Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 8417, for Samuel Major, Virginia

SERVICE
NUMBER
Va.
Major, Samuel Nancy
W 8417
B.L.Wt. 31293-160-55.
CONTENTS

4134 Virginia Rich Nancy Waugh widow of Samuel Major who served in the Revolution- ary war, as a Private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of $0. Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 3d February, 1853.
Certificate of Pension issued 9 th day of May 1854. and sent to
C. A. Hargrave Dinwiddie Co. Va.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 3, 1853, Page 126. Vol. A.
By 3 mar 53-186455

let 21 May 49 L.C. Goddard, Chf. Clerk
Virginia 12.952 Samuel Major
Individie in the State of Virginia who was a pri: in the company commanded by Captain Nicholas of the Regt commanded by Col. Lones in the Virginia line for 2 years
Inscribed on the Roll of Virginia as the rate of 50 Dollars — Cents per annum to commence on the 14th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 18 th day of June '33 and sent Hon. M. Alex- ander Lombardy Grove Va.
Arrears to the 14th of March '33 — 160 Semest. allowance ending 4 Sep t " — 40
$200
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Wm Miller Clerk, Book E Vol. 6 — Page 18

186.935- Act Mar 3 { 55- July 7 {
Nancy Major (wid) Nancy Major wid: Samuel Major Samuel Major Major Pri
Revolutionary Pensioner
Ver: War.
Febz 53 4134
AD: 1600a July 1/56 R. P. H.
A. Hargrave Dinwiddie C H Va
Vol Mt. page 21.

State of Virginia } County of Dinwiddie } B.
On this 17 th day of September 1832 personally appeared in open Court, before the Justices of the County Court of Dinwiddie County, now sitting, Samuel Major, a resident of the County and State aforesaid, aged 72 years, the 10 th day of last August, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on his oath, make the following Declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress, passed June 7 th 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following officers, and served as herein 1. stated to wit; That soon after the Declaration of Inde- pendence in the year 1776 having attained to the age of 16 years he was placed on the muster roll and in the requirement on the militia, he drew N o . 1 and was regularly drafted on the militia, he drew N o . 1 and was immediately called into service for a tour of three months under Capt. John Nicholson from the County of Dinwiddie where he was born & did then & has ever since resided and from that day to the end of the war after the capture of Lord Cornwallis at York at which latter time he was in service under Capt. William Booth, whereas N o . 1 was called on to regularly performed his tour of duty. That from the time the British came around to Virginia, to the termination of hostilities, parties of the enemy were so often coming up & down the James River & its waters, that the militia resident of the County of Dinwiddie, and other Counties near Petersburg, or Richmond - or on the water courses had to perform an inordinate amount of service - That it very often happened that an individual who had but just returned home from

one tour of duty would be called out again. That from his you the full age at that time - his not knowing how to write, & consequently retaining no memoranda of dates - names - places &c he finds himself unable to state the precise time at which any one of the tours he performed commenced or terminated - except the first identified by his then coming of age, & the declaration of Independence the very last, by the capture of York which he understands was in October 1781. He remembers the names of but three Captains under whom he served - two who have been enumerated, & Baker Pegram, while he has indistinct recollections of the persons of several others. He recollects that Col o Joseph Jones was often in command of the Regiment to which he was occasionally attached from his being a resident of the same County but does not remember the name of any other Superior Officer seldom seeing any of the higher officers in command. That when Petersburg was burnt by the British - when Arnold was there, as he has heard, he was stationed at Gravelly run Church in Dinwiddie, but does not recollect under what Captain. He has recollection of being stationed at different times, & in different tours of service at the following places Hatchers Run Church Cabin Point, Sleepy Hole Ferry in Nansemond, Williamsburg Smithfield, The Peach orchard, Petersburg & Prince George Ct House, besides those previously mentioned, but he cannot distinguish the relative dates or tours at which he was at either. When York was captured he was not present, having been with a large force above James Town where there were for some time landing from French vessels & drawn by Oxen to York - occasionally guarding a large number of bees on Hog Island collected for the American forces - & keeping guard on the River.

That the ordinary tours of duty were three months That he does not recollect serving any one of a shorter duration. That he served he thinks two dis- tinct times in every year from 1776 to 1781 inclu- sive except the first, and that at least half the time of those five years he was in actual service. That he was never in any engagement with the enemy. That of any of those who served with him Officers or soldiers one now alive he does not know them, with the exception of Wm. Pinnally a resident of this County & had entirely forgotten that he had ever served with him until informed by him of it, & having his memory refreshed by some particulars. That he never recd. any written discharge during the service, & never saw any given to militia men, & that he has no documen- tary evidence whatever of his service. That he never heard of any register of his age being in existence, but does not doubt that it is what he was always informed it was, as above represented. That his memory has become very much impaired & infirm, & while he has always retained a general recollection, & so always stated when conversing on it, for the last fifty years, of the aggregate period of his revolutionary services, as above stated, he cannot recollect many of the particulars. He refers to any or all of his oldest neighbours for evidence of the traditional belief of his having rendered the ser- vices he has stated. He therefore Samuel Major hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, & declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state whatever. Sworn to & subscribed this day & year aforesaid. —
his Samuel Major mark

I, Wm. Donnelly, a resident of Dinwiddie County do hereby certify that I have been acquainted with the Declarant Samuel Major for upwards of fifty years, that I have no personal knowledge of his Revolutionary services in the Militia of the State, except during the last tour that he speaks of. I know that he marched as a private in Capt. Booth's company, in which I served myself, when we were called to York, & that he was detained at the position on Sassafras River as he has stated. I have always understood that he rendered other services thro' the war, & do not doubt it, though I know nothing of them myself. Sworn & subscribed the day & year aforesaid.
William Donnelly
We, John E. Hargrave a clergyman residing in the County of Dinwiddie in the State of Virginia, and Peter Eppes, a planter resident of the said County, do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Samuel Major who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be 72 years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighbourhood in which he resides, to have been a soldier in the revolution, and that we concur in that opinion. Sworn & subscribed the day & year aforesaid
John E. Hargrave,
Peter Eppes

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a voluntary soldier, (and served as he states. And the Court further certifies that Isham E. Hargrave who has signed the above certificate, is a clergyman resident of the County of Dinwiddie, and is a creditable respectable person to whose statements full credit is due. And that Wm Nunnally and Peter Eppes, who have also signed certificates above, are residents of the same county - that they are creditable, respectable persons, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I John P. French Clerk of the County Court of Dinwiddie County do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings, of the said Court, in the matter of the application, of Samuel Major for a pension
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and the seal of my office, this 17th day of September in the year 1832.
W. C. Brumfield
State of Virginia, Dinwiddie County
Personally appeared before the justices of the County Court of Dinwiddie in open Court, on this 20th day of May 1833 Samuel Major who in addition to his former declaration (preceding this) states that by reason of old age and the consequent loss of memory, he can not swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but accord- -ing to the best of his recollection he served not less than two years as a private, for which service he now claims a pension. That for the same reason he cannot state the

names of any regular Officers - or of any other continental or militia Regiments also were with the troops in which he served further than he has done in his former Declara- -ration. Nor can he refer to any other person or persons than those stated in the said Declaration, also know- ing in his present neighborhood, who can testify as to any Revolutionary services he has performed. Given & subscribed the day & year last aforesaid Samuel his Major Mark.
And the Court doth certify that the foregoing additional declaration of Samuel Major, was subscribed and sworn to in open Court, examined, and ordered to be certified to the Department of War: I John P. Crump Clerk of the County Court of Dinwiddie County, do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the additional proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of Samuel Major for a pension: - In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of my said Office this 20 th day of May 1833, in the 57 th year of the Commonwealth.
J. P. Crump C. D. C.
Sam. Major's Declaration for a Pension
15414

Nancy Major, Widow Declaration for a Pension under act 3 d February 1853 Samuel Major dec.

State of Virginia
County of Dinwiddie ss.
On this 11 th day of June A.D. 1853 personally appeared before me John M. Wynn a justice of the Peace for the said county, Nancy Major, a resident of the county of Dinwiddie and State aforesaid, aged seventy six years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the "Act of Congress", passed on the 3 rd February 1853, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war. That she is the widow of Samuel Major, who was a pensioner under the "Act of Congress of the 7 th of June 1832" received eighty dollars per annum, resided in Dinwiddie county Virginia, and received his pension at the agency in Richmond and State aforesaid. She further declares that she was married to the said Samuel Major on the _____ day of March eighteen hundred, that her said husband died on the 24 th day of June 1842; that she was not married to him prior to the second of January, eighteen hundred, but at the time above stated. She further declares that she is now a widow.
Nancy her Major mark
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written, before me. And I do hereby certify, that the said Nancy Major the applicant, from bodily infirmity, is unable to attend Court.
John M. Wynn J.P.
State of Virginia
Dinwiddie county ss.
On this 11 th day of June 1853 personally appeared before me John M. Wynn a justice of the Peace for the said county, Elizabeth P. Major who made oath that the above named Nancy Major is now the widow of Samuel Major deceased who died on the 24 th June 1842.
Elizabeth her Major mark
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year last written 11 th day of June 1853
John M. Wynn J.P.

Copy of Samuel Major's marriage bond.
Know all men by these presents that we Samuel Major & Wm. Perkins are held and firmly bound unto James Monroe Esq. Governor of this Commonwealth in the just and full sum of £50 current money of Virginia to which payment well and truly to be made, we bind ourselves, our heirs, executors and administrators jointly, severally and firmly by these presents, sealed with our seals and dated this 12 th day of March 1800; The condition of the above obligation is such that if there be no lawful cause to obstruct a marriage shortly intended to be had and solemnized, between the above bound Sam l Major and Nancy Perkins (Spinster) then the above obligation to be void else to remain in force and virtue.  Signed & acknowledged before me J. Nicholas J. R. C. State of Virginia Dinwiddie County to wit:  Sam l  his Major (Seal) Wm o  his Perkins (Seal)
I Charles A. Hargrave Clerk of the County Court of Dinwiddie, in the State of Virginia, do certify that the foregoing is a true copy of a bond executed by Sam l Major on obtaining a license to intermarry with Nancy Perkins, and that no evidence of the solemnization of the said marriage, can be found on the records of the said Court. I further certify that John M. Wynn Esq. before whom the within declaration and affidavit were made, is a justice of the peace in and for the said County, duly elected, commissioned and sworn; and that the signatures purporting to be his are genuine.
In Testimony whereof I have subscribed my name and affix the seal of said Court, this the 11 th day of June A.D. 1853.
C. A. Hargrave Clerk of Dinwiddie County Court

Bonny Lance Glavin
186,935-
Bounty Land Claim 186,935- Set March 3 rd 1885-
Francis Major
V. G. Fuller Sits for Clump.

Widow's Declaration.
State of Virginia, County of Dinwiddie, ss.
On this 25 th day of May A.D. One Thousand eight hundred and fifty five, personally appeared before me, a justice of the peace within and for the County and State aforesaid, Nancy Major, aged about seventy eight years, a resident of Dinwiddie County, in the State of Virginia, who being duly sworn according to law, declares that she is the widow of Samuel Major deceased, who was a Private in the Revolutionary War, and received under the act of Congress of the 7 th June 1832, the sum of Eighty dollars per annum until his death which occurred on the 24 th day of June 1842 - and that she the said Nancy Major is now inscribed on the pension list at the rate of Eighty dollars per annum, commencing on the 3 rd day of February 1853, and continuing for life, unless she should again marry, in which case the Pension is not payable after the time of such marriage. She further states that she was married to said Samuel Major, in the County of Dinwiddie on the day of March eighteen hundred; that her name before said marriage was Nancy Perkins; and that her said husband died on the 24 th day of June 1842, and that she is now a widow.
She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the Bounty Land to which she may be entitled under the act of Congress approved March 3 rd 1855. She also declares that she has never applied for nor received, under this or any other act of Congress, any Bounty Land Warrant.
her Nancy + Major mark.

Affidavit.
We W m T. Perkins and Elizabeth Major residents of Dinwiddie County, in the state of Virginia upon our oaths, declare that the within Declaration was signed and acknowledged by Nancy Major in our presence: that we are intimately acquainted with the said Nancy Major and know that she is now the widow of Samuel Major dec d and is the identical person she represents herself to be: that her husband Samuel Major died on the 24 th day of June 1842. that we have this day seen and read the original certificate in her possession by virtue of which her husband Samuel Major received his pension - and that we have this day also seen and read Nancy Major's original certificate in her possession under and by virtue of which she has been receiving a pension - which certificate bears date the 9 th day of May 1854, is signed by R. M c Clellan secretary of the interior, and examined and countersigned by L. P. Waldo, Commissioner of pensions.
W m T. Perkins
Elizabeth her Major mark
Certificate
The foregoing Declaration of Nancy Major and affidavit of William T. Perkins & Elizabeth Major were sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year first above written. I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons: that the said Nancy Major is the person she represents herself to be, and that I have no interest in this claim. I further certify that I know of my own knowledge that Samuel Major dec d was a pensioner under the act of Congress of 17 th

June 1832, and that the said Nancy Major is now a pensioner under the act of Congress of 3 rd February 1853. ~
John M c Wynn J.P.
Power of Attorney
The Commissioner of Pensions will please send my land warrant to C. A. Hargrave, Esq. at Dinwiddie Court House Va. who will receive and transmit the same to me. Given under my hand this 25 th day of May 1853. ~
Nancy Major mark
Subscribed and acknowledged before me this 25 th day of May 1853. by said Nancy Major.
John M c Wynn J.P.
State of Virginia
County of Dinwiddie, to wit:
I, Charles A. Hargrave Clerk of the County Court for Dinwiddie County in the state aforesaid, do hereby certify that John M c Wynn Esq. whose name is signed to the certificate to the foregoing Declaration, affidavit and Power of Attorney, is, and was at the time of signing the same, a justice of the peace in and for the County and State aforesaid, duly com- missioned and qualified according to law with authority to administer oaths for general pur- poses, and that his said signatures are genuine. In testimony whereof, I have hereto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this 9 th day of July A.D. eighteen hundred and fifty five. ~
C. A. Hargrave, Clerk

15, 2, 14
Samuel Major
2 Mch 1883
Obj. 4. 5. 16
P. M. Samuel a general- Dynam. 380-
60m
Mr Alexander 14 P-
E
12

County of  BRIEF in the case of  General Major  of  Stemfield  in the State of  Virginia  (Act 7th June, 1832.)
 1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Court  2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?  3. How old is he? 72  4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed. 
   Period. Duration of Service. Rank. Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.   Years, Months, Days.      drafted No 1  In 17, 6  Revolutionary War at  different periods of the war  in 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91  a small time during 93  mostly early time  3 private  Gen.  Capt John Nicholas, Virg  Col. Powell Dand  Capt John Nicholas  William B. Barks  Baker Pagan   
 5. In what battles was he engaged? Not many  6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? In middle Co. Virginia  7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditional evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? a living witness as to his last years  8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? not properly attached 
X Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
C. H. S. Wilson Examining Clerk.  24th July 1833

mmstf am
October 30, 1933
Mrs. J. T. White 423 Ave. A Lawton, Okla.
Madam:
I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim W. 9417 it appears that Samuel Major was born August 10, 1760 in Dinwiddie County, Virginia.
While a resident of said County he enlisted in 1776 and served as a private at various times until 1781, amounting to over two years, under Captains John Nicholas, Gilliam Booth, Baker Pegram and Colonel Joseph Jones in the Virginia Troops.
He was allowed pension on his application executed September 17, 1832 while a resident of Dinwiddie County, Virginia. He died June 24, 1842.
Soldier married in March 1800 ( marriage bond dated March 12, 1800) in Dinwiddie County, Virginia, Nancy Perkins who was allowed pension on her application executed June 11, 1853 while a resident of Dinwiddie County, Virginia aged seventy six years. A "numerous family of children" is referred to but no names stated.
Respectfully,
Commissioner.

State of Virginia Dinwiddie County ss.
The affidavit of Martha Smith, aged 82 years, resident of Dinwiddie County, taken before me, Williamson Perkins a justice of the peace, in and for the said County, on the 21 st day of April 1854, to be read as evidence on the application of Mrs. Nancy Major, aged about seventy seven years, and resident of Dinwiddie County Va., to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed on the 3 rd day of February 1853, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War:
The said Martha Smith, being first duly sworn, according to law, saith, that she is well acquainted with Mrs. Nancy Major, the applicant for a pension under the above recited act of Congress. That she the said Mrs. Nancy Major, is now the widow , of the identical Samuel Major, late of Dinwiddie County, who was a revolutionary pensioner under the act of Congress of 7 th June 1832. and that the name of the said Mrs. Nancy Major, before her intermarriage with the said Samuel Major, was Nancy Perkins.
Martha Smith mark
Sworn to, and subscribed on the day and year first above written, before me. And I hereby certify, that the said Martha Smith is a credible witness. I further certify, that I am well acquainted with the above named Nancy Major, and know of my own knowledge, that she is the widow of the identical Samuel Major, late of Dinwiddie County, who was a Revolutionary pensioner, under the act of

Congress of 7 th June 1832.
Williamson Perkins J.P.
State of Virginia Dinwiddie County, to wit:
I Charles A. Hargrave, Clerk of the County Court of Dinwiddie County, in the state aforesaid, do hereby certify, that Williamson Perkins Esq. who hath given the above certificate, is, and was, at the date of the same, a justice of the peace in and for the said County and State, duly elected, commissioned and sworn; and that the signature purporting to be his, is genuine.
In testimony whereof I hereunto subscribe my name and affix the seal of the said Court, This the 28 th day of April A.D. 1854, in the 78 th year of the Commonwealth.
C. A. Hargrave Clk of Dinwiddie County Court. Va.

State of Virginia Dinwiddie County § 58.
The affidavit of Mary Haddon, aged 84 years, resident of Dinwiddie County, taken before me, John W. Wynn, a justice of the peace, in and for the said County, on the 20 day of April 1854, to be read as evidence on the application of Mrs Nancy Major, aged about seventy seven years, and resident of the aforesaid County, to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed on the 3 rd day of February 1853, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War. The said Mary Haddon being first duly sworn, according to law, saith, that she is well acquainted with Mrs Nancy Major, the applicant for a pension under the above recited act of Congress: that she the said Mrs Nancy Major, is now the widow , of the identical Samuel Major, late of Dinwiddie County, who was a pensioner (revolutionary) under the act of Congress of 7 th June 1832; and that the name of the said Mrs Nancy Major, before her intermarriage with the said Samuel Major, was Nancy Perkins. Mary Haddon Perkins
Sworn to, and subscribed on the day and year first above written, before me. And I hereby certify, that the said Mary Haddon is a credible witness. I further certify, that I am well acquainted with the above named Nancy Major, and know of my own knowledge, that she is the widow of the identical Samuel Major, who late of Dinwiddie County, who was a

revolutionary pension under the act of Congress of 7 th June 1832.
John M. Wynn J.P.
State of Virginia Dinwiddie County, to wit:
I Charles A. Hargrave, Clerk of the County Court of Dinwiddie County, in the State aforesaid, do hereby certify, that John M. Wynn Esq, who hath given the above certificate, is, and was, at the date of the same, a justice of the peace in and for the said County and State, duly elected, commissioned and sworn; and that the signature purporting to be his, is genuine.
In Testimony whereof, I hereto subscribe my name and affix the seal of the said Court, this the 28 th day of April A.D. 1854, in the 78 th year of the Commonwealth.
C.A. Hargrave Clerk of Dinwiddie County Court Va

No 2774 Nancy Major, Wid. of Samuel
Act. to C.A. Harpnam 21 st Oct. /53.
Act. of 3 rd Feby. /53.

Department of the Interior. OFFICIAL BUSINESS.
W. H. ... J. P. ... H. ... A. ... J. L. Edwards Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions.

237 Nancy Major widow of Samuel Vie.
Suspended
let 21 May 1849
to claimant
let to Nancy Major May
21st 49 of P Crump from M 49
Act 29 July 1848

Dunbarde 6 H. na
June 13
Free
[Large decorative flourish]
1853
J. P. Waldo Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City D. C.

5 No. 298
J Worley

Disinradia b. H. va May 3 rd
Boynton May 3/54
Free
L. P. Waldo Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions Washington City D. C.
Henry Major Murch Gannett

2 AM 4 2 #60 President's Office. 6 th May, 1854.
Sir, Please certify the time to which the within name pen- -sion was paid, on the date of his death. Very Respectfully,
J. Cole For the Commissioners.
By the
Francis Root Esq. Third Auditor, Reas. }

Samuel Major, Act. 1832, $80 per annum, Paid to 4 March 1842.
F. Root Pai. vitor

Dimwadee C. H. va
Free
July 9 th
186.935
The Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Nancy Major's Declaration V o for Merry Land

Rec: No. 21 "Amc. 42,
"Benth."

June 17. 1853
App d of Nancy Major widow of Sam d . Dinwiddie Co;
Va $80.
72952
Act 3 d Feb y 1853
$80. 00 Per An;
Com: Feby: 3 d 1853.
Rev:
C. A. Hargrave Dinwiddie Co. Va. Va.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, Pension Office, Official Business
24 th June, 42
Out.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Washington, D. C., Jan 2, 1923
W. 8417
In reply to your request of [blank], for the history of [blank], a soldier of the Revolutionary War, the following is taken from the [blank] claim for pension.
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     1776 3 mos. Pvt. Wm. Booth Wm. Jones Va.   Received 2 years 1777 to 1781 one of 3 mos. Baker Pegram  
Battles engaged in, None.  Residence of soldier at enlistment, Dinwiddie Co. Va. ✓  Date of application for pension, Sept. 17 1832 - al. ✓  Residence at date of application, Dinwiddie Co. Va. ✓  Age at date of application, b. Aug 10 1750 in Dinwiddie Co. Va. ✓
Remarks: Her name was Nancy Portum. She died June 24 1842. She was at home at an age of June 11, 1853 while in Dinwiddie Co. Va. at the age of 103. A numerous family of children is referred to but no names are listed.
(+ Marriage bond dated March 12, 1809.)
Respectfully,
Commissioner.

Pension Dep. Washington D.C.
Will you please send me the Pension record of Samuel D. Majors (1762-1842) of Va. Pension was allowed 1832 for two years actual service as Private Va. Line. Also any family data of this Samuel D. Majors.
Also the Pension Record of Benjamin Bledsoe - (1763-1845) enlisted at eighteen and was born in Franklin Co. N. C. and died in Campbell Co. Ga. where he received a pension.
Sincerely Mrs. J. T. White 423 Av. A. Lawton Okla.

Bureau of Pensions Washington D. C.

Nov 25-
Bureau of Pensions BLANK SENT Washington D.C.
ACT cancelled NOV 28 1922
Dear Sirs
President Mrs. -
Will you please send me copy of Pension of Samuel Major of Dinwiddie Co. Va - aged 79. Respectfully Mrs. Phoebe Shelton - 4467 Lindell Pl. St. Louis

NEWNAN, GA., March 13, 1902
The Pension Office, Washington, D. C.
Please send me the record of Samuel Majors who fought in the Revolution- ary War.
Address,
Mrs. E. J. Whatley, Newnan, Ga.
U. S. W. & N. DIVISION MAR 18 1902 RECEIVED

HARDAWAY & HUNTER,
DEALERS IN
GENERAL MERCHANDISE.
Glew
Newnan, Ga., Mar 26 th 1901.
Dept of Pensions.
Please let me know if there is on the Revolutionary pension rolls the names of Shiram Lester and Samuel Mayors, both soldiers in the Revolution of 1776. Lester lived in Georgia the latter part of his life. Mayors lived in Halifax county, Virginia and was an officer. If they are not on the pension rolls will you kindly see if any of the Revolutionary records contains their names. Each one now has a daughter living in this county - Coweta.
An answer will greatly oblige
Mrs. R. H. Hardaway

Brown
WIDOW, &c.
File No. _____
8417
Nancy Mafer
Wid
Samuel Mafer
Print Recd. War
Act: _____
Febr'y 3 d
1853
Index:—Vol. _____
16
Page _____
5-
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Apl-12-1900
Mrs. R. N. Wardlaw Newnan Ga.
Apl. 22-1902
Mrs. E. T. Whitley Newnan, Ga
1923 Jan. 2. List to Mrs. Theodore Shelton - Eu.
1923 Oct. 20 - List to Mrs. J. S. White, Jr.

237 V May 14/49 May 16/49 Nancy Major Va. Nancy Major mdm of Samuel Major a Revolutionary War Soldier - affidavit in relation to said pension →
W Allin
This Affidavit came in an envelope unaccom- panied by any other papers & presumed therefore to have been sent by Nancy Major of Dinwiddie Co. Va. Dept. of the Interior Mar. 19/49
W Allin

State of Virginia:
Albemarle county set.
Be it known, that before me, John M c W h Justice of the peace in and for the county aforesaid, personally appeared Nancy Major, and made oath in due form of law, that she is the widow of Samuel Major who was a revolutionary pensioner of the United States, as appears by an original certificate in her possession, of which certify the following is a true copy. War Department, Revolutionary Claims. I certify that in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7 th June 1832, Samuel Major of the state of Virginia, who was a private in the War of the revolution, is entitled to receive Eighty dollars per annum, during his natural life, commencing on the 4 th of March 1831, and payable semi-annually, on the 4 th of March and 4 th of September, in every year.
Given at the War Office of the United States this 18 th day of June one thousand eight hundred and thirty three.
Seal
Examined & Countersigned J. S. Edwards
John Robb Acting Secretary of War
Commissioner of Pensions."
that the said Samuel Major departed this life on the 26 th day of June 1842; that she intermarried with him before the first day of January 1800; that she has not since intermarried, but continues the widow of the said Samuel Major deceased; & that she now resides in the county of Albemarle, and has resided there for the space of 71 years past; to the truth of which statements, I am fully satisfied.
Sworn to and subscribed this 16 day of May 1849 before me.
Nancy Major
John M c W h

State of Virginia:
Giles County ss:
I John P. Kennup Clerk of the County court of the county of Giles, in the state of Virginia, do certify that John M. Ely is a Magistrate as above, and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his, is genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed my seal of Office, and subscribed my name this 16 th day of May anno Dom: 1849.
John P. Kennup Clerk of Giles County court

Duniddie C.A. V. o
June 13 th 1853.
The Commissioner of Pensions,
Sir:
I enclose you Mrs Nancy Major's Declaration under act of Congress the 3. rd February 1853, for a pension - which you will please acknowledge the receipt of - Very Respectfully,
C. A. Hargrave

case of Nancy Major, wid. of Samuel, Pinwiddie County and State of Va. act 3 d Feby. 1853.
Claim, ("original," "for increase" )
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
In substance was a pension under the Act of 7 th June.
Record evidence of Marriage.
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
C. A. Hargrave, Esq., Pinwiddie, C.D.V. Name and residence of Agent Va.
J. B. [unintelligible] Examining Clerk.

Dimwiddie C.H. V a April 28 th 1854.
Dear Sir:
In obedience to the requirements of your letter of the 21 st October 1853, in relation to the unpublished application of Mrs Nancy Major for a pension, I send you the affidavit of two old and very respectable ladies of our County, (each of whom being older than the applicant) who were, before the marriage of the said Nancy Major, and are now, well acquainted with her. They prove that her maiden name was Nancy Perkins. They also prove that she is now the widow of the identical Samuel Major, who was a Revolutionary Pensioner. The justices, Messrs. Wynn & Perkins, also certify, that they are well acquainted with the said Nancy Major, and know of their own knowledge that she is the widow of the said Samuel Major pensioner aforesaid.
Having furnished all the evidence required by your letter aforesaid, you will please acknowledge the receipt of the enclosed papers, and have the case acted upon as soon practicable.
And much oblige you Sir. S r .
L. P. Waldo Esq. Commissioner of P.
A. Hargrave Dimwiddie C. H. V a

June 4. 1899.
John P. Brann.
Clk. Dinwiddie Co. Ct. Va.
Enclosed affidavits of Winifred Griffin & William Malone relative to the marriage of Nancy Perkins & Sam l Major in the year 1799 —
W. H. Allen Prompt action Ref d to Comms y Pardon Dept. of Interior June 7/99.

State of Virginia:
Giles County Set:
Personally appeared before me, John M. Wynn a Justice of the peace for Giles County in the state of Virginia, W m Winifred Griffin aged seventy seven years, and made oath, that she the said Winifred, was married in the month of November or December 1799, that she was very intimate with Miss Nancy Perkins now Nancy Major, having been near neighbors all their lives; that she well recollects that the said Nancy Perkins intermarried with Samuel Major one week before she the said Winifred was married, that she was not present at the marriage, but has no doubt of the fact of its having taken place: that she has lived a near neighbor to Mr s Major all her lifetime, and knows that she has never married since the death of Samuel Major.
Sworn and subscribed before me this 4 June 1849.
Winifred Griffin
John M. Wynn
State of Virginia
Giles County Set:
William Malone
Personally appeared before me, John M. Wynn a Justice of the peace for the said county, in the state of Virginia, William Malone aged seventy nine years, & made oath, that he is well acquainted with Mr s Nancy Major having been raised in the same neighborhood with her, and resided there all his lifetime, that he was not an eye witness of her marriage with Samuel Major, but from circumstances, has no doubt of the fact of their having been married, that he is well acquainted with the family, and knows that they always lived as man & wife, and raised a numerous family of children
Sworn & subscribed before me this 4 day of June 1849.
William Malone
John M. Wynn

State of Virginia:
Gileswoodie county Set.
I John T. Crump Clerk of the county court of the county of Gileswoodie, in the state of Virginia, do certify that John M. Allyun is a magistrate as above, and that the foregoing signatures purporting to be his, are genuine. —
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed my seal of Office, and subscribed my name this 11 th day of June one thousand eight hundred & forty nine. —
John T. Crump C. D.

Linwood Clerk's Office June the 4 th 1849
Sir,
It may be proper for me to state, that I have examined the records and files of this office, and that I cannot find any evidence of the marriage of Mr. Nancy Major. The Law of this state at that time, required the clerks of the county courts upon issuing a license to marry, to take a bond, and the minister who solemnized the marriage, to return certificates thereof to the court, to be entered of record; neither of which documents can be found; the papers of this office of that period are in great confusion.
Very respectfully,
Geo. P. Brumf clk of Linwood county court. Va.

James Major BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims , of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? Yes
II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? Yes
III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so?
X IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served?
X V. * Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled? Yes - see Declarant
VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? Yes
VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? Yes
VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? Yes
IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? Yes
X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? Yes

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? Yes
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it?
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had?
XIV. † If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service?
If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses? Yes
Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct? Yes
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service? The last two yes
X
XVI. ‡ Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct?
Yes - see Deed
X
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered?
2
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
* QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades; For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____ For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension.

It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours; the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must in every case be clearly shewn under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
QUERE XVI. Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
☞ In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, has no public seal of office, the certificate of a member of congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.

Know all men by these presents that we Samuel Major and William Perkins are held and firmly bound unto James Monroe esq r Gov- ernor of this Commonwealth in the just and full sum of £50 cur t money of Virg a to which pay- ment well and truly to be made we bind ourselves our heirs, exec rs and adm rs jointly severally & firmly by these presents. Sealed with our seals and dated this 12 th day of March 1800. The con- dition of the above obligation is such that if there be no lawful Cause to obstruct a mar- riage shortly intended to be had and solemn- ized between the above bound Sam l Major and Nancy Perkins (Spinster) then the above obligation to be void else to remain in full force and virtue
Signed & sealed before Nicholas Jr. at
Sam l Major W m Perkins
State of Virginia
Dinwiddie County to wit:
I Charles A. Hargrave, Clerk of the County Court of Dinwiddie, in the State of Virginia, do certify that the foregoing is a true copy of a bond executed by Sam l Major on obtaining a license to intermarry with Nancy Perkins and I further certify that no evidence of the solemnization of the said marriage, can be found on the records of the said Court. In testimony whereof I
hereto annex the seal of the said Court and subscribe my name this 5 th day of July A D 1855. C. A. Hargrave, Clk of Dinwiddie Co. Ct.