Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 9600, for Moses Husstead, Virginia

SERVICE
NUMBER
Va.
Husstead, Moses
S9600
CONTENTS
Carded

Virginia 23.057
Husted refunded $289:74 - see letter
Ex. War Dec. 15. 1835
See also v. 5. 159789
Moses Husted
of Harrison in the State of Va who was a Pr. Sp. in the Compy commanded by Captain Robertson of the ————— commanded by ————— in the la line for 2 years
Moses Husted Pension Ex. War Dec. 15. 1835
Inscribed on the Roll of Virginia at the rate of 80 Dollars ————— Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 29 day of Oct 33 and sent to J. Bennett Clarkesburg - Va
Arrears to the 4th of Sept 1837 200 Semi-ant. allowance ending Mar: 34 40
$240-
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Chas. Rice Clerk, Book E Vol. 6/2 Page 17-

The original papers in this case sent to M c G. Singleton, U.S. Atty. Va. Aug 9. 1834

State of Virginia Harrison County
On this 7 th day of October in the year 1833 personally appeared before me the subscriber one of the Commonwealth's Justices of the Peace in and for the said County of Harrison Morris Hufstead a resident of the said County of Harrison and State of Virginia, aged eighty five 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 he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated. In Monongalia County in the State of Virginia in March 1778 he volunteered as a private and Indian Spy under Capt. William Robinson for a term of six months and was stationed at Paver's Fork, on Simpson's Creek a branch of the West fork of Monongalia River now in Harrison County Virginia and immediately entered upon his duties of spying under his said Captain Robinson and spied through the country which now compose the Counties of Harrison, Monongalia, Ohio, Tyler and Wood, on Waters of the West fork of Monongalia River on Middle Island River, Hughes River, Fishing Creek, Burghamer Creek, Ten Mile Creek, Lime Stone Creek &c. &c. vigilantly watching what was then familiarly called War paths, and returning from time to time to Paver's and other Forts then erected in this County, and furnishing them with the results of each and every expedition which he in company of other spies made, apprising them of any sign of Indians discovered by them (the spies) or of any danger which threatened the Forts or frontier settlements from savage incursions and repelling invasions of the Indians, rescuing prisoners and stolen property taken by the savages. To particularize. About the middle of April in the year (1778) a party of Indians visited the house of William Morgan on Cheat

River now Preston County Va. there killed a man by the name of Brain, Old Mrs. Morgan Mother of Mrs. her daughter Mrs. Dillon and some children, and took some prisoners. Intelligence of this bloody deed having been received at Paver's Fort, Sutter's Fort &c. a company was immediately despatched in pursuit to protect the defenseless inhabitants. Declarant marched with the utmost speed with this company under command of Captain Robinson, across Booth's Creek to the Tigeert's Valley River, descended it, and soon found where the Savages had crossed it, in their retreat, pursued their trail on to the head of Pickett's Creek, and when near to Pickett's Fort on last mentioned Creek found a fine Mare which the Savages had killed, followed the trail some short distance further and despairing of overtaking the foe, returned to the Fort. Shortly after this occurrence, Declarant in Co. with 40 men was on a spying excursion on Middle Island River and and fell on the signs of a company of Indians making their way to the West Fork Settlements, they immediately hastened to Paver's Fort and gave information, gave notice also to Sutter's Fort on Elk Creek near where the town of Clarksburg now stands, but this company of Indians beat their way to the upper settlements on the West Fork, and on Mackie's Creek, massacred a few whites, then descending the West Fork killed two or three men in the Southern Settlement, stole some horses and then fled in safety to their towns across the Ohio. Though the course of this Summer the Indians made many inroads into the frontier settlements, committed many murders, in the Simpson's Creek and Booth's Creek settlements so much that declarant was not discharged until Dec r having served 9 months as a private Indian Spy.
Again in the Monongalia County of Virginia in March 1779 he volunteered as a private Indian Spy for another 6 months under his said Captain William Robinson, was again stationed at Paver's Fort on Simpson's

Creek again entered on his duties as an Indian Spy the same as in the preceding year, and through the same country. In this year (1779) as in the preceding year the Savages notwithstanding the vigilance of the Spies made many inroads destroyed many lives, took some prisoners, stole and destroyed much property, so that the settlement on Machias Creek was entirely broken up. Declarant did not come in personal conflict with any of the enemy, although he was frequently sent in pursuits of them and was often very near being surprised by them. The great danger to which the frontier settlements were exposed induced declarant again to continue his services of spying until cold weather gave to the Whites a temporary respite from Savage enmity, he was in Dec r 1779 discharged by his said Capt. Robinson having performed the additional service of 9 months as a private Indian Spy.
In the Winter of 1779 & '80 a Fort was erected on Boothy Creek which empties into the West Fork of Monongalia now in Harrison County W a and in April 1780 in County of Harrison Declarant again volunteered as a private Indian Spy for a tour of 6 months and was placed under command of Capt. Thomas and stationed at Edward's Fort, and immediately resumed his business of spying, as in the two preceding years, through the same country as before. But so far as declarant was concerned this tour of spying was bare of incidents, owing probably to the expeditions into the Indian Country by Cols. Broadhead & Clark, the Indians were not in this year so troublesome as in the preceding year — Declarant was in Oct r of this year (1780) discharged having served as a private Indian Spy 6 months the time for which he volunteered.
Again in April 1781 in the said County of Monongalia he volunteered for another term of six months under Capt. Thomas as a private Indian Spy.

was again stationed at Edward's Fort on Bootts Creek, again resumed his duties of spying through the same Country as before to wit, ten mile Lime Stone, Middle Island &c. &c. In this year the Indians made more frequent incursions than in the preceding year. Although the spies were on the alert constantly - yet (such was the wayness of the enemy) they often found their way into the frontier settlements, destroyed many lives, stole horses &c. and generally made good their retreat across the Ohio. In the Spring of this year a party of Indians came to Bootts Creek and murdered the family of Thomas & burnt his house. They were immediately pursued and overtaken by declarant & other spies under his Capt. & as they attempted to cross the Misk Fork were fired upon, two of them fell, some others were thought to be wounded, but escaped leaving some stolen horses which were retaken, this was the only conflict he had during his spying expeditions. Was in Oct. 1781 discharged having served 6 months the time for which he volunteered. He has no documentary evidence, and knows of no person whose testimony he can procure. He was born on the 15 th May O.S. 1748 in Dutchess County New York. He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the Agency of any State.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid (Signed) Moses this  his Mustead mark
The said Justice of the Peace then proceeded to propound the seven several interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, to which declarant made the following answers, viz. - to the first he answers and saith.
I was born in Dutchess County in the State of New York on the 15 th day of May O.S. 1748.

Second. My age is recorded in my family Bible now in my possession.
Third. When called into service I was living in Monongalia County in the State of Virginia (now Harrison County) where I am still living.
Fourth. In all the tours of service which I performed I volunteered.
Fifth. From the nature of my service I had no opportunity of seeing any regular officers commanding, or of organized regiments in actual service. But seen the following officers at the different Forts which I visited during my service. at Nuttall's Fort seen Capt. William Lowther commanding at Powell's Fort Capt. Robinson, Capt. Thomas at Edwards Fort, Capt. Springer at Pickett's Fort -
Sixth. I never received a written discharge. At the termination of each tour of spying I was merely dismissed by my Captain -
Seventh. I am acquainted with Eli Martin & Jacob Riffce, who reside in my neighborhood and can testify to my character &c.
Moses his X Musstead mark
We Eli Martin and Jacob Riffce residing in Harrison County in the State of Virginia, hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Moses Musstead who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be eighty five 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 day and year aforesaid.
(Signed) Eli Martin Jacob Riffce
And the said Justice of the Peace doth hereby declare his 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 said Justice further certifies that it appears to him that Eli Martin and Jacob Riffce who has signed the preceding certificate, are residents of Harrison County, and are credible persons and that their statement is entitled to credit. And the said Justice further certifies that there is no clergyman residing in the neighborhood of the above named applicant, and that he from bodily infirmity is unable to attend the Court of the said County of Harrison from whence he lives 12 miles. And the said Justice further certifies that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the Court before him in the matter of the application of Moses Hufstead for a pension.
In testimony whereof I the said Justice have hereunto set my hand and seal this 7 th day of October 1833
Jos. J. Winter J. P. Seal
State of Virginia } County of Harrison } ss.
I David Davison Clerk of the County Court of said County of Harrison do certify that Joseph J. Winter is a Magistrate as above and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his, is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of Office this 21 st day of October 1833.
Note, (Signed) D. Davison C. H. C.
Seal

October 1, 1915.
Mrs. J. E. Law, 216 Sycamore Street, Clarksburg, W. Va.
Madam:
In reply to your letter dated the 25 th ultimo, you are advised that Moses Husstead of Monongalia County, Virginia, alleged that he was born May 15, (old style), 1748, in Dutchess County, New York. He also alleged that he was born in New Jersey in 1748.
He was allowed pension Sur. File No. 9,600, for two years service in the Virginia troops, Revolutionary War, on an application executed October 7, 1833, at which date he was a resident of Harrison County, Virginia.
On July 15, 1834, he was examined by the United States District Attorney, to whom he stated that he went out during the Revolution as a Scout when called upon, never more than three or four days at a time and never under a commissioned officer.
His name was therefore dropped from the pension rolls March 10, 1835, for the reason that he did not

render six months service in an embodied corps. as required by the Act of June 7, 1832, under which he applied for pension.
Very respectfully,
J. M. Stultz commissioner.

Rev hwy
9600
INVALID.
1915 Oct. 1 Hist. to Mrs. J. E. Law 1916 Oct. 19 Mrs. J. E. Law that one copy has been sent to
File No. 9600
Mrs. J. E. Law Mrs. J. E. Law
Act: June 1 # 92
Index:—Vol. 1, Page 185
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Moses Husstead
Letter Dec. 15, 1835 to Secty. of War. in S. 15998 John Sweeger.

115 Hope Christian Church Harney
Grain in

Moses Austinstead Mearns & Co.
July 15. 1824. Mr. Beighton made the following statement of his own and his wife's - was born in New- Jersey and settled in Washington County in 1772, where I was born - - he was in the County of Washington all his life during the war - he had except one year - defending the country . the others had to work - defend. and feed themselves - some working - and some guarding - they worked and guarded alternately - he was in the kind of service. working and guarding - when can be work out, it was as a volunteer. it was the custom to choose among themselves a leader - if he was alive well, if not they were ahead . was always ready & willing to go. - was never out in a Scout. never threw stones from roofs at a man. can't pretend to say, how long he was in active service - never slept under a Reunion of men.
We spoke to Jacob Copeland to get him a pension - Copeland got Mr. Mason to write a declaration for him, in leaving it read he refused to swear to it, and the matter was abandoned - Some time afterwards I saw him on a hill of Weston Lewis County. Called on him, and told him he was entitled to a Pension - that he must write a new one afterwards. Henry F. Copeland was with him - Copeland wrote the declaration - of his declaration claiming for other services, nothing is now attached - it does not contain the truth, and he has been refused a pen- sion. On appeal he agreed to give Bennett one half of the pension - if nothing was got. Bennett was to have nothing.
In testimony of the truth of the foregoing statement I have hereunto set my hand. July 15. 1834. W. Lloyd Walker Prof. his Joseph G. Lupton Mark

Rev 4 7
Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir, -
I would like to know if the pension records of Revolutionary soldiers give any information concerning the following men:
Abraham Bennett served in the Rev. in Penn. or Del., settled in Harrison Co. Va. (now W. Va.) in 1798.
Isaac Bennett (widow Mary) Penn. or Del.
Wm. Roberts (widow Elizabeth) " "
Moses Husted, Penn., settled in Harrison Co. Va. 1785.
Jacob Swiger, Penn. " " " 1790
John Barket (widow Anne) Va. line, settled " " 1800.
Thomas Barket, Va. line, Fauquier Co., Va.
There are some items in the records of these men that I have been unable to find and thought it possible I might get some help from the pension records, I wish especially to know the counties from which they enlisted, date and age. I am willing to pay a fee for having them looked up.
Very truly,
(Mrs. J. C.) Edna Husted Law 216 Sycamore St.,
Plattsburg, W. Va.
Sept. 25 - 1915.

Sts. ret'd ew
Clarksburg, W. Va. Sept. 25-1916.
Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir,-
I should like to have an abstract of the application for pension for service during the Revolutionary War filed by Moses Hustead of Harrison County Va. (now West Va.) Oct. 7, 1833, Sur. File No. 9600. Oct. 1, 1915.
I should also like to know if the pension records give any information of Rev. service of John Hustead Sr. who was born in Greenwich, Conn. removed to Dutchess Co. N. Y. and later to Fayette Co. Penn. where he lived during the Revolution and where he died. His sons Robert, Moses, John and Gilbert settled in Fayette Co. Pa. and Monongalia Co. Va. (in the part that became Harrison Co. in 1784) and served during the Revolution along the Virginia frontier. Very truly,
(Mrs. J. E.) Edna Hustead Law, 216 Sycamore St., Clarksburg, W. Va.

V. L. M. Very respectfully,
Rev. War Section.
Acting Commissioner.
October 19, 1916.
Mrs. J. E. Law, 216 Sycamore Street, Clarksburg W. Va.
Madam:-
In response to your letter dated the 25 th ultimo, you are advised that the record of Moses Husstead S. F. No. 9,600 Revolutionary War was forwarded to you October 1, 1915.
It is not the practice of this Bureau to furnish the same statement more than once to the same person.
The Revolutionary War records of this Bureau fail to afford any information in regard to John Husted (Huested) described by you.
Very respectfully,
E. P. Alexander Acting Commissioner.