Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 38,910, for William Leay, Virginia

SERVICE
U.S. S
or Dear William Lee.
NUMBER _____
D. 38.910
CONTENTS

4R 18,836. East Tennessee.
William Leay, or Lee
of Blount Co. in the State of Tennessee, who was a private in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Matthews of the Virginia line, for the term of 2 years from 1 st of 1776.
Inscribed on the Roll of East Tennessee, at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence on the 28 th of June 1821.
Certificate of Pension issued the 9 th of Dec r 1822 and sent to Hon. John Cooke, H. R.
  Arrears to 4th of Sept. 1822  $ 113 " 50    Semi anl. all'ce ending 4 Mar. 1823  48 " 00    14 months 8/30  $ 161 " 86  
{ Revolutionary claim, { Act 18th March, 1818. }
1 May 1822
See letters to Hon. John Cooke, 10 Apr. 1825 - and 20 April 1826. These letters state that his pension cannot begin earlier than June 28, 1821 - J.H.

4398 Care of Wm. Lefor Esq. ✓
Jacob F. Haute Clerk.
Maryville, Tenn.
Recd. July 20. 1879.
300-7 Col. Matthews
Virginia Regt.
Excluded
The name of gentleman and the name of family to be on lines must be styled. the initials...

State of Tennessee } June Session 1819 Blount County ss } first
On this twenty eighth day of June in the in the year 1819 came William Ley (alias Ley) into open Court, appears to be between sixty and seventy years of age or upwards and being duly sworn according to law, on his oath maketh the following declaration on oath in order to obtain a Pension accord- ing to the provision of an act of Congress passed March 18, 1818 entitled "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and na- val service of the United States in the Re- volutionary War", that he the said William Ley at about the age of 13 years 5 or 6 years before the commencement of the Revolutionary War - that after the commencement of that War (the time he does not recollect) he at the House of James McDaniel in Rockbridge County in the State of Virginia he enlisted with Lieu- tenant Andrew Moore (since Genl. Moore) in Capt John Hays Company and Col George Matthews Re- giment in the Virginia Line on the Continental Establishment and he thinks in General Myles Limbury's Brigade - that he enlisted for two years but served two years and six months - during this time he was in many battles against the common enemy of the United States particularly at those of Germantown Brandytown White Plains and at the taking of Burgoyne - that he was also in the Battle of Still Water - that he after- wards but the date he does not recollect the was discharged by at the Valley Forge in the State of Pennsylvania by Col. the Matthews of General Mughlenbury's Bri- gade which discharge he afterwards lost or it became worn out he still de- claring that it had become of no use - He also states that he was in the American service against the Indians at the former Battle of the Fallenwa- The

He further States that he has remained a citizen of the United States ever since about thirty years of the time in the State of Virginia - some time in the State of North Carolina and lately and at this time in said County of Blount & State of Ten- nessee - That living in a situation to which he had but seldom means of information it was but lately that he was informed that the Pensions or any relief was al- lowed to poor old revolutionary Soldiers - He saith he knows of no other evidence in his power by which he can prove his service - That he has a family to support - that he is very poor and in reduced circumstances and has great need of the assistance of his country
William Seay
Sworn to in open Court - J. C. T. T. Clerk.
Whereupon, and it appearing to the satisfaction of the Court, consisting of James Swift Presiding Justice; Joseph Caldwell, William Gault, James Gillespy and Hugh Bogle Justices of said Court which Court is a Court of Record from the aforesaid Declaration, and from the Examination of other Credible testimony on Oath taken, That the said William Seay did Serve in the Revolutionary war against the common enemy as stated in the proceeding for more than Nine Months at one time on the Continental establishment and that the said William Seay is very poor and in low and reduced Circumstances. It is Ordered by the Court that the foregoing proceedings and testimony be transmitted to the Secretary for the Department of War pursuant.

to the directions of the before mentioned act of Congress, which is done by us accordingly. Given under our hands this 1 st day of July 1879 being the fourth day of the Term of the Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions aforesaid
James Lurh
Wm Gault
Joseph Calloway Hugh Eagle
James Gillispie
State of Tennessee vs. June Term 1879. I Jacob F. Faunt Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for Blount County Do certify that James Lurh esq r is Presiding Justice that W m Gault Joseph Calloway Hugh Eagle & James Gillispie esquire are associate Justices all duly commissioned; of our said Court, that the foregoing proceedings were had and taken and signed by them in open Court, and that said Court is a Court of Record.
Given under my hand and seal of Office at Office in Maryville the 13 th day of July 1879
J. F. Faunt Clerk

William Lee & Co. Blount & Co. Tenn.
Back to Foster. Maryville Tenn.
Rec d 11 Aug. 1821. from Geo. ...
See Sir Richard D. Griffith for proof of the services as taken down by the Rev. Andrew J. Morgan, from the words delivered by Genl. Morgan on his death bed.
22 nd Nov 1821- Ref. to Mr. E.
Mr. E. A. Maltbie
1821. Dyer No. 9 the words Dyer Marie

State of Tennessee      County Court, Blount County      June Session 1891.
On this 28 th day of June 1891. personally appeared in Open Court, being a Court of record expressly constituted as such by the laws of this State, proceeding according to the tenors of the common law, and having the power of fine and imprisonment. William Lee alias William Leay, aged nearly seventy years or upwards, resident in said County and State, who being first duly sworn, According to Law, oath on his Oath declare that he served in the revolutionary War, as follows, to wit that he the said William at about the age of 13 years, five or six years before the commencement of that War - Came from Ireland to America that after the commencement of the Revolution saw lead the time he does not recollect, but thinks it was in the year 1775 or 1776 he in Rockbridge County the State of Virginia, enlisted in the service of the United States with Lieutenant M aj . Moore (since Genl. Moore) in Capt. John Hagg's Company and Col. George Matthews Regiment in the Virginia line on the Continental establishment and he thinks in Genl. Muhlenberg's Brigade, that he enlisted for two years but served two years and six months, during this time he was in many battles against the common enemy, particularly those of Germantown Prince town White Marsh, and at the taking of Burgoyne that he was also at the Battle of Still Water, that he served the time of his enlistment and afterwards the date he does not recollect, but believes, in the spring of 1778. was discharged at the Valley Forge in the State of Pennsylvania by Col. George Matthews of Genl. Muhlenberg's Brigade which discharge he, this declarant afterwards lost or it became worn out -

But he thinking it had become of no value - He also states that he was in the American Service against the Indians at the famous Battle of St. Clair He also further states that he has remained a Citizen of the United States ever since the said War. This declarant further states that heretofore to wit on the 11 th day of July 1819. he made a declaration on oath for the purpose of obtaining a pension under the act of Congress of March 18 th 1818. and sent the same on to the Department of War. which was returned for lack of showing the time of enlistment and discharge proof of which he expected to obtain from the said Genl. Moore by letter received no answer until lately he enquired and after several applications, on his death bed, which he has received by the hands of the Rev. Mr. Morrison and herewith transmitted which he hopes will be satisfactory as he knows of no other evidence in this state to establish these facts. and as he, this declarant is now so old and feeble, that he is totally unable to travel to a great dis- tance to get testimony if even it could be obtained, Which Original declaration this declarant transmitted to the War Office with a hope that his pension will be allowed from the date of it - And I do solemnly swear that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the 18 th of March 1818. and that I have not since that time by gift sale or in any other manner disposed of my prop- erty or any part thereof with intent thereby to diminish it so as to bring myself within the provisions of an act of Congress entitled "An Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the Revolutionary War, passed on the 18 th March 1818. And that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me any property or securities contracts or debts due to me, nor have I any income other than what is contained in the annexed schedule and by me subscribed, besides my wearing apparel which is very indifferent, and an old bed covering, 1 pair of spectacles $0.62 1/2 - 1 Old Bible $0.75 - 1 old book, being a history of

History of the revolution p. 58. — $1.87 1/2 William Leay The above is all I have except that as one of the paupers or poor of the said County of Blount. Robert Boyle of said County has an allowance made him by the County Court for my support — I have no family at this time living with me, but I live with W. Boyle I am totally unable to labor and my memory is very much impaired — William Leay
Sworn to in Open Court 28 th June 1824
State of Tennessee for
I Jacob H. Wooten Clerk of the Court of Pleas and quarter Sessions of Blount County do hereby certify that the foregoing Oaths and the Schedule there- to annexed are truly copied from the record of the said Court, And I do further certify that it is the opinion of the said Court that the total Amount in Value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid Schedule is One dollar eighty Seven and an half Cents —
In testimony whereof have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of the said Court on this 28 th day of July 1824
Jac. H. Wooten Clerk

March 27, 1940.
Mrs. Alice Lee Spencer 750 Oak Street Chattanooga, Tennessee.
BA-J/ILL Cur William Leay or Lee S. 38910
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request information in regard to William Leay or Lee, who served from Virginia in the Revolutionary War and was a pensioner of Blount County, Tennessee.
The data which follow were obtained from the papers on file in pension claim, S. 38910, based upon service of William Leay or Lee, in that war.
William Leay (name shown also Lee and Lea) came from Ireland to America at the age of about thirteen years. At the time he entered service in the Revolutionary War, he lived in Rockbridge County, Virginia.
He volunteered about the fall of 1775, served as private in Captain John Hay's company, Colonel George Matthews' 9th Virginia regiment, was in the battles of Princeton, Germantown, White Marsh, Stillwater and at the surrender of General Burgoyne; he was discharged from service at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, having served two and one half years. He returned to Virginia. He served also against the Indians and was in the battle of Kanawha. (Evidently, Point Pleasant in 1774.)
St. Andrew Moore - Capt John Hay - batt 9th Va - in 1776
This soldier resided in Virginia about thirty years, lived also in the state of North Carolina for some time, afterwards in Tennessee.
He was allowed pension on account of his service in the Revolutionary War on his application executed July 1, 1819, at which time he resided in Blount County, Tennessee. He had moved there recently. William Leay gave his age then as between sixty and seventy

years "or upwards", but did not state the date of his birth nor the names of his parents. He stated then that he had a family to support but did not give any names. In July 1821, this soldier had no family living at home; he lived then with a Mr. Bogle in Blount County, Tennessee.
In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, name and address of person paid and, possibly, the date of death of this pensioner, you should address The Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, this city, and furnish the following data:
William Leay or Lee Certificate #18836 Issued December 9, 1822 Rate $8 per month Commenced June 28, 1821 Act of March 18, 1818 East Tennessee Agency.
Very truly yours,
A. D. HILLER, Executive Assistant to the Administrator.

W Int Dept
38910
INVALID.
Rev
File No. 38910
William Leay or Lee
Dr. Geo. W. Lee
Act: 18 th March 18 th
Index: —Vol. 3 , Page 291
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Sold friend of William
1916 Apr. 27. Hist. to Mrs. G. R. Palmer 20 Dec. 10 Hist. to Miss M. May 29 Mch. 12-11 " Mrs. Carrie Schechter avy. 1930 - June 13 Hist. to Mrs. R. D. Kems AM 7/88 1940 - Mar. 27 - Hist. to Mrs. Alice Lee Spencer. J.H.

Maryville Free & April John Locke
From Hon. John Locke Recd & am. 16 Sept. 1825
James L. Edward Pensylvania Ave Washington

1 Maryville March 20 1925
Sir
In granting a pension in the case to which the enclosed papers refer you have omitted to give the pension from the time of the first application when in Washington & applied for what was in error to wit from the 20 th of July 1819 until the time the pension commenced you requested the first declaration which is now sent please attend to it & notify Mr Robert Boggs of the result Respectfully Solomon Bock

Rev. & 1812 Wars Section
REL:MLB
June 13, 1930
Mrs. R. S. Kuns Broken Bow Nebraska
Dear Madam:
I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 38910, it appears that William Leay or Lee, when thirteen years old, came from Ireland to America.
He enlisted in Rockbridge County, Virginia, in the fall of 1775, and served two years and six months as a private in Captain John Hay's Company, Colonel George Matthews' Virginia Regiment, was in the battles of Princeton, Germantown, White Marsh, Stillwater and capture of Burgoyne. He was also in service against the Indians and was in the battle of Kanawha, no officers nor length of service given.
He was allowed pension on his application executed July 1, 1819, at which time he was living in Blount County, Tennessee, and stated that he was between sixty and seventy years of age.
He also stated in 1819, that he had a family to support, no names given, and there are no further data as to his family.
The War of 1812 records of this bureau do not show that a claim for pension was ever made on account of the services of John Wilson, as described by you.
Very truly yours
E. W. MORGAN Acting Commissioner

Rev. and 1812 Wars Section AWP/cel
March 12, 1929
Mrs. Jesse Schecter Alamosa Colorado
Madam:
I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S.38910, it appears that William Leay or Lee, when thirteen years old, came from Ireland to America.
He enlisted in Rockbridge County, Virginia, in the fall of 1775, and served two years and six months as a private in Captain John Hay's Company, Colonel George Matthews' Virginia Regiment, was in the battles of Princeton, Germantown, White Marsh, Stillwater and capture of Burgoyne. He was also in service against the Indians and was in the battle of Kanawha, no officers nor length of service given.
He was allowed pension on his application executed July 1, 1819, at which time he was living in Blount County, Tennessee, and stated that he was between sixty and seventy years of age.

He also stated in 1919, that he had a family to support, no names given and there are no further data as to his family.
Respectfully,
E. W. MORGAN Acting Commissioner.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
14.38910
Washington, D. C., _____, 19_____
In reply to your request of _____, received _____ for a statement of the military history of William Leay or Lee a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau.
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     3rd 1775-1782 7 yrs 6 mos Robt. John Hay George Matthews Va.   also in service against Ind.   at Kanawha  
Battles engaged in, Red Bank, Germantown, White Plains, Brandywine, Saratoga, Bennington, Kings Mountain, Cowpens, Guilford Courthouse, Yorktown, capture of Burgoyne, and battles with Indians at Kanawha.  Residence of soldier at enlistment, enlisted in Rockbridge Co. Va.  Date of application for pension, July 1, 1819  Residence at date of application, Blount Co. Tenn.  Age at date of application, about 60 or 70 years
Remarks: When 13 years old soldier came from Ireland to America. There is no data on file as to his family. 1819 stated that he had a farm in support. The only soldier of that name in Tenn. who went to Tenn.
Respectfully,
Commissioner.

Gentlemen:
Letter to me Mar. 26-1940 - for reply. LLR here
Will you be good enough to send me a copy of the record of William Lee , or Leay, who served in the Virginia line and drew a pension in Blount County, Tennessee.
Yours very truly,
(Mrs.) Alice Lee Spencer 750 Oak Street Chattanooga, Tennessee.
The Veterans' Administration Wars of the Revolution and 1812 Washington, D. C.

T. T. VARNEY, President M. WEIL, Vice-President
R. S. KUNS, Cashier ERNEST W. RAYSON, Ass't. Cashier
BROKEN BOW STATE BANK
ESTABLISHED 1883
BROKEN BOW, NEBR. April 8, 1930.
Pension Bureau, Washington, D.C.
My dear Sir:-
Was a pension ever granted to, or sought by a John Wilson for services in the War of 1812? He was born 4-12-1781, probably Clark Co. Ky., died 3-15-1837 in Orange Co. Ind. They moved from Ky. to Ind. about 1820. I am not certain as to his place of residence in Ky. at time of the war, tho' think it may have been Clark Co.
His wife was Margaret Brinnegar Wilson, born 1786 (N.C.?) and died 9-14-1842 in Orange Co. Indiana
Please give me all the information you have concerning this man.
Yours truly,
Mrs R. S. Kuns.
Have you any record for a W m Lee , whose wife was Mahala Ingram. She died Limestone Ala. 1832. while he died at Pikeville Tenn. He was a Rev. Soldier, and had a land grant at Pikeville, Tenn. which he lost about 1814, due to trouble over the title -
He had children - John - William, Thomas Joseph, Allen, Richard Henry - etc -

Alamosa Colo July 2 1928
Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.
Dear Sir,
Please send me the record of service of the Revolutionary war of the pensioner William Lee who was living in Blount co. Tenn. in 1822 and oblige yours very truly
Mrs. Jesse Schechter

Nov. 15
May
1914
CHONOL V.O.A. MEET DENVER, COLORADO

per to THE MACY RANCH CENTER, COLORADO
Nov. 10 1920
Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.
Dear Sir,
Please send me the record of service in the revolutionary war of the pensioner William Lee. Who was living in Blount Co. Tenn. in 1822 and 1831.
Yours very truly
Nellie M. Macy

EMORY UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF LIBERAL ARTS DEPARTMENT OF LATIN
Rev S.C. 1
OXFORD, GEORGIA April 20 th 1916.
Commissioner of Pensions, Washington D.C.
Sir, — Have you a record of William Lee of Virginia ever receiving a pension for Rev. War services? He went from Lee Co Va to Tenn. & from there to Ind or Illiinois. In some way he lost his grant of land in Tenn. & went North afterwards. I do not know what county he was from originally but an Aunt says West- moreland —
Respectfully,
Mrs. E. K. Turner

Blount County Tennessee Apr 6 th 1821.
Dear Sir, I have written to you as often as three times and have received no answer. Therefore, I know not whether you have rec d . any of my letters. —
The subject was expressing a desire to obtain a Certificate from under your hand, to prove, I was enlisted by you and belonged to the 10 th Virginia Reg t of the Continental Establishment. But more particularly the precise date of my enlistment (or as near as possible) and discharge, which I earnestly hope you may be able to state, for my memory is so much impaired, that I am not positively certain of it; But to the best of my recollection, it was in the Fall of 1775 I enlisted and was discharged at the

Love Valley - Forge in the Spring of '78. These two items being stated with some precision will be of immense importance to me, as as on them, hangs, depended , my Pension. I am old and helpless, and possessed no property, to assure my future subsistence.
If my Memory serves me correctly you enlisted me at the Chastleton Ground at Mr O'Callaghan's in Limerick. I think it was in March last year, as I think you were down there made down for Booterstown. I flatter myself you cannot have forgotten me. Don't you recollect the man Mr Lee that lent you a clean shirt the very day before we marched into Williamsburgh which you paid me for directly after the taking of Booterstown? Don't you recollect that I let you have the arrangements of pay, and took a horse from you

in Lexington. When we were on our way Home from the Army, I think there was about sixteen of us in company, and you turned off the road below Stanton to go to Lewis's — you gave me 8 Dollars and ordered me to procure the men then at Lewis's in Lewis — I did so and returned you four Dollars of the money. I drove Waggons for Worley and — of the North River who I learn is deceased seven years. These things are only mentioned to an order that you may the more readily recollect me on reflection. My name has been found on the Books of the Army spelled Lea or Lee, but I always wrote as Lee Lea. However, I hope this will make no odds. Will you be so good to an old friend, who has had the Honor of being commanded by you, to be qualified to the Paper soon may give and oblige your friend William Lea

Genl Andrew Moore
Rockbridge County
Virginia.
Can of Rev. Dr. A. S. Morrison
I will from Lexington Thomas Cheshire
Wally - Hoge in the all

I went directly to wait on Genl. Moore as soon as I reached Lexington Pa. Found him low with the Palsy. His son read the letter to him, and he the Genl. desired me to come into the Room. Imagining I myself was the man — When I came in he gave me his hand and looking narrowly at me, asked did you ever belong to Morgan's Chosen, I answered no my father had been in the Army said he, you are not William Leay. I said I was not but had brought that letter from Leay to get his certificate of his enlistment. Did he know Leay? He said he knew him Well . Did you enlist him? I said Can you recollect the time when? I do recollect it well. What month was it? It was perhaps sometime in January or February — or if I cannot tell then an enough man can. He again insisted and repeatedly expressed it, I knew him well. I enlisted him and further said his name was spelled I think Leigh, said I perhaps Leay, said he it may be, I know I listed that man and he served with me in the War — I have been written to from the same man as often as twice and answered those letters — Then I asked him if he was sure Leay should have a pension. He said he had a good right to one.
State of Tennessee } Blount County }
June Sessions 1825 —
Andr. S. Morrison
This twentyfifth day of June 1825 came the Rev. Andrew Morrison into open court and being sworn deposed and saith that on the fifth day of last May he delivered the accompanying letter to Genl. Moore to be from William Leay to Genl. Andrew Moore of Northumberland County Virginia, to a son of sd Genl. Moore who read the letter to his father, when the foregoing conversation substantially took place between the sd Genl. Moore & this deponent — said deponent declares further that he understands Genl. Moore died on Monday the fourteenth of May last, about ten days after the aforesaid conversation.
Andr. S. Morrison

Sworn to 25 th June 1821.
Jac. H. Strute Clerk
Mem o ... Lee (or L. say) Col. Matthews's Virginia Reg t . 1775- or 76 for 2 years -
The name of William Lee is found on the Virginia rolls - page 300. 307 -
See the within letter to affiant -
State of Tennessee ss.
I, Jac. H. Strute Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions of Blount County do certify that at June Sessions 1821. of said Court held on the 28 th day of said month the Reverend Andrew Bellomison personally appeared in open Court, and made oath that the facts and conversation stated in within age true to the best of his knowl- edge and subscribed the same -
Given under my hand and seal of office at office in Maryville this 28 th day of July 1821
Jac. H. Strute Clerk

Col. Lamb's Artillery Regt.
Leaycraft, George.
B.L.H. 1266-200 Lieut. Issued July 14, 1790 to Richard Platt, assignee No papers.