Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 23190, for Littleberry Mason, Virginia

SERVICE
NUMBER
Va
Mason, Littleberry Bardana, Rebecca
W. 23190
Former widow
CONTENTS

Let to Mr. 10 Henry 102 Let to J. Y. Mason. June 16/52.
J. R. Chambliss Jan 8/57.
J. R. Chambliss & 3 others Feb 5. 1857
J. R. Chambliss, enclosing copies of proofs etc Feb 17. 1857
701. 8 9137 List of Columbia Virginia Richmond
Rebecca Hardaway formerly widow of Littlebury Mason who was a Paymaster in the Virginia Line of the Revolution
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 480 Dollars — Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843. ending 1 May 1845
Certificate of Pension issued the 13 th day of Jany 1852 and sent to
J. Godwin
Present
[Acts of March 3, 1843, & June 17, 1844.]
Recorded in Book A Vol. 2 Page 140. By A Van Wyck. Clerk.

14.461
Rebecca Hardaway died formerly mid of Littlebury Farm Ga
Act 7 July 1838-
S. Godwin -

State of Virginia County of Sussex ss.
On the 14 th day of August September 1857, personal- ly appeared in open Court, before the Justices of the County Court, in and for the said County, Nathaniel Mason, Executor of Rebecca Hardaway, and a resident of the said County, aged 51 years, who being first duly sworn according to Law, makes this declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions of the act of Congress passed 7 th of July 1838, entitled "An act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows" That he is the Executor of the said Rebecca Hardaway having duly qualified as such in the County Court of Sussex County; that your affiant, Nathaniel Mason, and Mary Spencer, wife of John Spencer, were the only surviving children of Rebecca Hardaway and that the said Mary Spencer, has since died, leaving several children; that the said Rebecca Hardaway was the widow of Littlebury Mason, who was a Pay master in the 15 th Regiment of Virginia, in the war of the Revolution. He further states that she was married to the said Littlebury Mason on the day of 17, that her husband the said Littlebury Mason died on the day of 18, that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place before the first day of January 1792, viz. at the time above stated.

He further stated that after the decease of the said Littlebury Mason, she married John Hardaway on the 24 th day of August 1816 who died on the 18 th day of Sept. 1824 and that there were no children of the marriage with John Hardaway. All of which will appear by evidence herewith enclosed.
Nath d Mason
State of Virginia Superior Court to wit 38
I John J Prince Clerk of Superior Court aforesaid, do hereby certify that Nathaniel Mason Executor of Rebecca Hardaway dec d this day appeared in open Court and made the foregoing declaration under oath according to law. —
Given under my hand and seal of Office at Superior Court House, this 6 th day of September A.D. 1851. —
John J. Prince

Know all men by these presents that we Littlebury Mason & William Blunt are held and firmly bound unto Nicholas Mayet Gent: first Justice sworn in the Commission of the Peace for the County of Southampton & to the other Justices of the B o County in the sum of fifty pounds Curr t money of Virginia to the payment whereof well & truly to be made to the s d Justices & their successors we bind ourselves & each of us our and each of our heirs Exors. & admors. jointly & severally firmly by these presents. Sealed with our seals this 20 th day of Jany. 1783.
The condition of this obligation is such that whereas there is a marriage suddenly intended to be had & solemnized between the above bound Littlebury Mason and Rebecca Blunt. Now if there is no lawful cause to obstruct the s d intended marriage then this obligation to be void or else to remain in full force & virtue.
Witness
Littlebury Mason (Seal) W m Blunt (Seal)
State of Virginia. Southampton County to wit.
I Littleton R Edwards Clerk of Court of Southampton County in the State of Virginia do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true Transcript from the records of the said Court now remaining in my Office and is the only evidence to be found of record in my Office of the marriage between Littlebury Mason and Rebecca Blunt.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my Seal of Office this 16 th day of June A D . 1857.
L. R. Edwards Clerk

The proof of the time of Mrs Hardaway's death & of the names of her surviving chil- -dren appears to me sufficiently proved. Fix the date at 1. May 1865
JEA

Pension Office January 9 th 1852.
Sir:
The service of Littlebury Mason and the marriage to him of the late Rebecca Wardaway are admitted, but the proof of the date of her death and of the names of her surviving children is not sufficiently made. The Court should certify that satisfactory evidence has been produced in open court that Rebecca Wardaway, formerly widow of Littlebury Mason, who was a Paymaster in the Virginia Line during the Revolution, died in a named day, and that she left surviving her the following children, (naming them) & them only.
Very Respectfully
Your Obedt Servt J. Wilson
for Commissioner of Pensions
S. Godwin Esq Present

Virginia
At a Court held for Sussex County this 4 th day of September 1851. —
This day Littleberry W Mason of lawful age a resident of Sussex County Virginia, personally appeared in open Court and having been first duly sworn - deposed that Rebecca Hardaway Widow of John Hardaway - and previous to her marriage with S. Hardaway was the widow of Littleberry Mason - departed this life in the month of May 1848. — That she left only two surviving children, Viz: Nathaniel Mason and Mary Spencer - and that she has no child by her last marriage. —
Alcopy
Teste — Jno. J Prince Clerk
State of Virginia Sussex County to wit
I John J Prince Clerk of the County Court of Sussex aforesaid do hereby certify, that the foregoing deposition is a true copy from the records of my Office. —
Given under my hand and seal of Office at Sussex Courthouse this 6 th day of September, AD 1851. —
Jno. J Prince

I hereby certify, that I was well acquainted with Mrs. Rebecca Dardany - she was always reputed to be the widow of my relation, Capt. Littleberry Mason, of Fauquier County in Virginia, who died before I was personally acquainted with him or his family - I lived since 1821, in the same neighborhood in which her said husband Capt. Mason lived and died - I was well acquainted with Henry Mason, David E. Mason, Wm B. Mason, Nathaniel Mason, and Mary wife of John Spencer, of Greenville - who were always reputed to be the children of Littleberry Mason and his said widow - and the State of Virginia, has granted to them Bounty Land for the services of their said Father as an officer, pay master, I think of the Regiment on Continental Establishment, commanded by Col. David Mason, father of the said Littleberry -
I knew, that while the widow of the said Littleberry Mason, she intermarried with Major John Dardany, and lived in the upper part of Fauquier County - that she survived her said husband, Dardany, and died a widow, after I went to reside in Washington City in March 1844 - but I do not remember the precise date of her death -
Richmond, Dec. 30 th 1857.
J. G. Mason
I am well acquainted with Judge Mason's handwriting & the above certificate may be received as if sworn to
J. Heath

Hickford. Va Nov. 18/56.
Col. Shimeul Goodwin.
Dear Sir.
I understand, that you are the Agent. who presented, the Pension claim of Rebecca Hardaway, widow of Littlebury Mason. who was a Captain in the revolutionary War -
I must trouble you to obtain and forward to me, a copy of the record, in that case. The case was decided & the money paid, I think in 1852 - on the year previous -
I will forward the costs of the copy of the record as soon as I am informed of the amt.
I am very Respectfully.
Jno R. Chambliss
Mrs Rebecca Hardaway was widow of Col Littlebury Mason of Virginia

Sturminster Newton 10 Sept 1857
Dear Sir
After a great deal of trouble I have succeeded at last in getting Mr Mason to file the declaration which has been the subject of our correspondence. It would have been done at the August term of the Court, but that Mr M lost his eldest son Dr Albert Mason on that day which prevented his attendance. I have enclosed the only record evidence of the marriage of S. Mason with Rebecca Blunt. The family record was mutilated by Mr Dyer I understand, who while prosecuting military land claims removed the marriage certificate from the Bible. It was very useful at the time of the marriage above alluded to, to make no return by the Minister who solemnized the marriage. But then leaving the marriage bond the only recorded evidence of the marriage, the marriage bond for the above parties clearly proves the marriage to have taken place prior to the year 1794. There is a family record still extant showing the time of the second marriage with Harriet. I herewith enclose the declaration with the testimony. Please write me on its receipt and believe me as ever very Sincerely Yr friend Thomás Godwin Esq

At a Court held for Sussex County the 2 d day of July 1807. - The last Will and Testament of S Mason was presented into Court and proved by the oaths of the two subscribing witnesses and ordered to be recorded. - And at another Court held for said County the 6 th day of Augt. 1807. Jordan Richardson Executor herein named ap- peared in Court and refused to qualify as such, whereupon on the motion of Rebecca Mason and said Jordan Richardson, administration with the Will annexed is granted them on the estate of Littleberry Mason who made oaths, gave bond, and security agreeably to Law Certificate is granted them for obtaining a probate thereof in due form. -
Teste
J. H. Barley Clerk
Copy
Teste
J. H. Barley D.C. 7 th Augt. 1851
State of Virginia Sussex County to wit
I John D. Prince Clerk of the County Court of Sussex in the State of Virginia, do hereby certify that the above certificate is a true Copy from the records in my Office.
In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and affix the seal of my Office at Office this 7 th day of August 1851. -
John D. Prince

Sept. 10 1857
Add. Evi: in case of Rebecca Har- daway death
S. Godwin Present
I do hereby certify that the within is a true copy of the original as shown to me by S. Godwin
Payable at this Agency to Latham & Co.
W. Triplett
Sept 15 1857

Washington City, Septm 15 th 1857
Sir,
I herewith enclose papers to establish the claim of Rebecca Hardiman, his wife, who was previous to her marriage with Hardiman, the widow of Littleberry Mason, who was a paymaster in the 15 th Va. Reg. Commanded by his brother. Col. David Mason in the war of the revolution. The rolls in your office will show this fact, independent of the land papers, which clearly show he served 3 years. It may be asked why this claim was not before opened. I will answer because, Mrs Hardiman and her children were rich, and would not, although they knew their rights claim them. Dr Johnson who married the granddaughter has been unfortunate, the heirs

gave him,
The claim and he thought me demands it. The Hon. Geo. G. Mason will no doubt give if it is a good satisfactory information on this point.
Yours Respectfully J. Godwin

Warrington Va. } June 16 th }
5
D. L. Johnson
Hickford. Greensville City. Ga.
This letter was received from H d Albert Mason prior to his death
Yrs D. L. Johnson

Dr Johnson
Nutset Va June 14 th 1851.
Dear Sir - I enclose you The Data of my Grandmother's marriage with Mr. Hardaway also The death of Mr Hardaway - Mr Hardaway & My Grandmother was married The 24 th of Aug. 1816. Mr Hardaway died The 18 th of September 1824. —
The above was extracted from an old Bible which I think must be correct - Hoping This may reach you in due time
Y. Dr. Jas Johnson.
I am Yrs Very Resp & Truly A. G. Mason
Sussy.

FREE
Official business
FREE
C. C. Anderson
Geo. L. Whiting Esq.
Comm. of Pensions Washington City D. C.
Sharon, Mr. Dodge

Hillsboro V a
July 9 th 1857.
Geo. L. Whiting Esq.
Dear Sir,
I am to say, the copy of the manuscript, on which the pension of Rebecca Haracaney, late widow of Liberty Mason, was paid.
I desire a copy of the proceedings (including the declaration of Nathl. Mason, the Exw. of R. Haracaney,) had to obtain the pension -
The object is to ascertain facts stated in that record. In order to know, under what Laws the pension was allowed - Please forward a copy of the entire record -
Very Respectfully, Ino. R. Chamberlain

Virginia.-
At a Court held for Sussex County, on the 3 rd day of July 1845.-
The last Will and Testament of Rebecca Hardarray dec d was presented into Court, and proved by the Oaths of William Wyatt and Henry Y. Mitchell two of the subscribing witnesses thereto and ordered to be recorded.-
And on the motion of Nathaniel Mason the Executor therein named, who made Oath and entered into bond according to law, Certificate is granted him for obtaining a Probate thereof in due form.-
A Copy - Teste
Geo. L. Prince C. C.-
State of Virginia, Sussex County, to wit, }
I John L. Prince Clerk of the County Court of Sussex, aforesaid, do hereby certify, that the foregoing is a true Copy from the records of the said Court. Given under my hand and seal of Office, at my Office at Sussex Court-house, the 3 rd day of November, 1857.-
Geo. L. Prince

Brief in the case of Rebecca Hardaway, Supt — County and State of Virginia, act July 1, 1838, &c.
Claim, ("original," or "for increase.")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Original claim.
Record evidence of service & marriage.
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Name and residence of Agent
Shimmie Godwin,
Present.
Examining Clerk.
Osler Miles.
Under the direction of the Commissioners

With Mr Chambers, I say that Mr Godwin has filed his letter - That if he will file an aff. setting forth the reason why the copies are de- sired it will be our duty to furnish them free of charge of the aff. facts disclosed in the aff. show them to be necessary to the ends of justice etc.
Crew
25 Nov 1856

Transcendence

March 1-1852
G. H. Galford rel: to case of Abel Corson deed
Hon. G. Y. Mason rel: to Rebecca Har- daway deed
Thomas G. Galford Department of Interior
Department of the Interior, OFFICIAL BUSINESS.

14.4/11
Rebecca Haraway dec? formerly widow of Littlebury Mason, of a
act 7 July 1838. let Y. Godwin Nov 28/57. Sam Pugh 9/52
L Godwin Present,

Rev
WIDOW, &c.
Rev
File No. 23190
Rebecca Hardaway Formerly Wid of Littlebury Mason Paymaster Rev War
Act Mar 3 rd 1813 June 17 th 1813
Index: Vol _____, Page _____
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Interest of Col. Agency.
Rebecca Hardaway, de- ceased widow of Littlebury Mason, who was a Paymaster 15 th Va.
Regt. —
Star Acts July 7. 1838.
March 30 1843 &
June 17. 1844.
2 years Paymaster $480 p An. Com March 4. 1836 & end May 1. 1845, when she died —
Payable to
Nathaniel Mason, Exe- cutor, use of
Mary Spencer
& Nathaniel Mason and children &
Shurline Godwin,
Present.

Knows all men by these presents, that We John Hardaway and Pruey Magee are held and firmly bound unto Wilson C. Mich- olas Governor or Chief Magistrate of Virginia; in the just and full sum of one hundred and fifty dollars, payment whereof well and truly to be made unto the said Governor and his successors in Office, We bind ourselves, our and each of our heirs, execs. and Admins. jointly and severally, firmly by these presents, Sealed with our seals and dated this 22 nd day of August 1816.
The Condition of the above obligation is such that whereas the above bound John Hardaway is shortly about to intermarry with Rebecca Mason, Now therefore if there be no lawful cause to obstruct the said marriage, then the above obligation to be void, or else to remain in full force, virtue and effect.
Signed, Sealed & Ackn d in presence of
John Hardaway (Seal) Pruey Magee (Seal)
Copy Test J. H. Prince D.C.
State of Virginia Sussex County to wit
I John H. Prince Clerk of the County Court of Sussex, in the State of Virginia aforesaid, do hereby certify that the foregoing is a True Copy from the Records in my Office of the Marriage bond of John Hardaway.
Given under my hand and seal of Office at my Office at Sussex Courthouse this 3 rd day of July 1881.
John H. Prince Clk. ft. J. H. Prince D.C.

11244
Virginia
Rebecca Hardaway formerly widow of Littleberry Mason
who died on the
of _____ in the State of Virginia who was a Paymaster in the 15 Regt commanded by Captain _____ of the _____ commanded by _____ in the Virginia line for 2 years.
Inscribed on the Roll of Richmond at the rate of 480 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836. and ending 4 Mar 1841
Certificate of Pension issued the 13 day of January 1852 and sent to S. Godwin Present.
Arrears to the 4th of Semi-annual allowance ending
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act July 7, 1838. }
Recorded by A Van Wyck Clerk, Book D Vol. 2 Page 269

The petition of the Heirs of Littleberry Mason respectfully states
That he was Paymaster with the Rank of Captain in the 15 th Va. Continental Regiment and continued in service, actually employed, for three years, and never received the Land Bounty to which he was entitled
The affidavit of Jake Nicholson, who is the Postmaster at Portsmouth and a highly respectable gentleman, shows Capt. Mason's services as above stated. He speaks from his own knowledge.
The Certificate of the Auditor shows that Capt. Mason was a Paymaster in the Virginia Continental line. That certificate is conclusive in every respect, except the duration of the service - which is supplied by Mr. Nicholson.
The 15 th Regt. was not raised till after the consolidation — and the return of a wholesome currency was no doubt the reason why he did not receive a larger amount of depreciation.
All of which is respectfully submitted
by
Thos. Green atto
for the parties.
No Paymasters ranked below Captains or have rec d less of the bounty due as Paymaster be allowed, it is all the heirs solicit.
J.B.

Portsmouth - July 26 th 1832
I certify I belonged to the 15 th Virginia Regiment on continental establishment in the Revolutionary War - commanded by Colo. David Mason & which was enlisted for three years - Littleberry Mason of Supex county went out as paymaster to the 15 th Regiment & continued in service in that capacity during the term of enlistment of said Regiment viz. three years.
Jepe Nicholson
Norfolk County - To wit
This day Jepe Nicholson made oath to the truth of the above certificate before me a Justice of the Peace in & for the county aforesaid. Given under my hand & seal this 26 th day of July. 1832
Arthur Emmerson J.P.
I am a citizen of Portsmouth in this state, in which place Jepe Nicholson Esqr resides - Mr. Nicholson is a gentleman of the highest standing in that community - for veracity & honor. No one is more respected than Mr. N. I will further state that Mr. Nicholson holds the office of Postmaster at Portsmouth.
Leonard Cowley
Augt. 1 st 1832.

At the request of Mr. Bejar I certify that Jesse Nicholson of Portsmouth is one of the most respectable citizens of that place - he was for many years a member of the County Court - He is now a Minister of the Gospel & is the Postmaster of Portsmouth - he is a gentleman of considerable intelligence - I consider him that he possesses a clearer & more distinct recollection of the events of the Revolution than any other person of my acquaintance - he was in the service as a soldier (as I learn from him & I have no doubt of the fact) & was badly wounded in the groins Augt. 7 th 1832
J. W. Murdaugh
Auditors Office July 21. 1832
Littlebury Mason, a paymaster in the Virginia line on continental establishment received a certificate on the 30. April 1785 for the balance of his full pay amounting to $ 55. 17.
Jas. E. Heath A. P. A
Executive Department Richmond Va March 27 th 1857
I certify the foregoing to be true copies from papers on file in this department.
Wm H Richardson Secy Comt
55 20 11 90
6/11/17 1864 6 57 48

63.
March 1: 52
Richmond Va
Feby 28/52
Dear John Y Mason
Rev: to the claim of the heirs of Rebecca Gordon, decd widow of Littlebury Mason due for Revolutionary Pension
[Faint, illegible handwriting]
Ref'd the Comr of Pensions for an answer & Mr Mason so informed
Dept Int. 22 March 1/52

Richmond, Feb. 28, 1852.
my dear Sir.
One of the heirs of Mrs. Rebecca Birdoway, who was widow of Littleberry Mason, an Officer of the Revolution, has desired me to address you, and enquire, if a pension has been allowed, on account of her surviving her said husband, to whom such pension was granted, she being dead, what was the amount, and to whom paid - I will also thank you to inform me, under the rules of the pension office, and its interpretation of the acts of Congress, whether the children of the widow, who survived her, are entitled to the exclusion of the descendants of her children who died before her decease - and of her Executor.
Your answer will be very thankfully received, as it will be satisfactory to the family, and may prevent discord and litigation amongst them -
I deem it proper to add, that nothing in this letter is intended to imply want of confidence in Mr. Shimeall Godwyn who presented the claim - as the parties have no cause of complaint against him - Please address your reply to me at this place, and I will communicate it to the parties who desire the information. I have no interest in the matter, but the parties are my relations, and I wish to settle the it amongst them -
I have the honor to be very Resp. y r Ob d Serv t
J. G. Mason
Hon. L. H. A. Stuart, Secy. of the Interior.