Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 26,063, Stephen Williams, N. C.

SERVICE
nl
Williams Stephen Bidiane or Bediana
NUMBER
W. 26 063
CONTENTS
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[Blank lined area for entries]

6.039
Dist. of Columbia
Bedianna Williams  late widow of Stephen Williams who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Private Cavalry
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 83 Dollars 93
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Ending 7. Oct. 1852
Certificate of Pension issued the 14 - day of Feby, 1853 and sent to
J. R. Wise Present.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 379 Vol. 4.

D. of 33. 098 Co. North Carolina - 7. Stephen Williams deed,
of in the State of who was a Priv. in the Cavalry commanded by Captain of the commanded by in the line for Revolution
Inscribed on the Roll of Knoxville D. of Co. at the rate of 83 Dollars 93 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831. Ending 19. January 1841.
Certificate of Pension issued the 14. day of February 1853 and sent to - J. R. Wise Esq. Arrears to the 4th of Past. Semi-annual allowance ending
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. } Recorded by R. M. Ray Clerk, Book CC Vol. 6 1/2 Page 70

United States of America
State of South Carolina } ss.
Duplin County } On this 14 th day of November A. D. 1845 personally appeared before me W. R. Ward one of the acting Magistrates in and for said County Bidianee Williams a resident of said County & State, aged 85 years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed July 7 th 1838 entitled an Act granting half pay and Pensions to certain Widows and also the Acts of March the 3 rd 1843, and of the 17 th June 1844 That she is the Widow of the late Stephen Williams of the State & County aforesaid who died on the 19 th day of January A. D. 1841 aged 77 years and 7 months who was a private of Cavalry in the War of the Revolution and served as such in the Militia of North Carolina and in the Continental Service for the period of nine months under Capt. Aaron Williams, Col. Kinan & Gen. Lillington as she has frequently heard her husband say, but does not remember the exact date but remembers it about the time of the surrender of Lord Cornwallis and near the Close of the War
She further declared that she was married to said Stephen Williams in the Summer of the year 1786 and she herewith sends the marriage license as the best record she can procure proving that fact. That her husband the aforesaid Stephen Williams died on the 19 th day of January in the

year 1841, that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but that the marriage took place before the 1 st day of January 1794 that is at the time abovestated, that she has resided in Rockfish District Duplin County about sixty years previous to which time she resided in New Hanover County N.C. that she herewith sends the deposition of James Blom ton a Revolutionary Pensioner to prove his Stephen Williams, service and the dep- osition of Robert Knoles ————— to prove her marriage to and having lived with said Step- hen Williams her late husband, and that she has not since intermarried but continues to be a Widow as by the depositions herewith transmitted will more fully appear.
Sworn to & subscribed before me on the day of your first above written her Bidiance Williams mark
I certify that I am well acquainted with Bidiane Williams who has this day sworn to and subscribed the above declaration and that she is a credible person and her statements entitled to full faith and credit and that from bodily infirmity she is unable to attend Court to make said declaration
Given under my hand day and date above MR Ward J.P.

STATE OF NORTH-CAROLINA.
To any regular Licenced Minister of the Gospel, or Justice of the Peace, for the County of Duplin
WHEREAS Stephen Williams hath entered into Bond in the Clerk's Office, that there is no lawful Cause to obstruct a Marriage intended to be had and solemnized between him and Bidianu Bannerman of the County aforesaid Singlewoman
THESE are therefore to licence you, or any of you, to celebrate the Rites of Marriage between the said Stephen Williams and Bidianu Bannerman and join them together as MAN and WIFE in holy Matrimony.
Given under my hand at the Clerk's Office, in Duplin the 18 th Day of July in the Eleventh year of the Independence of the said State, and A. D. 178 6 .
Wickson G.C.

United States of America
State of North Carolina } Duplin County } This day personally appear- ed before me M c R. Ward One of the acting Magistrates in and for said County Robert Knoles a resident of said County aged 68 years who being first duly sworn accord- ing to law does depose and say that he has been acquainted with Stephen Williams late of said County from his earliest recollection that he always understood that said Stephen Williams, whose widow Bidiane, is the present applicant for a Pension, served as a private in the War of the Revolution That the said Stephen and Bidiane have lived together as man & wife for 55 or 60 years and that they lived within a half mile of Stephen and Bidiane Williams all his life or from his earliest recollection that said Stephen Williams died the 19 th day of January A D 1844 and that Bidiane his Widow has not since intermarried but continues to be a widow
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 14 th day of Nov A D 1845- M c R. Ward J P
Robert Knoles
I certify that Robert Knoles who makes the above affi- davit is a credible person and his statements entitled to full full faith and credit- Given under my hand this 14 th November A D 1845- M c R. Ward J P

State of North Carolina } Court of Common Dublin County } Pleas & Quarter
Levi's gang. Term 1846
The within declaration of Bidianus Williams and deposition of Robert Knoles as taken before Mr Ward B. was this day exhibited in open Court and was examined and approved by the Court and confirmed to all intents and purposes as though the same had been taken in open Court and the Court give it as their opinion that the said Stephen Williams was a Soldier in the War of the Revolution whereupon the Court Ordered that our Clerk certify these proceedings to the War department of the United States
I James H. Gorman Clerk of the Court of said County of Quarters Levi's certify that the foregoing is the Original application of Bidianus Williams for a Pension
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal as Officer in the Law of Fincansville - this 20 th day of January 1846
J. H. Gorman, Clerk
Jan 20 1846
1050

State of North Carolina / Duplin County
In this the twenty day of August A.D. 1838 personally appeared before the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions of Duplin County August Term 1838 Stephen Williams a resident of said County of Duplin and State aforesaid aged sixty eight years and nine months, who first being 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 7-1832
Stephen Williams
That he entered the service of the United States in the year 1780 under the following named officers and served as herein stated
Col. James Fenwick Major John Mouton
That he entered the service under Captain Aaron Williams, Lieutenant Joseph Williams, John Goff ensign; that he does not recollect the day or month that he entered the service but

that it was in August or September, he rather thinks it was in September, because he helped to carry some of the goods as he returned from Goshen and because he had been in service he thinks five or six months before he heard of the battle at or near Guilford Court House; he knows Gen Green and Lord Cornwallis That he left this town of service the last of October or first of November, that he resided in Duplin County N.C. about fifteen miles from Duplin old Court House when he entered the service; that he was in no battle during this tour of service; that he enlisted for three months though now properly speaking he was a volunteer that he rendezvoused at Joseph Williams, that he mar- ched from thence up the North East River to the mouth of Maxwell's creek thence down said river to one Captain Beazley's, that he marched from thence back to the place of rendezvous in pursuit of Tories That he marched to Bull Tail swamp and up said swamp to its head, that from thence he marched to Mandy creek thence up and down said creek in pursuit of Tories, that from thence he marched to Black River in New Hanover County, thence back to Rockfish that he then marched back to Black River the second time, that after crossing Black River he marched to one Mr. May's Devans where we took seven Tories prisoners who were sent to Duplin old Court House and after being kept under guard several days they were

sent to Halifax Jail, that he stood at a gun to as part  the help the Tories, that he assisted in taking three towns and marched as one of the guards to Dupre old Court House, that marched to Rockfish, that his marches during this tour of service were in New Hanover and Dupre Counties in pursuit of Tories That he marched to the places already mentioned he thinks about ten times, that his marches were confined in this tour to three routes by order of Gen Pleasonton
That he entered the service again under the above named officers viz Col James Newman, Major John Murray, William of  of  the  the Joseph Murray  Murray  and  and John Goff  Goff  and  and that he entered this tour of service in the year 1780 and he thinks on the first of November he knew he entered the service so soon as his first tour had expired, he knows it was in 1780 because he had been in service five or six months before he heard of the battle between Gen Green and Lord Com Wallis in May that he left this tour of service he thinks in December 1781 because it was after the Capture of Lord Cornwallis, that he served in this second and last tour he thinks thirteen or fourteen months that he still resides in Duplin County North Caro- lina on Rockfish Creek about fifteen miles from

Duplin Old Court House, that he was a light- horseman, that his entrance into the service was a interesting though more properly speaking he was a volunteer that he enlisted to serve as long as his Captain Mr. Simon Williams would serve or till the end of the war, that he served until the militia in this Duplin County were discharged, that he rendezvoused in the fort at Duplin Old Court House, that from thence he marched to Bear Swamp, that he was from thence he marched to Goshen Bridge that here he was routed by the British, that he requested to re-organize here to one Mr. Joseph Green on the river banks in Wayne County, that the British desisted pursuit, that he marched to Newkentac at Col. McCombs, that he marched to Col. Penfords on Little River in Wayne County; that he marched down Little River to an Indian Town here, that he marched up river to Basses Ferry and crossed at that place, that he mar- ched down New River to Falling Creek in Wayne County and from thence to Duplin Old Court House, that the above marches were in pursuit of Forster, that he marched to Black River in New Hanover County and up Black River to Col. Thos. Brant in pursuit of Forster, that he marched to Island Creek, and from thence to Mattamuskeet and from thence up the North East River in pursuit

of Louis. that he marched over at times to the  crossings to the North East and Black River, that marched to Bull's Creek Swamp the dividing line between New Hanover and Duplin Counties. That he marched down the North East river towards Wilmington to reconnect the British lines, that a place called the Red Horse took at fifteen miles from Wilmington in New Hanover County at this place he met Generals Rutherford and Butler that he joined their regiments and marched with them to Newbern the distance being about ninety or one hundred miles as a general route baggage wagons. that on his way back from Newbern to Duplin soon after he crossed Trent River he heard of the capture of Lord Cornwallis and his army at York Town Virginia. That Generals Rutherford & B- Butler were United States officers, that he served with Captain Hardy Holmes of the Continental line at Duplin old Court House two or three weeks that previous to his march to Newbern with Generals Rutherford & Butler Regiments to Newbern that he marched down the North East river to a place called the Red Horse in New Hanover County about twelve miles from Wilmington to meet Col William Washington's Regiment of Cavalry of the Continental line that he joined Col Washington's Regiment of cavalry which in a short time marched lower as South Carolina that he served with and knew Generals Rutherford and Butler and their Regiments

that he knew the  under  and  and  servant  servant Captain Hersey  Hersey  Hersey  Hersey that he has no documentary evidence, but can prove twelve or thirteen months of this first tour of service
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension, annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension roll of any agency in any state. I so to and subscribed the day and year.
affirmed Stephen Williams
Not Matthew Clark
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary soldier and served as he states
I John Watkins Clerk of the court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions for the County of Duplin & C do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Stephen Williams for a pension
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set

My hands and Seal of Office this twenty 29 th day of August 1883
Matthew M c Guire 3
We George H. H. Ham a clergyman residing in the County of Dublin and W m Ward Esq r residing in (the same) hereby certify that we are well acquainted Stephen Williams, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration, that we believe him to be thirty eight years and nine months old that he is reported and believed, in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolu- tion, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
Test Matthew M c Guire 3
George H. H. Ham A. Ward Esq r
And the said Court do hereby certify declare their opin- ion, after the investigation of the matter, and after - putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War - Department, that the above named applicant was a soldier of the revolution and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it is known to them that

George W. Hotham who has signed the preceding Certificate is a clergyman resident in the County of Duplin and State of Arkansas, and that Alfred Ward Ely who has also signed the same is a resident in the county and state aforesaid and is a credible person and their statement is entitled to credit
Graham B.
John Lawson Jr.
Rev. Miller J.P.
I John Mathis clerk of the court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for the County of Duplin do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Stephen Williams for a pension on account of revolutionary services. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this twenty day of August 1833
M c Sparrkins C lerk
I interrogate her proposed by said court to Stephen Williams an applicant for a pension on account of Revolutionary services 1st Where and in what year were you born Ans In Rockfish Duplin County North Carolina in 1764 2nd Have you any record of your age if so where is it

Ans. I have. It is at my brother John Williams
3rd where were you living when called into service where have you lived since the Revolutionary war and where do you now live
Ans. In Duplin County NC 4 How were you called into service.
Ans. I entered as a volunteer in all my service
5 State the names of the regular officers who were with the troops where you served, such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circum- stances of your service
Col James Hearn Major John Moulton Gens Rutherford & Butler and their Regiments, Col William Washington and his regiment of Cavalry and Captain Hardy Holmes all of the Continental line, except Col James Hearn and Major John Moulton who are Militia Officers, of the Militia officers and regiments Captain David Dodd, Peeples, Devane, Williams and their regiments, the general circumstances of my service are stated in the above declaration
6 Did you ever receive a discharge from service and

if so by whom was it given and what has been done with it
There are two or three mischarges by Capt. Aaron Williams
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
Rev William Ward Rev George H. Graham Alfred Ward Capt. William W. Burnworth D. C. Gibson Dean Egan William Newton and others I could name
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after putting the questions proposed prescribed by the War Department to wit that the above named applicant was a soldier of the Revolution and served as he stated and that these interrogatories had been duly answered
J. Graham J.P. J. P. Lawson J.P. F. C. Miller J.P.
J. John Wetmore clerk of the court of pleas and quarter sessions of Dublin County do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of said in matter of the application of Stephen Williams for a pension. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set

my hand and seal of this office this twentyninth day of August 1888
W. H. THOMAS Clerk 3
Duplin County
August Term 1888
ordered that Alfred Ward & William Rivenbark be appointed to take the deposition of Briton Powell in behalf of Stephen Williams an applicant for a pension on account revolutionary services under the act of Congress passed June 7-1832
On this the twenty ninth day of August 1888 personally appeared before Alfred Ward and William Rivenbark two of the acting Justices of the Peace in and for this County of Duplin N.C. Briton Powell as witness in behalf of Stephen Williams an applicant for a pension on account of revolutionary services who first being sworn according to law deposition follows viz.

That in the year of 1780 Joseph Williams entered the service of the United States, that he entered the service under Col James Kenan Major John Moullers, Captain Aaron Williams Joseph Williams Lieutenant, John Goff Ensign, that he served he thinks from the best of his recollections about thirteen  two or months, that he was in service probably five or six months previous to our hearing of the battle between Gen Greene and Lord Cornwallis at or near Guilford Court House and that after that he served and marched with our company (Viz. Capt Williams) until after the capture of Lord Cornwallis, because they were returning from Newbern, and soon after they had crossed Trent River they received the intelligence, that he served after this but cannot tell how long, but that hostilities seemed to have ceased here in the last of 1781 or first of 1782 that they left the service when all the Militia in this (Duplin) County were discharged that our marches are recorded in the body of the preceding declaration sworn to and subscribed this twenty day of August 1883
Wm W. Riverbark J.P. # Brittain Powell A Ward J.P. This claim has been rejected.

We also certify that the witness Briton Powell in behalf of Stephen Williams cannot from old age and infirmity attend attend court, given under hands this twenty day of August 1833
Wm Rivendark J.P.
A Ward J.P.
I John Watkins clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions do certify that the above Wm Rivendark & A Ward is acting Justices of the Peace & due faith & credit may be given to their official acts August 29 th 1833
John Watkins clerk 3

POWER OF ATTORNEY.
STATE OF N. Carolina } 88 : COUNTY OF Duplin
Be it known that before the subscriber,
a justice of the peace personally appeared Elizabeth Williams aged Sixty Three years, who, being duly cautioned and then sworn in due form of law, states, that she is the daughter of Bidianae Williams *who was an applicant for a pension under act of 7 July 1838 and that she believes that she is entitled to whatever is due, and that the United States are still indebted to her, under the laws of Congress, for the pension that was due Bidianae Williams and that for the purpose of investigating and establishing her claims as aforesaid, she appoints TULLY R. WISE , of Washington, D. C., her true and lawful attorney, with irrevocable powers, to examine all papers on file, and to do whatever she might do were she personally present to establish her claim.
In witness whereof, I have on this 30 th day Oct 1852, hereunto signed my name, and affixed my seal.
Elizabeth Williams her mark SEAL. SEAL. SEAL.
Witness Phoebe Williams
Witness: Gilpha Williams
Signed, sealed, acknowledged, and sworn to before me; and I further certify, that Elizabeth Williams has always by the community been known as the daughter of Bidianae Williams
Dated on this 30 th day of October 1852. T. R. Ward J. P.
STATE OF North Carolina } to wit: COUNTY OF Duplin
I hereby certify, That William R. Ward Esq., before whom the foregoing power of attorney was made, and who has thereunto subscribed his name, was at the time of so doing, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, duly commissioned and sworn, and that his signature above written is genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of Duplin County Court, this 24 th day of November one thousand eight hundred and fifty two
W. F. Grady Clerk.
* State whether an applicant or a pensioner.

William Wilson widow of Stephen 7 July 1831 N. Carolina Suspended
5-
J. L. Wise Chairman
JOHN L. WISE

State of North Carolina } ss: County of Duplin
At a Court held on the seventeenth day of January A D One thousand Eight hundred and Fifty Three in and for the County & State aforesaid it was ordered by the Court to be certified that it appears from satisfactory evidence that Stephen Williams who served in the Revolutionary War died on the 19 th day of January A D 1841 and left at his death his widow Bidianne Williams and the following children, Bidianne Johnson, Anna Wilson, Elizabeth Williams, Phebe Williams, Gilpha Williams and Mary Williams wife of Stephen Williams jun, surviving him. It is also ordered, to be certified that Stephen Williams jun is the Executor of the Last Will and Testament of Stephen Williams decd duly commissioned and qualified according to law and that Mary Williams the daughter of Stephen Williams decd has died since her father Stephen Williams decd and left one child George W. Williams, now a man of the full age of Twenty one years surviving her. It is also ordered to be certified that the said Bidianne Williams Widow of Stephen Williams decd remained his Widow to the time of her death and that she died on the seventh day of October A D One Thousand Eight Hundred and Fifty Two and left the following children Bidianne

Johnson, Ann Wilson, Elizabeth Williams, Phe- be Williams and Zilpha Williams living at her death and that Stephen Williams jun is the Administrator of said Bidiannee Williams duly commissioned and qualified according to law. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this seventeenth day of January A.D. One Thousand Eight Hundred and Fifty three
B. F. Grady Clerk of the Court of Duplin County

My recollections in making the declaration of Mr Stephen Williams of this County and State (viz Duplin County North Carolina) is to this effect. The amount of time served without regard to the particular periods of service was all that I thought necessary to establish the marches, officers under whom served, and particulars of the service rendered are set forth in the declaration which I sent on the to War office. Mr Benjamin Butler acted on the papers and responded by saying in the communication I received from him that no enlistments were made for such terms of service as set forth in Mr Williams' declaration. I recollect at most distinctly that it was deeply regretted by me that Mr Butler would not permit the papers to be returned as I had obtained a pension and knew of several others, men, with whom I was intimately acquainted who had obtained pensions whose service was far from being so so efficient, so protracted or meritorious, as Mr Williams.
I have from the time on on which Mr Butler disposed of his papers viz Williams', felt mortified at the manner of that disposal, and have no doubt that if the papers had been sent back as I requested Mr Butler to do the proper distinctions of service could have been made so as to have secured Mr Williams pension he is now dead, but his widow is still alive

is very far advanced in life and entirely helpless Given under my hand and seal the 24 day of March A 1847
George W. Hougham
a regularly ordained minister of the Gospel

Nov 25 1844
Henry Ward Beecher
Dear Sir
Stephen William
James A. Edwards Esq. Commissary of Pensions Washington City D.C.
Paid 5-

Suplin County, North Carolina
3 rd April 1847
Sir
Enclosed is the letter of the Comptroller relative to Capt Williams services - or pay for services - in the Revolution and it will be seen that the records are so vague  loose or indebted  accursed as not to give them a higher grade than circumstantial evidence. enclosed is likewise a communication from Parson Harkham (I requested an affidavit in form and will furnish if required) stating what he thought necessary a declaration should set forth, at the time he wrote for Mr Williams. I have sent to the State Department of No Carolina for the Certificate you require but have no answer as yet it will be forwarded when I get it if necessary. It is well here to remark that these Certificates are costly and bear hard on poor old Widows and in this, Brierance Williams, case have as yet been of little advantage as evidence. I perceive from the nature of the objections against this claim that it is expected for me to, in some respects, assume the advocacy of it - and this, I do with the greatest diffidence as I do not consider myself equal to the task. I will begin by stating that Mr Williams went first to a lawyer to write for him and the lawyer refused to write for less than half the Pension this Mr Williams refused to give and so got his Parson to write for him and the Parson thinks that it was owing to his want of information on the subject that caused Mr Williams to fail in obtaining a Pension as through the lawyers agency all of Capt A th Williams command who applied for a Pension obtained it, and his Widow Brierance Williams following his example refused to give half to the lawyer and so labors under the same disadvantage of an incompetent assistant and has thus far failed when all others of the same command obtain-

2 d of Evidence Stephen Williams in his Declaration, an in your Office claims to have served about 15 months (it is supposed active service) in the field as it was about the time So Carolina was invaded by the overpowering Army of Cornwallis he proves all (or a part) of this service by Briton Powell whom Widow receives a Pension at the rate of $50 per annum - and two more reputedly honest men than Messrs Powell & Williams never lived The 2 d evidence is the affidavit of James Blanton taken for Mrs Williams wherein he states that he served with Mr Williams about 7 1/2 months in 1781 Mr Blanton is a Pensioner of the United States. The 3 d evidence is the Certificate of the camp troller of North Carolina setting forth that Mr Williams received pay for certificates in his favor for about two years service It is believed the balance over the 15 months was for the Patrol service which Mr Williams no more than the Department thought worthy of Pension though it was as important to this part of North Carolina (half or more of the inhabitants being Loyalists) as service against the Armies of Great Britain I am sure that I know not what kind of evidence is requisite to establish this claim, but I must be permitted to say that the Affidavits of Messrs Williams, Powell & Blanton and the Camp troller's certificate all go directly to prove beyond doubt that Stephen Williams was a soldier of the Revolution and received pay for fully as much or more time than he claims a Pension for, and if the misfortune of being too independent to give a lawyer half or in other words employing a person to write who is acquainted with technicalities, or of his having a name which it is possible some other man might have is to operate as a perpetual bar to his or his Widows claim though established by the evidence of persons and papers is something I am not prepared to concede till I have ena

deavored to call attention to the circumstances and facts of the case I am not aware of any higher class of evidence than the testimony of honorable men and in Equity they have the privi- lege of giving evidence in their own behalf and in this case Mr Williams evidence (or Declaration) is corroborated by Records the testimony of living disinterested persons and by the circumstances of the times and several of the Soldiers (Widows) who served in the same corps have obtained Pensions and hence publick opinion is very much in favor of this claim which is regarded as the most meritorious in the corps This is without doubt poor advocacy and you will bear in mind it comes from an humble Citizen
Respectfully Your Affec d Serv t  W. R. Ward
William R. Ward
W. R. Direct the Answer to Beacheys Depot Duplin County No 6a
J. L. Edwards Esq Comm. Pensions Washington City D. C.
not with

D. of 1. 448. Co
Revolutionary War
Pedina Williams died widow of Stephen Williams who died on the
of in the State of who was a Priv of Cav. commanded by Captain of the commanded by in the
line for Revolution D. of 1. 448. Co
Inscribed on the Roll of Revolutionary War at the rate of 83 Dollars 93 Cents per annum, to commence on the 19th day of March 1840 January 1840 & Ending 4. March 1841.
Certificate of Pension issued the 14. day of Feb. 1853 and sent to
J. R. Wise Esq. Pres.
Arrears to the 4th of Semi-annual allowance ending
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act July 7, 1838. }
R. M. McRae Clerk Page 83.
Recorded by Book Vol.

Stephen Williams dec Tenn D.C. adm? June 7 1832, 20 mos pri Cavalry $83.93 per annum from 4 March 1831 to 19 Jany 1841, when he died
Pay to Stephen Williams Executor for the benefit of Bedianne John- son, Anna Wilson, Elizabeth Wil- liams, Phebe Williams, Zilpha Williams & Mary Williams only surviving children
Bedianne Williams dec Tenn widow of Stephen Tenn D.C. adm? July 7 1838 Y c
20 mos pri Cavalry $83.93 per annum from 3 March 1843 to 7 Octo 1852, when she died
Pay to Stephen Williams Adm r for the benefit of Bedianne John- son, Anna Wilson, Elizabeth Wil- liams, Phebe Williams & Zilpha Williams only surviving children
Cert to J. R. Wire Leg Present

9.333 D of Co
North Carolina
Bediana Williams dead widow of Stephen who was a Priv. Cav in the Revolution.
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 83 Dollars 73 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 14 th day of Feb. 1853. and sent to J. R. Wise Esq Pres.
[Acts of March 3, 1843, & June 17, 1844.]
Recorded in Book Vol. 2 - Page 132

United States of America State of North Carolina Duplin County } ss.
On this the 4 th day of May A.D. 1846 personally appeared before me William R. Ward one of the acting Magistrates in and for said County Bidianee Williams a resident of said County and State aged 86 (2) years, who being first duly sworn according to Law, doth on her oath make the following declaration, in addition to her declaration now on file in the Pension Office, in order to obtain the benefit of the Provisions made by the Act of Congress passed July the 7 th 1838 entitled an Act granting half pay and Pensions to certain Widows; and also the Acts of March the 3 rd 1843, and of the 17 th June 1844: That she is the Widow of the late Stephen Williams of the County and State aforesaid, who was a private soldier in the Army in the War of Revolution as an reference to the depositions of James Blanton a Pensioner of the United States and of Robert Knowles taken in her behalf and now on file in the Pension Office, to which she begs leave to refer, will more fully and at large appear. That her said husband Stephen Williams never was a Pensioner. That he made a declaration and took the depositions of several persons and she believes Britain Powell whose Widow is now a Pensioner was one of them; in order to obtain a Pension. That her said husband S. Williams delivered said declaration and depositions to the Rev. George M. Hufham to be by said Hufham transmitted to the Pension Office; That the said G. M. Hufham did shortly thereafter remove

to the State of Mississippi and was gone a year or more, That on said Husband's return he informed her said husband he had sent the papers by Mail and he expected they were lost as he had received no intelligence of them since they were mailed. That shortly thereafter her said husband S. Williams was taken sick with a disease of the stomach that rendered him incapable of undergoing great fatigue during the residue of his life and that he never renewed his exertions to obtain a Pension And That the she the said Bidianee has not intermarried since the death of her said husband S. Williams but continues a widow Sworn to and subscribed before me this 4 th day of May A.D 1846
William R. Ward J.P. Clerk
her Bidianee Williams mark
I certify That I am well acquainted with Bidianee Williams, who has this day sworn to and subscribed the above declaration and that she is a credible person and worthy to be believed on her oath; I also certify that she is unable to attend Court to make said declaration, by reason of old age and bodily infirmity. Given under my hand and seal day and date above written
William R. Ward J.P. Clerk
State of North Carolina Duplin County ss.
I James H. German Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas and Quarter Sessions for said County do certify that William R. Ward is a member of said Court and is a Magistrate as above and that as such his acts are entitled to full faith and credit and the foregoing signatures purporting to be his are genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my seal (over)

Of office and subscribed my name this 16 th day of May in the year AD 1846 Done at Office in The Town of Kenansville
J. H. Foster Sheriff of the Court of Duplin County
( a ) Note As it respects Bidianer William's age as set down at 86 years, she makes the following statement viz: That she believes 86 years is her age but is not certain. That she is certain her age is truly stated in her declaration on file in the Pension Office That in making out said declaration (the one file in the Pension Off- ice) she had two records (from which to calculate her age) that she cannot now get viz: her Mar- riage License now on file in the Pension Office and the remnant of an old Book that belonged to the Estate of her Brother-in-law John Williams and which contained her Husband & William's age and that said Book is destroyed or so mislaid that she cannot find it in any of family's possession That what makes her doubt her memory is that previous to the researches made amongst the old family papers last Winter she conceived herself as now about the close of her ninetieth year and the having to take up a new number (for her age) make her doubt her memory as to accuracy, as she kept no memoran- dum, That previous to examining the old papers (Book and License) she thought herself and husband older than the records proved them to be W. R. Ward J. P.

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J

Stephen Williams died 19 Jny 1841.
leaving Bedianne Johnson, Anna Nelson, Elizabeth Williams, Phebe Williams, Zilpha Williams, Mary Williams — Stephen Williams Jr Ex r
Bedianne Williams died 7 Octo 1852 & left Bedianne Johnson, Ann Nelson, Elizabeth Williams, Phebe Williams, Zilpha Williams, Stephen Williams Jr Adm r

June 13, 1890
Kindly send  the sum on me
Supp die
Beatrice Williams
Paid 18 3/4
James J. Stevens Pamphleteer of Person Washington City D.C.

North Carolina Duplin County 4 th June 1846
Sir
I send inclosed Bridanee Williams declaration touching her Husband's applica- tion for a Pension there seems to be a diffi- culty in her memory as to her age If there is any informality please state it To Your Obt servt M c R. Ward
James J. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions Washington City D.C.

United States of America
State of South Carolina } ss. Duplin County }
This day personally appeared before me Wm R Ward one of the acting Magistrates in & for the County aforesaid, James Blanton a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States aged 83 years & 7 months who being first duly sworn on the Holy Evangelist of Almighty God does depose and say that he has lived in Duplin County for the space of seventy odd years, that he was acquainted (familiarly) with Stephen Williams late of said County ever since he (Stephen Williams) entered the Service in the War of the Revolution, as a private in a Company of Cavalry (or horse) commanded by Aaron Williams Capt; about the 1st of April of the year in which Cornwallis was taken, and continued in the Service till about the middle of November of that year, making about eight  seven & a half months during which the said James Blanton and said Stephen Williams served together in the Company of Cavalry commanded by Aaron Williams Capt - their Superior Officers being Col. Fenan & Gen. Lillington, that the said Stephen Williams was not married till after the War was over that the said Stephen Williams was married to Bidian Williams who is the person now making application for a pension some two or three years after the close of the Revolution and he is certain it was previous to the year 1794 that he was acquainted with said Stephen Williams till the time of his death some four or five years since and that Bidian is his widow whom he married some time between 1780 and 1790 and has not since intermarried but continues to be a widow Sworn to and subscribed before me { James Blanton This 8 th day of November AD 1845- { mork
Wm R Ward J.P. I Wm R Ward do certify that I am well acquainted with James Blanton who makes the above affidavit and that he is a credible person and his statements worthy to be believed. Given under my hand and seal this 8 th Nov 1845- Wm R Ward J.P. (seal)

State of North Carolina Duplin County
I James B German Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas and Inferior Sessions for the County of Duplin do certify that Mr. Ward is and was at the time signing the within Affidavit one of the acting Magistrates in and for said County that the signature purporting to him are genuine and his acts entitled to full faith and Credit.
Given under my hand and seal of Office at Kinstonville this 20 th Dec 1846 J. B. German, CLK
28.3.6.8 23.4.6.10 21.11.12

Stephen Williams
McCar
Suspended
Letter 20 Nov: 1893 to
John Watkins —
Letter 21 - May 1834 to " " " 1835 to Geo. W. Hufham.
Admiral Cuno R. S.

V
12521
Bidian Williams
N.C.
2nd Ward.
June 25, 1846
to Hon. J. J. M. Ray 11. May 1846.
" W. R. Ward, Aug. 11, '46.
Act 7 Inf 1838

N 12521 Bridiana Williams NC
Set to Mr. R. Ward April 25. " " J. J. McRae May 11. " " Mr R Ward " Augst 11. 41 " to same Oct 17. 46 " to same March 5 1/2 47 " " " May 10 " 49 a ct 7 July 1838

12521
Bediana Williams
NC
W.R. Ward ap 25—x Don J. McKay May 11 x W.R. Ward Aug 11 x Same Octo 17 '46 Same Mch 5 '47 Same May 10 49
(* see envelope inside)
Ad July 7 1838

Oct 5th
W. H. King
W. H. King
Bethesda Williams
James J. Edwards Esq. Camperdown Pension Washington City D.C.
Friend
in station

North Carolina Duplin County
28 th Sept 1846
Sir
(concerning the case of Bidiana Williams,
I sent your letter of 11 th ult. inclosed to the Comptroller of North Carolina, and I send you inclosed his answer received this day, by which you will perceive he describes the nature of the evidence in his office, and gives it as his opinion that it cannot profit Mrs Williams any thing in the prosecution of her claim
Now Sir I send to you for instruction whether such evidence as is described by the Comptroller will be of any avail, and for any other instruction direction or determination you may may be pleased to give, please direct your communication to Barrull's Store North Carolina to your Obt servt
W B Ward
P.S. It occurs to me that probably the papers sent by Rev. G. M. Buffham for Stephen Williams claimants husband may be found on file in the Pension office or War Department of the United States
J. L. Edwards Com, Pensions Washington City D. C.

N. Carolina Duplin County 25 th January 1847
Sir Inclosed is the Comptroller's Certificate setting forth the amt. of pay allowed Stephen Williams for Military services in the Revolution. It is intended to be used as a voucher for the Benefit of Bidianee Williams. Widow of said Stephen and whose Declarations and that of her late husband said Stephen with the accompanying evidence are now on file in the Pension Office to which she begs leave to re- fer and to have said Certificate added to the now evidence for the purpose of establishing her Claim to a Pension. The following facts derive from said Stephen's Declaration. The Comptroller's Certificate go to identify said Stephen Wil- iams (who received the pay) with Claimant's husband viz the service was performed in the Wilmington District wherein Claimant's husband resided, as appears from the Auditors of this District having granted the certificates in his favor. 3 d said Stephen Claimant's husband entered the service in 1780 and the certificates in his favor were (some of them) issued 1781 and for some time after together amounting to a little more than 15 months (if I am not mistaken in the computation) wages which is the time Claimant's hus- band declares to have served. About this time the finances of the State were embarrassed and generally a man exhausted his own means before he received any wages this goes to account for the long time from the beginning of his service to the time of his receiv- ing any compensation. 3 d no certificates were allowed to any Stephen Williams in the Wilming- ton District prior to 1781 as appears from the Compt. Certificate Of course You will judge whether there are all the  any other facts

which go to establish identity and whether those states are of any weight. As to your doubts about the character of the services rendered by Capt Aaron Williams Command, it seems you have decided in several instances that they were military in the sense intended by the Pension Law from the fact that Mary Powell Widow of Britain Powell who testified to the service of Claimants husband and whose Affidavit is on file accompanying said Stephens declaration and whose entire service was performed under said Aaron draws a Pension at the rate of $50 pr annum. Also Elizabeth Wilson Widow of John Wilson whose service was performed under said Aaron is a Pen- sioner at the rate of $33.83 pr annum. also Elizabeth Williams Widow of David Williams who served under said Aaron draws a Pension at $20 pr annum, and James Blanton whose affidavit setting forth the time he served with said Claimants husband under said Aaron accompanies her declaration on file in the Pension Office is a Pensioner I do not know at what rate pr annum Thus sum to establish the character of the services of said Aaron and his Command to have been Military in the sense intended by the Law and Claimant begs leave to refer the Papers of the Pensioners aforesaid to establish that fact, as said Papers are on file in Pension Office (The several statements relative to these Pensioners having served under Aaron Williams Capt are made from hearsay)
You will address any communication you may be pleased to make to your Humble Servant
James L. Edwards Com Pensioners Washington City D. C.
William R Ward Taylor's Bridge Sampson County North Carolina

Jan. 30. 1848
Mayhew Briggs N.B. New Bedford
Adopter can Deduce William
James D. Edwards Com. of Pension Pkt Washington City D.C.
Paris 10
for
erein
lang in

Russ WIDOW, &c.
File No. 26,068
Bedianna Williams
wid of
Stephen Williams
Pr. Rev War.
Act: Feb 29. 48
Index:—Vol. W , Page 347
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Calcutta
Dec
Dr Sir
Compt Office
Your letter has been duly received enclosing Mr Rawson's letter to you touching evidence to be found in this office in the case of Stephen Williams which letter I enclose back to you, with this statement of the nature of evidence to be found in this office which will not comply with the requisition of the former office of Pensions - The Records of this office (excepting in a few instances) only give the fact of service from certain lists of Certificates issued for pay to the Militia for Military Service, and to even look out this evidence it is attended with great labour, (and expense of Assistant in making the examinations, which is not imposed upon me by Law consequently there is no fee provided by Law

to compensate for my services - I have made these examinations at Five Dollars, and do not wish to do the work even for this sum; but have done so in many cases, as an accom- dation - I feel bound as well as willing to do any thing in my power where the records under my control will furnish ap- -tance in procuring the rights of our Revolutionary Heroes, but cannot afford to devote the time this examination requires for less than the sum stated - If this kind of evidence will avail you any thing, you can let me know from you again but it is very certain, the records of this office can give no distinction between the two Stephen Williams I am very respectfully Your obed Servt A. N. Collins

Raleigh N C March 27 1847
Dear Sir.
I have recd your letter of the 16 th inst in which you enclose me Five Dollars to pay for search and certificate in Aaron Williams case as Captain, I have examined for the name of Aaron Williams and cannot find the name as Captain or as Private, I find some fragments, made to A. Williams, which may refer to any other person - The balance of the money will stand appropriated as you requested. let me make an enquiry of you which I have no doubt but you will willingly answer. I have one of the best bred Stallions in our Country and a fine looking Horse which I would be glad to place in your County to stand - will you be pleased to take some interest in his case and write me your opinions as to the prospect, - I know Col Hines will do what he can to advance my interest let me hear from you by return

Mail as the time is loosing for such business. If you think we can not do more say so. and oblige
Your obed Servt W. Follins

Palmetto N.C.
Compt office
I William H Collins, Comptroller of Public Accounts in and for the State of North Carolina do hereby Certify that the Name of Stephen Williams appear, of Record in this office as having had the following Certificates, issued in his favor for Military Services (Vrs). It appears in a Report of the Auditors for the District of Wilmington from 17 Oct 1781 to the 15 July 1783 The following Sums were allowed in due the said Williams (Vrs) The Sum of Twenty Eight Pounds, three Shillings was allowed the said Williams by the said Board as will appear in Book No 180 page 3 Also the further Sum of Three Pounds, four Shillings and Six pence was allowed him see same Book page 5. Also the following Sums were allowed by the said Auditors from 16 July 1783 to 18 March 1784 (Vrs) Six pounds, Six and Eight pence see Book No 11 page 57 & 53. It also appears in Book No 199 page 4 that the further Sums of Twenty One Pounds and Twenty five Pounds, royal exchange within (in Currency depreciation 800 for 1) The following Special Certificates appear to have been issued in favor of Stephen Williams (Vrs) One for Twenty One Pounds, Fourteen Shillings (£21. 14) see Book No 23 page 125

also another for Six Pounds, (£6) see same Book page 99 also another for Three Pounds four Shillings and Six Pence (£3. 4. 6) see same Book page 105. It also appears in Book A. No 11 page 59 that a Currency payment was made him amounting to Eighteen Hundred Pounds, (£1800) at a depreciation of 800 for One specie Under my hand and Seal This 8 day January A D 1847—
Wm Collins, Joint
   28  -  3    3  -  6    6  0  8    2  -  17    21  14  0    6  0  0    3  -  4    2  -  0       73  9  2    2         14  6  10    1  14        21  8  64       91  -  82   

12521
Bidiana Williams wid m of Stephen N.C.
m o 86 m o 8 d . 19 Jan y 1841
It is a beautiful white marble slab with a very perfect engraving of the mother of her husband. N.C.

State of North Carolina Comptroller's Office
I, William J. Clarke, Comptroller of Public Accounts in and for the State aforesaid, do hereby certify that it appears of record in my office among the payments made by said State to sundry persons for Military services in the Revolutionary War, as follows, to wit:
Stephen Williams
Book W. No. 1 page 6 £2 S10- specie
" " " " 17 £8 S4 - "
" " " " 28 £15 S15 - "
" " " 2 " 54 £13 S10 - "
" " " 180 " 3 £28 S3 - "
I furthermore certify that the name of Stephen Williams appears on Captain Aaron Williams's pay Roll and that John Gauff, Joseph Williams & Brittain Powell appear as officers in said A. Williams's Company.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office this 22d. day of November A.D. 1852-
Wm J Clarke Compt'r.
2 10 8 4 15 15 13 10 28 3  6 8 30  8 13 50 1 70  8 8

Brief in the case of Stephen Williams dec & Bedianne his wid County and State of North Carolina act of June 7 1832 & July 7 1838
Claim, ("original," or " for increase. ")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Recd & paid proof former
Document  Recd proof of marriage
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Monroe Kiplatt
Name and residence of Agent
J. R. Wiley
Present
Examining Clerk.

12,521 Feb 2. 1846
Horatio Stone me 37th Jan
to Betiana Williams July 1. 1838.
paid 10
I send Mother Williams 12,521 The only one in note but I do not think it the one sent to Mother
James D. Edwards Commissioner at Pensions Washington City D.C.

St. L. Duplin County 33 rd Jany 1876
Sir ... Herein enclosed is the declaration of Bidiane Williams, Widow of the late Stephen Williams in order to obtain a pension the marriage herewith sent have been in her possession since her husband's death and there is no bond to be found on record The deposition of James Blanton a pensioner to prove her husband's service is the only one she has obtained and she thinks all others of his fellow soldiers in arms have passed away. The deposition of Robert Knoles to prove her living with her said husband is all she thought necessary on that point as she knows of no person who was at the wedding or saw them married as nearly all persons living at that time have passed away
If on examination of the declaration and Evidence inclosed it is found to be radically sufficient to establish her claim to a pension you will please inform me of that fact. But if on the other hand it fails through informality only, please advise me of the informality and send back the papers direct to W. R. Ward at Harrel's Store New Hanover Co., N.C.
I have the honor to be
with sincere regard
James L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions Washington City D.C.
Your Obedt Servt W. R. Ward
As you will direct the return W. R. Ward Harrel's Store N.C. to the decision what it may
W. R. W.