Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 11576, for William Summerford, South Carolina

SERVICE
NUMBER
Sl.
Summerford, William N. 11576 Piety
Born in P.G.
CONTENTS

Increase
No. 6500
Mississippi
City Summerford
Widow of William Summerford who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Pirate .
Washington City agency.
Rate 40 Dollars
cents per annum.
Commencing 5 th March 1861 End 26 th July re-commencing 27 th July 1868 at $46-1/2
Certificate dated November 14 th 1869 and sent to Claimant
Car 6. David Smithville "Hawamba Co" Miss
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act Feb- mary 3, 1853, Page 176 Vol. 91
July 27 th 1868.
Underman

order to pay May 26, 1837. Paid at the Treasury under the Act of the 6 April 1838 from 4 March 1837 to 4 Sept 1837. Agt notified 10. July 1838.
Paid at the Treasury under the Act of the 6 April 1838 from 4 Sept 1837 to 4 March 1838. Agt notified 28 Dec 1838.
Paid as above from 4 Sep 1838 to 4 Sep 1839. Agt notified 8 Sept 1840
Paid as above from 4 Sep 1839 to the 4 th March 1840. Agt notified 30 th Dec 1840
ter
12.818 South Carolina
William Summerford
York Dist. in the State of South Car. who was a pri: in the company commanded by Captain Barnett of the Regt t commanded by Col. Hille in the York Dist for 12 months
Inscribed on the Roll of South Car: at the rate of 40 Dollars — Cents per annum, to commence on the 4 th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 29 day of May '33 and sent A. M. Wharton York. C. H. S. C.
Arrears to the 4 th of March '33. 80 Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 Sept. " — 20 $100
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Wm. Miller Clerk, Book E. Vol. 6. Page 80

State of South Carolina } York District } ss.
On this 26 th day of March 1833 personally appeared in open Court before Richard Gant one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas Now Sitting William Sumnerford a resident of York District, State of South Carolina, aged seventy 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 act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832 -
That I entered the service of the United States under the follow- ing named officers, and served as herein stated.
That I was born in Kershaw District in the State of South Carolina in the year 1762. That my father moved into York District in the State of South Carolina when I was a boy, that I have no record of my age, That I was living in York District when called into the service of the United States, and has resided there ever since, and resides in the same at this time. That I was drafted and entered the service of the United States under Capt Jacob Barnett, and Col William Hill, and served on Turkey Creek, at a fort then known by the name of Rebels Folly, that he served in this trip one month . That I was again drafted and entered the service, under Capt Jacob Barnett and Genl Thomas Sumpter, Marched to Congaree fort in South Carolina, where we lay until driven from the fort by a body of British regulars sent from Camden, retreated to Belville, marched from Belville to Winton to Bluff near which we had a skirmish with the enemy, served in this trip one month ,
Wm Sumnerford 25023

That after he returned I enlisted and served with the State troops 10 ten months, Under Capt. Parnett (who had also enlisted) and Col. Kemp- ton & Genl. Sumpter. In this trip served part of the time in the low Country in South Carolina, was sent by Genl. Sumpter to join General Wayne's army near Savannah in Georgia, where I served out the balance of my enlistment, while with Wayne's army. I was Commanded by a Capt. Moore.
I hereby relinquishes any every claim whatever to a pension, or annuity except the present, and declares that my name is not on the pension role of the agency of any State. Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid in Open Court. William Sumnerford
Attestor 666/86 R Gault P. Stry
De Aaron Williams a clergyman Residing in York District State of South Carolina and Gordon Moore residing in the same State and District, do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with William Sumnerford, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; That we believe him to be Seventy years of age; That he is reputed and believed in the neighbour- hood where he resides to have been a Soldier of the revolution, and that we concur in that opinion. Sworn to and subscribed the
day and year aforesaid in open Court Attestor 666/86
Air Williams Gordon Moore
And the said court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the Matter, and after putting the interrogatories, prescribed by the war Department that the above named applicant was a revolutionary Soldier.

and Services as he States. - and the court for this certify that it appears to him that Asa Williams who has signed the preceding Certificate is a clergyman, resident in the District of York, State of South Carolina, and that Jordan Moore who has signed the same is a resident of York District, State of South Carolina, and is a credible person and that their statement is entitled to credit. R Gantt
I Andrew W. Whorter Clerk of the Court of Sessions and Common Pleas do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of William Somerford for a pension. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 25 th day of March one thousand eight hundred and thirty three and of the independence of the United States of America the fifty Seventh.
A. Whorter 666/66
State of South Carolina } York District } Personal examination of William Somerford made in open court before the Hon. Richard Gantt a judge of the Court of Sessions & Common Pleas at York Court House, March term 1833.
Ques 1. Where and in what year were you born?
Ans. I was born in Kershaw District, State of South Carolina, according to the best of my knowledge, in the year 1762.

Int. 2. Have you any record of your age; and if so, where is it?
Ans. I have no record of my age.
Int. 3. Where were you living, when called into service, where have you lived since the revolutionary war, and where do you now live?
Ans. I lived in York District South Carolina when called into service. I have lived there ever since, and reside in the same at this time.
Int. 4. How were you called into the service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute; and if a substitute for whom?
Ans. I was twice drafted, enlisted once in the State troops but was never a substitute.
Int. 5. State the names of some of the regular officers, who were with the troops where you served, such continental and militia regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your service?
Ans. I never was with the regular army, except with General Wayne near Savannah. My own officers were generally Capt. Jacob Warnet & General Thomas Sumpter, and others referred to in my declaration to which declaration, I would refer for the general circumstances of my service.
Int. 6. Did you ever receive a discharge from the service; and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it?
Ans. I never received any discharge from service.
Int. 7. State the names of persons, to whom you are known in your present neighbourhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity and their belief of your services as a soldier of the revolution.
Ans. I can refer to all who know me. But would name in particular Rev. Aaron Williams and Gordon Moore.
Sworn to & subscribed in Open Court March 26 th 1833
W. Williams Clerk
My Gault P.S. 666/11

M rs P. Summerfield
C. Dowe agt Smithville Miss

The State of Mississippi County of Monroe
On this 26 th day of August A.D 1856 before me John Bush a Justice of the peace in and for the County and State above mentioned, person- ally appeared Mrs Pity Summerford aged about Sixty Six years, a resident of the County of Itawamba in the State of Mississippi, who being duly sworn according to law, declares that she is the widow of William Summerford deceased, late of York District in the State of South Carolina who was a Soldier in the war of the Revolution of the United States against Great Britain; That she is unable to detail the particular services of her said Husband, or to make any direct proof thereof, by any living witness within her knowledge but presumes that the necessary and satisfactory proof of said services may be found on file in the archives of the Pension Department, accompanying his declaration and application for a pension made some fifteen or twenty years ago, and in which said application, he was allowed a pension and which said pension he continued to receive for several years previous to his death.
She further swears that she was married to the said William Summerford, in York District in the State of South Carolina about the year 1811 or 1812 by one John L. Henderson, then a Justice of the peace in said district, and that her name, before said marriage was Pity Dabbs; That her said Husband, William Summerford died in said York District in the State of South Carolina some time in the year 1844 or 1845 and that she is still a widow, and has never married since.
She makes this declaration for the purpose of

of obtaining such Pension and arrearage of Pension as she may be entitled to by law, by reason of the services and death of her said husband.
Pity her Summerford Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and date first above written
(Seal)
Justice of the peace
The State of Mississippi County of Monroe
Before me John Rush a Justice of the peace for the county and state aforesaid, this day personally appeared Andrew Davison, aged about seventy years a resident of the aforesaid County of Monroe, & James Leach & S. S. Davison, residents of the state aforesaid and County of Stawamba, persons whom I certify to be creditable witnesses, who being duly sworn agree- ably to law, declare that they were present and saw M rs Pity Summerford sign her name to the foregoing Declaration, that they viewed near to and were well acquainted with said Pity Summerford and her husband William Summerford for many years in York District in the State of South Carolina, that the said Pity & William Summerford, were reputed to have been lawfully married, and it was never questioned or doubted as they ever heard of, that they lived together as man and wife & raised a family of respectability, that the said William Summerford in the section of country where he resided (viz) York District, South Carolina, was reputed to have been a soldier of the revolutionary war, and a pensioner of the united states for said service. Said affiants do not see the said William Summerford after his death, but, but have information from sources unquestionable, that he died in York District South Carolina about the year 1844, that since the death of her husband the said Pity Summerford has removed to the County of Stawamba State of Mississippi

into the same neighborhood with affiants, that she has not married since the death of her said husband and is still his widow.
And also personally appeared at the same time and place, before me, a Justice of the peace as aforesaid Abraham Sumnerford aged thirty three years, a resident of said County of Hancock in the State of Miss- issippi who being also duly sworn according to law declares that he is the reputed son of William Sum- nerford Deceased late of York District in the State of South Carolina, and Patsy Sumnerford, who signed the foregoing Declaration in his presence, that his said Father William Sumnerford, died in his presence in York District, South Carolina on or about the first day of April 1844 and that he saw him buried. He further states that he resided with his said father and Mother until he married, after which he resided within a few hundred yards of them until the death of his said father as aforesaid, after which he removed to the State of Mississippi and has lived near to his said Mother ever since. He further states that his father, the said William Sumnerford, drew a pension from the United States for several years before his death.
Andrew Dawson James Leach James Davison
Abraham Sumnerford Sworn to and subscribed before me this 26 th day of August 1856.
John Bush Justice of the peace

The State of Mississippi County of Monroe
I W G Elkin Clerk of the probate Court for the County and State aforesaid (which is a court of record) do hereby Certify that John Bush Esq. before whom the foregoing Declaration and affidavit were made and whose and whose genuine signature appears to the Certificates thereof, is and was at the date thereof an acting Justice of the peace in and for said County duly Commissioned and qualified, to all whose official acts in the premises, full faith and credit is due and ought to be given; and I further Certify that I have no interest in the claim and am not concerned in its prosecution.
Given under my hand and Seal of my office at Aberdeen this 1 st day of September 1856 William G. Elkin Clerk

16. 1856 The State of South Carolina York District, I John G. Enloe Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas & General Sessions for the District aforesaid do hereby certify that there is no such Record as a Marriage Record kept in my Office. And I further certify that no such Record is required by law to be kept Given under my hand and seal of Office at York Court House this 22 nd day of May Anno Domini 1856 John G. Enloe Clerk, C.P. & G.S.
Sir
You will learn from the above certificate that there is no such record kept in the clerk's office, as a marriage record. I think the marriage of Mrs Piety Summerford can be proven by other means - and if she desires it, I will obtain whatever evidence is in my power. I would very willingly do the old lady such a favour Yours respectfully George Steele

250 23
William Summerford S.C.
SL
Amount as a separate - 12mo $40.00
York District S.C.

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
183
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of William Sumnerford S.6
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. Proof by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     drafted 1 private Col Barnett Col Hill 70 born in Kirsham D.S.T   engaged 1 " " " " Genl Sumpter entered in York Dist S.6   then enlisted in State Troops 10 " " " Col Hampton and now lives there certificate of a clergyman and one citizen  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
 1. The Regular Troops.  2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.  3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.  4. Indian Spies. 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss. County of }
On this _____ day of _____ personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of _____ in the county of _____ and State, Territory or District of _____ aged (c) _____ 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 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) _____, with _____ and served in the _____ (e) regiment of the _____ line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of _____
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I _____ of the Court of _____ do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of _____ for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this _____ day of _____ &c.
If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the _____ and C. D. residing in (the same) _____, who has hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with _____, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be _____ years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the _____ and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the _____ and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, _____ Clerk of the Court of _____ do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of _____ for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this _____ day of _____ &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration, (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person

will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following ( m ) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.  6. { To a Soldier. } Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it? { To an Officer. } Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?  7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. 
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons—one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will fall under the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] The declarant must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, 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. 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 that 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 shown 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.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he 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.
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 papers 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.
Proof of Service.
[j] 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 claimant's 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.
[k] The notes from [a] to [j] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[l] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[m] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[n] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.

3. Dreyer: H. C. O. S. S. S. S. S. 2. Dreyer: H. C. O. S. S. S. S. 5. Dreyer: H. C. O. S. S. S. S.
B. Dreyer

Rev WIDOW, &c.  Rev
File No. 11576
Emily Sumnerford Widow
William Sumnerford Rev. Rev.
Act: Feb. 3 rd '53 & July 27 th '86
Index:—Vol. M , Page 257
[Arrangement of 1870.]

K. Dowd, Mch. 1/58 1868. April 20 th Duplicated and sent to C. Dowd. Smelle Miss.
6.306
Mississippi Pitty Summerford, widow of William, who served in the Revolutionary war, as a private,
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 40 dollars 00 cents per annum, to commence on the 3d February, 1853.
Certificate of Pension issued 21 st day of Dec r 1857 and sent to
C. Dowd. Smythville, Miss.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 3, 1853, Page Vol. H
308989 B. Land - let Mr. H. Moon Oct. 5/60

No. 6481
Piety Summerford widow of William - Itawamba Co., Mississippi
Lit. to. Bond, Oct. 3, 1856
Act Feby. 3. 1853.

No 6483. Piety Summerford widow of William Summerford Dec r Pri;
Add l evidence
Shawambafo: Miss Oct 15 1853
Admitted for $40 per An. Com. Feb. 3, 1853,
C. Dowd Smithville. Agent County of Monroe Miss.

As the applicant resides remote from any Post office, the Hon. Secretary will please address
C. Dowd
Smithville
Miss

Piety Summerford Miss
Within 600 files Nov 14/56
Adl
sent Nov 13-1856
C
FREE
Commissioner of Pensions Washington City D.C.

Pension Office, Sept. 24. 1856.
The Third Auditor will please certify the date to which the within named pensioner was paid; and the name of his widow if she received any
Very respectfully B. Hood
Letter
Sept. 11 P.M.
For Commission
3 d auditors office Sept. 26. 1856
Sir:
W m Summerford, N. C. Act 1832, at $10. per annum appears to have been paid to 4 Sept. 1854. The name of the widow is not known at this office
Very Respectfully
C. Sprins Comm. of Pensions
Wm. Taylor Actg Auditor

Department of the Interior.
Received July 26 th , 1869.
Dated July 18 th , 1869.
From C. Dowa.
Smithville, Monroe Co., Miss.
Subject.
Transmits application for renewal of pension of Mrs. P. Summerford, widow of W m a Revolutionary Soldier.
Action
July 26/69
Recd referred to the Comr. of Pensions.
E. T. Stackpole
Chief Clerk
Registered, Pensions .
Filed,

Brief in the case of Peter Summerford , widow of William , Hawamba County and State of Mississippi , act 3 d Feb: 1853.
Claim, ("original," or "for increase.")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance. Husband was a pensioner at the rate of $40. per An, under the act 7 th June 1832. Three witnesses testify to general reputation of marriage & cohabitation & that the parties raised a family of children. Soldier died in March 1845, as appears by the affidavits of two credible witnesses & report of the Miss Auditor of the Treasury. Widowhood & identity
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what? established by the testimony of five credible affiants.
C. Dowd. Esq. Smythville, Name and residence of Agent Miss.
A. C. Blyden Examining Clerk.

Smithville Miss Feb'y 6 th 1858
Commis r of Pensions
Dear Sir. Some time in the latter part of the year 1855 or in the year 1856. I forwarded to your department the Declaration of Mrs. Pity Summerford, Widow of W m Summerford who was a soldier in the Revolutionary War.
Rec d no acknowledgement of its receipt and consequently am ignorant of the N o it bears
Under date of October 3 d 1856 I received from the Commissioner, a letter, stating that he had examined the papers transmitted in support of the claim of Pity Summerford for pension under the act of Feb'y 3 d 1853, as the widow of W m Summerford; that W m Summerford was paid a pension to Sep t 4 th 1844, and required additional evidence of marriage &c
Additional evidence was prepared & forwarded and I afterwards received from the Commissioner a letter dated Nov r 13 th 1856 stating that the evidence had been rec d and, required me to furnish the N o of the claim in order that it might be filed with the papers in the case. I replied that I could not furnish the N o &c &c and so the matter rests.
Perhaps as the department is getting most of the claims off of hands, the matter may by this time be easily adjusted if looked in to.
Will you please look into it & write me, as the old lady is needy and deserving
If the papers cannot be found please direct what course to pursue.
Yours Respectfully,
C. Dowd agt Smithville, Miss

Department of the Interior.
Received Oct. 27 th 1869.
Dated Oct. 12 th , 1869.
From Mrs. P. Somerford Smithville, Miss.
Subject.
Applies for restoration to pension rolls. Hus- band in Revolutionary War.
Action.
Oct. 27/69 Reply referred to the Comm. of Pensions Sec. S. Metcalf Chief Clerk.
Registered, Pensions.
Filed,

J. Ewing
Revolutionary War

Restoration & Increase 6.306 W Brief in the Case of Pity Sammerford Widow of Mr. Prison R. War Smithville
Itawamba County and State of Mississippi
Act 2 nd Sec Feb 3. 1853.
CLAIM FOR NEW PENSION CERTIFICATE, June Act 18 th Sec July 27. 1868.
PROOF EXHIBITED,
A pension roll of Miss of $40 pr ann & paid to March 4. 1868. Certificate surrendered.
She applies for restoration & pension. Proves identity, loyalty and continued widowhood by the affidavits of witnesses who are certified as credible & legal.
Admitted Nov 1. 1869 to pension at $40. pr ann to commence March 5. 1868 & continue July 27. 1868. also exp 96. pr ann to commence July 27. 1868.
W. E. Trask
Examining Clerk.
Name and residence of Agent.
Pity Sammerford Smithville
Care C. Doved Itawamba Co Miss. D. G.

Smithville Miss. July 18 th 1869 The Honorable, Secretary of the Interior Washington City D.C.
Dear Sir.
Enclosed I send you Mrs. Pity Sumnerfords declaration for her pay as a pensioner. I sent it to Jackson Miss, according to the indorsement on the certificate of allowance, but there being no agent for paying pensions there, I know not what better to do than to forward it to you, hoping you will at your earliest convenience make the necessary arrangements for the old lady to receive her pay, as she is very poor and needy.
Please advise me as the old lady resides some distance from any post office.
Yours Respectfully
C. Dorsey
Smithville
Monroe County
Miss.

Brief in the case of Polly Summerford, Monroe County and State of Mississippi act February 1833.
Claim, ("original," or "for increase.")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Duplicate - issued in lieu of one dated 21 Dec. 1837, which has been lost;
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
C. Dowd.
Name and residence of Agent
Smithville Miss.
S. Goff
Examining Clerk.

Payment to be made at Jackson, D. W. Bancroft, Esq.,  by
Agent for paying Pensioners, in the Agency of
Mississippi,
Payable on the 4th September and 4th March
Recorded in the Pension Office on the Roll of Pensioners under act February 3d, 1853, Page Vol. No.
G. T. Getty Clerk.

(Duplicate)
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, WIDOW'S PENSION.
I certify that, in conformity with the 2d section of the act of February 3, 1853,
Polly Summerford,
widow of William Summerford,
who was a private _____ in the revolutionary war, is inscribed on the Pension List, at the rate of Forty, _____ dollars and _____ cents per annum, commencing on the 3d of February, 1853, and continuing for life, unless she should again marry; in which case the Pension is not payable after the time of such marriage. This certificate is issued in lieu of one dated December 21 st 1857.
Given at the Department of the Interior.
this twenty first day of April, _____
one thousand eight hundred and fifty- eight. _____
L. Thompson
Secretary of the Interior.
Examined and countersigned.
W. A. Whiting
Commissioner of Pensions.

Treasury Department.
Second Comptroller's Office,
July 3.
1838.
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," William Summersford a Pensioner on the Roll of the S. Carolina Agency, at the rate of forty Dollars and 11 Cents per annum, under the law of the 7th June 1832 has been paid at this Department, from the 4th of March 1837 to the 4th of September 1837
Respectfully, yours,
William H. Parrish Comptroller
To the Commissioner of Pensions, Present.

TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
Second Comptroller's Office,
December 16 th 1840.
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," William Summerford, a Pensioner on the Roll of the South Carolina Agency, at the rate of Forty — Dollars and _____ Cents per annum, under the law of the 7 th June 1832, has been paid at this Department, from the 4 th of Sept. 1839, to the 4 th March 1840.
Respectfully yours,
William H. Harrison Comptroller.
To the Commissioner of Pensions,
Present.

Treasury Department,
Second Comptroller's Office,
December 11 th 1838.
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," William Summerford, — a Pensioner on the Roll of the South Carolina Agency , at the rate of Forty — Dollars and — Cents per annum, under the law of the 7 th June, 1832, has been paid at this Department, from the 4 th — of Sept. 1837 — to the 1 st March, 1838.
Respectfully, yours,
William B. Parris Comptroller.
To the Commissioner of Pensions, Present.

TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
Second Comptroller's Office,
August 25 th 1840.
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," William Summerford, — a Pensioner on the Roll of the S Carolina Agency, at the rate of Forty — Dollars and  Cents per annum, under the law of the 7 th June 1832, has been paid at this Department, from the 4 th of Sept. 1838, to the 1 st Sept. 1839.
Respectfully yours,
Alvin B. Parsons Comptroller.
To the Commissioner of Pensions, Present.

Petty Summers application For Pension
C. Dowd agent Smithville P.O. Miss

I Pirty Sumnerford of the state of Mississippi and County of Hunscomb do so solemnly swear in the presence of Almighty God that I will henceforth, faithfully support, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States and the union of the States thereunder; that I will in like manner obey by and faithfully support, all laws and proclamations which have been made during the existing rebellion with reference to the emancipation of Slaves. To help me God.
Pirty her  X Sumnerford mark
Sworn to and subscribed before me
this 12 th day of October A D 1867
S. J. Hampton Clerk of Circuit Court

The State of Mississippi
Hawamba County
} On this 12 day of October A.D. One thousand eight hundred and Sixty Nine personally appeared before Me Samuel J Hampton Clerk of the Circuit Court in said State and County the same being a Court of record, Mrs Picty Summersford aged about Seventy seven years, a resident in the County of Hawamba, and State of Mississippi, who being duly sworn according to law, declares that she is the identical Picty Summersford, who was a pensioner in the roll of the agency at Jackson Mississippi, and whose pension Certificate is herewith returned; that she has resided since the first day of January A.D. 1861 in the County of Hawamba State of Mississippi where she still resides; that during this period, her means of subsistence have been, for a few years, the proceeds of some little property which she owned, and after that was expended she has been dependent on and received her support by the Charity of her two sons, who reside near her, and that she has never married since the death of her husband Mr Summersford, but still remains his widow; and that she has not borne arms against the government of the United States, and she has not in any manner aided or abetted the rebellion, or those prosecuting said rebellion, or manifested any sympathy with their cause; but on the contrary, did during the said rebellion, earnestly desire its suppression by force of arms, and that she was last paid her pension, same time in the month of March A.D. 1861 according to her present recollection.
This application is made for the purpose of securing a restoration of her name to the pension roll and of obtaining a new pension certificate, such as she may be entitled to under the laws existing.

reference being made to the evidence heretofore filed in the Pension Office to substantiate her original claim
Smithville Post office Miss.
Diety her  Mark Somerford
Also personally appeared W. W. Stafford and G. M. Davison residents of Hancock County State of Mississippi, persons whom I certify to be respectable and entitled to credit and legal citizens and who being by me duly sworn, say that they were present and saw Diety Somerford make her mark to the foregoing declaration; and they further swear that they have every reason to believe from the appearance and their acquaintance with her, that she is the identical person who represents herself to be; that she has never married since the death of her husband William Somerford many years ago but still remains his widow; that their means of knowledge of the loyalty of said applicant is from an intimate acquaintance with her, frequent conversation, and her repeated declarations to that effect; and they further swear that they have no interest in the prosecution of this claim.
W. W. Stafford
G. M. Davison
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 12 th day of October A.D. 1869, and I hereby certify that the contents of the foregoing affidavit signed by Diety Somerford was made known to her fully before signed; and I further certify that I have no interest, directly or indirectly, in the prosecution of this claim.
Given under my hand and the seal of my office this 12 day of October 1869
S. J. Hampton Clerk Circuit Court

Mr. Pityhammerford Application for Duplicate
C. Dowd agent Smithville Miss

The State of Mississippi County of Monroe
Before me John Bush a Justice of the Peace within and for the County and State aforesaid, this day personally appeared Mrs. Pity Sumnerford and who being duly sworn declares, That she has made application to the Pension Department for a Pension, in consequence of the services of her late husband William Sumnerford Dec d who was a soldier in the Revolutionary War. She is informed that her Claim has been allowed and the Certificate sent to her Agent G. Dowd at Smithville, That she has not received said Certificate, and doesn't know what has become of it.
Said affiant Respectfully Prays that a Duplicate Certificate may issue. Duty Pity Sumnerford
Also Personally came before me G. Dowd who being duly sworn, declares that he has been acting as agent for Mrs. Pity Sumnerford in the prosecution of her Claim for a Pension as set forth in her affidavit above that he received a few days ago, a letter dated Pension Office March 17. 1858, stating that said Claim was allowed Dec r 21 st 1857 for $40 per annum and her Certificate sent to him (your) address at Smithville Miss, that he has never received said Certificate and has no knowledge what has become of it, and that he has made proper and special enquiry at the Post Office in Smithville and cannot find or hear of it.
G. Dowd
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 7 th day of April 1858
John Bush Justice of the Peace

The State of Mississippi County of Monroe
I, W. G. Elkin Clerk of the Probate Court for the County aforesaid, which is a Court of record, do hereby certify that John Bush, before whom the within affidavits were sworn and whose genuine signature appears to the Certificate thereof, is and was at the date thereof an acting Justice of the Peace duly commissioned and sworn, and that all his official acts as such are entitled to full faith and credit.
Given under my hand and Seal of office at Aberdeen this 8 th day of April AD 1858 Wm G. Elkin clerk

Petty Summersford
Pension Claim
C. Dorr agent Smithville Mississippi Miss

The State of Mississippi Itawamba County } Before me L Somervell
a Justice of the peace within and for the County aforesaid, this day personally appeared Mrs Picty Summerford, aged about seventy seven years, to me well known, who being duly sworn states upon her oath, that she is the widow of William Summerford deceased, who was a private in the revolutionary war; that she is the identical person to whom a certificate of allowance for Pension was issued and which is now in her possession, of which I certify the following is a true Copy to wit, " Duplicate
Department of the Interior, Widows Pension,
I certify that in conformity with the 2 d section of the act of February 3, 1853, Picty Summerford widow of William Summerford, who was a private in the revolutionary war, is inscribed on the Pension List at the rate of Forty dollars and 00 Cents per annum, commencing on the 3 d of February 1853 and continuing for life, unless she should again marry; in which case the Pension is not payable after the time of such Marriage. This Certificate is issued in lieu of one dated December 21 st 1857.
Given at the Department of the Interior, this twenty first day of April one Thousand eight hundred and fifty eight.
J Thompson
Secretary of the Interior.
Examined and Countersigned
Geo. L. Whiting
Commissary of Pensions.

on the back of said Certificate is the following, to wit, "Payment to be made at Jackson by D. N. Brown Esq. Agent for paying Pensions in the Agency of Mississippi, payable on the 4 th September and 4 th March. Recorded in the Pension Office on the Roll of Pensioners under act February 3 1853 Page Vol. 76. G. T. Getty Clerk."
Said affiant further states on oath, that she has not married since the death of her said husband William Sunnisford but still remains his widow; that according to her present recollection she received payment of her Pension under the aforesaid Certificate up to the 4 th of March 1861, since which time she has never applied for nor received the same or any part thereof.
Pity her Somersford (Seal) Remark
Sworn to and subscribed before me
this 3 rd day of March 1867
Leammi Somersford (Seal)
Justice of the Peace
At the same time and place also personally appeared before me Edward Leech & James Leech well known to me and whom I certify are credible persons, who made oath in due form of law, that they have for many years past been well acquainted with Mrs. Pity Sunnisford, who signed the foregoing affidavit in their presence, that she is well known in the community where she resides as the widow of William Sunnisford deceased; that she is a credible lady and that they believe her statements set forth in the foregoing affidavit are strictly true.
Edward Leech (Seal)
James Leech (Seal)
Sworn to and subscribed before me
this 3 rd day of March 1867
Leammi Somersford (Seal)
Justice of the Peace

The State of Mississippi Hawkins County
B. J. Thomas
Clerk of the Probate Court for the county aforesaid do hereby certify that L. D. Dornford Esq. whose name appears to the foregoing affidavits in his own proper hand writing at the date thereof, an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly Commissioned and Sworn according to law and that full faith and Credit are due all his official acts as such.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my name and affix the seal of said Court at office in the town of Fulton this 12 th day of June 1869
B. J. Thomas Clerk

Piety Summerford
Additional Evidence
C. Dowd agent Smithville Miss

The State of Mississippi
County of Monroe
On this 29 th day of October 1856 personally appeared before me John Brink a Justice of the peace within and for the County and State aforesaid M rs . Pity Summersford aged about Sixty Six years, a resident of the County of St. Tammany, in the State aforesaid and who some two or three months ago made application for a pension as the widow of William Summersford deceased, and who being duly sworn according to law, declares, that she has no record of her marriage to her late husband William Summersford, nor does she know of any such record in existence, and that she does not know of any living person, who was present and witnessed said marriage by whom she could prove it.
Pity has Summersford
Sworn to and subscribed before me the day & date above written
John Brink Seal
Justice of the peace
The State of Mississippi
County of Monroe
Before me John Brink a Justice of the peace within and for the County & State aforesaid this day personally appeared Abram Summersford who being duly sworn according to law, declares, that some two or three months ago, he made an affidavit in support of the application of Pity Summersford for a pension in which he set forth, according to the best of his knowledge, that William Summersford (his father) died in the year 1844; that he made that affidavit from the best of his recollection and believed at that time that it was correct, but that he has since that time referred to a record of the age of his first born child, and has become

convinced that in that statement he was mistaken as to the date and is now confident that his father the said William Summerford died on the last day of March and was buried on the first day of April AD 1845
Leonard Summerford
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 29 th day of October 1856
John Bush
Justice of the peace
The State of Mississippi County of Monroe 3
Before me John Bush a justice of the peace within and for the County and State aforesaid this day personally appeared Leonard Summerford aged about twenty seven years, a resident of the State aforesaid and County of Neshoba, who being duly sworn according to law declares, that according to the best of his recollection, strengthened by various circumstances or occurrences, he verily believes and thinks he is not mistaken, that William Summerford, his father, died in York District in the State of South Carolina about the last of the winter or early in the Spring of 1845, that he, affiant was living with his said father at the time of his death and saw him buried, and that his (affiant's) Mother Pity Summerford now resides in Neshoba in the State of Mississippi, and that she signed the foregoing affidavit in his presence.
Leonard Summerford
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 29 th day of Oct r 1856
John Bush
Justice of the peace

The State of Mississippi County of Monroe
I William G. Elkin, clerk of the probate court for the County and State aforesaid (which is a Court of Record) do hereby certify that John Bush Esq r before whom the foregoing affidavits were made and whose genuine signatures appear to the certificates thereof was at the date thereof, a justice of the peace in and for said County, duly Commission- ed and sworn, and that full faith and credit should be given to all his official acts as such.
Given under my hand and Seal of office at Aberdeen this 1 st day of November 1854 William G. Elkin clerk