Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 7934, for James Johnson, Virginia

SERVICE
NUMBER
Va
Johnson, James Johnston Esther
W. 7934
CONTENTS
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Virginia 30.893
James Johnson
of Amelia in the State of Va who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Wilson of the 1st Regt. commanded by Col. Beekman in the Va line for 9 mos
Inscribed on the Roll of Virginia at the rate of 30 Dollars 00 Cents per annum to commence on the 1th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 5 day of March 1836 and sent to Lugh Amelia Ch. Va
Arrears to the 1th of Sept 1836 $165.00 Pemi-anl. allowance ending Mar 37 15.00 $180.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, for June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by W.H. Johnson Clerk, Book 6 Vol. 6 1/2 Page 20
order to pay. See letters to P.A. & W. H. Rolette, 5- April 1837

Virginia Richmond
Esther Johnson widow of James Johnson Va who was a Private in the Revolution
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 30 Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 7th day of March, 1844 and sent to Wm. V. Barrett Richmond Va
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book e Vol. 1. Page 149.
Reported
Paid at Treasury, under act 6 April, 1838, from 4 March 1843 to 4 March 1844. Agent notified 21st April 1845.

Virginia Amherst County S.S.
On this twenty seventh day of September One thousand eight hundred and thirty two personally appeared in open court before the County Court of said County now sitting being a Court of record James Johnson a resident of said County in the place aforesaid aged eighty eight years who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832. That he was drafted in the militia service in the year about 1776 or 1777 and served in the Regiment under the following named officers. That he marched from James old store in the County of Amherst under Capt Tom B. Christensen. Col. Vivian & Brooking commanded the Regt. That he went to Williamsburg and in that neighborhood and remained between five & six months in service, and was honorably discharged at Williamsburg. The next time he marched under Capt. Finney of the militia to Chesterfield Courthouse, and from thence to Petersburg he remained in service about 8 weeks that time. Col. Brooking & Green was Col. was discharged at Daratts Ferry with order to keep in readiness to march again at a minutes warning, was immediately again called into service and then remained about five weeks, under command of same officers afterwards marched with the same officers to Chesterfield Courthouse, and from thence to Petersburg, Col. Brooking 106 107 108 109 110 111 112 113 114 115 116 117 118 119 120 121 122 123 124 125 126 127 128 129 130 131 132 133 134 135 136 137 138 139 140 141 142 143 144 145 146 147 148 149 150 151 152 153 154 155 156 157 158 159 160 161 162 163 164 165 166 167 168 169 170 171 172 173 174 175 176 177 178 179 180 181 182 183 184 185 186 187 188 189 190 191 192 193 194 195 196 197 198 199 200 50 3 1.26 1.5 6.01

8 07 then in command, at that time, he remained about six 1 12 weeks and was discharged with orders to be in readiness. Soon afterwards he was again called into service under Capt Lewis Ford, and marched to Pocahontas old stone from 6 01 where to Petersburg, under command of Col Short. He 2 served this time about two months - was in an engage- ment at Petersburg. That afterwards he was called into service with Campbell's Riflemen and went with them to York, and remained there until discharged this time 1 19 about seven weeks. Was living in the County of Amelia when called into service and has lived in the County ever 11-08 since, was always honorably discharged but the  the lost. Sometimes went as a Volunteer sometimes drafted. Refers to Capt Wm Hickey & H. Colijah (Heade) Capt Edmond Eggleston & Rudolph Jeter who are magistrates in the County, for his character.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or an 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 day and year aforesaid
James Johnson.
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion That the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states. Edward Eggleson one of the persons referred to by the applicant being on the bench.

Virginia: Amelia County, to wit:
I John D. Leigh Clerk of the County Court aforesaid, do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true transcript from the records of this Office.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court the 28th September 1832.
John D. Leigh Clerk
State of Virginia County of Amelia to wit We James Chaplin (a minister of the gospel) John Welsh aged 70 John G. G. G. residing in the County of Amelia do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with James Johnson who has subscribed and sworn to the above or foregoing declaration made in Amelia County Court the 27th day of September 1832 that we believe him to be then the age therein stated that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he now resides to have been a soldier
2, Nathl. Boston

State of Virginia County of Amelia to wit We James Chappell (a minister of the gospel) John Webster aged 85 John Gilby residing in the County of Amelia do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with James Johnson who has subscribed and sworn to the above or foregoing declaration made in Amelia County On the 27 th day of September 1832 that we believe him to be then the age therein stated. that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he now resides to have been a soldier of the revolution and that we concur in that opinion. — We further state that said James Johnson is now alive but aged and decrepit — so as not to be able to attend — Amelia County Count. October 27. 1836 —
James Chappell Minister of the ev. & G. Church John Webster John L. Russell
Virginia In Frederick County Court October 27 1836 - The above named James Chappell

D. Joseph Clerk 1822 June 1st James Johnson vs John Webster and John Gibbs also John
John Webster and John Gibbs personally appeared in Court and subscribed and qualified to the foregoing certificate — And the Court do hereby declare their opinion — That they believe the said Johnson was a revolutionary soldier and served as stated in his declaration — And the Court do further certify that it appears to them that James Chapell who signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman residing in this County — And that John Webster and John Gibbs who also signed the same are residents in said County — and are credible persons and that their statements are entitled to credit.
I John J. Leigh Clerk of the County Court of Straits Affairs do hereby certify that the foregoing certificate of James Chapell, John Webster and John Gibbs is the original certificate filed — and sworn to by them in open Court — And that the foregoing is a true copy from the records of the Court of the original proceedings in the matter of the application of James Johnson for a pension
And the same named as Edward bring out

Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Society at Burlington this 29 th day of October 1836
[Handwritten flourish]
to the Society of Friends at Burlington Vermont Lester Porter

Virginia.
Augusta County's Sct:
I, Jefferson Winner, Clerk of the County Court at Augusta in the State of Virginia do hereby certify that it appears from the records of my office the laws of the 17th day of December 1786 on December was regularly issued from said office for the marriage of James Wilson and Esther Davis and that the same was returned by the Rev. William Gibson and duly recorded in my said office that the rites of matrimony between said James Wilson and Esther Davis was celebrated by him on said 19th day of December 1786.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my seal at the Court House this 12th day of July 1843 in the 68th year of the Commonwealth.
Jefferson Winner, Clerk of the Court of Augusta Co.
By Rev. W. Gibson D.D.

State of Virginia County of Augusta ss
On this the 15 th day of July 1843 personally appeared before Samuel Crawford a justice of the peace in and for the County and State aforesaid Mrs. Esther Johnston a resi- dent of the County and State aforesaid aged seventy five years (widow of James Johnston deceased) who first being duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provisions made by the acts of Congress passed July 9 th 1838: and 4 th March 1843: That she is the widow of James Johnston deceased who was a Revolutionary Soldier and Pensioner and who died on the 7 th day of June 1843: she has frequently heard her husband the said James Johnston before his death speak of his services during the War of the Revolution that she has heard him frequently say that he served under his Father Capt. Zachariah Johnston. but cannot cannot speak definitely as to any engagement he was in, that she was married to the said James Johnston in Augusta County about the year seventeen hundred and eighty six she thinks, by Parson William Wilson, and that she has remained a Widow ever since the death of her above mentioned deceased husband as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed.
Esther Johnston
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year above mentioned before
Samuel Crawford. J. Peace.
I furthermore certify that Mrs. Johnston the above named widow of James Johnston deceased: is a Lady of high Respectability and that her declaration is entitled to full credit that from her age so it would be inconvenient for her to attend Court. Given under my hand this 15 th day of July 1843
Samuel Crawford J.P.

Virginia to wit:
In the County Court of Augusta July 24 th 1843
The Court having examined the proceedings of Samuel Crawford in regard to the declaration of Mrs Esther Johns to the approval of the same, and do order the same to be certified to the War Department.
I Jefferson Kinney, clerk of the County Court of Augusta do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true transcript from the records of said County Court of Augusta; and further certify that Samuel Crawford is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County and that the foregoing signatures purporting to be his are genuine. The testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my seal of Office this 25 th day of July 1843 and in the 68 th year of the Commonwealth.
Jefferson Kinney, clerk of the Court of Augusta County
by Reed. W. Stripling D.C.

Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 7934
Esther Johnson
Widow
James Johnson
Post Rev. War
Act: Mch. 3rd 1833
Index:—Vol. 14 , Page 378
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Rep.
Virginia 7802
Esther Johnston widow of James Johnston
who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832 and who died on the 7 th June 1843 of Augusta Co. in the State of Virginia who was a Private in the company commanded by Captain Wilson of the regt. commanded by Col. Brooking in the Va. ————— line for 9 months
Inscribed on the Roll of Richmond at the rate of 30 Dollars — Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 12 th day of October 1843 and sent to M. J. Barrett, Charlottesville, Va.
Total amount, $ 150 —
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by D. Moun, Clerk, Book D. Vol. 1. Page 271.

5.410
Feb 26 1844
Can.
Due Mar 3 1843.
Esther G. Penn hidden
James $30 per ann
M rs J. Barnett
Richmond
Va
Three
Edwards Ely, Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.

Richmond, Feby 24 th 1841
Dear Sir
Enclosed you have the declaration of Mrs Esther Johnson under the act of 1831, your early attention to the above will oblige yours
Respectfully
W. H. Barrell

Aug 29 '43
9520
Va
July 7 1838 Mar 3 1843
James Johnson
PAID 18 3/4
Edwards Esqr Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.

Charlottesville Aug 26 th 1843
Dear Sir
Enclosed you have the Declarations of M rs Esther Johnston widow of James Johnston decd: applying for a pension under the act of 7 th July 1838; also the declaration of M rs Mary Loring widow of Richard Loring decd: applying under the act of the 6 th of March 1843: both of which declarations with evidence recd: and accompanied, I hope may prove satisfactory
P.S
Very Resp ly Yours
W m V. Barret
I am anxiously awaiting an answer to the declarations of M rs Maxey M rs Loring and Joseph Williams, and beg that you will let me hear from you, as soon as practicable in regard to them, and Please do me the favor of informing me what is wanting in M rs Leonards case
Resp ly Yr Ob st Serv t W m V. Barret
Direct your answer to this place and oblige

11,037
James Johnson b
About a private
9 mo $30.
Capt Williams, Col Brooklyn
D. Melitine —
Washington City
Revolutionary Pensions
Commission for
Docl George M. French

Doc George M. Brump
Commissioner for Revolutionary Pensions
Washington City
Dear Mother, I received your kind letter of the 14th inst.
and in reply inform you that
I am Yours affectionately George M. Brump

W a Sweden Colts office 29 Octo 1836
Dear Sir,
I herewith forward the papers of James Johnson for a pension, which had been returned him for the want of sufficient evidence of the old man being a revolutionary veteran. They have remained in this office from the time of my receiving them up to this time for the old man to supply the the evidence. I sent him word his application had been rejected, and that more evidence was necessary. He is very old and infirm, hearing his application was rejected. He thought he had lost all chance for any thing. It was not until about a month past I saw him and informed him what was necessary, that the old man knew that it was worth while to apply again. I make this statement to show the reason of the reapplication being so long delayed. As to that part of his declaration specifying the time with precision. He is not able to be more precise. He is willing to accept what the proper officer may think he is entitled to.
I know the old man will. I have no doubt his declaration contains the truth as far as he can recollect. He is poor and if he can in a short time receive from his Country the pecuniary aid he is entitled to it will be the means of rendering one honest poor old soldier comfortable for the few days he may yet have to remain in this world.
Accept the best wishes of your old friend
J. T. Leigh

The Post Master will be so obliging as to give this letter the earliest conveyance to Mr. Edwards
Paia 3/7 1/2
Hallsboro Amelia V a March 19.
Mar 22
L. Johnson Yrs &c
30.893
Mail 3
H. J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington

Hallsboro Amelia County Va March 19. 1837.
Dear Sir 3
You will find herein enclosed the certificate of attorney from James Johnson which I am instructed by Mr A Robinson at the Va Bank to forward to you to get your order for the payment of the money which old Mr James Johnson has empowered me to obtain for him You will oblige me very much to return it by mail by the earliest conveyance addresed as above Hallsboro Amelia County Va
Most Respectfully Yours
Wm H Routte
Mr J. L. Edwards.
Commissioner of Pensions

9520
Esther Johnson
Ga
Act 7 th July '38
Adm o
9 mo
Priv
$30 per an
W. J. Barrett Esq. Charlottesville Ga

TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
SECOND COMPTROLLER'S OFFICE,
February 19 th 1846.
Sir:
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An Act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," and the third section of the Act of August 23, 1842, extending the time within which pensioners may receive their pensions from the pension agents, Esther Johnson , a Pensioner on the Roll of the Richmond, Va. Agency, at the rate of Thirty Dollars and Cents per annum, under the law of the 3 rd March 1843, has been paid at this Department, from the 4 th of March 1843, to the 4 th March 1844.
Respectfully, yours,
William L. Harris
Comptroller.
To the COMMISSIONER OF PENSIONS, Present.

Gen. Ormsbee

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of
James Johnson further proof or explanation.
which require
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? IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? no 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? NO - The applicant is very old and cannot recollect with precision the length of his period of service - but is willing to accept the shortest period taken in his declaration - 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?
no
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it?
no
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?
yes
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?
no
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? —
Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct? —
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? —
XVI. ‡ Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? yes
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? 1 & 2 not answered
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.

State of Virginia Augusta County ss
On this the 16 th day of December 1843 personally appeared before me Samuel Crawford a justice of the peace in and for the County and State aforesaid Mrs. Esther Johnston a resident of the County and State aforesaid aged Seventy four 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 of March 1843, granting pensions to Widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War;
That she is the Widow of James Johnston who was a Private in the Revolutionary War. That as to the Regiment she was in, she cannot state, but refers to the evidence upon which his claim was established, That the annual amount of Pension she received under the act of July 7 th 1838 was thirty dollars, She further declares that she is still a Widow.
Sworn to and subscribed on the 2 nd day and year above written before
Esther Johnston
Samuel Crawford J.P.
I furthermore certify that Mrs. Johnston the above named Widow of James Johnston deceased: I am personally acquainted with, That she is a Lady of high respectability and that her declaration is entitled to full credit; Given under my hand this 16 th day of December 1843
Samuel Crawford J.P.
I Jefferson Briner, Clerk of the Court of Augusta County, certify that Samuel Crawford is a Magistrate in and for the County and State aforesaid, and that the foregoing signature is purporting to be his, are genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my seal at office and subscribed my name this nineteenth day of December 1843 and in the 68 th year of the Commonwealth.
Jefferson Briner, Clerk of the Court of Augusta County by Sarah H. Struble S.C.