworn & subscribed before me this 29 day of June 1847
J. P. Van Tyn, N.P. (H)

July 14, 1932
John Towers-W.14896
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
BA-J/ENL
our
Mrs. H.W. Schroeder 30 South Main Street Paris, Texas
Dear Madam:
The data furnished herein are obtained from the papers on file in the Revolutionary War claim for pension, W. 14896, based upon the military service of John Towers in that war.
John Towers was in the battles of Trenton, Brandywine and Monmouth; no details of this service are given. He enlisted in February, 1779, served as a private in Captains Hamilton's and Marbury's Companies, Colonel George Gibson's Virginia Regiment, and was discharged May 16, 1783.
The soldier married June 22, 1780, near Williamsburg, Virginia, Dorcas Godfrey. She was sometimes called Darcy.
He died December 25, 1803, in Fairfax County, Virginia, and in about six months after his death, his widow married William Henderson, of Fairfax County, Virginia, who died in November, 1834 or in 1835.
Dorcas Henderson was allowed pension on account of the services of her former husband, John Towers, on her application executed March 28, 1837, at which time she was aged seventy-six years and resided in Washington, D.C. at the home of her son-in-law, Abraham Butler; the name of Abraham Butler's wife is not designated. Said Dorcas also lived at one time in Alexandria, state not given.
She died February 3, 1841.
Three children of John and Dorcas are referred to : Margaret or Peggy, the wife of John Simms; Nancy and Polly Towers. In 1847, Margaret Simms and Ann Simms were referred to as the heirs of John Towers, and in same year, Margaret Simms and A. Simms, made affidavit that John Towers was their father.
* * * * *

William Henderson Certificate No.5446
It appears from the records of this office that William Henderson enlisted in Fairfax County, Virginia, November 6, 1776, served as a private in Captain Thomas West's Company, Colonel Edward Stevens' Tenth Virginia Regiment and was discharged in April, 1778 or in the spring of 1779.
He was allowed pension on his application executed August 17, 1818, at which time he was aged fifty-eight years and resided in Fairfax County, Virginia. In 1821, he stated that he was then aged sixty-five years.
He died in November, 1834 or in 1835.
The soldier married in 1804. The name of his wife is not given. In 1821, he stated that she was living in Alexandria, state not given, and that he had two children, a daughter, Sarah, living in the state of Tennessee, and a son, John, then aged twenty-five years and residing in Fairfax County, Virginia. Since John was born prior to 1804, and the age of Sarah is not stated, no definite statement can be made in regard to their mother as no reference is made to a former marriage of the soldier.
* * * * *
Very truly yours
A.D. HIGER Assistant to Administrator.

info
December 5, 1911.
Mrs. William Wallace Nairy, 901 Lawrence Street, Brookland, D. C.
Madam:
In reply to your letter addressed to the Auditor for the Interior Department, dated the 27" and received in this Bureau on the 29" ultimo, you are advised that Dorcas Henderson, (widow of William Henderson) was allowed pension, Wid. File No. 14,896, on account of the services of her former husband John Towers, as a Private in Captain Hamilton's company, Colonel Gibson's regiment, Virginia troops, for three years.
This Bureau will furnish you a brief history of said claim if you desire it, and you will be permitted to examine the original papers at your convenience.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.

to your request of _____, received _____ statement of the military history of John Towers . Soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pen- sion on file in this Bureau. W. file 14896
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     ✓ Pension allowed for 3 years as Pri. Pri. Hamilton + Maberry George Gibson 1 Va.   he was discharged transferred to the Laboratory Department as an invalid, and May 16, 1783.  
Battles engaged in, ✓
Residence of soldier at enlistment, ✓
Date of application for pension, by widow: Mch. 28, 1837.
Residence at date of application, Washington, D.C. with son in law Abraham Butler.
Age at date of application, 76 years.
Remarks: Sol. mar. near Williamsburg, Va., June 22, 1780. Dorcas Godfrey. he died Dec. 25, 1823 in Fairfax Co., Va. and about six mos. afterwards she m. William Henderson who died about some time July 2, 1836. Nov. 1834.
Very respectfully,
Children referred to in 1800: Peggy wife of John Simms, Nancy Polly
Commissioner.

Two San gta
Add. proof Moor's Heiden
W. Alim

Washington District Col.
March 31 1858.
The affidavit of Abraham Butler of Washington City this day legally sworn to before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace for the county of Montgomery Washington and District aforesaid. - The affiant a respectable and credible person . On interrogation stated that he was the son in law of Mrs. Nancy Henderson who was the widow Nancy Torrey, the wife of the late John Torrey, and that he is well acquainted with Mrs. D. Henderson who is now confined at his House in sick bed, and she has spent much of her time the last little year at his House and in Alexandria, that he knows that Mrs. Henderson was a Widow on the 4 day of July last and that she is now, and has remained a Widow since the death of William Henderson given under my hand the day & year above written.
H. A. Smith J. P. B. L. B.

Orphan's Court, June 29. 1867- Washington County, District of Columbia,
I hereby certify that Margaret Linn and Ann Linn are the heirs at law of John Towers deceased, late of the Regular Navy Army, as per proof on file in this office.
With my hand and seal, of Office, this 29 th day of June in the year 1867- Edw. N. Roach P. Clerk

John Lowers Va. W. 14896.

John Towers an involued Soldier of this State Line and of the Laboratory Department hav- ing duly and faithfully serv'd during the late war against Great Britain is hereby Discharged the service, by Order Govern- ment, The behaviour and good conduct of the above Soldier entitles him to the respect and esteem of all his countrymen -
Given under my hand 16 th day of May 1783 in the seventh year of the Commonwealth
D. Mann D. H.

June 23 rd 47
My Mrs Fawcett's M.W.
James D. Edwards Esq. James of Prudhoe Dr.

My Sir,
I am truly sorry to be so troublesome when most of all it is desirable not to be so - pardon me, as the force of circumstances places me in this case to ask for a copy of the Will of John Lucas of the Revolutionary War - Mr. G. can I have no doubt say this have on it my ready it is to be submitted to the Orphans' Court of this County.
Very faithfully Yrs. W. T. Mear 22 Jan '47

Dorcas Henderson Dist t of Columbia
Suspended.
let 24 March 1837 to applicant
let 28 Mch 1837 to D. Sargent.

Va
Re- WIDOW, &c.
1911 Dec. 5. Mrs. Wm W. Nairy motif. of allowance + advised that dist. will be fur. if desired + papers exhibited. 7 1911 Dec. 26. Hist. to above. 8 1932 - July 14 - Dist fur Mrs H. V. Schroeder - Edf Letter in case Jm Henderson S. —
File No. 14896 Dorcas Henderson Former Widow of John Fowers Rev. Rev. War
Act: July 4 th 1836 Index: — Vol. A , Page 311
[Arrangement of 1870.]

RECORD DIVISION.
Department of the Interior, BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Briefed by W. Rice
Claim No. _____
Certificate No. _____
Claimant Dorcas Henderson Former Wid. John Towers. Soldier
Service Va. - Rev. War.
Additional Service _____
No. _____ claim, State records _____, 191_____
No claim, combination records _____, 191_____
REMARKS:
No Surv. or Reg. claim for John Towers. Not in printed list of Inw. Pensions of Fairfax Co., Va.
MAR 3 rd 1911

BUREAU OF PENSIONS DEC 16 1911 WASHINGTON
Dec. 12, 1911.
J. L. Davenport Esq. Commissioner of Pensions;
Dear Sir:
Your favor of Dec. fifth received - and in reply I would say that I would like very much to have the brief history of claim "Mid. Hill No 14 896 Ducas Henderson - on account of service of former husband John Powers." I shall also be glad to avail myself of your kind permission to examine original papers at some future date.
Sincerely
Mrs. W m Wallace Rain 701 Laurens St., Brookland, D.C.

November 27, 1911.
Auditor for the Interior Department, Dear Sir:—
You have on record, a Revolutionary War pension granted to Dorcas Towers, nee Eggleston, widow of John Towers who died December 25, 1803. I would be very much obliged to you for information as to the date of such pension, and for what service of said John Towers, his widow was granted a pension; or, if possible, I would like to look over these old pension papers, when they have been located; will you please let me know, if I may do so.
Cordially,
Mrs. W m Wallace Nairn.
701 Laurence street, Brookland, D. C.

901 Lawrence St., Brookland, D.C.
November 27, 1911.
Mrs. Wm. Wallace Nairn.
..... Requesting information concerning pension granted Dorcas Towers, nee Eggleston, as widow of John Towers, a soldier in the Revolutionary War. .....
J TREASURY DEPARTMENT Office of Auditor for the Interior Department,
November 28, 1911.
Respectfully referred to the Commissioner of Pensions and the writer so advised.
Robt Shoben
Auditor.
R
OFFICE OF AUDITOR FOR INTERIOR DEPT. NOV 28 1911 Pension Division.

June 30 1847.
Sir,
Herewith I transmit a certified from the Captain's Court Military that Margaret Ag Ann Simmons are the heirs at Law of John Jones deceased, of the Peninsular Army, a declaration that the said John Jones has been received, by a power of Attorney in my farm to receive the land, and to surrender the same to procure the scrip , all in conformity with the regulations, prescribing the course to be pursued in such cases.
Very faithfully yrs. H. T. Innes.

Dorcas Henderson Dist t of Columbia
Whitaker MS.
1843

24 th March 1836
M rs Edward, will please accept Mr. Hudson at her son in law Mr Butler when she receives,
M rs Langton
24 March 1837

Mr. Rich. J. Queen
ans. June 21 st 47
Genl. Towers die. P.S. Lined
June 17 Ingratitude to 47 John Towers clm prland Revolt.
Wm. L. Johnson Esq. Memphis Tenn. He is
Mr. Good.
Rec. June 19 th 47

Sir,
You will I know pardon me for adding one other, to the cases that are passing you, for action, at the instance of the heirs when I requested, whether John Stowers Stowers of the Plantation Virginia line, as well as his first was not entitled to have under his second enlistment, which it seems, never was received. The widow during her life time received a pension, but nothing more. In 1837 perhaps, the pension was granted, as Anna H. Stowers will be found his discharge. The heirs claim that that they are entitled under both terms - the name of the widow was Deborah.
With Sir, my respect y r obed. Serv t . R. S. Dunc. 17 Jan 1847.

Dist. of Columbia, Rolls
Dreas Henderson, Widow of John Fowers, states in her Declaration for Pension in right of the services of her said husband, Jno. Fowers, that he belonged to the first State Reg t of Virginia Commanded by Col o Geo. Gibson, and that he was transferred to that Reg t whilst it was in the Continental service at the North and was discharged at the close of the war —
Copy of Certificate of Lt. D. Mann
John Fowers, an Invalid Soldier of this State Line and of the Laboratory Department, having duly and faithfully served during the late war against Great Britain, is hereby discharged the service by order of Govern t . The behavior and good conduct of the above Soldier, entitles him to the respect and esteem of all his Countrymen
Given under my hand this 16 th day of May 1783. in 7 th year of the Commonwealth Signed
D. Mann. Lt. S.L.
On examination of the original Roll of Capt n Hamiltons Comp y . of the first Virginia State Regiment Commanded by Col o Geo. Gibson, for the month of November 1779. the name of John Fowers, is returned thereon, as having enlisted for "during the war" in February 1779 — see V d Rolls for 1777 to 1779
By the decision of the Hon d . Jno. H. Eaton, when Secretary of War, the 1 st Virginia State Regiment, was deemed to have been received into the Continental service in 1777, and that the Soldiers who belonged to that Reg t and served to the close of the war in 1783 under enlistments for "during the war" were entitled to bounty lands from the U. States
The heirs of John Fowers are entitled to bounty land in accordance with the decision above referred to

J. Sangster, Esq. Prest Mar 70.

United States of America.
DEPARTMENT
OF STATE.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, GREETING:
I Certify,  That Newton Keene, _____ whose name is subscribed to the paper hereunto annexed is now, and was at the time of subscribing the same, a Justice of the Peace for the county of Alexandria, in the District of Columbia, duly commissioned;
and that full faith and confidence are due to his acts, as such:
In Testimony whereof, I,  John Forsyth, SECRETARY OF STATE, of the United States, have hereunto subscribed my name and caused the Seal of the Department of State to be affixed.
DONE at the City of Washington, this thirtieth _____ day of March, _____ A. D. 18 37, and of the Independence of the United States of America the sixty-first.
John Forsyth

Alexandria County
District of Columbia 3 83.
This day personally appeared before me the subscriber a Justice of the peace for the county aforesaid, Henry Frazier a resident of Fairfax County State of Virginia, and who being duly sworn made oath on the Holy evangelist of almighty God, that he was well acquainted with William Henderson of Fairfax county state of Virginia, who was a Revolutionary Pensioner, and who married the widow of John Powell, and further states that the said Henderson died in  some  this year before last, and thinks it was in the month of November, but knows to a certainty that it was in the year 1835. — given under his hand seal this 29 th March 1837.
his Henry X Frazier mark
Witness Geo Venable
Alex a County Dis. Columbia 3
This day appeared before me the subscriber a Justice of the peace for the aforesaid county. Henry Frazier and made full to the best of the above deposition, and I certify that he is a respectable Witness and entitled to credit.
Newton Beane J. D. "

BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD*
NAME Towers, Lines GRADE Private LINE Massachusetts
WARRANT NUMBER 5143 ACREAGE 100 ISSUED Nov. 19, 1792 to William Hyde
*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.