Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 5665, for Josiah Johnson, Virginia

SERVICE
NUMBER
9/12
Johnson, Josiah Susan.
R 5665
CONTENTS

Claim of Susan Johnson dec'd widow of Josiah Va
Act 7 July 1838
Power of attorney to R McKeeath from S D Neal Atto for Abram Johnson
Filed by R McKeeath Washington City

It now all must be that persons that I know Johnson one of the legal heirs and a general administrator of Josiah and Susan Johnson deceased of Pittsylvania County, Virginia, do hereby make, constitute and appoint as D r H l of the aforesaid County and State, my true and lawful attorney for me and in my name to examine the papers in the matters of application of the said Susan Johnson deceased, the widow of Josiah Johnson deceased for Revolutionary soldiers, on file in the pension office, for pension, and also to examine all docu- ments, documents in said office, in relation to or in any way connected with the services rendered by the said Josiah Johnson during the said war, and to take such steps as he may deem necessary and proper to recover pension or what ever may be due the heirs of the said Susan Johnson are on any account whatsoever, to demand and assess the certificate of pension, and to use all means necessary, and proper to be done in the premises, also an attorney or attorneys under him to make and at his pleasure to revoke for the purposes above specified. Witness my hand and conforming all and every thing my said attorney may legally do or cause to be done in the premises by virtue thereof, as fully as if I were present in person to act for myself. In witness

whereof. I have hereunto set my hand & aff- ixed my seal. this 1 st day of October 1853 Abram his Johnson (Seal) mark
Very much by county of Pittsburgh } On this 1 st day of October 1853 personally appeared Abram Johnson to me well known to be the individual described in and foregoing power whose name is signed in the foregoing power writing and acknowledged the same in my presence to be his act and deed. B F Williams D.P.
State of Virginia, Pittsburgh County ss
I, Langhorne Scruggs, clerk of the county court of Pitts- ylvania County in the State aforesaid, do hereby certify that Ben- jamin F Williams who had given the preceding certificate and that David N Clark before whom the Power of Attorney from J. D. Neal to R. M. Heath & hereto attached, was taken and was at the date thereof an acting Justice of the peace for the said county, duly sworn, commissioned & sworn and that their signatures thereto are genuine
As witness my hand and seal of office this 31 st day of September 1853.
Scruggs Clerk

I now all men by these presents that I G D Neal of Pittsylvania Virginia do hereby make constitute and appoint R M Heath Esq of Washington City an attorney under me for the purposes & specified in the foregoing power inasmuch as was by Abram Johnson over the legal heirs of Josiah & Susan Johnson and her heirs authorized to examine all papers on file at the pension office in the city of Wash- ington in relation to claim of the said Susan Johnson and others for pension, and is as all and every act in the premises that may be necessary & proper to receive & collect may be due the heirs of the said deceased parties. Hereby ratifying all & every act my said outside may be done as or cause to be done by either thereof, as fully as if I were present in person Witness my hand and seal this 1 st day Oct 1853. G D Neal Seal
Virginia By Pittsylvania County - On this 1 st day Oct 1853 personally appeared G D Neal whose name is subscribed to the preceding doc. and acknowledged the same to be his act and deed. Davis H. Clark Jr

Paper showing that Lorah Johnson made his mark when subscribing his name.

State Of Virginia
On this 6 th day Of April in the Year One Thousand, Eight. Hundred. & Fifty- Four. personally appeared before me B.F. Williams a justice Of the Peace in & for the County of Pittsylvania & State aforesaid Abraham Johnson a resident Of the County & State aforesaid. aged 58 Years who first being duly Sworn according to Law. doth on his Oath declare That the signature or mark Of Josiah Johnson dec d to the Deed herewith filed bearing date September 15 th in the Year Of our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred & Twenty Seven & executed & delivered by the said Josiah Johnson de d to the said Abraham Johnson conveying a certain tract or parcel of Land therein specified to the said Abraham Johnson & attested by Will Tunstall. Jesse C Carten & R. G. Shelton, is the genuine signature or mark Of the said Josiah Johnson dec d That the said Josiah Johnson dec d was the Identical person, who was always reputed to be a Revolutionary Soldier, that he could neither Read nor write, & consequently in signing his name, he always made his mark He further Swears that the bond herewith  or rough  signature to the bond herewith filed, executed by the said Josiah Johnson & the said Abraham Johnson, to William Walton, for the sum Of Twenty dollars, bearing date 2 nd February 1827 is the genuine signature or mark Of the said Josiah Johnson dec d And the said Abraham Johnson, further states that he is a Son Of the said Josiah Johnson dec d & Susan Johnson dec d that he has no other interest in prosecution of the Claim Of the heirs of Josiah Johnson dec d for pension. than that Of a Legatee
attest. Geo. P. Pritchett Robert Pritchett
Abraham his Johnson mark

Virginia to wit
On this 6 th day of April 1854 Personally appeared before me B. F. Williams a justice of the peace in & for the County of Pitts- ylvania. Abraham Johnson & swore to & subscribed the foregoing declaration, and I hereby certify that the said Abraham Johnson is a credible person and a resident of the County aforesaid & that I am no way interested in the prosecution of the claim of said Josiah Johnson's heirs for Pension
B. F. Williams S.P.
State of Virginia Pittsylvania county ss
I Langhorne Scruggs clerk of the county court of Pittsylvania County in the State of Virginia, do hereby certify that B. F. Williams who has given the foregoing certificate is and was at the date thereof an acting justice of the peace for the said county duly elected, commissioned and sworn and that his signature thereto is genuine
As witness my hand and seal of office this 7 th day of April 1854.
L. Scruggs.

State of Virginia
On this 8 th day of April in the year One thousand eight hundred and fifty four personally appeared before me David M Clark a Justice of the Peace within and for the county of Pittsylvania I just to be clearer an officer of the court, and state aforesaid, who first being duly sworn, according to law, with me he saith declares, That the signature or mark of Josiah Johnson, was to a deed made to Abram Johnson on the 15 th day of September 1827 by the said Josiah Johnson conveying a certain tract or parcel of land therein mentioned described. in said deed, is the genuine signature or mark of the said Josiah Johnson, and that the said signature or mark was made to the said deed was made and acknowledged by the said Josiah Johnson in the presence of here the said I just to be clearer one of the subscribing witnesses to the said deed, and he swears that he is a competent witness thereto.
Isaac C. Carter (Seal)
Charles Martin Tasly White
Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year above named and I hereby certify that the said Isaac C. Carter is a credible person and an officer of the court, and state aforesaid, and that I am in no way interested in the prosecution of the claim of the heirs of Josiah Johnson as for person
DAVID M Clark JP
State of Virginia Pittsylvania County ss
I Langhorne Scruggs clerk of the County Court of Pittsylvania County in the State of Virginia, do hereby certify that David M.
Clark who had given the preceding certificate is was at the date thereof a duly qualified Justice of the Peace for the said County duly elected, commission- ed and sworn, that his signature thereto is genuine as witnessed my hand and seal of office this 10 day of April 1854. L. Scruggs clerk

✓ Susan Johnson widow of Josiah Johnson for Pension under Act July 7 th 1838 —
No 8599.
m 89. d 28.
Am Walter Coles H R

State of Virginia: Pittsylvania County to wit:
I do hereby certify, that I reside in the neighborhood of Jonah Johnson, deceased, and have known him and his family for many years—
The said Jonah (sometimes called Cy, Eyer, & Cyrus) Johnson, for many years before his death, was in a state of stupor or mental imbecility, to such a degree, that he was incapable of taking care of himself, or attending to the family, and affairs of the plantation— He was in this condition for upwards of 15 years before his death, and continued so till the day of his death.
He was totally incapable of making a Declaration for a Pension, to which, I have no doubt he was justly entitled— His widow is still living in said County, and is very poor; and do think is justly entitled to whatever Pension the said Jonah Johnson would have drawn, had he been capable of applying for the same—
John Thompson
Virginia: Pittsylvania County to wit:
This day John Thompson came before me a Justice of the peace in and for the County aforesaid, and made oath to the above certificate, subscribed by him, in my presence— I further certify that he is a credible person, and his statement entitled to full confidence— Given under my hand this 17 th day of May 1841.
David D. Clark J.P.

Declaration of ~ "Susan Johnson" for a Pension under Act July 7 th 1838.
Williamstown County Court

Virginia: Pittsylvania County to wit:
I do hereby certify that Josiah Johnson departed this life on the 18 th day of December, 1839, leaving his widow Susan Johnson, who is still alive resident in said County, and that she has not intermarried since his death — John Tompkins
sworn to and subscribed before me — I further certify that he is a credible person, and his statement entitled to full confidence. Given un- der my hand this 17 th day of May 1840 —
David D. Clark
97

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of the 7 th July, 1838, entitled "An Act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows—"
State of Virginia: Pittsylvania County to wit:
On this 17 day of May 1840, personally appeared before me a Justice of the peace in and for the County and State aforesaid, Susan Johnson, a resident of said County and State, aged 75 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 provision made by the act of Congress, passed July 7 th 1838, entitled "An act granting half pay, and pensions to certain widows—"
That she is the widow of Josiah Johnson, deceased, late of the said County and State, who was a private soldier in the Continental and Militia service of Virginia, in the war of the Revolution— She declares, that she has no personal knowledge of the service of her late husband, in the Revolutionary war, having married him long subsequent to the war— She always understood from him in his life time, that he was a good deal in service, was engaged in many battles; that she has understood the same from others, who served with him: all of which she verily believes to be true and correct— That her late husband, for the last 12 or 15 years before his death, was in a shocking state of health, labouring under stupor and mental inbecility or derangement , inasmuch, that he was totally incapable of taking care

of himself, or what little property he had - That she professed on him to claim a Pension under the Act of June 7. th 1832; but his powers of mind were so much exhausted, that he could never comprehend her meaning - That she was ignorant until recently, that any member of the family, under those Circumstances, were competent to make a declaration for him - or the claim would have been presented in his life time - That herself in consequence of bodily infirmity, old age, much trouble, and the consequent loss of memory, cannot state with any degree of accuracy the particulars of his service, and therefore will rely on the public Records, and the accompanying certificates of old soldiers who served with him, for more particular information - She cannot state how long he served altogether, but confiding in his statement repeatedly made to her, he must have served at least Three years for which length of time she claims a pension -
She further declares, that she was married to the said Loshah Johnson on the 24. th day of July, 1789; that her husband, the aforesaid Loshah Johnson died on the 18. th day of December, 1839: That she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first day of January, seventeen hundred and ninety four: to wit, at the time above stated -
Susan Johnson
sworn to and subscribed before me this 17 th day of May 1840 - David D. Clark S.P.

(Virginia to wit.
I William H. Turnbull Clerk of the County Court of Pittsylvania in the State of aforesaid certify that David H. Clarke before whom the annexed declarations and affidavits of Susan Johnson and John Tompkins were made is and was at the dates thereof an acting justice of the peace in & for said County duly Commissioned & sworn and the within signatures purporting to be his are genuine
In Testimony Whereof I hereunto Subscribe my name & affix the Seal of said Court this 20 th day of May 1841 —
W. H. Turnbull

Virginia Pittsylvania County to wit:
I do hereby certify that that I allways understood from my husband that served in the revolutionary war under capt. wilkerson and was attached to Colonel Thos. Proctors Regiment & George Aftner was the adjutant. given under my hand this the 17 of May 1841 Susan Johnson
Sworn to and subscribed before me this the 17 day of may 1841
David D. Clark J.P.

Acts of July 17, 1862, and March 3, 1872
5665 P. O. Susan Johnson Service: Jeriah
Enlisted: _____, 18 .
Discharged: _____, 18 .
REJECTED
Application filed: _____, 18 .
Alleges: Suspended for deficient proof of service
Re-enlisted: _____
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____
act of July 7, 1838
_____ Recognized. _____ Contract.
_____ Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____, 18 .

8399 Susan Johnson widow of Josiah. Virginia
5665
Set to Rev W. Boles Jany 24 th 1843 " " C. D. Sloughton Mar 22 nd 47 W. J. A. Bedford May 30/53 R. M. Heath March 16/54 R. M. Heath 27 Apr. 1854. R. M. Heath 1 st May 1854. Act 7 th July 1858

Susan Johnson
Pa Jns 1838
Uncle
L P Waldo Esq r Comm r . Pensions

Susan Johnson Wid of Josiah -
Nov 1858
Calif
Hon: L P Waldo Comm te Pensions

Private
Hon: L P Waldo Com r Pensions

This is to Certify, That it appears from a List in this Office of such Officers and Soldiers of the Virginia Continental Line, during the Revolutionary War, as settled their Accounts, and received Certificates for the balance of their Full Pay, according to an Act of Assembly, passed the November Session, 1781, that a Certificate issued on the 21 st day of December 1781 , in the name of Josiah Johnson as a Soldier of Infantry for £33. 12. 5, which Certificate appears to have been delivered to himself and was given for services prior to the 1st January, 1782.
P 180.
{ No Seal of Office. }
Given under my hand at the Auditor's Office, Richmond, this
1 st day of June 18 81 .
J. K. Heath AUDITOR.

paid by Abra m at $3.80 a 3 $7.37 $4.37 - - -
7.37 6.00 6.00 3.00 22.37
20 6 120 840
21.3 2.5 23.6
1 29 1 29 2 55
20 8.40 28.40 7.37 35.77
Due 1 Feb 1892
Johnson Wall Wall 1892

On or before the first day of February next 1822 We Josiah Johnson and Abraham Johnson doth promise to pay or cause to be paid unto Wm Walton his certain att. In the just and full sum of Twenty Dollars for value received As Witness our hands and seals this 2nd day of Feb. 1821.
Josiah his Johnson mark
Test
Jno. Johnson

Pigeon Run Jan 23
Mar 30
of Johnn paid
10
To J. L. Edwards Esqr. or the commissioner of Pensions. Washington City

Woodlawn 22 nd Jan 1847
Dear Sir
You will very much oblige me by informing me whether or not a pension, has been drawn at your office, by a Mr. Bedford from Charlotte county Virginia in behalf of the widow of Joseph Johnston, of Pittsylvania County Va. for services rendered by said Johnston during the Revolution = any war. Yrs please state the amount the time of drawing &c.
a compliance with the above request will con- =fer a favour, please direct your communica- =tions to me at Pigeon Run Post office Campbell county State of Virginia,
Yours very Respectfully Chas I Slaughter

Ms Res: Aug 18 th 1843
Sir
I have received the accompanying pa- pers from Mr. W. M. Medford, a pension agent living in Charlotte Co. Va., which I respectfully transmit to you for your examination & decision
I am Sir
Yours &c
Malter Coles
James A. Edwards Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions

Washington 29 April 1854
Hon L P Waldo
Com r Pensions 3
Sir
Some months ago I received from a gentleman in Virginia a power of atto: from the heirs of Susan Johnson dec d , with the request that I would file it in the Pension Office & prosecute the claim for a revolutionary pension. The only difficulty in regard to the admission of the claim was one of identity, and to remove this, I filed a good deal of evidence, which appeared to me amply sufficient to determine the points in dispute. From the enclosed letter, which I received yesterday, it seems the examiner to whom the case was referred does not so regard it. If he had thought proper to furnish some of the reasons which had brought his mind to this conclusion, I might probably have acquiesced in his decision, although I did not concur in its correctness — but as it is very evident from the laconic character of his letter, that the claim was examined by him more with a view of getting it hastily off his hands, than with any reference to the just rights of the

claimants, I have to request that it may be re- assessed . It seems to me that there is due to parties having claims against the Government, & who have incurred some expense & been put to some trouble in endeavouring to establish their rights, something more than a brief expression of official opinion, that their claims  they are unsupported by "satisfactory evidence". They naturally desire to know in what respect the evidence is unsatisfactory, so that the requirements of the Office, may if possible, be complied with. Mere general declarations of the insufficiency of proof, leave them completely in the dark as to what future steps should be taken, & their just & reasonable dissatisfaction at this mode of disposing of their business, is not lessened by the consciousness that it enables Examiners to make a more imposing exhibit on paper , of their monthly work.
As you probably have not leisure to examine this case yourself I would respectfully request that it be placed of some other examiner in the hands of some other examiner of some other examiner , who, if they are not disposed to admit the claim, will, therefore , at least, take the trouble to assign the reasons which control his  their judgment.

I am very respectfully Your obed Servt R M Heath

Pension Office, April 27 th 1854.
Sir:
The additional evidence in the case of Susan Johnson, widow of Josiah, of Virginia, has been received. I would inform you, that the widow's husband has not been identified as the soldier to whom the certificate for £33. 12s. 6d. was issued by the Auditor of Virginia. The claim cannot be admitted without satisfactory evidence being adduced as to this point.
I am, respectfully, Your Obt. Svt, J. M. M c Alister Commissioner.
H. M. Heath, Esqr. Present.
(Rhet.)

Johnson
from (unn) blood
Johnson
1827 Septemb r 17 th ack d F.O.R.
R o pay 221 st  (esc)

At a court held for Pittsburgh County the 17 th day of September 1827. This Indenture from Josiah Johnson to Abraham Johnson was presented in Court and acknowledged by the said Josiah Johnson to be his act and deed and ordered to be recor- ded —
Teste
Wm. Tunstall C.P.

This Indenture made this fifteen Day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and Twenty Seven between Josiah Johnson of the one part and Abraham Johnson of the other part Witnesseth That for and in consideration of the sum of one hundred Dollars current money of Virginia in hand paid by the said Abraham Johnson the Receipt whereof The said Josiah Johnson hath Bargained and Sold unto The said Abraham Johnson a certain tract or parcel of land containing fifty acres be the same more or less by survey and being in the County of Pennsylvania on the waters of pudding creek beginning as follows - Beginning at a white oak in grass line then a new line East to the head of the short branch of pudding creek to a Turkey oak then a short Distance to a Spanish oak then Down the branch to a white oak in Burnetts line then S to the corner in Burnetts old field then as the said Johnsons line run to the begining
To have and hold the said land and and appurtenances thereunto belonging to him the said Abraham Johnson his heirs and assigns forever and against me the said Josiah Johnson my heirs & assigns and against the just claim of all other person or persons whatever - Whereunto I set my hand and seal to these presents the Day and year first above written
Test Alill Tunstall. his Josiah Johnson Seal mark Seppo 6 Carter
R. D. Newton

Certificate from Treasurer of Virginia showing that Josiah Johnson made his mark when subscribing his name.

Treasury Office Virginia April 22 d 1854
"Rec d 21 st 1784"
"Received Three Pounds 16/2 Interest on a 3, 16, 2 Military Cert. Warr t this date."
(Specie)
his "Jos: x Johnson" Mark
I J B Storrall Treasurer of the Commonwealth of Virginia do hereby Certify that the foregoing is a true transcript from "Receipt Book" R N o 15 in my Office.
Given under my hand this 22 d day of April 1854.
J B Storrall Treasurer

Washington 3 rd March 1854
Sir
Enclosed you will find a power of attorney from one of the children of Susan Johnson dec d , who was an applicant for a pension under the act of 7 July, 1838, authorising me to prosecute the claim. Her original declaration will be found in the Virginia suspended files. There are also enclosed the affidavits of two aged & respectable men in Pittsylvania County, who testify that her husband was universally reputed to have been a revolutionary soldier & that they had often heard him speak of his military services.
The evidence on file clearly establishes the fact that a soldier by the name of Josiah Johnson served for a considerable time in the Virginia Continental line. The Pension Office however raised the objection that the identity between the present claimant and the soldier of that name, was not sufficiently proved. A witness named Hamlett testified that the Johnson enlisted in 1776 in Capt John Prentiss Co: 4 th Va regt, and as the rolls of that Co: now in existence do not show his name, it was concluded

that there was no proof of claimants service. I do not think that a candid & impartial consideration of all the evidence will justify the conclusion.
Hamlett testifies that Josiah Johnson enlisted in 1776 in Capt Brents Company. It is quite possible that after the lapse of so many years the witness  witness may have erred in specifying the  the par= ticular Company, — and no such defect of memory on one immaterial point, ought to destroy the force of the general testimony which he bears to Johnson's having been for a length of time in the regular service. But admitting that the claimant must be strictly tied down by this evidence, — it by no means follows that the statement of the witness is incorrect. He says that Johnson enlisted in 1776 in Brents Company. Now the earliest roll of that Company is for the month of April 1777 & it is not improbable that between the time of his enlistment & the date of that roll Johnson  he may have been transferred to some other Company. Such occurrences were not uncommon and if reference be made to the rolls of any Co; for different months, it will be found that the names of the same privates do not always appear

upon them.
It is shown by the evidence filed, that when the act of 7 June 1832 passed, Johnsons mind was so shattered by disease, that he was utterly incapable of preparing a declaration setting forth his services in detail. This fact should be borne in mind & is sufficient to excuse the absence of many formalities usually required. It is also proved that Johnson was very generally reputed in his county to have been a revolutionary soldier & to have been in service a considerable length of time. Nothing could be more clearly established. One of the witnesses - Abraham Frazzell - states that he had often heard Johnson say that he served upwards of three years & most of the time in Pennsylvania. Now this is conclusive that Johnson must have belonged to the Continental line, as shown by the certificate of disputation - for those attached to the Va State troops or militia, never left the borders of the State. Taking this in connection with the fact that only one Josiah Johnson ever received disputation, & with the further fact, that no other application for a pension for the services of a man of that name, has come from Virginia, I think

the question of identity is established as clearly, as is possible under the circumstances. There is no witness living who could positively positively prove the fact, and secondary evidence must therefore be relied upon.
If the Office is satisfied that the claim should be admitted, evidence will then be filed showing the time of the widows death & the number of children now surviving.
In conclusion, I would observe that the gentleman who sent me this claim - Mr G O'Neal - is of the highest respectability & standing, & was for many years a prominent member of the Va Legislature. From his personal knowledge of the character of Johnson & the witnesses who have testified in his behalf, he is satisfied that he served in the Continental line of Va & received the certificate of depreciation which is for £33 etc.
Very respectfully
yr obt servt
R M Heath
Hon: L P Waldo Commr Pensions.

State of Virginia By
On this 25 th day of November A.D.
Eighteen hundred and fifty three personally appeared before me John D. Hall a Justice of the Peace within and for the county of Pittsylvania in the state aforesaid Abraham Fitzgell — a resident of the county and state aforesaid aged 86 years who first being duly sworn according to law doth on his oath declare that that he was well acquainted with Josiah Johnson deceased, that he lived near neighbor to him for upwards of seven years that he was always reputed by his neighbors and the community in which he lived to be a revolutionary soldier. That he has frequently in conversation with him heard him speak of being in the revolutionary war for upwards of three years and of having served the most of the time in the state of Pennsylvania. That he was very deaf and said that his deafness was caused by the firing of cannon while he was in service in said war. That the said Josiah Johnson deceased was always regarded as a man of truth and that he readily believes from many conversations had with him in relation to his services during said war that he was a revolutionary soldier and that he actually served for the general state. He further states that Susan Johnson deceased was his widow that they lived together as man and wife and were so recognized to be by the community in which they lived and he swears that he is a disinterested witness.
Abraham Fitzgell (L.S.)
Abraham Thomas Sarah Fitzgell mark
Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year above written, and I hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with the said Abraham Fitzgell — that he is a credible person, a resident of the county and state aforesaid and of the age above stated, and that I am not interested in application now being made by the heirs of the said Josiah & Susan Johnson as for pension.
John D. Hall J.P.

State of Virginia, Pittsylvania County
I Langhorne Scruggs Clerk of the County Court of Pittsylvania County in the State aforesaid, do hereby certify that John D. Hale before whom the within foregoing affidavit of Abraham Grizzell was made is and was at the date thereof an acting Justice of the peace for the said County, duly elected, commissioned and sworn and that his signature thereunto is genuine —
as per my hand and seal of office this 29 Novem r 1853.
L. Scruggs CLK

State of Virginia
On this 26 th day of November 1853 personally appeared before me D. A. Herndon a friend of the Peace within the County of Pittsylvania in the State aforesaid. Reuben Herndon a resident of the County and State aforesaid aged eighty eight years who first being duly sworn according to law, with on his oath declared that he lived near neighbor to Josiah Johnson deceased for upwards of eight years, that he was always regarded by his neighbors, and the community in which he lived to be a revolutionary soldier, that he has frequently heard him speak of his having served as a soldier during the Revolutionary war. That the said Josiah Johnson deceased was always regarded as a man of truth, and that he verily believes that from conversations had with him in relation to the aforesaid service, during the said revolutionary war, that he was a soldier in said service. He further states that Susan Johnson deceased was the widow of the said Josiah Johnson deceased, that they lived together as man & wife and were so recognized to be by the community in which they lived and he swears that he is well acquainted with her.
Reuben Herndon
Attest
R. C. Herndon
D. F. Keen
Sworn to and subscribed before me, the day & year above written, and I hereby certify that the said Reuben Herndon is a credible person that he is a resident of the County and State aforesaid and of the age above stated, and that I am not interested in the application for pension now being made by the heirs of the said Josiah and Susan Johnson deceased.
D. A. Herndon

State of Virginia, Pittsylvania County ss
I Langhorne Scruggs Clerk of the County Court of Pittsylvania County in the State aforesaid, do hereby certify that Doctor A. Hernon before me known to be the person described in and who executed the foregoing Affidavit of Reuben Hernon was made is and was at the date thereof an acting Justice of the peace for the said County, duly elected, commissioned and sworn and that his signature thereto is genuine
At Witness my hand and seal of Office this 29 March 1853
L. Scruggs Clerk

State of Virginia: Charlotte County to wit:
I William P. Hamlett do hereby certify, that I was intimately acquainted with Josiah Johnson, late of Pittsylvania County, in the War of the Revolution; and recollect most distinctly that we enlisted in Charlotte, in 1776, under Capt John Mrent for three years, and was attached to the 4 th Virginia Regiment on Continental establishment, commanded by Col Lawson and Genl. Stevens. I was not attached to some company; but know the fact of enlistment and service. The said Josiah Johnson married in the County of Charlotte a Miss Martin, who is still alive resident in the County of Pittsylvania. I am in the 82 nd year of my age, and was a soldier of the Revolution. He said Johnson also served in the Militia under Capt Wilkinson for some time - how long I do not know -
Wm P his Hamlett mark
State of Virginia: Charlotte County to wit:
This day Wm P. Hamlett came before me a Justice of the peace in and for said County and State, and made oath to the foregoing certificate, subscribed by him in my presence. I further certify, that he is a credible person; that his mind and recollection appears good; and fully competent to give an affidavit on any matter of this kind - Given under my hand this 12 th day of January, 1842.
John Brookes J.P.

Virginia, Charlotte County ss.
I Winford Robinson Clerk of the County Court of Charlotte in the State of Virginia aforesaid, do hereby certify that John Brooks is an acting justice of the peace in and for the said County, and that the signature annexed hereto by him, is genuine.
Given under my hand and the seal of my office this 13 th day of January 1843.
Winford Robinson C.

Marrried July 31 st 1789, by the Reverend Thomas Johnston, Isaac Johnson and Annunah Martin -
State of Virginia, And the County aforesaid:
I William Robinson Clerk of the County Court of the County aforesaid, do hereby Certify that the foregoing is a true Copy of the registration of the said marriage from the book of registers of marriages filed in my Office -
Given under my Hand and the Seal of my Office this 31 st day of July 1840
William Robinson

Washington 24 April 1854
Hon: L P Waldo Com s Pensions
Sir
Enclosed you will find some additional evidence in support of the claim of the widow of Josiah Johnson for a pension under the act of July 1838. It consists of an extract from the records of the Treasury Office in Virginia and two original papers subscribed by Johnson, with his mark , & which are properly certified to be genuine.
This evidence goes far to establish the fact of identity, — the only difficulty about the claim. Taken in connection with what has already been furnished, it should be deemed conclusive, under a fair & impartial examination of the facts of the case. It has already been shown, that it has been that Johnson was prevented by mental incapacity from presenting his own claim under the act of June 1832, which renders it of course impossible that the rule of the office can be complied with, which requires a detailed account of his services. It has also been shown by abundant testimony that Johnson had ever & ever declared, — when he had no possible inducement to make a false statement — that he had served two or three years in the regular army & that most of this service was performed out of the limits of Virginia : If necessary, twenty of the most respectable gentlemen of Pittsylvania County, will confirm this declaration. Now, in connection with this, view the additional facts,

that Josiah Johnson received a certificate of disqualification for his services as a soldier of the Continental line — that by the laws of Va, no citizen could have rendered service out of the State, in any organized State Corps, unless he belonged to the Continental line — that no application for a revolutionary pension has ever come from any other Josiah Johnson — that that the soldier who drew interest on the disqualification Certificate & the present applicant both used marks in subscribing their names — & a mass of circum testimony is presented which would be regarded in any Court of Equity as perfectly conclusive as to the question of identity. It is impossible now to produce any living witness, who can testify of his own personal knowledge, to the precise details of the claimant's services & if the claim is rejected on this account alone, it would amount to an absolute denial of justice. The circumstantial proof  testimony adduced is very clear & satisfactory & under the circumstances, should receive as much weight weight as more positive and distinct testimony.
If this claim is examined in a fair and just spirit, & the mere dictum of a previous examiner be not altogether relied on, I am sure that the decision of the Office must be favorable.
Very respectfully
Yr obed servt
R M Heath