Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 96, for William Steele, Virginia

SERVICE
NUMBER
Va. Sea Service
Steele, William
P N 96. Va Half Pay.
CONTENTS
See N. A. Acc. No. 837-Virginia State Navy William Steele, J. of S File Va. Half Pay.

State of South Carolina, Orangeburgh District—
In the Name of God Amen— I William Steel of the Parish of Orange being weak of body but of sound memory, (Blessed be God) do this tenth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred & Ninety two, Make and Publish this my last Will and Testament in Manner following (that is to say) First I give and Bequeath to my dear & well beloved Wife Rachell Steel the one third of my Estate Real and Personal during her Natural life, and at her Decease to descend to my Surviving Child or Children— Altho I give to my Son William Govin Steel one third of my Estate Real & Personal: And as I have Just reason to believe that my aforesaid named Wife Rachell Steel is pregnant should it be born and live, I also leave to it whether male or female the last one third of my Estate Real and Personal, but in case that it does not come to the birth & live, I Direct and leave its part, to my Son William Govin Steel aforesaid, and in case of the Death of either of said Children before the come of age, I Direct and leave the two thirds of my Estate Real & Personal to the survivor of them— And further I order and direct my Executors, that as soon after my Decease as they can, to pay of my Just Debts and afterwards to make a just Division of my Personal Estate, as above bequeathed and put to the best use for the maintenance and Education of my above mentioned Child or Children—
And lastly I direct that my well beloved Wife Rachell Steel and Daniel Govin be Sole Executrix and Executor of this my last Will and Testament Signed Sealed the day and year above written— In the Presence of us who were present at the Signing and Sealing thereof
Jno Buchanan H. Milling
W. Steele

By W. R. Thomson Ordinary
Personally appeared Hugh Milling one of the Subscribing Witnesses to the within Instrument of writing and made Oath upon the holy Evangelist of almighty God that he saw William Steele sign Seal publish pronounce & declare the same to be & contain his last Will and testament and that he was then of sound and disposing mind memory and understanding to the best of the Deponents knowledge and Belief and that John Buchanan together with this Signed his names as Witness thereto at the request of the Testator in his presence and in the presence of each other.
Given under my hand this 6 th May 1793 and in Seventeenth Year of American Independence.
W. R. Thomson.
Ord y O. D t .
State of South Carolina
J. Sanders Glover Ordinary of the District of Orangeburgh in the State aforesaid, do hereby Certify, that the foregoing is a true Copy of the last Will & Testament of William Steele deceased, as appears, from the Original Will now of record in the Office of Ordinary in the Dis- trict and State aforesaid.
Given under my hand and Seal of Office of the said Court at Orangeburgh this Eighteenth day of February in the Year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred & Fifty and in the Seventy fourth Year of the sove- reignty & Independence of the United States of America.
Ordinary's Office Orangeburgh District
J. Glover Ordinary, O. D t .

All memorandum for the claim of Lt William Steele for compensation and interest

Memorandum
When Steele was a Lt of the Virginia State Cavalry and and in service to the end of the war, he being a Prisoner or an Parole and all Prisoners have been awarded by the Courts of Va in due time to the end of the war and paid commutation and interest and also been then recognized and paid without a decision of the Courts. In former as had to the case Catherine Murray vs. John A. Dickinson with the Andross Pay Paid commutation and interest through a judgement of the Court of Appeals of Va. To Churchill Gibly Pay a Lt of Prisoner Paid through a judgement of the Court of Appeals commutation and interest in 1892. or 3, To Isaac Hobbs a Lt of Paymaster Paid  Paymaster commutation & interest as Lt by Va without the intervention of the courts in 1894 being a Prisoner of war Again of Capt Edded Francis Paid by the Department at this place commutation and interest as a Capt of Va State Cavalry, He being a Prisoner on Parole -
The claim of Lt H. Steele is now presented claiming the commutation and interest as Lt of the Cavalry - deducting therefrom the sum recorded in July 1836 at this place by Wm H Todd the City of the Eden - for evidence of his being in captivity see the certificate of the Colonel of the Battery of Artillery herewith. and also the decision of the Court of Appeals in 1830 in the case of James Lockhart. Stating him to have been a Prisoner of war and in service to the end of the war (on all prisoners were (Virginia if she would not make exchange) for any further evidence which may be desired in proof- ing the commutation is referred to the Records on file in the third Auditor's office in which the half pay claim was allowed and paid in July 1836. It is requested that this claim be taken up and disposed of as early as possible etc. It will be seen that the Eden has referred me to his friends Ex Governor Seward of New York and Judge Parton of South Carolina both now in the Senate of the U.S. But I will avoid them both in a difficulty as to call on them -  Senators . I only ask the care disposed of at the earliest hour and the necessary delay which it is wished to avoid  Washington 1st of March 1850  Henry Ware Trust Agent for the Eden

December 9, 1931
Mr. Harry H. Heard 301 Park Drive Florence, S.C.
BA-J/MCS OW Wm. Steele R. 96, Va. Half Pay
Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letter of November 13, 1931, requesting information in regard to William Steele, who served in the Revolution.
The data contained herein are obtained from papers on file in the Revolutionary War records of this office.
William Steele served in the Virginia State Navy from August 20, 1776, until April 26, 1781, when he was taken prisoner by Arnold and held on parole until late in 1781. He served as lieutenant on the "Tempest".
In October, 1792, he was living in the Parish of Orange, Orangeburgh District, South Carolina.
He died in the winter of 1792-3 in Orangeburgh District, South Carolina, and was survived by a wife, Rachell.
In 1836, William Covin (or Govan) Steele and John Andrew Steele who was born in 1792 or 1793 were the sons and only heirs of William Steele and they were residents of Charleston, South Carolina.
On account of the Revolutionary War service of William Steele half pay was allowed under the Act of July 5, 1832, for the benefit of William Covin (or Govan) Steele and John Andrew Steele, sons of William Steele.
In 1835 Robert Steele and Colonel John Steele were living in
VI found an old letter Feb. 13, 1824, add. to Gen. H. Poinsett be. 7 Mar. & put it in this case July 5-1939

Woodford County, Kentucky, relation to soldier not stated and there are no data relative to the soldier's parents.
For further information relative to Lieutenant William Steele it is suggested that you apply to the Navy Department, this city.
Very truly yours,
A. D. MILLER Assistant to Administrator

Estate William Steele
Letters of Administration, Cum testamento annexed ad bonis non.
Steele, Wm. Va. Sed. Ser. R96

The State of South-Carolina, } ORANGEBURG DISTRICT.
By Saunders Glover Esquire, Ordinary.
To Charles R. Brewster
Saunders Glover , Ordinary, O. D.
Whereas, W m Steele Lieut. in the Virginia State Navy late of Orangeburg District in the State aforesaid deceased, has died intestate, having, whilst he lived, and at the time of his death, divers goods, rights, and credits, within the State aforesaid: By means whereof the full disposition and power of granting the administration of all and singular the goods, rights, and credits, of the said deceased, and also auditing the accounts, calculations, and reckonings, of the said administration; and a final dismissal of the same, to me is manifestly known to belong. I desiring that the goods, rights, and credits, of the the said deceased, may be well and truly administered, converted, and disposed of, do hereby grant unto the said Charles R. Brewster Letters of Administration, Cum testamento annexed, de bonis non in behalf of the next of kin being Letters of Administration de bonis non on the Estate of the said William Steele, in whose Estate Letters of Administration de bonis non were granted to William D. Watson Esquire of the City of Richmond Virginia on or about the year Anno Domini 1838 & the said William D. Watson having some time since departed this life in whose fidelity in this behalf, I very much confide, full power, by the tenor of these Presents, to administer the goods, rights, and credits, of the said deceased, which to him in his life time, and at the time of his death, did belong; and to ask, levy, recover, and receive, the same, and pay the debts in which the deceased stood obligated, so far as his goods, rights and credits, will extend, according to their rate and order of law, being first sworn on the Holy Evangelists of Almighty God, to make a true and perfect inventory thereof, and to exhibit the same into the Ordinary's Office, in Orangeburg in order to be recorded, on or before the Eighteenth day of May now next ensuing, and to render a just and true account, calculation, and reckoning, of the said administration, when thereunto required: And I ordain, depute, and constitute you, the said Charles R. Brewster Administrat or of all and singular the goods, rights, and credits, of the said deceased.
Ordinary's Office, } Recorded Book } Page 8. }
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my Hand and Seal, the Eighteenth day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty and in the Seventy fourth year of American Independence.

Dept.
1 March 1834.
Sir,
Before any decision is had on the claim of the legal representatives of William Steele under the act of Congress of the 5. July 1832, it will be necessary to shew when he lived & died and the the name of the widow, whom he married. Also on what evidence the court in Kentucky certified that he died intestate in South Carolina.
I am Sir.
R. B. Taney.
Sec. of the War.
Mr H. Todd Esq. of Kentucky now in Washington.

7 Dept. 2 Jany. 1834.
Sir,
A claim having been presented under the act of Congress of the 5 th July 1832 in behalf of certain persons claiming to be the legal representatives of William Steele a lieutenant of the Virginia Navy and some doubt  and some doubt  arising  arising some doubt as to his identity I will thank you to procure for this Department a copy of the the his claim to bounty Warrants upon which the lands was were granted in the case . I shall also also be glad to know hear whether you know where Steele resided & since or who are his heirs. I will also thank you to have  procure request one of the booksellers of your city to transmit to this Department a copy of the journals of the House of Delegates of Virginia which I understand have been published by authority, and a  and a  trouble will you also have the goodness to send to the Department a copy of the report lately made respecting the lands

granted to the  by Virginia Officers & Soldiers of the Virginia line & Navy.
Let a bill accompany the books received and the amount will be immediately remitted.
I am &c.
R. B. Taney. Sec of the Treas.
James E Heath Esq. Aud t of Va Richmond Va

7. Dept.
2 Jan 7/1834.
Sir.
A claim for half pay under the act of Congress of the 5 July  1832 having been presented by certain persons as claiming to be the legal representatives of William Steele and you having written to this Department on the request of the heirs of an Officer of that name I write to enquire whether you know any reason why the claim  has been presented  has not been paid the parties on whose behalf you wrote intend presenting a claim.
I am Sir.
R. B. Taney.
Sec. of the Treas.
W m Rufsel Esq.
West Union.
O.

Colours of the Picture of Lt Gen Steele Steele of the 2nd Cavalry Regiment and others

1931 Dec. 9 hist. to Mr. Harry H. Heard. med.
ACT OF FEBRUARY 14, 1871.
WAR OF 1812.
3378
Heirs of William Steele Lt-
Voluntary Revolution
Discharged _____, 18
6008
Nt Pay _____ act 32
Admitted
Received _____, 187
Attorney.
96.

Florence, S.C.,
Nov. 13, 1931
Dept. of Records Research Division Pension Office, Washington, D.C.,
Dear Sir:
Please give me what information you can regarding Lieut. William Steele of the Virginia Navy Revolutionary war.
I am particularly anxious to learn the names of his parents.
This will be greatly appreciated.
Yours very Truly, Harry H. Heard, 301 Park Drive, Florence, S.C.

Washington, D.C., May 30
Hon. James E. Cleveland,
Dear Sir,
When the claim filed by me as the owner of the Wm. Steele of the Virginia State Navy in Com. Service, if it is allowed I will thank you to remit the amount payable to me in Charleston, South Carolina, or a Draft on New York.
Should the claim not be allowed you will oblige me by returning the papers and vouchers sent to Genl. McCalla of Washington who filed them; or pay or to the Hon. S. C. Brown M.C. from South Carolina.
Very respectfully, G. A. G. [?] C. M. Brewster,

Treasury Department, Third Auditor's Office,
May 13 th . 1853
Sir
Application having been made at this office for information in regard to the half pay, under the act of July 5 th . 1832, allowed to W m Steele, and the papers in the case, having been sent to your office on the 15 th . June 1850, I have respectfully to request that they be returned, by the bearer of this note, as an examination is necessary to give the desired information.
Respectfully,
Your obt. Servt.
F r Burch.
3 d Auditor.
L. P. Waldo, Esqr.
Comm r . of Pensions.
Pension Office
May 14. 1853.
Papers numbered from 1 to 55, inclusive, sent of M s cript of the 3 d Auditor's office.

6.00 to purchase for Mr Steele 2nd of May

A Petition of James Markham, William Steel and John Kautzman was presented to the House and read setting forth that at the dissolution of the Navy they were Prisoners of war: that no provision hath been made by Law for persons in their situation and praying relief
State of Virginia. City of Richmond 3 to wit.
I George W. Munford clerk of the House of Delegates and Keeper of the Rolls of the Commonwealth of Virginia do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true extract from the Journal of the House of Delegates of the fifth of December seventeen hundred and eighty three. Given under my hand this 27 th February 1850.
George W. Munford C.H.D. Keeper of the Rolls of W as

Washington / March 1850
To Com d of Pensions.
Sir.
I enclose for your action a claim on behalf of the adm. of L t W m Steele of the Virginia State Navy, for commutation and interest, and solicit as early attention to it as is compatible with your convenience.
Respectfully
Yr. obs t
Thos McCalla

N B. Storr 1849
Halifax Choo official Bumpus Aug 29
ans? 1 Sept. '49
J L Edwards Esq Commissioner of Pensions

Meadsville Va
Dear Sir
Aug the 25 th 1849
I have been informed that the cotton -ney General as well as the Secretary of the Home Department has decided that the officers of the Virginia State line who was entitled, and have never, half pay for life, are entitled to interest on the same, from the time it was due, and payable, until payment was made
I am the representative of several persons who are interested in those claims if such a decision has been made I will therefore be much obliged to you if you will inform me if there has been any such decision and what additional evidence if any is required of the legal representative - me
I am in haste J B Stovall
J L Edwards Esq Com of Pensions

Rs. 23 2 Jan'y 1834. 940. 649 Auditors Office of Virginia January 15 1834.
Sir
I have just received yours of the 2 d inst, only within the last day or two and hasten the earliest moment to reply.
I enclose you a copy of the evidence upon which land bounty was granted to William Steele a decedent in the State Navy. There is nothing in this office, which will shew either his place of residence or the time of his death.
I enclose you a statement or estimate prepared by W Smith the agent of the State for investigating and arranging Revolutionary documents - of the assumed probable quantity of land which will be required to satisfy Revolutionary claimants. His report made to the Legislature is not yet printed. As soon as it is, I will immediately transmit to you a copy.
I can obtain for you the Journals of the House of Delegates from 1775 to 1790 & of the Senate of Virginia for 1778-79 & from 1786 to 1790. as the Be pleased to say if I shall send
them

941.
them by mass; they are voluminous.
Very respectfully
your obedient servant
J. E. Heath
And Pub. accts
Re Hon R. B. Taney

Wm Steele.
Capt State Navy
J. P. Mould, Esq. Com d of Div n .
John 34 or number very sharp.
May 14, 1832

May 14. 1832
Paper 54 in number sets of papers.
Wm Steele, Carl Mott Henry Comt of Henry

The Commissioner of the Genl. Land Office.

W Steele

W. d. P. Off. 1 Dec. 1855.
Sir,
At the request of Mr. Wm. H. Todd of Frankfort. Ky I send you the enclosed copy of a will & probate to be filed with the papers in the case of Mr. Steele.
I am &c.
J. L. E.
Comm: of Pension.

Calif. - case of 10m. Steele dec. act 5 July 32 Feb 6. 1836
Recorded, Vol. 43. page 120.

Pension Office
Feb. 6. 1886
I certify that from an examination of the proof exhibited in the support of the claim of the heirs of the late William Steele, dec d . I am satisfied that he served as Lieutenant in the Virginia State Navy; that he left the service in the latter end of the year 1777 seventeen hundred and eighty one, after the reduction of the said Navy and that he died in the winter of 1792 1792-3; that William Govan Steele and John Andrew Steele of Charleston, S. C. are the sons and only heirs of said William Steele, dec d . that the case comes within the provisions of the act of July 5. 1832; and I do therefore give it as my opinion that they are entitled to the pay due under said act at the rate of one hundred and eighty two dollars and fifty cents per annum from the thirty-first of December seventeen hundred and eighty one to the first of December seventeen hundred and ninety two; and that William H. Todd, the attorney of the the heirs is entitled to receive the amount.

OFFICIAL BUSINESS THIRD AUDITOR'S OFFICE
June 15 th
Conner
Wm Steele act 5-20-32
Poppy
43 in garden see to back
Trap D
June 15 th
and letter dated May 13 th also to Capt. Ingleton July 27/50
Steele
Edward Pension Commissioner of

Steel Wm

In re the claim of the Heirs of Lieut. Wm. Steele
} Com
May 19 1862
act 3 July 32
Hon. Jas. K. Edwards Comt. of Pensions &c. Washington D.C.

These are to certify that Mr William Steele a Lieutenant in the Navy of this State was continued in the Service with the Capt that was appointed by the Act of Assembly May 1780. to be continued in the Service, was taken in the State Ship Tempest.
Given under my hand this
10 th day of June 1783
James Barron Com
A Copy
B Starke
a Copy
Enclosed -
I do certify upon Honor that I acted as a Lieut in the state Navy from Augt 20. 1776 till April 26 th 1781, when taken Prisoner by Arnold.
Given under my hand this
26 th Augt 1783
W m Steele Lieut
Executive Department
January 14 th 1834.
The foregoing is a true copy of an original Voucher on file in this Department.
M c R. Richardson Aft " Sec! Comth

Second Department Third Auditor's Office June 15. 1850
Sir In compliance with your request of this date, I humbly hand you the papers in the case of William Steele for haysage under act of July 5th 1832 admitted Feb'y 1836. When you have done with them please to return them to this Office.
Yours Respectfully
James M. [?]
J. B. Callahan Auditor
A. L. Edwards, Esquire Commissioner of Pensions

Hon. J. R. Poinsett Sec. of War, Feb 13. 1840 96.
Second V. (p) page 250

War Dept
Pension Office
Feb 13. 1840
Sir,
The letter of Mr. R. Stowers is herewith returned and in reply I have the honor to inform you that the claim under the Act of July 5. 1832, on account of the revolutionary Service of William Steele, dec d was admitted on the 9 th of February 1836. The Sum due was $1992 \frac{54}{100} and was paid to William H. Todd, Attorney of William Gavan Steele and John Anderson Steele, of Charleston, South-Carolina, sole heirs of William Steele, dec d .
I have the honor &c.
Hon. J. R. Poinsett, Secretary of War.

Nov. 23 rd Feb 1835.
Frankfort Feb. 10 th 1835.
Sir.
William H Todd Esq of this place on yesterday shewed me a written statement of Col. John Steele of Woodford County, sworn to by him before James Shannon Esq. a justice of the peace of this County, in relation to a claim made by the heirs of one William Steele of the Virginia state Navy, for half pay &c. and requests that I should state to you my knowledge of the character of Col. Steele and the official character of said justice. I have known Col. John Steele of Woodford (whose signature I recognized on said paper) for many years, and for veracity and truth there are none before him in his County - and any statement made by him is entitled to full credit. - James Shannon who made affidavit of his oath to said paper, is one of our most respectable Justices for this County. I am also

requested to give my knowledge of the character veracity of Robert Steele of this County - I have known him also for many years - any statement of his on oath or otherwise is entitled to as much credit that of as any other man - he is an aged man and has always been esteemed a correct & good citizen by his neighbours - I am also acquainted with Col. John Cunningham of Tipanning County, I served with him in the Legislature and knew in his own County, any statement of his is entitled to full credit.
I have the honor to be. Respectfully you obedt Servt L. H. Hildreth for U. S. Atty. R. D.
Hon. Levi Woodbury Secy of Treasury.