Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 9086, for John Johnson, Virginia

SERVICE
NUMBER
Va.
Johnson, John Elizabeth
N. 9086.
CONTENTS

6. 26. 66 Kentucky Elizabeth Johnson widow of John Johnson Va who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 80. Dollars 00
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 13 th day of June 1854 and sent to
James S. Fish Mount Vernon Ky.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 241 Vol. 3.
Lt S. H. Parker.
Jan 28/54
Let dam.
July 14/54
Set to P. Oct 19 July 1834
N. S. Fish, Jun 8/55
Same June 30/55
Same May 10/56

State of Kentucky. Garrard County
On This The 25 th day of February  March 1853.
Before me N Sandifer a justice of the peace within and for the County aforesaid; personally appeared Mrs Elizabeth Johnston a resident of said County aged 85 years; who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the acts of Congress passed July the 7 th 1838 granting pensions to certain widows of those who served in the army of the Revolution & all other acts which may provide for her;
That she is the widow of John Johnston deceased who was a soldier in the army of the revolution that he entered the service of said war in or near Orange County in the State of Virginia shortly after the commencement of said war and served as a private in the western division of the army of said State until the final termination of said war under the following named officers Capt. Rich d Clark Capt. Jas d Bailey Major Wallis Col. Clark and others not now recollecting. That her said husband always said he served very near during the war
That her said husband John Johnston died in Orange County State of Virginia on the 14 th day of Feb 1820.

as aforesaid and was at various conflict with the enemy but it has been so long since his death that she is not now able to state all the particulars of his service as fully as it should be, but is certain he did serve two years and more as aforesaid. That she has never before made application for a pension being ignorant in regard to her rights in regard to that matter that she has lived (since her husband's death ) in a remote & obscure section of country & has never been informed until recently that she was entitled to a pension for her said husband's service. she was heretofore of the impression that if she ever could obtain a pension that it had been so long since the death of her said husband, that limitation would bar her claim. further to substantiate her claim she very respectfully refers to the original rolls of the War State line now on file in the pension office and the proof hereto attached and accompanying this application that she was married to the said John Johnston in Spotsylvania County Virginia by Rev. Chandler on the 7 th day of March } Elizabeth her Johnson in the year 1789. That her } mark name before her marriage was Elizabeth Dodd

Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 9086
Elizabeth Johnson Wid. of John Johnson Post Rev. War
Act: Feb. 22/48
Index:—Vol. A , Page 378
[Arrangement of 1870.]

No 14,893
Elizabeth Johnston wid. of John dec? —
Kentucky.
Letter to,
Jas S. Fish 24 th June 1853.
Jas S. Fish 12 th Oct. 1853.
Same May 18 1854
Same Feby 18 1854
24 th Feb 1820
Act 7 th July 1838.

9.542 Kentucky. Elizabeth Johnson widow of John who was a private in the Revolution
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 80 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 13 th day of June 1851, and sent to James S. Fish Mount Vernon Ky:
[Acts of March 3, 1843, and June 17, 1844.]
Recorded in Book a. Vol. 2. Page 182.

11.679
Kentucky Elizabeth Johnson widow of John.
who died on the _____ of _____ in the State of Kentucky who was a private in the _____ commanded by Captain _____ of the _____ commanded by _____ in the _____ time for 2 years.
Inscribed on the Roll of Louisville at the rate of 80 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 13 th day of June 1854 and sent to.
James J. Fish Arrears to the 4th of Semi-annual allowance ending Mt. Vernon Ky.
{ Revolutionary Claim, } Act July 7, 1838. }
G. J. Getty
Recorded by Clerk, Book 2 Vol. 1 Page 371

Council Chamber, June 20 th 1783.
I do Certify that John Johnston is entitled to the proportion of Land allowed a Soldier of the Virginia Line on Continental Establishment for three years services.
n o 973 \frac{1}{2}
Benjamin Harrison
Thomas Meriwether
A Warrant for 100 acres issued to John Johnston June 20 th 1783.
V a S. Office, Richmond, March 7 th 1852.
I Certify that the foregoing is a copy from the Records of this Office.
Teste,
S. H. Parker, Reg. S. Office.

St. Joseph's Church City Mo. Octo. 16th 1883.
Mr. Geo. T. Tink
Sir
Your favor has been received and after a care- -ful examination of the files of Marriages returns have been unable to find that of John Johnson & Elizabeth Dodd. It is possible that that the Courthouse of the county was moved in 1838. and many records were destroyed from that time.
Very Respectfully
Robt. Darby

Va. S. Office, Richmond, July 1 st 1854
Honble S. P. Waldo Commissioner to Sur:
Yours of the 28 th ult. was received to day, relative to the case of John Johnston, of the Illinois Regiment. In reply I have to say that on the 22 nd day of March 1836 Warrant N o 8. 403 for 2000 ems issued to John Johnston , for his services as a Soldier in the Illinois Regiment for the war.
I am Sir:
very respectfully,
Yr Obdt
S. H. Parker

St. Vernon Kentucky March 16 th 1854.
Sir
In the application of Elizabeth Johnston of Ky. under act of July 4 th 1838, you require a certificate from the Register of the War Land office (in addition to the certificate of the Recorder of Clark Co. Ia.) showing that he was entitled to land, which I have obtained and is herewith enclosed.
I shall expect her certificate soon.
In haste
Yours Respectfully Your Ward Col Senat James L. Fish
To Comm ee of Pensions Washington City D.C.

Elizabeth Johnson widow of James John -
Ky
Act July 7, 1838.
Admitted
2 yrs Private of Infantry act of 1838 & subsequent acts at $80 per annum, from March 4, 1836. excepting 3 years.
Certificate payable to Claimant
Atty
James S. Fish
Mount Vernon
Kentucky

Great in the case of Elizabeth Johnson, widow of James John Garrard County and State of Kentucky act July 7. 1838-
Claim, ("original," or "for increase.")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Service - 4 yrs in Illinois Regt - Rolls of Regt & Land records Marriage - Death of John  James and widowhood. proved by parole
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Name and residence of Agent James S. Fish Mount Vernon Ky
J. G. Dreyer
Examining Clerk.

Mt Vernon Kentucky
19 th June 1834.
Sir
On the 22 nd of Apl last I enclosed enclosed you the proof required in the claim of Mrs. E. Johnson of Ky under act of 1838. I have not heard from you whether it was received or not pleas let me hear from you in regard to this matter In haste
Yrery Respectfully Your most obed Servt Jas. L. Fish
To
Hon Com t of Pensions Washington City DC

Louisville July 29. 1854
Dear Sir
Yours of 19th Inst. directing me to "suspend the payment of the pension of Elizabeth Johnson, widow of John Johnson acts 7th July 1838, 3rd Mar. 43, 17th June 1844 and 2nd Feby. 1848 at $80 p r annum, until further instructions" is rec d .
Before the date of your letter I had paid the pension as follows. (viz)
On the 5 th . day of July I paid her under the acts 1843 & 1844 the sum of $400.
  On the 13 th . day of July I paid her under act 1838  400    and act 2nd Feby. 1848 to 4 Mar. 54.  480     $1,280  
The Money was paid to her atty. in fact & when the papers were let presented on 5 th Inst those under the 2 last named acts were defective - hence the payment of part on the 5 th . & the balance on the 13 th . Inst.
Very Respectfully
Your Obedient Servant Isaac Caldwell
Hon S. D. Waldo
Com r Pensions
S
Pension Agent

Mt Vernon Rock Castle Co Ky 1 June 1854.
Sir In the application of Mrs Elizabeth Johnston of Garrard Co Ky under act of 1838. You required a certificate from the register of the Va Land office showing that her husband John Johnston received land. I obtained that certificate & enclosed it to you on the 29 th of April last.
You will confer a favor by informing me whether it has been received or not.
In haste
Yours Respectfully Your Most obed Servt J. S. Fish
To 100 th Com d of Pensions Washington City DC

M rs Hermon Ry May 18
Elizabeth Johnson John - Ry - d 2 nd y rs
Col. Ho rs Com te of Pensions Washington City D.C.

Elizabeth Johnson John - Ky - 2 nd Ht Heron Ky May 18 Col. Lo. Ho u Com te of Pensions Washington City D.C.

Wt, Vernon Rockcastle Co Ky 17 th May 1855.
Sir
In the case of Mrs Elizabeth Johnston widow of John. of Ky. who (in 1854) received a pension certificate under Act of 7 th Feb 1848. You will confer a favour by informing me the cause of the suspension thereof.
In haste
Very Respectfully Your Most Obt. Servt. Jas. S. Fish
To.
Hon ble Com t of Pensions Washington City D.C.

In compliance with the direction of the Commissioner, I submit the following statement of the grounds upon which I admitted the claim of Elizabeth Johnson, widow of John, of Kentucky - under the act of July 7. 1888. &c.
Elizabeth Johnston declared, Mar 2 d 1853.
That her husband John Johnston, entered the service in or near Orange Co. Va., shortly after the war commenced, and served "in the western division of the army of said state until the final termination of said war." - as a private - under the command of "Capt Rich d Clark, Capt Jno Bailey, Major Walls, Col Clark and others not now recollects" &c
James & Margaret Hume - testified to the reputation of the service, substantially as alleged, under Col G. R. Clark &c - see No 1.
Again - these witnesses, in giving the grounds upon which they fixed the date of marriage - in their aff ts made Jany 5. 1854 - to Feby 6. 1854 entered more largely into the particulars of the service of Johnston - and confirmed the fact that he had been a Rev y soldier by

the circumstance that he was one of the surviving soldiers who arranged to pay Genl Washington a visit of congratulations on his first election as President, and was prevented from going by the acouchement of his wife. see No 2 & 3-
The first Record evidence of this service - is Certified by the Recorder of the Land Office at Charlestown, Indiana, Feby 3 rd 1854 - to the effect that John Johnston's name appears as a private on the Va rolls of Genl Geo R Clark's regiment from the year 1779 to Novr 1783 - that the roll contains the name of but one John Johnston - and that he received land. see No 3-
The next certificate is that of the Register of the Va Landoffice - dated March 7, 1854 -
see No 4 That John Johnston, of the Continental Line received 200 100 acres of land June 20 th 1783 - for 3 years' service.
Next from the same the dated April 19, 1854 - that John Johnston, soldr in Illinois Regt see No 5- for his services for the war, received land.

The date at which the land was granted was not given.
It appeared there was no record of marriage.
see No 6
On examining the muster and Pay rolls of Col Clark's Regiment - I found that John Johnston had served as a private in Captain John Bailey's company and Lieut Rich d Clark's company - from as early as November 1779 to the 31 st day of December 1783; having re-enlisted on the tenth of February 1783, for the war - having probably served three years before that date. He was a private, throughout, and the only soldier of the name in that service.
The depreciation roll of Virginia State Line. bears the name of but one James John Johnston as a private soldier - and his payment was made to H. Banks, the same person who drew the pay of Rich d Clark, the commandant of his company at the close of his service.

Upon this evidence I admitted the claim for 2 yrs private of Infantry.
Before the claimants agent had received the Certificate - he wrote his letter to the office dated June 19 th requesting to know the state of the case.
A letter was then written to the Register of the Va Land office - in answer to which came the
Certificate of the Register, dated July 1. 1854. stating that the warrant issued to John Johnston March 22 d 1836 - some 16 years after his the death of the claimants husband. see No. 7
I suggest that a letter be addressed to the Register of the L. O. inquiring upon what papers this warrant issued - If the information is not satisfactory inquiry might be made of the Recorder at Charlestown.
July 13. 1854 - S. G. Dodge

State of Kentucky Garrard County
We the undersigned citizens of said County do certify that from reputation it is believed generally believed with those who were acquainted with John Johnston the aforesaid husband of the within affi- davit. That he was a soldier in the army of the revolution and from reputation we are also of that opinion.
Given under our hands on this the 2 day of March in the year 1852.
I the undersigned place of the place within & for the County aforesaid do certify that I am personally acquainted with all those persons who have signed the above certificate & that they are all reputable citizens of said County in whose statements entire confidence may be reposed. Given under my hand the 2 March in the year 1852, N. Saunders J. P.
Mary Wormuth Elizabeth Scarborough James H. Dunn Margaret Dunn

1 aforesaid Elizabeth Johnston as his widow who still survives and is unmarrried
Sworn to & subscribed before me The day and date of year above written.
James Hume Margaret Hume
A Scrivener I P. G.C.
I further certify that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited before me that the said John Johnston was a revolutionary soldier & served over two years as a private in the Va State line and that he died on the day of Feb in the year 1820, leaving surviving the aforesaid Elizabeth Johnston as his widow who still survives & is unmarrried and that they were married previous to July 1794.
I also certify that James Hume and Margaret Hume affiants to the foregoing affidavits are personally known to me as persons in whose statements entire confidence may be reposed.
Given under my hand on this the 25. day of March in the year 1853.
A Scrivener I P. G.C.

State of Kentucky Garrard County
5
On this the 5 th day of March 1853 Personally appeared before me the undersigned a justice of the peace duly authorized by law to administer oaths in and for the County aforesaid, James Hume age 75 years and Margaret Hume aged 64 years residents of said County formerly of Virginia, and made oath in due form of law that they were personally acquainted with John Johnson & Elizabeth Johnston formerly of the State of V.A. from their earliest recollection. That the said John Johnston always said and it was unanimously believed in his neighborhood that he was a private soldier in the V.A. State line and served over two years under Capt Clark Capt Bailey Col. G. R. Clark & others in the western division of said army that the said John Johnston & Elizabeth Johnson was shortly after the close of said war living together and cohabiting as man and wife and was reputed as such in their neighbor- hood, many years previous to the year 1794. That the said John Johnson died in Orange County State of Virginia on the 24 day of Feb in the year 1820, leaving surviving the

I, N. Sandifer a justice of the peace within & for the County of Garrard  Rockcastle in the State of Kentucky do hereby certify that Mrs Elizabeth Johnston of said County this day appeared before me in said County and swore and subscribed to her foregoing declaration after it was read to her with a correct knowledge of its contents and meaning I further certify that the said Elizabeth Johnson is a reputable citizen of said County in whose statements entire confidence may be reposed, & that from age and infirmity she is unable to attend court. I also certify that I believe her foregoing declaration is true & that she is justly entitled to a pension.
Given under my hand on this the 18th  19th day of February  March in the year 1853.
I further certify that I am not related to the applicant & have no interest in the result of the case & am not concerned in its prosecution. N. Sandifer J.P.
The Com t of Pensions will please forward any certificate when issued to S d S. Fish of Mr Vernon Rockcastle County Kentucky who as my agent will receive the same and transmit it to me. (Date of husband's death March & Garrard County Ky) Text underlined before subscribing) Elizabeth Johnston. N Sandifer mark

State of Kentucky Garrard County
On this the 3 rd day of February 1854.
Before me Daniel Ray a justice of the peace within & for the County above named. personally appeared Mrs Margaret Thomas & James Kearney residents of said County. who being first duly sworn according to law do on their oaths make the following statement in addition to their former affidavits now on file in the pension office in the application of Mrs Elizabeth Johnston of Kentucky under act of 1838.
That they are certain. That Mr Johnston was married at the time stated in their previous affidavits from the fact that Washington's first administration was a very remarkable event not only on account of the new office but also on account of the greatness & goodness of the one by whom it was to be filled. he was looked upon as almost a supernatural being. and was loved and revered by all who knew him. & more especially by those whose lot it had been to serve under his command in the revolution. & shortly after his election a company of revolutionary soldiers & others was forming in their county & the adjoining counties to visit Genl Washington at Mount Vernon and congratulate him on his election. & probably to escort

him a short distance on his way to New York.
John Johnston The aforesaid was to compose one of the Company (he being a revolutionary soldier) but about the time they anticipated starting his wife (the said Elizabeth Johnston) was taken violently sick which prevented him from going.
That they visited his wife during her sickness. & recollect, Learning John Johnston regretting his misfortune. which deprived him of the opportunity & pleasure of visiting the great & beloved Washington as previously contemplated.
That there are a number of other circumstances which enable them to speak positively in regard to said marriage but the above is the most striking circumstances. They now recollect, as for Johnston service in the revolution they can say no more than what they have already stated except from reputation only they know he was absent for several years during the war & was said to be in service as previously stated on the western frontier of Virginia. which he confirmed (& others) on his return after the war closed.
James his & Hurnes Margarot mark & Hurnes
I Daniel Ray a justice of the peace in & for the County of Garrard in the state of Kentucky do certify that

Mr & Margaret Barnes & James Barnes This day appeared before me & swore & subscribed (by making their marks) to the foregoing affidavit after I had read it to them with a correct knowledge of its contents & meaning, and that they are well known to me as persons in whose statements entire confidence may be reposed, & I am fully satisfied they are correct in their foregoing statements. I also certify that I have no interest in the result of Mr Johnston's said claim and am not concerned in its prosecution.
Given under my hand February the 6 1854. Daniel Ray J.P.
State of Kentucky Garrard County } ss.
I William B. Mason clerk of the county court of the county above named do certify that Daniel Ray whose genuine signature appears to the above certificate is & was at the time of subscribing the same an acting justice of the peace within & for the county aforesaid duly commissioned and sworn, according to law and that all of his official acts as such are entitled to full faith & credit.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed the seal of said court and subscribed my name at office in Lancaster on this the 1 st day of February 1854. (signature interlined above before subscribing)
William B. Mason clerk

State of Indiana Records Office
Joseph Bower Recorder of Deeds of public Lands in and for the county of Clark and State of Indiana do hereby certify that it appears of Record in my office among the payments made in Lands by the State of Virginia to sundry persons for Military services in the Revolutionary War John Johnston a private soldier appears upon the original Military Rolls to wit the original Virginia Military Rolls in General George Rogers Clark's Regiment, from the State of Virginia in the Western Illinois service from the year 1779, to November 1783, and that there is but the one Man on said Revolutionary Rolls of the name of John Johnston. I further certify that he was allowed land as appears from said Record, on file in my office, which is Genuine and is truly certified,
No 3
In Testimony whereof I hereto subscribe my name and affix the Seal of my office as such Recorder in Charlestown in the county of Clark and State of Indiana This 3rd day of February A.D. 1854.
Joseph Bower Recorder of Deeds Land office Charlestown Clark County Indiana
Doc No 32 see Dept War Dept mss am 1854

The heirs of John Johnson a Sergeant in the Illinois service, beg leave to present to the Executive of Virginia their claim to Land Bounty founded on the service of their Ancestor for the War. They refer in support thereof to the affidavit of Drewry Burch, the Auditor's Certificate and the Report of W. Commissioner Smith No. 4 page 17.
This is to certify, that it appears from a list in this office of such officers & Soldiers of the Virginia State Line, during the Revolutionary War, as settled their Accounts, and received certificates for the balance of their full pay, according to an act of Assembly, passed the November session 1781, that a certificate issued on the 1st day of November 1783 in the name of John Johnson as a Sgt. of Infantry for £76:17:9 which certificate appears to have been delivered to Martin Hawkins and was given for services prior to the 1st January, 1782. Given under my hand at the Auditor's office, Richmond, this 11 th day of July 1834. No seal of office } Jas. E. Heath Auditor
State of Kentucky } Estill County } Set. Personally appeared

Drewry Bush of said County before me the undersigned, one of the Commonwealth's justices of the peace for said County (said Drewry Bush being a private soldier in the Illinois Regiment commanded by General George Rogers Clark in Captain Robert Georges Company) and made oath that he was intimately acquainted with John Johnston, who also served with this affiant, in the same battalion and that he served at the taking of the Posts of Kaskaskias & St. Vincents, in the Illinois County & other places and afterwards until the end of the War; Given under my hand this 31 st May 1834 Drewry his Bush mark
Kentucky, Estill County Set
This day the aforesaid Drewry Bush, made oath before me a justice of the peace that the facts set out in the foregoing affidavit are true - and I do further certify that said Drewry Bush is a credible witness. Given under my hand this 31 st day May 1834
David Snowden J.P.
Kentucky Estill County to wit: -
I Robert Clarke, Clerk of the County Court of Estill County & State aforesaid do certify that David Snowden before whom the

foregoing affidavit was acknowledged, is an acting justice of the peace for said County & that his signature is genuine. Given under my hand & seal of Court this 31 May 1834 E. L. S. } Robt Clarke
Endorseation
Augt. 15 1834 Advised that this claim be allowed for a service as a private in the Illinois Regt for the War
Approved
Augt 15 th 1834
L. W. T.
To the Executive of Virginia
The undersigned begs leave respectfully to submit the following statement of facts, in which he asks relief for the party concerned.
On the 11 th day of July 1834 he presented to your honorable body the claim for Land Bounty of the heirs of John Johnston a soldier in the Illinois service, which he did by mistake & in the hurry of the moment, instead of presenting it in the name of John Johnston himself, that the claim was allowed on the 15 th of August 1834 as prayed for viz to the Heirs, in consequence of which the Register

is unable to issue the warrant. - That this case was presented by the undersigned as the Attorney of Mr. James Jenkins of Logan County, the agent of John Johnston, that Jenkins has since died leaving Mr. Joseph Stratton of the House of Delegates his Executor, who has called on the undersigned to correct the mistake by application to your honorable body in order that the warrant may be drawn by John Johnston whose power of Attorney to the undersigned for that purpose is herewith shown. It is therefore asked that the former allowance to the heirs now in the Register's office may be cancelled and a new allowance made to John Johnston.
July 17 th 1836
Very respectfully submitted J. G. Moody.
Petition for Bounty land
The Heirs of John Johnston Sgt. Illinois Service
A certificate issued to John Johnston Nov. 1 st 1783 for £76. 17. 9 the bal of his full pay as Sergeant of Infantry, of the State line, for services rendered before Jan'y 1 st 1782 - which certifi- cate was delivered to Martin Hawkins - (See Auditor's Certificate.
Drewry Bush, an Illinois Soldier, and a

credible witness, says - that he was intimately acquainted with John Johnston, who served in the same battalion with himself - that he the said Johnston served at the taking of the Posts of Kaskaskia, & St. Vincents & afterwards until the end of the War.
The Muster Rolls & Payrolls of Capt. Baileys Company - Lt. Richd. Clarke's Company & Capt. Humes Duerks Company show that John Johnston was in service as a private from Nov. 15 th 1779 to the 1 st Jany 1784 - that in 1779 (Nov. 15) he enlisted for three years or during the War - that he was discharged Feby 10 th 83 from Captain Baileys Company, & immediately (on the same day) re-enlisted for the War - See Illinois Payrolls & Muster Rolls in Vol 1 st Illinois papers.
The above & before mentioned facts are respectfully reported - I have, in the printed Illinois list No. 4, said that John Johnston was entitled to land for the War.
John H. Smiths Comt. V s Augt 4 th 1834
To Gov. Tazewell
Endorseation
22 d March 1836. Advised that the order of allowance made in favor of the heirs of John Johnston in August last, be recalled & cancelled.

and that John Johnston be allowed land bounty as a private in the Illinois Regiment for the War.
Approved -
L. W. T.
March 22 d '86
Executive Department
Richmond Aug t 21 1855
The foregoing is a true copy of papers on file in this department.
George W. Munford Secy of the Com te .

W. L. Office. Richmond, July 15 th 1852. Honble S. P. Waldo. Commissioner &c. Sir:
Yours of yesterday, was received to day.
The certificates, dated April 19 th 1852 and July 1 st 1852, refer to one and the same soldier, named John Johnston, of the Illinois Regiment.
Warrant No 8. 403 for 200 days issued on the 22 nd day of March 1836 issued on the name of John Johnston and was delivered to his Attorney, John G. Mosby.
Said John Johnston resided, or was in Pike County, Ky, on the 1 st day of August, 1835 at which time and place he executed the Power of Attorney to John G. Mosby aforesaid.
I am Respectfully, Yr Ob St S. H. Parker.

Elizabeth Johnston
Proofs Mem a

Capt John Bailey's muster roll from Feb 1 to Apr 14, 1783-
John Johnston private "disch d " 10 Feby 1783 and relisted for the war -"
Lieut Rich d Clarke's muster roll from Nov 1 st to Dec r 31, 1783
John Johnston - Date of enlistment 10 Feb 1783 Term - during the war - Present

Elizabeth Johnston
Gannand Co. Ky

No 1.
Elizabeth Johnston
Gannand Co. Ky

State of Kentucky Garrard County
I William B Mason Clerk of the County Court of the County aforesaid do hereby Certify that the foregoing Declaration of Mrs Elizabeth Johnson and the affidavits and proof attached hereto were this day exhibited in open Court approved by the said Court and ordered to be certified to the Commissioners of Pensions. I further Certify that Mr Andrew Egan whose genuine signature appears to the foregoing certificate was at the time of executing the same an acting justice of the peace duly authorized by law to administer oaths within the County aforesaid, and that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited to said Court that the aforesaid John Johnston was a soldier in the army of the revolution and that he is dead and that Mrs Elizabeth Johnston the aforesaid is his widow and was married to him prior to July 1794.
In testimony whereof I have here unto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said Court at Lancaster on this the 14 th day of March 1853.
William B Mason Clerk

Va S. Office, Richmond, April 19. 1854. I Certify that it appears from the Records in this Office, that John Johnston, a Soldier in the Illinois Regiment, in consideration of his services for the war, received Bounty Land. S. H. Parker, Reg. V. S. Office
No 282
Comm. of Pensions, Washington City
30 th Sept 1854
Sir
Please find above the required certificate in the case of Elizabeth Johnson of Ky under act 1838 Send the certificate soon & oblige your obed Servant Chas. S. Fish

Va S. Office, Richmond, April 19. 1852. I Certify that it appears from the Records in this Office, that John Johnston, a Soldier in the Illinois Regiment, in consideration of his services for the war, received Bounty Land. S. H. Parker, Reg. V. S. Office
No 282
W. Vernon Ky 30 th April 1854 Comm r of Pensions, Washington City
Sir Please find above the required certificate in the case of Elizabeth Johnson of Ky under act 1838 Send the certificate soon & oblige your obed Servant W. S. Fish

McKean Ky (Feb 10)
Elizabeth Johnston 38 Loves Ky
Commissioner of Pensions Washington City D.C.

Mt Vernon Rockcastle Co Ky 9 th Feb 1854.
Sir
Please find enclosed additional evidence in the application of Mrs Elizabeth Johnson of Kentucky under act of June the 7 th 1838. which you will please file & report to me as soon as practicable. I shall expect the certificate. this time without further trouble.
In haste
Very Respectfully Your obed servt W. S. Gresh
To
Hon Comt of Pensions Washington City D.C.
3 3 3 3 3 3 3

W. Vernon Ky. Sept the 14 th 1853.
Sir
In the application of Elizabeth Johnston widow of John of Ky under act of 1838. you say. the declination must be made in open Court.
The regulations say if the applicant is unable to attend in open Court they make make their declination before a judge or justice of a court of record. well that was the case with Mrs Johnston why then will her declination not be admitted & it was taken precisely in conformity with the regulations. our revised statutes make our justices compare a part of the Court & Court which is a court of record. They are also declared by said Statute to be judges or justice of a court of record. & I have been informed that you have regarded them recently as such. however if the papers cannot be received by you as evidence you will please enclose them back to me & I will have them sworn to before the county judge if I can get him to go. I don't know what circumstances the witnesses could state to convince you that they swore the truth they are certified to be reputable citizens and it does

appear to me that you should not require them to prove that they are swearing the truth when you know in 99 cases out of a hundred it is impossible for them to do so.
The papers were exhibited in open Court & approved by the Court & the Court was satisfied with the evidence, which will you require more than a Court of justice in such cases.
My impression is that your rule in all cases is or should be to require no more evidence to establish any fact than would be sufficient to establish that fact before any Court of justice.
I know you are frequently imposed on by nascals & it is your duty to be very particular in guarding against such imposture, but when you are convinced a claim is just I do not think you should be so rigid in your rules.
I present no case unless I am first convinced that it is a just claim.
In haste
To
Hon Com t of Pensions } Your most Washington City } obed Servt D.C. }
Jas S. Fish

Mch. Vernon Ky
12 th Apr / 86.
Sir
Pluas find enclosed copies of the papers filed in support of the claim of Genl. Johnston (The B.) for bounty land for Revolutionary service.
You will see by reference to the above copies. That there is not a particle of evidence to justify the allowance.
The claimant declares he was a sergeant, & produces the certificate of Genl. E. Heath Auditor of War. to prove it. The certificate shows service of a John Johnston as Sgt. of Infantry. Prior to Jan 1782. he refers to the Ill. Rolls. which shows a John Johnston was in service, & as a private from Nov 1779. to Jan 84. here is a clash This Illinois John can't be the one who is Sgt. impossible there is no evidence of the fact & no probable reason to conclude he is.
Dwiny Bush a private soldier in the Ill. Regt. declares that he was acquainted with (a) John Johnston who served in the same battalion in the Ill. County etc. He don't say the above Sgt. John is the man. He don't say whether he is living or dead. nor anything whatever to identify Sgt. Genl. to be the man who served in the Ill. Regt as a private for the war.
I hope by a careful examination of these papers. and the papers of Mrs Elizabeth Johnston widow of John Johnston. on which she was pensioned and act of July the 7 th 1838

you will be able to make the distinction and ascertain fully to your satisfaction which is the identical John who read a private in the Ill. Regt.
If you after comparing these papers are convinced of the justice of Mrs Johnson's claim please restore her to the pension list again. If not inform me what other evidence is lacking.
Very Respectfully Your Most Obl Servant Jas S. Fish
To
Hon Comt of Pensions Washington City } D.C. }

M c Vernon Ky Plan $9
To Elizabeth Stanton P.O. Box 38 Comm re ssioner of Pensions Washington City DC
No 2

State of Kentucky Garrard County
On this The 5 th day of January 1854
Before me Daniel Ray a justice of the peace in and for the County above named, personally appeared James Humes aged 80 years & Margaret Humes aged 85 years, residents of said County who being first duly sworn doth on their oaths make the following affidavit in regard to the claim of Mrs Elizabeth Johnston of said County now on file in the pension office under act of July the 7 th 1838. That they were personally acquainted with John Johnston husband of the said Elizabeth Johnston for many years previous to his marriage to the said Elizabeth that he was a citizen of Orange County State of Virginia during the revolution. That they also resided in said County. That the said John Johnston was a soldier in the revolution and from reputation served several years as a private on the western frontiers of said State in the revolution under Capt Billy Capt Clark Major Wall & Col Clark various times until the final close of said war. That they had various skirmishes with the French & Indians along the Ohio river & territory of Illinois. That in about six years after the close of the war & shortly before George Washington was first elected President of the United States the said John Johnston was married to the said Elizabeth Johnston whose maiden name was Elizabeth Dodd, who was then a resident of Spotsylvania County V.A. That they returned in a few days to Orange

County), & lived together & cohabited as man & wife and read regarded as such by all their neighbours up to the death of the said John Johnston that he died in the said County of Ormang in March in the third year of President Monroe's first administration. That in a short time afterwards they together with Miss Elizabeth Johnston removed to Kentucky and have lived in the same vicinity up to the present time that the said Elizabeth Johnston is now a widow, having never remarried since her said husband's death. } his
James Humes mark
her Margaret Humes mark
I Daniel Ray a justice of the peace in & for the County of Garrard in the State of Ken- tucky do certify that James Humes and Margaret Humes above named this day swore and subscribed to their foregoing affidavit I also certify that they are personally known to me as reputable citizens of said County in whose statements entire confidence may be reposed. I further certify that I have no interest in the result of Mr Johnston's Claim & am not concerned in the forese question. (The above affidavits made then marked before me) Given under my hand 5 th January 1854
Daniel Ray J.P.

State of Kentucky Garland County } ss.
I William Billings Clerk of the Court of said County do certify that Daniel Ray Esqr whose genuine signature appears to the foregoing Certificate is and was at the time of subscribing the same an a who became justice of the peace within and for the County above named duly Commissioned and sworn according to law
In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed the seal of said Court & subscribed my name at office in Lancaster on this the 14 th day of January 1854
William Billings Clerk Garland County Court
Att Vernon Rockcastle County Ky 9 th Sep 1854
Sir Please file these papers in the application of Elizabeth Johnston of Ky under Act of recovery of and report to me as soon as practicable.
Respectfully
Yours Jas. S. Fish
Do
Hon Court of Pensions Washington City
26

Wt, Vennor Rockcastle County Ky 16 th June 1855.
Sir
Your favour of the 8 th instant in regard to the suspension of Mrs Elizabeth Johnston's pension is received. You say she cannot be restored to the rolls unless you are convinced by the most conclusive evidence that her husband was the soldier represented to be.
Pleas be so kind as to inform me what description of testimony is required? will you require proof from persons who served with him in the same company? or will other good evidence be received?
I am sorry such an occurrence has happened though I feel merry certain it is a just & honest claim else I never should have been engaged in the prosecution of the same.
I hope ere will be able to convince the department in regard to the validity of the claim. Tho if I should hereafter ascertain that any thing is wrong in the matter I will aid you in penning out the matter.
Very Respectfully Your Most
So
Hon ble Com te of Pensions Washington City D C
Old Senat Ga. S. Fish