Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R.11,659, James S Wilson, Va.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Va.
Wilson, James S.
R 11,659
CONTENTS
son of Ben.
b. Sept. 6, 1765 - in Cumberland Co. Va.
res. there at end.
in 1837 res. of Kanawha Co. Va.

34,744 James S. Wilson Va
act 7. June 1832
11659
ag

Virginia Jct.
At a Circuit Superior Court of Law and Chancery held for Kanawha County at the Court House thereof on the 19 th day of October in the year 1837.
State of Virginia Kanawha County towit. On this 19 th day of October 1837. personally appeared in open court before the Hon. Lewis Summers Judge of the Circuit Superior Court of Law and Chancery for said County of Kanawha now sitting, James T. Wilson a resident of said County and State aged nearly 73 years, who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of the 7 th June 1832: That he was born in the County of Cumberland in the State of Virginia on the 6 th of February 1765, and when his native State became the seat of war in the year 1780-1, he became a volunteer soldier (and while a school boy living with his father Col. Ben Wilson in said County of Cumberland) leaving the County of Cumberland, he marched under the Command of Captain Robert Anderson, and Colonel Goode, to Richmond and continued in service, in and about that place and Petersburg until Cornwallis marched into Virginia, at which time he was attached to the Artillery and engaged in cannonading the latter place, (Petersburg) then in the possession of the British That from thence, he joined the Marquis D. Lafayette's army at Richmond in the Spring, say May 1781. retreating with his army to the head of Rappahannock River near Raccoon ford continuing in the service, he was at the Siege of York, a Sargeant of Artillery, being united with the Regulars, he does not now remember, under whose immediate Command he then was: he however recollects that Colonel Edward Barrington was in Command over him, to whom he was personally known, being born a neighbor of his: he also recollects of being at one time under the Command of Captain Ened Haskins who left his Command in the neighborhood of old James Town to take his seat in the General Assembly of Virginia, of which he was a member from the County of Cumberland: This declarant, cannot now recollect who succeeded Captain Haskins, but very soon after Captain Haskins left the Company of which the declarant, was a member joined the army under General Washington at little York.
This declarant remained at York throughout the Siege

2 being there in service at the surrender of Cornwallis. He was one of the Sergeants in the guard that conducted the British prisoners of war to their barracks in the Western part of Virginia near Winchester - From thence he was discharged with some 15 or 20 soldiers of the guard, for whom he was authorized to draw rations on their way home, which they reached in the winter of that year 1781. a little while before Christmas - the period of his service was from ten to eleven months, but not less than ten.
This declarant, verily believes, Continental money being worthless, he don't recollect of having ever applied for, or received one cent for his services - and will now thankfully accept accept any remuneration which his country may deem him entitled to - He has no documentary evidence of his service - If he ever received a written discharge, he has lost it long since and the fact escaped his memory - he will endeavor to procure proof of his service by the testimony of some one, or more of his former fellow citizens of Cumberland County; he has a record of his age at home in his Bible - He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State, or if any, only on that of the agency of Virginia - He is now residing in the County of Kanawha and has resided therein for the space of four years past, and that previous thereto he resided in Cumberland County Virginia, a portion of his life however has been spent in the County of Buckingham Virginia
Jas. S. Wilson
Sworn to, and subscribed the day and year aforesaid in open court
The words "Raccoonford" on first page interlined before signing, and the word "Alexandria" on same page, erased.
And the applicant being well known to the Judge of this Court as a man of truth and veracity and of respectable standing in society, The Court doth 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 and served as he states.

And At a Circuit Superior Court of Law and Chancery held for Kanawha County at the Court House thereof on the 20 th day of October in the year 1838. personally appeared in open Court before the Honorable Lewis Summers Judge of the Circuit Superior Court of Law and Chancery for Kanawha County. James S. Wilson (whose declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of the 7 th of June 1832. was made at the Fall Term 1837 of this Court) and made oath in open Court, that having failed to procure the evidence of living witnesses to his services set forth in that declaration, and therein referred to, one of said witnesses Jacob Farris, having died before he could procure his affidavit and the other, Julius Coleman being upwards of 90 years old, whose affidavit he also contemplated obtaining, having almost entirely lost the use of his memory, so that he cannot speak of the events of the American Revolution. This affiant knows of no other person, who is cognizant of his said Revolutionary services, he has therefore procured in pursuance of said act of Congress, the Certificate of two of his neighbors, of their belief in the truth of his said declaration Subscribed and sworn to in open Court Oct 20 th . 1838 James S. Wilson Jeste A. W. Quarrier Clerk
We Andrew S. Morrison, a Clergyman, residing in the County of Kanawha and Richard E. Putney a physician also residing in said County, hereby certify that we are well acquainted with James S. Wilson, who has subscribed and sworn to a certain declaration, made at the Fall Term 1837 of the Circuit Superior Court of Law and Chancery for Kanawha County, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of the 7 th of June 1832 and which was, this day read in our hearing in open Court: That we believe him to be seventy three years of age as he states. 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 Subscribed and sworn to in open Court 20 th October 1838 Andrew S. Morrison V.D.M. R. E. Putney
Jeste A. W. Quarrier Clerk And the Court doth certify that Andrew S. Morrison is a

Clergyman of the Presbyterian denomination of Christians resident in the County of Kanawha, and that Richard E. Pulney is a person of credibility and respectability, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I Alexander W. Quarrier Clerk of the Circuit Superior Court of Law and Chancery for Kanawha County do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true full and complete transcript of the record and proceedings, had in said Court on the application of James S. Wilson for a pension
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at the Court House this 26 th day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight. and in the 63 rd year of the Commonwealth.
A. W. Quarrier Clerk Kanawha Circuit Superior Court

11,657
P. O. James Wilson
Service: _____
REJECTED
Enlisted: _____, 18
Discharged: _____, 18
Application filed: _____, 18
Alleged: The printed list of 1852 gives cause of suspension as;
Re-enlisted: "Did not serve six months in any regularly organized corps."
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Com
_____ Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____, 18

for abt. 7. June 32.
Sett. Jas. G. Gaisley abt 17- '39 to do. Aug. 24. 1839
N. Edwin May 5/85
Leeds

This day personally appeared in open court before the Hon. Lewis Sumner, Judge of the Cir. Sup. Ct. of Sen. J. Cham for Rev. C. C. C. James Wilson, whose aff. declaration to in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of the 7th June, 1832, was read at the Fall T. 1835, of this Court and made oath in open court that having failed to procure the evidence of living witnesses to his service set forth in that declaration, contem plated  and therefor refused to submit that declaration in consequence one of said witnesses Jacob Davis having died before he could prove his appearance and the other Julius Coleman whose appearance he also contemplated obtaining, having almost en- tirely lost the use of his memory, so that he cannot speak of the events of the American Revolution. This affiant knows of no other person who was cognizant of his said service during service. He then therefor procured, in pursuance of said act of Congress, the certificates of two of his neighbors, of their belief in the truth of his as said declaration.
Job S. Watson
Subscribed & sworn to in open Court October 20th 1838
test A. W. Duanes Clerk

We Andrew S. Morrison, a clergyman residing in the county of Kanawha and Richard E. Putney, a physician residing in said county hereby certify that we are well acquainted with James S. Wilson who has subscribed and sworn to a certain declaration, modal the Fall term, 1837, of the Cir. Dist. Ct. of Lewis and Cherry in Kan a . County, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of the 7 th June 1832, and which was this day read in our hearing, in open court, - that he believes him known to be 73 years of age, as he states, that he is respected and believed in the neigh- borhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the revolution - and that we are convinced in that opinion.
Subscribed and sworn to before me Andrew S. Morrison V.D.C. Richard E. Putney R. E. Putney
Subscribed & sworn to in open Court 20 th October 1838 W. H. Duanier Clerk
And the court further doth certify that it appears to it that Andrew S. Morrison, who has signed the prece- ding certificate is a clergyman of the Presbyterian denomination of Christians, resident in the county of Kanawha, and that Richard E. Putney is a physician of credibility and respectability - and that this statement is entitled to credit.

Washington, City, Jany 21/50.
Sir,
I herewith enclose a letter from Dr S. Patrick, in relation to the claim of James S. Wilson,
Yours Respectfully
J. G. Godwin

At a County Court held for Kanawha County at the Court House thereof on Monday the 8 th day of July 1839
State of Virginia Kanawha County, ss.
On this 8 th day of July 1839 personally appeared in open Court before the Worshipful the petitioners the County Court of Kanawha County, now sitting, James S. Wilson, a resident of said County and since aged 75 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 7 th 1832. That he was born in the County of Cumberland, Virginia, on the 6 th of February, 1765. That he became a volunteer in the state service, Virginia, this declarant thinks, in the month of February 1781, under Capt. Anderson, Col. Goode bearing the command of the Regiment which this declarant thinks was the first Regiment formed after the invasion of the state by the enemy. Richmond being head-quarters the Regiment in which this declarant served was marched to that place immediately after he became a volunteer. Phillips and Arnold occupying Petersburg. In the spring Cornwallis marched into the state, supposing the British Army and the Marquis de la Fayette took command of the Virginia forces, which retreated to the Rappahannan river, and in the summer of that year was compelled from Gen. Washington's army. From thence the whole Virginia forces advanced to James River followed up the British Army to Little York, which they besieged and took (the whole of the British Army) in the month of October same year 1781 - where this declarant served as Sergeant of Artillery - and on the taking of the British Army, was one of those who served as their guard to the barracks in the Western part of Virginia, near Winchester - From thence he was discharged, and got home about Christmas. This declarant cannot say how long he served precisely, but certainly not less than ten months. The British took possession of Richmond, in December 1780 - The state was then defenceless, and Col. Goode who resided in Chesterfield, collected a

once as soon thereafter as it could be raised - and that it was not later than the month of February, when this declarant became a volunteer it is strong stated by the fact distinctly recollected by the declarant, that there was snow upon the ground at the time. Being a school boy, he also re- collects that when he was discharged, near Winchester and had walked home, that the Christmas holidays was so near at hand that he did not return to school until they were over. He cannot now define the duration of his service in the Infantry or in the Artillery. He When he volunteered, it it was in the Infantry. He was in the Artillery in the Spring at Petersburg and was engaged in bombarding that place on the very day that Cornwallis landed in Virginia. He was also in the Artillery at York Town but whether he continued in that branch of the service during the interim, or was again attached to the Infantry, this declarant is now wholly unable to state. He remem- bers that he enlisted as a private, and that he was a sergeant (of Artillery) at York Town - but when he was advanced, he cannot now remember. In the course of the year, this declarant recollects that he was under the command of Capt. Haskins, and that he left the service to take his seat in the General Assembly of Virginia about the time of the siege at York. This declarant refers to his declara- tion made at the Fall Term 1837, of the Circuit Superior Court of Law and Chancery in Kanawha County, and requests that it may be regarded as part of this. He has stated all that his memory enables him to state with certainty - and he knows of no one now living, who could refresh his mem- ory on the subject - or prove what he has stated. He refers, however, to the certificate of two of his fellow-citizens, annexed hereto.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension nannuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the Agency of any State, or if any, only on that of the agency of the State of Virginia.
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid in open Court J. S. Wilson A. W. Quarrier Clerk

We James Brown, — a clergyman residing in the County of Kanawha and Daniel Ruffner — residing in the same county, hereby certify that we are well acquainted with James S. Wilson who has subscribed and sworn to the foregoing declaration: That we believe him to be 75 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 and in that full faith and credit are due to any statement which the said Wilson may make on oath.
James M. Brown Danl. Ruffner
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid in open Court
Attest A. W. Quarrier Clerk
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories by the War Department prescribed to be put, that the man named James S. Wilson was a soldier of the Revolution and seemed as he states. And the Court further certify that it appears to them that James Brown — who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergy- man, resident in said county of Kanawha, and that Daniel Ruffner who has also signed the same, is also a resident of said county, and is a credit- able person and that their statement is entitled to credit.
Van B. Reynolds
John Hansford Jr
J. Patrick
Henry Wallace
William R. Box
Felix J. Hansford
The words "this declarant" and the word "ten" on the first page, and the words "or annuity" on the second page of this declaration, were interlined before the same was sworn to or subscribed.
Attest A. W. Quarrier Clerk

Virginia sc.
I Alexander W. Quarrier Clerk of the County Court for Kanawha County in the State of Virginia. Do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of James L. Wilson for a pension
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed my seal of office this 8 th day of July Anno Domini 1839 and in the 64 th year of the Commonwealth
A. W. Quarrier Clerk Kanawha County Court

House of Del Richmond Jan'y 14 th , 51
Mr S. Godwin
Sir. Being the delegate from Kanawha I would respectfully ask you to look in to, the claims of the late James S. Wilson of Kanawha for Revolutionary services
Yours truly J. Patrick

Dept of War, Pension Office. Aug 24, 1839
478
Sir
I have examined the supplemental declaration of James Wilson, and have placed it in file with his original papers.
It appears from his statement, that he was a volunteer, having no particular or regular duties to perform; that he was, occasionally, in the Infantry and Artillery, but is unable to state how long a time he served in each; and that his whole service amounted to 10 months.
I have observed that the military records of Va. were 3 mos. generally; that they did not in any instance extend to the length stated by Mr. Wilson. Why he did not make an earlier application for a pension does not appear. But it seems that from his statement now, that there were persons living but a short time since, by whom he could have proved his service.
Mr. Wilson may have followed the camp for a time at pleasure, but it does not appear

That he was under any military obligation, or in any regular service by virtue of the public authority? Had never been enrolled in the militia of the State, or been called upon to render any service.
These facts are calculated to raise a presumption against his claim, which can only be removed by proof.
Yours
James G. Sandidge, Aug. 24. 1839 Oc.
Genl Sandidge Esq Kanawha Co. Va.
OC Nov 7. 1832 34746

Kanawha Co. Va. 15th July, 1839.
Sir:
The accompanying declaration of Mr. James Wilson, is made, you will perceive, in the County Court. He, being a very intelligent man, went before this Tribunal, with the view of shewing the pension Department that there is no difficulty in getting his statements authenticated before any Tribunal.
It will be perceived that there are some omissions (as to the record of his age, &c.) in this declaration - but that the declaration heretofore made by him in the Superior Court of this County is referred to, and made a part of this. His counsel did not deem it necessary to embody those facts set forth in that declaration (and which is before the Department) in this.
Very respectfully,
Your obedt. servt.
James M. Laidley
To J. L. Edwards, Esq.

War Dep
Pen. Off
Apr 17 99.
Sir
The declaration of James S. Wilson under the act of 7. June 32 has been examined & filed in this office -
The pro rata character of the pension renders it necessary to ascertain with precision the character & amount of each days service which is to be taken into its computation - Hence you will perceive by reference to Note "e" on 3 rd page of the printed regulations (herewith enclosed) That the period - length & grade - names of Company & Field Officers - where marched or stationed &c must be particularly set forth in a distinct narrative of each Tour . No term of service can be allowed which is not set forth as these regulations require - Each Tour should be separately narrated showing the commencement & termination - Character of the Corps - his grade

whence derived & by what tenure There is an apparent confounding of Infantry & artillery service which such a statement would clear up.
I am B. Gansley age 17- 1/2
20
Jas Gansley Esq. Kanawha C.H. Va

Kanawha Co. 26th Dec. 1838.
Dear Sir:
I enclose you the declaration of James S. Wilson Esq. of this county, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of the 7th June, 1832. This declaration, you will observe, is transcribed from the records of the Superior Court. The standing of Mr. Wilson in society led him to apply to that Court (Thinking that its opinion and proceedings in the matter would have more weight with the department, than that of the County Court, in which tribunal matters of this kind are generally transacted in Virginia) and that Court placing upon record, as it does all its proceedings, I deem it best to send you an exemplification, under the seal of the Court. The truth is however, that the application of Mr. Wilson, having been commenced at one term and completed at another, is upon several scraps of paper, and are in such a form as not to be so convenient to the department as a copy of the record. There is reason for requiring the original of these declarations, where they are made before the County Court, for those Courts have not entered upon the record copies of their proceedings in the matter - and the Superior Courts do, literally and truly. On reflection, however, I have determined to apply to the

Clerk for the original papers, and if they they have been pre- sent, as they ought to be, I will transmit them herewith or as early as I can procure them, that you may compare them with the transcript herewith enclosed.
The declaration itself is recalled in the language of the old gentleman, taken down by myself, under his dic- tation.
I hope the Department will be justified in awarding the old veteran a pension.
Very respectfully,
Your obedt. servt.
James M. Laidly
J. L. Edwards Esq. Com te of Pensions

Kan. City V. 26th Dec. 1888.
Dear Sir:
That portion of Mr. Carlson's declaration which was made at the Fall Term, 1887, of our Superior Court, is lost. The Clerk informs me that he has only entered to but one declaration before this in that Court, and deeming the originals of such papers useless, he has not preserved them. It is therefore somewhat accidental that he preserved the paper herewith enclosed. It is in my hand writing, and as you will perceive some little of it is written in pencil - the corrections which I made at the Bar. The record is the best evidence of its genuineness.
Very truly, Yr
James M. Laidley J.C.
J. L. Edwards Esq.