Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 6205, for Randolph Lawson, North Carolina

SERVICE N.B.
Lawson, Randolph
NUMBER
R. 6205
CONTENTS

State of Illinois Johnson county ss.
On this 28th day of April 1835- personally appeared in open court before the circuit court of said county, now sitting Randolph Lawson, a resident of said county of Johnson and State of Illinois aged eighty two years on his birth day last past who being first duly sworn ac- cording to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7, 1832. That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated. He was born in Cumberland county in the State of N. Carolina, some time in the fall or winter of 1752 to the best of his information and belief; he does not know whether there ever was any record made of his age. If there was, he never saw it. He continued to reside in said county until he entered the service. He entered the service as a volunteer under Capt. Lake, his Christian name he does not recollect, for a tour of three months, some time in November  1780 1780 . They rendezvoused at Cross-creek in said county, where they were organized, under Col. Rawles (Howles, or some name of that sound). They then marched towards Camden near which place they met Genl. Lord whom they were then commanded, and soon after were engaged with said Rawdon in the Battle of Camden, some time in August 1780. This applicant was not actually engaged in the battle, being detached as a guard of the baggage, in which the Americans were defeated. They then retroaded, and being greatly scattered and dispersed by the conduct of the militia they did not get together to effect any thing again during this term of three months. He did not receive any discharge from this tour of three months, and there was nothing more of any interest or importance during this tour of service. He again entered the service as a volunteer, for a tour of six months, some time in January or February 1781, under Capt. Stuck he thinks under the same Col. He does not
Yates

recollect where they rendezvoused, but when organized they marched on toward Guilford Court House where they met Genl Greene, who commanded them and where they had an engagement with Lord Cornwallis, and were again defeated, this applicant was not again actually engaged, being, young was again on detached duty as a guard of the baggage After the Battle Genl Greene marched on toward Camden where he attacked Lord Rawdon, some time in April but this applicant, under the command of his some field officers, and he thinks, commanded by Genl Lee, was sent on a different expedition in which however he had no engagement that he recollects nor does he recollect of any things further being done or transpiring of note or interest during his term of six months, He was discharged however two weeks before the expiration of this term of six months having served five months and two weeks making in all, eight months and two weeks He received a written discharge from this last term of six months, which was lost by his getting his house burnt. He lived at the same place the second time he entered the service. He does not recollect any regular or Continental Regiments with which he served. He does not recollect the names of any of the Regular or Continental officers, any further than he has stated. His discharge was given him by his Capt, which was lost as before stated. He moved from Cumberland co. N.C. to Patrick co. Va. thence to Montgomery co. Va. thence to Campbell co. Tenn. thence to Johnson co. Illinois where he now lives There are no other circumstances which are of any note, or will be useful in the investigation of his claim. He has no documentary evidence of his service, nor does he know of any person, who can testify as to his service. He is known to Hardin Prewitt, Daniel Prewitt

William Jeffers, William Munson, John Oliver, Jacob Dooley, and, in my present neighbourhood and who can testify as to his character for veracity and their belief of his services as a soldier in the Revolution. He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension Roll of the Agency of any state. Sworn to and subscribed the his Randolph + mark. John McInerny clk.
We John Oliver & Jacob Dooley, residing in the county of Johnson and State of Iowa, do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Randolph Lawson, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be eighty two years of age; that he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion. John Oliver. Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid James Dooley. John McInerny clk.
And the said court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter and after hearing the interrogatories presented by the War Department that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary soldier and served as he states in the court for the certificate that it appears to them that John Oliver & Jacob Dooley and others who have signed the preceding certificate, are residents of the said county & state and are credible persons and that their statements are entitled to credit.
I Clerk of the circuit court in and for the county and state aforesaid do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court, in the matter of the application of Randolph Lawson for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said court at Vienna. This 28th day of April A.D. 1835. John McInerny clk.

State of Illinois I do hereby certify that John McIntire whose official signature as clerk of the circuit court of Johnson county in said State, appears to the within certificate, was at the time of signing the same, a duly appointed qualified and acting clerk of said court - and his signature thereto is genuine. May 9 th 1855
John Ray McRae Member of Congress from said State.
33. 121 Nathaniel Lawrence Illinois

aw Rev. War Section.
December 5, 1916.
Hon. T. S. Williams, House of Representatives.
My dear Mr. Williams:
In response to your letter dated the second instant, I have the honor to furnish you the histories of the only soldiers named Randolph Lawson and William Wiggs found on the Revolutionary War records of this Bureau.
In the rejected claim W. S. 101 it appears that Randolph Lawson was born in Charleston County, North Carolina, in the fall or winter of 1747, and while living there volunteered in the spring of 1780 under Captain Cox or Gholston and guarded baggage during the Battle of Camden, also that he again volunteered in 1781 under Captain Cook or Cox and guarded baggage during the Battle of Guilford, and that he did not actually engage in either battle.
He applied for pension on an application executed April 28, 1835, while living in Johnson County Illinois, but his claim was rejected as he did not furnish sufficient proof of six months military service as required by the Act of June 7, 1832, under which he applied. His children are referred to but their names and that of his wife are not stated -

205 Randolph Lawson
1916 Dec. 5 - Hist. Soc. Sta. J. J. Williams. Letter in 132 608 William Higgs.
Service:
Enlisted: _____, 18
Discharged: _____, 18
Application filed: _____, 18
Discharges: _____
Enlisted: _____
Attorney: _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contract.
_____ Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____, 18

Rejected See letter 16 th . June 1835 to W. B. Scates, Frankfort Ill d  could not find did not serve six months. N. Joseph Lawrence 63.6

6206 0. Randolph Arade
Service: Consolidated Sep 12 1882 with regt 6205
listed: _____ M. Prior 18
discharged: _____ , 18
application filed: _____ , 18 REJECTED
ages: _____

Dear Sir,
Yours
very truly yours Sir

2. 11. 11

War Dept. Pen Offic Sept. 17. 1888
Sir
The papers in the case of Henry Dillon have been examined and filed with suspended cause. He alleges to have served a term of five months as a militia man of Virginia under Col. Christie in 1779, and in 1781 a term of three months, two months of which he served as Sergeant. There was no term of five months duration under Col. Christie. In 1777 he went against the Indians, and was engaged only three months in the expedition. In order to be allowed a pension at the rate of the pay of a sergeant the applicant should prove his service his having served as such by the testimony of witnesses who had personal knowledge thereof.
This part of letter refers to the admitted claim of Henry Dillon, Va. 840571-
The declaration of Randolph Lawson of Kentucky has also been examined. He alleges to have volunteered in the summer of 1780 and served under General

Gates, and was in service three months. He alleges also to have served three months in the Spring of 1781, under Genl Greene, and also three months, soon after his second term attached to Genl Greene's Army, and was at Camden some time, and engaged with scouting parties. The first alleged term did not exceed one month, the militia having dispersed after the battle of Camden, and the last alleged term of service at Camden under Genl Greene was per- formed during the applicant's second term. The whole service was consequently less than six months, which length of service is necessary in order to obtain a pension under Act 7 June 1832. The claim has therefore been rejected and the declaration filed.
James L. Kennedy Esq. Pall Mall Brentford C. Tunbridge Kent .
J. G. Sturtevant Sept 11 '35 66

Fallmail Tennessee 6 th December 1870
Sir
I enclose to you that a petition of John O'Grady an old Revolutionary soldier, in support of the claim of his daughter Lucinda which seems to entitle her to six months pension. He says which said petition I think was longer but is willing to receive the six months. Please place same in the hands of me at this office.
I am very respectfully your most obedient J. L. Herring

Randolph Lawson Kentucky
Rejected ✓
see let 17 Sept 38
J. L. Kennedy
do. 15 Aug 1840 ✓
do. 12 Feb 41
did not return
six months
let 30 29 June 42 ✓ I L
Kennedy to same Nov 8 1843 ✓
As 7 June 1832

St. Andrews 30 June 1842

Pen Office
June 30,  29, 1842
Sir
The amended declaration of Randall H. Lawson has been filed. Some further proof of his service should be exhibited in order to a favorable decision.
The proof of the marriage of the servant is the case of Mrs. Eleanor Knight widow of John Knight, which is not sufficient.
In the case of Mr. Judah French widow of Joseph French I have to inform you that the attorney general  secretary of war has recently given it as his opinion that those widows whose husbands are living on the 7th of June 1832 are not entitled to the benefits of the act of 7th Feb 1838. Joseph French died 24 Jan 1837. Mrs. French cannot therefore be allowed a pension.
This claim was admitted see John and Eleanor Knight's case. No. 77513.
This claim was admitted see Joseph and Martha French case. No. 77514.
( K 44069 at 38 44751 at 38 of. 0 341376 L 341377 at 32
J. N. Kennedy (29) Pall Mall

Washington Ap l 6 th 1861
Dear Sir (Ebenezer Dyer)
I have to request you to furnish me with the evidence in your office in the case of Randolph Larason of Cumberland County Kentucky asking a pension under the act of 7 th June 1832 - The date of his declaration sent to your office is not in my possession -
I am very respectfully Your Attd. Servt
(James Simon)

Wright Bros Roadside 6th October 1843
Sir
In the case of Randolph Dawson an applicant for a Revolutarian Pension under the act of 1832 in which the Depositions of William Cole & D Spencer Phillips was introduced by me a considerable time ago - but having since discovered that a miscarriage of justice has been and in the case of S. L. Shackle an applicant for an invalid Pension in which the Depositions of Thomas Young & others was introduced - now having discovered the answers as usual I am requested by said applicants to request the results to be communicated to me at this office
Please excuse me for writing as my cases have usually been attended to in turns and lately they have been but thinking miscarriages are taking place
I am very respectfully your most obed Servt
J. L. Newcomb
Col J. L. Edwards Esq Commr of Pensions Pension Dept Washington D.C.

State of Tennessee, Set
Tenness County
Be it known that on the 4th day of April 1840 before that Subordinate Justice of the peace in and for Saco County personally appeared William Cook who when I am personally acquainted a Revolutionary pensioner of the United States a man of good character and unblemished reputation and after being first duly sworn in that morning on his oath made the affidavit that he is personally acquainted with the late John Lawson who was of Kentucky when the said Lawson resided in the State of Kentucky and and knew that the said Lawson was a Soldier of the Revolution and was out some time under General Gates then in the year 1781 was out under Captain Golston attached to General Greene's Army and was engaged for three months in actual service to wit: That certain knowledge as the affidavit does not belong to said Com- pany men as in the summer of 1781 was in service in the year 1781 and is now in the year 1840 According to that fact but is very certain that he saw the same John Lawson that he now resides in Wayne County Kentucky and is an officer in the service of Service of several years during the war of the Revolution and since and now is a pensioner of the United States Pensioner in the year 1840 was under

General Green and he affiant believes and has no doubt that in them two Connecticut Land-Coh. Lawson served full (Six) months in the war of the Revolution called out by competent authority with an embodied corps ... in his acquaintance with Lawson after he was retired at New London ... that he served three tours of three months each but has not seen him for many years ... he is not positively sure if he is the same man ... John G. Francis
... to be sure ... ... the ... ... to be sure ...
John G. Francis of the County of ... State of Connecticut

(State of Tennessee)
Henry County ss (set
Be it known that on the 14th day of December 1840 before the subscriber a Justice of the peace in and for said County personally appeared John Parmley a resident (Citizen) of Wayne County Kentucky with whom I am personally acquainted an old Revolutionist Tennesean and a man of undoubted veracity and after being duly sworn according to law for that purpose on his voice oath made the following affidavit viz, That he was personally acquainted with Randolph Lawson in the State of North Carolina and knows that the same Randolph Lawson who now resides in Clinton County Kentucky and from his acquaintance with him knows of his own knowledge that the said Randolph Lawson was a private soldier in the war of the Revolution that he was in service at the time of Gateses defeat but was not returned in service at that time the length of time for which he had engaged but that afterwards he was a volunteer private in two other terms one of which was under General Washington attached to General Greene's Army he thinks for three months the other term was under General Cornwallis he thinks was engaged for about three months. The names of his Company officers at this time he cannot be certain of but from the character that he was under in North Carolina together with the recommendations he now bears among his present acquaintance he is a man of undoubted veracity but very old and frail this affiant states that

his decided opinion together with his own knowledge of the service of said Randolph Lawson that the service performed by him as a private soldier taking the the different tours which affiant knows he also served by blending the whole made full six months and at the request of said Randolph Lawson friend has come to this court to give his evidence in support of said claim without any reward or hope of reward for the same at being full twenty miles sworn to and subscribed the day and year first above written  Joseph Updegraff Justice of the peace  John H. Armley mark
State of Tennessee Henry's County
I John B. Richan vice clerk of the county court at said Henry's County hereby certify that Joseph Updegraff is a qualified of the peace as above and that the foregoing is a true and full story to the best of his knowledge
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this 15th day of December 1870 John H. Richardson clerk of Henry's County Court by H. M. Thomas

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On the 1st day of September 1842 ... peace ...
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Oct
18
1880
Dear Sir,
Yours
John A. Richardson Clk

V34.596 Randolph Lawson Kentucky

Frankfort Amos May 20th 1835
As I enclosed I sent you the Declaration of Knapp narrated for a pension, certified, as you require It is good enough to advise me of the decision that may be made upon his papers
I also send you again the application of John Coach for a transfer of pension, certified to meet the objection returned to it. It is good enough to enclose me his certificate at this place.
Accept in the high consideration and esteem of Yorr. Mo. Obt., servt.
Walter L. L. L.
J. L. Edwards Esqr Comm, Pensions

Palmers Ferry County Tennessee
July 18th 1835
Sir
I enclose to you the declaration of one Richard Lawson of Clinton County Ky who has for the reasons therein stated made his declaration in Shelby County Tennessee please communicate the result to me at Palmers Ferry County Tennessee He wishes if admissible to be made payable at Nashville Tennessee for his convenience
I am very respectfully your obt serv
J. D. Kennedy Palmers

William Lloyd Oct 9th 1846
Dear Sir, I have the honor to inform you that the sum of £100 has been paid into your account by the sum of £100 from the Hon. the Chancellor of the Exchequer for the year 1845-6, and the balance of the account has been paid into your account by the sum of £100 from the Hon. the Chancellor of the Exchequer for the year 1846-7, and the balance of the account has been paid into your account by the sum of £100 from the Hon. the Chancellor of the Exchequer for the year 1847-8, and the balance of the account has been paid into your account by the sum of £100 from the Hon. the Chancellor of the Exchequer for the year 1848-9, and the balance of the account has been paid into your account by the sum of £100 from the Hon. the Chancellor of the Exchequer for the year 1849-50.
I am, Sir, Your obedient Servant, J. D. Bingham

C. L. ...
Aug 15 th 40
O.G.B.

Post Office.
August 15, 1840
Sir,
The additional testimony in the case of Randolph Dawson has been examined and filed with his other papers. The proof is still insufficient of his having performed his  the  actual service of that character provided for by the act of 7 th June, 1832.
S. Kennedy Esq. Pall Mall, W.
A. C.
ents.

J. L. Kennedy Nov. 8. 1843

Sir
Gen off Nov. 8 A3
The above evidence in the case of Randolph Dawson has been examined and filed. It does not show that claimant served at least 3 mos in field organization in an embodied military corps. He stated two terms which he estimated at 3 mos ea but it is a fact of historical notoriety that the R. C. militia engaged in the Battle of Guilford did not serve 3 months and consequently he is not entitled to a pension.
H. Kennedy Esq James Town 7 Gen

State of Tennessee
Shelby County
SS.
on the 27th day of June A.D. 1835 personally appeared Randolph Lawson before me Ewen D. Grogg one of the acting Justices of the peace in and for said County aged eighty four according to the best information he having no record of his age and after first being duly sworn according to law for that purpose doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the modern of the act of Congress passed
7th June 1832
That he entered the service of the United States sometime in the summer of 1780 by volunteering under Captain Cox in Cumberland County State of North Carolina (it being the place wherein he was born and raised) other company officers he has forgotten, marched on toward Camden and joined General Gates army at Bear Creek and marched on with the main army to Kings Mountain where he marched on toward Camden until he by the enemy had a severe battle Gates was defeated and the army was much scattered he was at that time guarding the baggage Waggons, remained for some time after with the remains of the army and after having performed one three months tour received a written discharge from Capt. Cox and returned home to Cumberland County and after having remained at home but a short time again volunteered under Capt. [blank] Company officers names not recalled was attached to Colonel Wilson's Regiment and marched on in pursuit of the enemy to different points and places and finally marched to Guilford Court House was not directly in the battle but was in the rear of the field

to Genl Morgan and was so near as to hear the small arms he remained in the service about ten days after that battle and his three months having elapsed was again discharged having then performed six months at two terms of duty and again returned home to Cumberland County etc remained at home for about six weeks and again volunteered again under Captain other Co officer not recollectd was attached to General Greens Army marched to Camden was stationed there some times and some times formed into Scout- -ing parties, until having served one other three months tour was again discharged by Captain
And that from old age and consignment loss of memory he cannot state with any further certain- -ty as to the day or month he entered the service or left the same or give any fuller account of his officers names he has no record or documentary evidence of his service his said discharge having burned in his house nor does he know of any - person by whom he could prove positively as to his service, he had calculated to have proven a great part of his service by his brother John Lawson who did live in Morgan County Tennessee but is now informed that he has departed this life, he can prove by some of his old neighbors who were one Colonel of Infantry during the war that he is a son of the late John Lawson

General H. Griffith A. 2. 1000 of the ... during ... Bridgewater ...
Waverly - to and subscribed the day and date above written before me. - Spencer H. Hagan Clerk June 10 th 1869. James H. Hagan a Justice of the peace. James H. Hagan The above is a true copy of the original now on file in my office.

I Even L d I o I o I o one of the acting Justices of the peace for the County of Shelby and State of Tennessee before whom this Declara- tion was made do hereby declare my opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the oaths charges prescribed by the War- Department that the above named applicant is unable to attend court from his extreme age in bodily infirmity and that he was a Revolution- ary soldier and served as he states and that it seems to me that Peter Reagan who Signed the proceeding certificate as the clergy- man is a regular ordained Baptist Minister of the Gospel and resident citizen of Shelby County State of Tennessee and that James Read and John Underwood and Flowers who has also signed the same are all resident Citizens of the same County and State and are all creditable and reputable men and that these statements are entitled to full credit any place.
Even L d I o I o I o a Justice of the peace State of Tennessee Shelby County
John H. Richardson clerk of the County Court of said Shelby County hereby certify that Even L d I o I o I o is a Justice of the peace as above and that the foregoing signatures purporting to be his are genuine
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office this 18 th day of July 1838 John H. Richardson Clk By John Allerton & Co of Shelby County Court, Tenn.

for the time of three months and served under said Captain Ghoisler as he thought and yet believes altho it has been suggested that he was mistaken in the name and that the Captain's name was Gordin but he got advice that the Captain's name, which he at first name was Ghoisler and knew that the Captain was called Captain Ghoisler and served in the same war and Ghoisler was not Captain's name was Ghoisler he then lived in Danville and County of St. Martin Louisiana and was attached to an army commanded by General Gates and continued in service till the defeat of General Gates near Camden and then continued in service without being discharged for a considerable time after the battle and was then discharged and returned home to Louisiana where he still resides He is in the 80th year of his age and was in service at the same place he is now where the battle of the United States of America was fought Captain Ghoisler was there six months
1882
1882

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There are two editions of the book - one for the public and one for the private use of the family. The public edition is a full account of your son's life - & says that his marriage is made from events that took place about the time of his starting and returning from his last journey to Europe & Russia. The private edition has nothing to do with his marriage at all - the present and future that his name is not on the Russian list of those who have been to Russia since his return. I am sure that he is not on the Russian list of those who have been to Russia since his return. I am sure that he is not on the Russian list of those who have been to Russia since his return. Yours sincerely, J. L. Nelson
John H. Richards, Clerk By R. H. McShane D.C.