Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 11190, John Watkins, N.C.

SERVICE
N.B.
Watkins, John
NUMBER
R 11190
CONTENTS

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of the 7th June, 1832.
State of Tennessee } ss
County of Giles } ss
On this 18th day of August 1842 personally appeared in open court the undersigned the Circuit Court of the aforesaid County of Giles, and a court of Record John Mathews a resident of the County and State aforesaid aged Eighty seven years by the 26th day of October next with his first duty known according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision of the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year in which year he can not precisely state with Archibald Little a man that  enlisted was shortly after the commencement of the Revolutionary war with Archibald Little then a recruiting officer who was afterwards Capt. & then Col. Little and served in the said Col. Little's Regiment which was the 1st Regiment of the North Carolina Line under the following named officers: after the promotion of the said Archibald Little to the office of Colonel which was in some time was there more than after  section on listed declarant was in Capt. William Little's Company in said Colonel Little's Regiment in which he continued to serve as aforesaid at Wilmington the the Baraboo (to which place they marched) immediately after the troops to which he belonged left Hillsboro where they had encamped for about the term of Eighteen months from which station he service marched to to Newbern N.C. where he continued for a period something short of the term

He served at Wilmington. When the term of three years for which he had enlisted expired and he was discharged & left the regular service. His discharge was shortly afterwards destroyed by Capt. Dooley to whom this decla- rant handed it on his return home again from the above service. This declaration was then preferred into the service of the United States again before he had reached home by the said Dooley who was then Capt. as aforesaid and engaged as he understood in recruiting. Soon after declarant entered this last service as aforesaid he was marched into the state of Georgia and ordered fell under the com- mand of General Swaggys - And the said Dooley was promoted to the Colonelcy in which Regiment declarant continued to serve until the end of this term of his service which was eight months altogether. During this service declarant was in a skirmish with the Indians in about two miles of the Stillaguamish of Clallam River in which Simon Thomas Dooley the brother of Col. Dooley was killed under whose command declarant was at the time said skirmish took place and was, wounded  was into this last service declarant preferred as aforesaid & never received any bounty for therefor considers that this service was per- formed as a Militia Man. After Col. Dooley was also killed by one of his men upon whom his regiment disbanded and declarant received no discharge. After the expiration of this latter service declarant voluntarily entered the service of the government of the United States again, and for it was then very hard to

safe for any thing to the out of the service, un- der the command of Col Phil Waters * in Capt Williams Company & sometimes with General Marion & sometimes with General Sumpter Ranging the country in every direction in pursuit of strag- gling parties of British & Tories. During this service declarant was taken pris- oner by the British & Tories and suffer- ed a fracture with his leg in a large log of wood at Ninety Six where he was constantly in apprehension by the British to take the oath of allegiance to the King & proposed that declarant and Mullen action should have his liberty - which declarant & his brother who was con- fined with him as a prisoner re- fused to do, and after about four weeks confinement & starvation declarant and his brother made their escape from the above  of the confinement and immediately rejoined Col Waters troops where he remained until the general peace was made - he feels confident that he was in this last service for the term of seven months) - Declarant states positively that he was three years in the regular service of the United States as above stated and fifteen months in the militia service of said States as above set forth. During all of the afore- said service declarant held no civil employment and was a private soldier soldier in said services. Declarant would have long since made application for a pension in consideration of the above service but he is wholly illiterate and was ignorant with the pension laws & he was informed that he could not include in an application for a pension.

without procuring a living Widow Wrights to establish his claim which he has been since since the June 1832 and yet is unable to do so for no documentary evidence will be found of no person whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his service as hereby relinquishing every claim that ever had for pension or annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the pension rolls of any agency in any state. Sworn to & subscribed the day & year aforesaid
John his Watkins mark
Charles C. Abunathy clerk Me Meshaack Roy a clergyman residing in the County of Hills aforesaid and Thomas Barnwood a man residing in the same hereby certify that we are well acquainted with John Watkins who has subscribed sworn to the above declaration. That we believe him to be the only surviving son of a soldier he is a pious and beloved in the neighborhood Woodstock where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution and we believe in the pension
subscribed & sworn to in open court before me this 2 nd day of August 1842 Charles C. Abunathy clerk
Meshaack Roy Tho. Barnwood W m Menefee

Questions propounded to John Watson the above declared by the aforesaid Court 1st Where and in what year were you born? Ans I was born in Fairfax County in the state of Virginia in the year 1755. Q Have you any records of your age, and if so where is it?
Ans I have not myself but my brother George Watson had the last time I saw him which is many years ago he was then living in South Carolina but whether he is there or not I can not tell.
3rd Where were you living when called into service, where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live
Ans I was living eighteen miles below Bellshill on the waters of Flat River in North Carolina when I first went into service. Since the Revolution- ary war I lived a while on the waters of the about four or five years after the war on the waters of the Saluda in South Carolina where I married my first wife after which my wife having died I lived a while with my mother on the head waters of Edisto in Edgfield County in the same state after which I went to where two of my brothers lived on the Catawba River in the edge of North Carolina, where I lived for eight or nine months. I then went back to my mother's where I again married & remained there about two years and then went into Greenville County or District in four miles of Greenville Court house on the waters of Reedy River

and then served until I removed to Giles County, Tennessee which is now about ten only of nine  years years ago when I have limited my service with the exception of about nine months that lived in the state of Indiana where I became so unwell that it determined me to move immedia- ately, hence to Giles County Tenn. where I have been since to the present time as above set forth. 4th. Born were  there you called into service were you drafted and you volunteer or were you a substitute, and if a sub- stitute for whom.
Ans. I enlisted for the first term of my service as set forth in my declaration in this application was forced into the second term of my service and volun- teered for the last term. and was never a substitute.
5th. State the names of some of the Regular officers officers who were with the troops when you served. Such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the gen- eral circumstances of your service.
Ans. I have answered this question as far as I am able at this late period as my memory is so much im paired, since the declaration, which has just been read to the Court.
6th. Did you ever discharge from the service. and if so by whom was it granted and what has become of it.
Ans. I received three discharges from the service. One from Majr Eaton for the 1st term of my service. Having been left a short time before the expiration of my first term of service by Col. Little.

for Majr Eaton at Halifax North Carolina to guard the Magazine at that place any time of service requiring at that time. Any discharge was given me by said Eaton, which was destroyed in the manner mentioned in my declaration. During my second time of service no discharge for the reason mentioned in any declaration also, but I received another discharge from the last time of my service from my Colonel (Waters) & afterwards from the same service I received another discharge from Genl. Green to whom Col. Waters Regiment had been attached for some short time before the re-proclamation of the late President. Most of these discharges were destroyed in my Coat pocket by getting wet as I dropped a for the Briar Creek in the State of Georgia during the war.
I never of course received a Com- -mission never having served the Rebel States as an officer. In the State the names of persons to whom you are acquainted known in your present neighborhood and who can testify as to your character for veracity and the length of your services as a soldier of the Re- -publican.
And Rev. Mr. Boyce William Menefee Majr Peter B. Barney John P. Price & many others
Sworn to and subscribed before me on the 2 nd August 1862
John his John Watkins Clerk
Charles C. Abbernathy clk

35.374 John Watkns Comptroller
And the said Court does hereby declare its 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 who served as he states. And the Court further Certifies that it appears to it that the said Meshack Royce who has signed the preceding Certificate is a credible person resident in the said County of Giles and State of Tennessee and the said Thomas Ragsdale and William Hoover who have signed the same are residents in the same and are credible persons and that their statement is entitled to credit.
Witness this 2 nd day of Aug t 1842
Edmund Dillakenty Judge
I Charles C. Abernathy Clerk of the above said Circuit Court do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of the said John Watkns for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and private seal, there being no seal of office, at Office in Pulaski the first day 1842.
Charles C. Abernathy Clerk
H. Rep. August 30 th 1842
I do certify that Charles C. Abernathy, whose signature is annexed to the above attestation, was at the date thereof, Clerk of the Circuit court of said County & that said County of Giles is one of the counties composing my Congressional District. I also that said signature is genuine.
Aaron V. Brown of the H. Rep. Cons. U.S.

Washington D.C. Nov. 29. 1853
Sir. Enclosed please find the Declaration of John Watkins a Revol. Soldier of North Carolina for a Pension under act of 7 th June 1832
Yours very Respectfully Jno F. Steele
Comm ee Pensions Present }

Pelham Tenn.
August 7 th 1842
Dear
I have with you the papers of DeWitt Watson in which is set forth his claim for a pension under the act of 1832. The clerk of our Court here has no public seal of office he has then fore made his private seal. Consequently you will have perhaps to get the certificate of a member of Congress to his official capacity. Hon. A. V. Barron is well acquainted with him & can certify to his the claim, official capacity. Just as you have a note on the July 1st. and I doubt not he will give his attention at once. Mr. Watkins has delayed long in bringing up his claim against the government I do not think you have ever had the claim for more meritorious citizen to examine Very respectfully Yours affecly L. V. Edwards Esq. Com. Pensions E. D. Shields

Raleigh 5 th Octo r 1842.
James L. Edwards esq r .
Sir
At the request of E. J. Shields, Esq r . of Tennessee, I send you the enclosed certificate. It contains all the evidence I find of the service of John Watkins a revolutionary soldier
Very respectfully
your ob t serv t
W. Hill

State of North Carolina
Secretary of State's Office
I William Hill Secretary of State in and for the State of North Carolina, do hereby certify, that it appears from the musterrolls of the Continental line of this State in the revolutionary war, that John Wadkins a private in Capt. Baker's Company of the 10. th Regiment, enlisted on the 20. th July 1778, for the term of nine months.
Given under my hand this 5. th day of October 1842.
W. Hill

Act of June 7. 1832.
Suspended claim of John Watkins (Tenn.)
Power of Attorney to examine claim.
Chas. B. Tucker.
Atty.
Present.

Sold by John C. Clark, 100 Broad St. Phila.
Know all men by these presents: That I John Watkins
do hereby constitute and appoint Chas C. Tucker of Washington City to be my true and lawful Agent and Attorney to prosecute the claim of John Watkins for any amount of revolutionary Pension or increase of Pension that may be due under the provisions of the act of Congress or any other act or resolution of Congress, and hereby authorize my said Attorney to examine all papers and documents in relation to said claim on file in the Department at Washington City, or elsewhere to file additional evidence or argument and to receive the certificate which may be issued for said claim and to appoint one or more substitutes under him for the purposes herein expressed: and to do all things that I might or could do, several personally present. Hereby ratifying and confirming all that my said Attorney may lawfully do in the premises.
Witness my hand and seal this 21 st day of September 1834 In presence of } John Watkins Barnett Smith
State of Monroe Giles County -
On this 21 st day of September 1834 before me a Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State above mentioned personally appeared John Watkins and acknowledged the foregoing power of Attorney to be his act and deed for the purpose therein mentioned.
R. J. Holloman
State of Monroe Giles County
Nov 15 1834
On this 21 st day of September 1834 before me the undersigned a Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid personally appeared John Watkins a resident of said County and made oath according to the law that he is the identical John Watkins who executed the foregoing power of Attorney and that he is sincerely interested in said claim and made this affidavit to be filed with such additional evidence or argument as my said Attorney may use in prosecuting said claim.
John Watkins
Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year above written
R. J. Holloman

State of Tennessee County of Giles
I Edward D. Jones Clerk of Giles County do hereby certify that Richard L. Holloway by before whom the foregoing affidavit and acknowledgment were made and who hereunto signed his name and at the time of so doing a Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid duly commissioned and sworn and that all his official acts as such are entitled to full faith and credit
In testimony whereof I have hereunto signed my name and affixed my official seal this 2 nd day of October 1854 E. D. Jones Clerk

John Watkins Tennessee
Suspended
See let 1 Sept. 1842 Nov 8. J. Shields. let to same 10 Oct. 42 Ltr. John T. Neely Dec 10/53
11190
Act 7 June 1832

State of Tennessee) personally appeared before me William Hunnington Giles County) an acting Justice of the peace for said County, John Watkins and made oath in due form of law that the within affidavit is just and true sworn to and subscribed in my presents this 12 th day of May 1852. William Hunnington (J.P.) for G.C.
State of Tennessee } s. s. June Term of Giles County Court A.D. 1852. Giles County
At a County Court begun and held for the County of Giles at the Court House in the Town of Pulaski, on the first Monday in June, being the 7 th day thereof A.D. 1852 - a proceeding was had in said Court, and spread upon the records thereof, in the words and figures following to wit, "John Watkins application for Pension -
On this 7 th day of June A.D. 1852, was presented to the Court now here, the Declaration of John Watkins a Revolutionary Soldier, for a pension for his revolutionary services, duly sworn to before William Hunnington Esquire a Justice of the Peace of Giles County, in the State of Tennessee, and the Court having fully examined the same, and heard proof showing that said applicant has resided in said County for the last thirty five years, that during that time, it has been reported, and understood and believed by his neighbours and intimate acquaintances, that he was a revolutionary soldier, and that he is now a very indigent and aged man, being ninety years old or upwards, therefore the Court do hereby declare their opinion, that the said applicant, John Watkins, was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states."
State of Tennessee } s. s.
Giles County, — I Edward D. Jones Clerk of the County Court of said County hereby certify, that the foregoing is a true copy or transcript of the proceeding had in said Court, in relation to the application of John Watkins for a Pension, as the same is of record, in my office —
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of said Court, this 10 th day of June A.D. 1852.
C. D. Jones Clerk

State of Tennessee ) personally appear before me William Hammett Giles County ) an acting Justice of the Peace, John Watkins and after being Duly Sworn Deposeth and Said that he is a citizen of the County & State afore Sd and has been for the last thirty five years that he has no Education and does not now precisely now his age learned no Record of it but that he Enlisted in the Continental line when he was but Eighteen years old but cant say in what year that was but think it was in 1776 or 77 that he Enlisted under Capt. Archy Little a Recruiting officer in Northcarolina in Orange County and was Mustered into Service in Hillsborough and Served under him three years & six months and after being mustered in to Service Archy Little was promoted to Colonel & William Little his brother became Captain the No of the Ridgement he does not Recollect he was with the army at Ninety Six but was not in the engagement on the account of bad health that he Served all the time as a private and mess with Roger Reese John Reese Jesse Fountain Zachariah Maye & Edmon Johnson Thomas Rickett Dugmeyer and after Serving the above mentioned time he was Discharged but cannot Recollect whose name was to his Discharge as he has lost it he had no learning and could not Read to now whose name was to it and after Returning home he then volunteered under Colonel John Dooley and Served as a volunteer under him Eight months in the State of Georgia in Company with Edward Sparks & John Sparks that this applicant John Watkins was in the Service of the army for the hole of the three years and six eight months and was not Employed in any other occupation in that time and for their Services he claims a pension the Reason for not applying sooner is that he has applied for a pension in 1843 or 44 through Ebenezer J. Sheats & for some cause unknown to me I never got any things and being very old and infirm and with all very nearly has induced me to make the Second Effort for what under the law I think I am entitled to this 12 th day of May 1852
Test
William Hammett
John his Watkins mark

Acts of July 14, 1862, and March 3, 1870.
REJECTED
11190
P. O.
John Watkins
Service: _____
1-0
Enlisted: _____, 18
Discharged: _____, 18
Application filed: _____, 18
Alleges: _____
Re-enlisted: _____
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contra
_____ Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____, 18