Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 8500, for John Prosser, Virginia

SERVICE
NUMBER
Va.
Prosser, John
R 8500
Elizabeth
CONTENTS

SERVICE
NUMBER
Va.
Prosser, John Elizabeth
R 8500.
CONTENTS

Mar 15 2/51
Elizabeth Proper
Mar. of John
15
Aug 2 1838

Declaration
State of Kentucky } County of Carter } ss
On this 14 th day of March in the year of 1855, personally appeared before me, a justice of the peace for the county and state aforesaid, Elizabeth A. Korner, a resident of the county of Carter, in the state of Kentucky, aged fifty years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain, in right of her Mother, Elizabeth Proper, the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress, passed July 7 th 1838, entitled, "An act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows."
She states that she is one of the children of John and Elizabeth Proper; that her Mother, Elizabeth Proper, was the widow of John Proper who was an officer in the war of the American Revolution, and entered the service of his country as a lieutenant in the Virginia Line, and served in the capacity of Lieutenant and Captain in the Virginia Line three years and was honorably discharged.
She states that her father was a citizen of Westmoreland County, Virginia during the time he was in the service of his country, that her Mother, Elizabeth Master was married to her father John Proper, in the year of 1784, that her father died in the year of 1815, and her Mother died on the 8 th day of August 1838. She does not know of the existence of any record evidence to prove the service of her father, but she refers for proof of his service, and for the rank in which they were rendered, to the Muster Rolls of the Virginia Line, which are on file (as she has been informed) in the Pension Office. She refers likewise to an account against the State of Virginia, in her father's hand write, and now

In file in the Pension Office as part of the declaration of her husband, George H. Korn, in support of this claim, and which declaration of her said husband she prays may be taken as part of this declaration.
She states that she always understood her father had expended, out of his private fortune, a large sum of money, to support the cause of Armenian Independence.
She states that her Mother was not married to her Father prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first day of January, Seventeen hundred and ninety four, 1894, at the time above stated.
She states that after the death of her father, her Mother continued a widow until her death, and she never made application for a pension, having lived and died in ignorance of her right to one.
She states that four children now survive her Mother, viz: Dorothy H. Proper, now Dorothy H. Gadd; Mary H. Proper, now Mary H. Hoy; Samuel H. Proper, and Elizabeth A. Proper, now Elizabeth A. Korn, and the person who makes this declaration.
She states that she was only about twelve years of age when her father died, and she father died, and she recollects to have heard that he had performed the station of Captain while in the service, and she will recollect he was called Captain Proper before he died, but whether he was promoted and commissioned as Captain she does not know, but she hopes the Muster Rolls of the Virginia Line will prove whether he was commissioned as Captain or not. His commission as Lieutenant and his discharge were long preserved in the family,

but ultimately both were lost. She has seen her father's commission, but she does not recollect to have heard of more than one commission.
She makes this declaration from information obtained from her Mother, and from the older members of her father's family, which she believes to be true.
Elizabeth A. Korus
State of Kentucky } County of Carter } Sec
I, Bryan Fannin, a justice of the peace of the State of Kentucky, in and for the county of Carter, do certify that Elizabeth A. Korus, wife of George W. Korus, and late, Elizabeth A. Propper, personally appeared before me, in said county, on the 14 th day of March, in the year of 1855, and subscribed and swore to the foregoing declaration; and I further certify that the said Elizabeth A. Korus, who is personally known to me, is not able, by reason of bodily infirmity to attend the county court of Carter, which sits at Grayson, about fifteen miles distant, for the purpose of subscribing and swearing to said declaration, before said court. Given under my hand this 14 th day of March 1855.
Bryan Fannin J.P. Cld.
State of Kentucky
Carter county Set
I Elias P. Davis clerk of the county court and county of Carter and State of Kentucky do certify that Bryan Fannin whose genuine signature appears to be to the foregoing certificate was at the time of signing the same an acting justice of the peace of Carter county duly commissioned and qualified and full faith and credit are due to all his official acts as such
Given under my hand and the seal of said court at Grayson this 26 th day of March 1855
E. P. Davis clerk of the county court

but ultimately both were lost. She has seen her father's commission, but she does not recollect to have heard of more than one commission.
She makes this declaration from information obtained from her Mother, and from the older members of her father's family, which she believes to be true.
Elizabeth A. Korus
State of Kentucky } County of Carter } S d
I, Bryan Fannin, a justice of the peace of the State of Kentucky, in and for the county of Carter, do certify that Elizabeth A. Korus, wife of George W. Korus, and late, Elizabeth A. Propper, personally appeared before me, in said county, on the 14 th day of March, in the year of 1855, and subscribed and swore to the foregoing declaration; and I further certify that the said Elizabeth A. Korus , who is personally known to me, is not able, by reason of bodily infirmity to attend the county court of Carter, which sits at Grayson, about fifteen miles distant, for the purpose of subscribing and swearing to said declaration, before said court. Given under my hand this 14 th day of March 1855.
Bryan Fannin J.P. C ls .
State of Kentucky Carter county S d
I Elias P. Davis clerk of the county court and county of Carter and State of Kentucky do certify that Bryan Fannin whose genuine signature appears to be to the foregoing certificate was at the time of signing the same an acting justice of the peace of Carter county duly commissioned and qualified and full faith and credit are due to all his official acts as such
Given under my hand and the seal of said court at Grayson this 26 th day of March 1855 E. P. Davis clerk of the county court

Declaration
State of Kentucky } County of Carter } Sit
On this 9 th day of January, in the year of 1855, personally appeared before the county court of the county of Carter, George W. Korum, a resident of the state of Kentucky, in the county of Carter, aged fifty years, who, being first duly sworn, according to law, doth, on his oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain, (in right of his Mother-in-law, Elizabeth Proper deceased) the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 7 th 1838, entitled, "An act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows."
He states that his mother-in-law, Elizabeth Proper was the widow of John Proper deceased, who was a Lieutenant in the Virginia Line, in the war of the American Revolution, and served in the capacity of Lieutenant and Captain three years and was honorably discharged.
He states that his father-in-law John Proper deceased was a citizen of the county of Westmorland in the state of Virginia when he entered the service of his country, which was about the year of 1777 or 78 and he was discharged about the year of 1780 or 81.
He further states that John Proper's commission and discharge were long preserved in his family; but ultimately they were both lost and he has no documentary evidence to produce in support of the claim; but he refers to the Muster Rolls of the Virginia Line, on file in the pension office, for evidence of his services. He refers also, to the account of John Proper against the state of Virginia for the sum of about three hundred and fifteen pounds and nineteen shillings advanced by him to promote the service of his country and advance the cause of American Independence.

and which account is marked B. and made part of this declaration, and which is in the hand write of Mr Prosper himself.
He further declares that Elizabeth Mastin, his Mother-in-Law was married to John Prosper his father-in-Law, in the year of 1784 - that John Prosper died in the year of 1815; and Elizabeth Prosper died on the 8th day of August 1838, and four children now survive her; viz. Dorothy M. Prosper, now Dorothy M. Ludd, Mary A. Prosper now Mary H. Hoy, Samuel M. Prosper and Elizabeth A. Prosper, now Elizabeth A. Korner, and the wife of this affiant.
He further declares that Elizabeth Mastin was not married to John Prosper prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first day of January seventeen hundred and ninety four, viz: at the time above stated.
He further declares that Elizabeth Prosper continued a widow, after the death of her husband, until she died, and she never made application for a pension, having lived and died in ignorance of her right to one.
He makes this declaration from information obtained from the family of John Prosper deceased, and which he believes to be true.
George H. Korner
Sworn to and subscribed, on the day and year  written, before the county court of Carter
Given under my hand as clerk of the Carter county courts and seal of my office this 8th day of January 1855 and in the 63rd year of the common wealth
E. P. David Clerk of the Carter county courts

September 9, 1936
XXXXXXXXXXXX
24-5/121 aw John Presser-R.8500
Mr. J.P. Tenefeldt White Salmon Washington
Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of John Presser, a soldier of Virginia, whose widow was Elizabeth A. Presser, who was born in 1764 and died August 8, 1838.
The data which follow are obtained from the papers on file in Revolutionary War pension claim, R. 8500, based upon the military service of John Presser in that war.
The date and place of birth and the names of the parents of John Presser are not shown.
John Presser married in 1784, exact date not given, Elizabeth Martin, of Prince William County, Virginia. The date and place of her birth and the names of her parents are not shown.
After their marriage, John Presser and his wife, Elizabeth, lived in Prince William County, Virginia, where he soldier died in 1815. In same year, their oldest daughter died, her name not given, and in the fall of 1815, the widow, Elizabeth, and her children moved to Mason County, Virginia (now West Virginia). The widow died August 8, 1838.
The names of the following children are shown:
William M. Presser, oldest son. . . . . moved to Missouri and was deceased in 1885, leaving children, their names not given. John H. Presser, second son. . . . . moved to Illinois and was deceased in 1885, leaving children, their names not given.

Children of John and Elizabeth Prosser, continued
M.M. Prosser, youngest daughter (Christian name not shown) ... married --- Drechsler and died prior to 1855, leaving three children, two residing in Saint Louis and one in California; their names not given. Dorothy M. Prosser. . . . . married --- Judd. Elizabeth A. Prosser. . . . . " George V. Kouns in 1855, both were aged 50 years and were living in Carter County, Kentucky. Mary H. Prosser . . . . . married --- Hay. Samuel M. Prosser . . . . . in 1855, it was stated that Dr. Prosser, a brother in-law of George W. Kouns, was living in Jacksonville, state not given.
The dates of birth of the children and the names of the husbands of the daughters (other than the husband of Elizabeth A.) are not shown.
On March 14, 1855, Elizabeth A. Kouns, wife of George W. Kouns, applied for the pension which might have been due on account of the services of her father, John Prosser, in the Revolutionary War. She applied in behalf of herself and the other surviving children, namely Dorothy M. Judd, Mary H. Hay and Samuel M. Prosser and the other heirs.
In the application for pension it was stated that John Prosser, while a resident of Westmoreland County, Virginia, entered the service in 1777 or 1778 for three years and served as lieutenant and captain in what was known as "The Garrison Regiment", was engaged in the recruiting service and left the service in 1780 or 1781.
The claim for pension was not allowed because the children failed to furnish proof of service of their father as required by the pension law and had they furnished such proof there was then no provision of law under which the children of soldiers of the Revolutionary War were entitled to pension.
Reference was made to two brothers of the widow, Elizabeth Martin Prosser, one a resident of Frederick County, Virginia; the other of North Carolina; their names were not given.
Very truly yours
A. D. MILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator.

Near Cannonsburgh Carter County Ky January 23 a 1856
Sir.
I will thank you to furnish me a copy of the certificate of the Auditor of Virginia, respecting a settlement with John Pasper, a seaman, in the war of the American Revolution. It is on file, in the case of the application of Elizabeth A. Koring, for pension, in right of her mother, Elizabeth Pasper, deceased, who was the widow of said John Pasper.
I am Sir,
Very Respectfully, Your obed Servt George M. Koring

Leannonsburgh Carter County Ky June 2 a 1856
Sir
I will thank you to furnish me a copy of the account of John Proper against the Commonwealth of Virginia, which is on file in your office. It is referred to in the application of Elizabeth A. Koury, one of his children, who is an applicant for pay, pension &c. in right of his military services performed during the war of the American Revolution. I desire you likewise, to do me the favour to say whether or not your office possesses any evidence that Virginia had a Navy during the Revolution.
I am Sir
Very Respectfully your obedt Servt George W. Koury

Commonwealth 1849 Aug 12
The Commonwealth of Penna Washington City
Miss Elizabeth Trooper Core Peters

Cannonbury & Low
Nov 30
The Committee of Pensions
Washington City D.C.

Cannonburg Jan 4 The Commissioner of Revenue Washington City Mail (d. of 6) From John H. [unclear] Elizabeth [unclear]

Elizabeth Sturges John Sturges - Dec 1835
Commission of Pensions
Washington City (Se. of 6)

Cannonburg Ky April 27
Rev John Brown H gt 1858
Elizabeth Broth
The Commissioner of Pensions
Mail } Washington City
Ms A 11.2

Canyonburg Feb Feb 1888
The Commission of Pensions
Washington City Mail 3 (he of 60)

Act of July 7. 38
G. W. Brown 27 Jan 1855
Same April 20 1855 same
Aug 23 1855 same 3
Oct 1855 to same
Feb 14, 1856. Same date
Same July 19/56. 1856
Same May 25, 1857
Same Aug 27, 1857
Same Nov 12, 1857
Same Dec 24/57
Same Oct 19/58
Nov 26 1858 March 27
Act July 7 1858

1936- Rept 9- Dist Co J.P. Lansfeldt. E.E. h
Acts of July 14, 1862, and March 3, 1873.
8500
P. D. Elizabeth Grossa
Service: _____
REJECTED
Enlisted: _____, 18 .
Discharged: _____, 18 .
Application filed: _____, 18 .
Alleges: _____
Re-enlisted: _____
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contract.
_____ Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____, 18

This is to Certify, That it appears from a List in this Office of such Officers and Soldiers of the Virginia State Line as settled their Accounts and received Certificates for the balance of their full pay, according to An Act of Assembly, passed the November Session 1781, directing the Auditors of Public Accounts to settle and adjust the pay and accounts of the said Officers and Soldiers from the 1st January 1777 to 31st December 1781, (See Hening's Statutes at Large, Vol. 10, p. 462,) that a settlement was made on the 2 nd day of October 1784, in the name of John Prosser as Seaman and evidence of the indebtedness of the State to him for £48.16.6 — delivered to Josh. Singleton but as the original settlements or copies thereof are not to be found in this Office, the term of service embraced therein cannot be stated
Given under my hand, at the the Auditor's Office, Richmond, this 11 th day of July — 1855.
{ NO SEAL OF OFFICE. }
G. W. Chittenden Audr. P. Keck

The Commemoration of Pensins

Cannonsburgh Carter County Ky January 10 th 1855
Sir - I forward a declaration to be used in right of my mother-in-law the late Elizabeth Proper. I hope it has been made out and executed in a satisfactory manner. The Muster Rolls of the Virginia Line, will, I trust, furnish evidence of the services of Mr Proper, for I cannot resist the conclusion, that he was an officer in the war of the American Revolution although his children may be mistaken about his grade of office. It is proper, perhaps, to remark, that Mrs Proper had three children, besides those stated in my declaration, each of which have died, and left heirs at law.
Respectfully yours truly
George W. Korns
The Commissioner of Pensions }

George W. Houns
Auditors office Richmond December July 16th 1855
In reply to your letter of the 7th instant. Therewith enclose the auditors certificate of service as a Seaman in the name of John Prosser in the war of the Revolution. — I am sorry to have to inform you that I searched the Registry of the United States & Continental lines, filed in this office ( in vacuo ) to find him as having served in the capacity of an officer of any grade in either line. — I would respectfully suggest that he probably served as a Militia officer & if so all record evidence of such service is lost, a portion of said Rolls having been destroyed at the time of Saratoga , inasmuch as the remainder at the burning of the Capitol at Washington . (As to fees I have only to say that any service we can render old revolutionary worthies or their representatives is gratuitous.)
Yours very respectfully &c Porterfield A. Weiskell 2nd Clerk

Rev. W. Louis
Jan. 27/85.
[Faint, mirrored cursive text, likely bleed-through from the reverse side of the page]

Pension Office.
27 th Jany. 1855.
Sir,
The application of Elizabeth Pres- ser dec d widow of John of Kentucky, has been received and filed under Act 7 th July 1838.
The Declaration must be made by one of the surviving children. No evidence of John's services or the rank in which they were rendered has been adduced. Neither is there any evidence as to when John and Elizabeth married and died, and of the names and num- ber of their surviving children.
George W. Kauns Esqr. Cannonburg. Bates Co. Kentucky.

Rev. W. Newman
Mill Rd B.

Pension Office
April 20 1833
Sir
I have examined our Rolls upon the statement of the daughter of Elizabeth Prosser dec'd widow of John of Ky and do not find her father's name upon them either as an officer or private. Perhaps the Auditor of Virginia may possess some evidence of his services.
I refer you to my letter of the 27 Jany for the character of proof necessary to complete the case.
George H Bowser Esq Cannonburgh Ky

G. W. Hous
Aug. 28/55.

Pension Office
August 23 1855
Sir
The certificate of the Auditor of Virginia, showing a payment of £48, 16. 6 to John Propper a seaman in the war of the Revolution has been received and filed with the papers of the Children of Elizabeth Propper dec'd widow of John of Ky. The claim was made for pension for the services as a Lieutenant and Captain. The certificate probably refers to another man of the same name. The claim cannot be allowed except upon proof of service by those who knew of its rendition, —
138 Such proof of marriage the date of as would be regarded as sufficient in a County law will be held sufficient here,
J. W. Housley Esq Cannonburgh Ky

Geo. W. Kouns, Oct. 3. 1835.

Pension Office
October 3 1855
Sir
This Office is not in possession of any evidence of the service of John Proper other than that already reported to you. A seaman in the Navy occupies the same relative position as a private in the Army. The man whose name appears upon the Virginia books as an Seaman was not therefore a Lieutenant or Cap. This therefore, Reputation of service is not sufficient;
1838
Elizabeth Proper Ky 1838 Geo W Brown Esq Richmondburg Centre Co Ky

Geo. W. Koury a Feb. 14, 1896.

Tennic Office, Feb 14. 1856.
Sir,
In compliance with your request, I send, herewith, a copy of the certificate of the Auditor of Virginia that John Propper who was a Seaman in the Virginia State Navy, received a disbursement certificate for the balance of his full pay for £48 016 7 6d expended in pursuance of an order the order of the Assembly of that State passed at Richmond Sept 10 1781.
Geo. W. Brown, Esq. near Cannonburgh, Cartersville Ky

W. H. Hous
58

Pay to Mrs. B. B.
Pension Office, June 28, 1856.
Sir,
In reply to your request I herewith transmit a copy of the "account of John Prosser against the Commonwealth of Virginia," which is referred to in the Declaration of Elizabeth A. Kouns who applies for arrears of pension alleged to have been due her mother, Elizabeth Prosser, deceased, widow of John Prosser. The Certificate of the "Auditor of Public Accounts" of Virginia, a copy of which was sent to you on the 14 th February last shows that "Virginia had a Navy" during the revolutionary war. Information in regard to particular service therein should be sought of that officer who resides at Richmond.
I am, Yc
George W. Kouns Esq. Cannonburg, Winton Co Kentucky

Territorial Office, July 18. 1856.
Sir
In reply to your letter of the 20 th inst. you are informed that we do not know on what authority Dr. Popen has informed you that it has been ascertained that John Popen enlisted in May 1876 and served five years, &c. as the Records of this office afford no evidence of his service whatever - the only John Popen there on file being a description of the late Mary J. Popen, who was, confessedly not the mother of your wife. Indeed there is no evidence whatever in this office, or among the papers in the war, that your wife's father studied any other  law which is re- cognized by the prussian laws: for the account referred to was  was , evidently, for civil and not military service performed by a

John Poff, who was, doubtless, employed to bring the two Runts to Richmond when they were wanted as guards. But, even if it was for military service, it offers no clue to the character and character of the service - nor does it account any connection with the settlement with the John Poff, Seaman, - for that settlement was for redressing the wrong balance of full pay, and had no reference to any allusion or reference in connection with the performance of his duties.
There is, I expect no evidence of some of the crew, which is expected.
Geo. W. Horner.
July 18.
Geo. W. Horner Esq. Cannonsburg, but to be Ky.

Executive Department Richmond Ap. 3 d 1857
Dear Sir,
Your letter of the 17 th ultimo has been received. I have carefully examined the Army Register here both in the Continental & State Lines and only find the name of John Proper as you have already been informed by the Auditor, as a " Beaman " in the State Line who received through the hands of Joshua Singleton £48. 16. 6.
I find among the archives in this department a petition to the Governor from Joseph Proper in 1835 asking for the Land Bounty to which John Proper was entitled. The Petition states that the Petitioner & Lucy & Maria Proper & Becky Benchman are the descendents & only heirs of John Proper who was a private soldier in the Revolutionary War, that he resided in Lee County Va. & served through the Revolutionary War. The petition is unaccompanied with evidence & was of course rejected. At that period there was an office called The Commissioner of Revolutionary Claims, to whom all such claims were referred. He reported upon the claim of John Proper & reports him entitled to Land Bounty - but he does not give the evidence upon which his report is made.
I find that the State Garrison Regiment was raised in 1778 under an Act of Assembly passed at the May

session of that year. The field & company officers were appointed by the Governor & Council; the field officers to be commissioned when called into duty and the company officers on raising their quotas in the usual manner.
I find by the Journal of the Executive of June 24 th 1778 that the Executive proceeded to appoint the officers for the S. G. Regiment when John Proffer and others were appointed to recruit sixteen men for Second Lieutenants and the Governor was advised to issue warrants upon the Treasurer in favour of the aforesaid gentlemen for their respective quotas for enlisting & recruiting service.
I have taken some pains in making this search & hope the links I have given you will enable you to make a chain to obtain what is due you.
For the search I am entitled to a fee of $1.50 and if you desire a formal certificate with extracts from the Journals a similar fee will be chargeable.
Very respectfully &c
George W. Munford Secy of the Court
George W. Korner Esq. Cannonburg Carter County Kentucky

Pension Office, May 25, 1857.
Sir,
If it were admitted that the John Poyer who was appointed, in 1778, to recruit for the Garrison Regiment of Virginia, was your wife's father - it would still remain to show how long and in what grade he served - But if it could be admitted that the claim was made out agreeably to the Regulations of the Pension Office, no allowance could now be made, as a question is pending as to the legality of the course heretofore pursued by this Office, in issuing Certificates of Pension to children of Revolutionary soldiers, And no such admission can be made until that question shall be settled.
G. W. Brown Esq Cannonburg Kentucky
Elizabeth Poyer Ms. A. 1. 38 Ky

Near Cannonburgh, Carter County Ky August 9 th 1857 —
Dear Sir - Trusting that the claims of the Heirs of John Propper will be allowed, and believing that I will be able to strengthen the evidence a little in reference to his discharge, as a Lieutenant, I have concluded to ask you to do me the favor to furnish me with such forms and instructions as will enable me to prove the Heirs of Mr. Propper. Some of the older children are dead and they left children who are their heirs at law. His Marriage we will not be able to prove, as I suppose, but we will have no difficulty in proving that Mr. & Mrs. Propper lived together as man and wife, raised a family, were entirely respectable, were worthy and consistent members of the Baptist church in Prince Williams Co. Ky. I have received from the Hon. George W. Munford, a most formal certificate of Mr. Propper's appointment and in the State Garrison Regiment of Va. which I intend to forward hereafter.
Your office kindly furnished me with the forms and instructions, and I thought I had

them. But, when I desired to use them I found that they lost or mislaid them - and I cannot find them. I will endeavour to be more careful in future.
Will you please inform me, when the question, as to the legality of the course pursued by your office, in issuing certificates to the children of Revolutionary soldiers will probably be settled.
I am Sir,
Very Respectfully Your obed. Servt.
George H. Kouns

Cannonburgh, Butler County Ky
April 27 th 1857
Sir
I forward a letter from the secretary of the State of Pa on the subject of the services of John Propper, the father of my wife, Elizabeth A. Propper. It proves there was two John Proppers. I do not know whether this State Garrison Regiment constituted part of the troops called "The Va State Line," or not. When I drafted my wife's declaration, I supposed the Va. troops generally were called the Va. Line, the Pa. troops the Pa. Line, &c. I now understand that the Va. Line probably consisted of regular troops under Genl. Washington, which troops, I had supposed were regular  Continental troops .
The first item of the account of Mr. Propper against Pa. in his own hand written and on file in the Pension Office, reads thus; "1/2 60. dollars Maria R. Propper for State G.R. £12 00 0." I presume the letters G.R. stand for Garrison Regiment. The account is dated Sept. 6 th 1778. He was commissioned on the 24 th June 1778 and entered on the recruiting service. The facts I trust will be sufficient to carry conviction to every mind that the John Propper who was commissioned as a Lieutenant on the 24 th June 1778 was the man who made out this account bearing date Sept. 6 th 1778. The Muster Rolls of the State Garrison Regiment, if on file in the Pension Office will prove the duration of Mr. Propper's services. The account too will probably shed some light on that subject. Under the £48 19.0 there is an item, not very legible, but which probably reads thus: "To expenses during the war 300 pounds." Or something to that effect. After I sent the account to the P.O. I asked for a copy and one was furnished, but it was not a full copy - that is, it did not notice this last item, which I think has a date to it. The account which is believed to have constituted the item of the account for 300 pounds was lost in the mails as heretofore explained. My wife was only about 12 years old when her father died. At the age of 23 she was married and separated from all the members of her father's family. It cannot

be expected that she would retain in her memory, very accurately, the history of conversations she had heard at an early age, on the subject of the military service of her father, performed before he was married, and between 20 and 30 years before she was born.
This claim would not probably have been presented, had not my wife returned the account filed as a memorandum of her father's last words, when I am about to send it to Illenon in 1892 or 93.
After the decision that the certificate of the death of the father of the claimant to some other John Phipps, I opened a correspondence with several persons who my wife supposed had probably conversed with her father in his life time, respecting his military service. One correspondent informed me that an obituary notice of Mr Phipps death from the pen of a Mr. John Shefford was published - perhaps in the National Intelligencer in 1815 - and his services in the War Line as Lt. & Capt. were eulogized. Another stated that he, in 1778, had raised a regiment for garrison duty, and he thought Mr P. had served in that regiment. His hint afforded a clue to the meaning of the letters G.S.R. in the account I opened a correspondence with the Secretary of State, and the enclosed letter has been received. I hope it will be sufficient to establish the claim.
I am Sir very respectfully Your obedt Servt George H. Rous

Cannonburgh, Carter County Ky October 25 th 1857
Sir - Under the decision of the Atty. Genl. I suppose it will be necessary for the Heirs of John Propper to make out a new declaration and set up claim for the half pay, land, &c. to which he was entitled by virtue of laws of Va. If such is the fact I will thank you to for- ward such forms and instructions as will enable me to set up claim in behalf of my wife and the balance of the Heirs of Mr. Propper for the land and pay due on account of his services as a Lieutenant in the the State Garrison Regiment of Va. during the war of the Revo- lution. We wish to set up claim for all to which the Heirs of Mr. Propper are entitled -
I will thank you to inform me how the Hon ble Secretary of the Interior has decided the question referred back to him by the Atty. General.
I am Sir
Very Respectfully Your obedt. Servt.
George W. Round
turn over 3

If the decision of the Secretary of the Interior is favourable to the right of the children or revolutionary officers and soldiers to draw the Pensions to which their parents were entitled, please forward the forms and instructions mentioned in my last letter.
G. M. Haines

Genl. D. Brown
Cannonsburg
Kentucky
Aug 27, 1857

Pension Office, August 27, 1857.
Sir:
In answer to your letter of the 9 th instant, relative to the claim for pension arrears of the children of Elizabeth Prosser, deceased, widow of John, of Kentucky, under the act of July 7, 1838, I have to inform you that the question of the right of children and grand-children to pension arrears is now before the Attorney General, for his opinion.
Until this question shall be decided it will be impracticable to give the instructions you desire.
Geo. W. Kouns, Esq., Cannonburg, Carbon Co., Kentucky.

Pension Office, November 12, 1857
Sir,
In reply to your letter of the 25 th ultimo, (in relation to the claim of the children of Elizabeth Prosser, widow of John for pension,) I have to state that the Secretary of the Interior has decided that unadjusted pension claims cannot be recovered after the death of the party to whom they might have been due and payable. The claim is therefore rejected.
The only law passed by the legislature of Virginia, granting half-pay to parties who served during the revolutionary war was the act of May 1779 - and the claims recognized by it are recoverable before this office under the act of July 5, 1832 - But this claim is not thus provided for - The claims embraced by the act of '32 are those of officers of the State line who for  actually served to the close of the war, or became supernumerary by the reduction of the battalions to which they

belonged = We have full returns of all the officers who served in the Garrison Regiment at the close of the war, or became supernumerary, and the John Prosser is not among them. There is nothing due his heirs, therefore, under these acts. —
Geo. W. Rouns Esq. Cannonsburgh, Carter Co. Kentucky.
Q Ms 12

Cannonsburgh Leaster County Ky November 29 th 1857
Sir I will thank you to furnish me a full and complete copy of John Propper's Account against the State of Virginia. Be particular about the dates. I want a copy of all that is legible. I asked for a copy before, but only received it in part. The item under the account for $45.19.0, and some dates were not given. That item reads, I think, as follows: "Go expenses during the war 300 pounds." If you desire it, I will forward the copy sent me, and you can see it is not a full copy.
I will thank you to furnish me a statement of all the evidence the Muster Rolls of the State Garrison Regiment afford of the services of John Propper as a Lieutenant in that Regiment. I do not think it just to pay arrears of pension to children and Grand children for twenty five years, and then cease the practice to the prejudice of a few remaining children, and I desire to appeal to Congress in behalf of the children of John Propper, and I trust that body will deem it just for the children of all the officers to fair alike.
You say, in your letter of the 12 th inst. "We have full Returns of all the officers who served in the Garrison Regiment to the close of the war, or become supernumerary, and John Propper is not among them. There is nothing due his heirs, therefore, under these acts." May I be permitted to enquire who made these full Returns of which you speak? Who had authority to make them? Who was capable of making them? Have these full Returns , ever before, been deemed sufficient to

conclude applicants? Has it not been the practice of the Pension Office for 25 years to allow claims for half pay, when satisfied that Service had been rendered, and whether the officers name had been returned or not, as having served? And did not that practice result from the mutilated and imperfect condition of the Records, Muster Rolls, Army Registers, &c. I was informed some twenty years ago, by our late and hero, the late Richard M. Johnson that the name of John P. Popen was not on the list of officers returned to the Pension Office - that the list was not full and complete - that if I could satisfy the pension office he had served, I could recover half pay, &c. Virginia, I think, never professed to have returned the names of all the officers who had served to the close of the war. I do not think she was capable, in 1832, or making such returns.
I am anxious to have an accurate copy of Mr. Popen's account of all that is on the paper. He appears to have served his country faithfully; expended his money in aid of the Revolutionary struggle; impaired his health; suffered a premature death and got nothing. The principal part of his advancements amount to about 10,000 dollars. He was not a man who would charge $300 pounds for expenses during the war, when he had not served here during the war. There are many old men still living, who stand as high for moral worth as any other man whatever, that will give him a very different character.
His commission, discharge and his two Accounts

against Ex, one of which is on file, were long preserved in his family, and they were frequently exhibited and used by Subhazut as a honorable passing, and I have been informed by another hand of his then, the facts can be proved. I intimated in a previous letter I could probably strengthen the evidence in regard to his discharge , and had the forms and instructions asked for been furnished, I would have taken repetitions to prove there had been a discharge, the nature of the last account, &c. and perhaps light would have been shed on the duration of his service —
Hitherto we have been compelled to grope our way in the midst of darkness; but light is begin- ning to shene forth. We have got on the true track of his services; that he served as stated by him, we have no doubt, and Ex. must have evidence of that service fact. We cannot consent to abandon this claim, in consequence of a decision we have every reason to believe is based on erroneous premises and conclusions. Can we have a re-hearing? Can we appeal from the decision rejecting our claim.
Yours Sir Very Respectfully Your Obedt. Servt. George W. Rowles

Star Furnace Ky Dec 14 Ms. A. 1. 1. 1538
The Commission of Delegates
Washington City (de of 6) Maile

Near Cannonburgh Carter County Ky December 7 th 1857
Sir - My correspondence with the Pension office, and with the Auditor and Secretary of the State of Virginia, about the claim of the heirs of John Propper has brought facts to light, which should have an important bearing in proving the defective nature of the Army Records, and the Returns made from them. They should, I think, be conclusive evidence that the list of officers returned in 1832, as having served to the close of the war, although probably correct as far as names , were never intended to operate as evidence against the claim of other officers, equally meritorious, but whose names were not returned. When my wife's declaration was filed, the Muster Rolls of the Va State Line were examined and I was officially informed by the Commissioner of Pensions that the name of John Propper was not upon them, " either as officer or soldier ." The Auditor of Va & the Secretary of that state could not find his name on the Muster Rolls of the Va. Line, or in the Army Register. (See their letters) But, it turned out that there was a man by the name of John Propper of Lancaster County Va who enlisted in the State Line of Va. and served until the close of the war. The petition of his children for a bounty land warrant was referred to the Commissioner of Revolutionary claims, and that officer made a favorable report in the case. Thus Va. adjudicated upon, and allowed pay for military services performed in her state line, when the name of the man for whose services it was allowed, was not on the Muster Rolls, or in the Army Register. It is true the Auditor styles this John Propper a Deaman ; but that was evidently a blunder of the Auditor.

The Secretary of State, Doyn; "He was a soldier in the state line of Va."
It has turned out too - that John Pipher of Northumberland County Va. (my wife's father) was appointed a Lieutenant in the State Garrison Regiment, (part of the Va. line) on the 24 th June 1778, that he entered on the discharge of his official duties that in 2 Months and 12 days after his appointment he had enlisted two men, for the very regiment in which he was  had been made a Lieutenant, and had taken them to Richmond. He was the only man by the name of John Pipher who was made a Lieutenant in that Regiment, and he served according to his account against Va. during the war, and at the end of the war Va. owed him $345-19-0, on account of these two recruits, the expenses of transporting them to Richmond, and for "expenses during the war." And yet his name is not on the Muster Rolls of the Va. line, or in the Army Register.
The pension office has heretofore assumed that the account of John Pipher against the state of Va. was for civil and not military service. But the usages of war would hardly be so greatly outraged as to have called in a civil officer to pay two new recruits 60 dollars, and then conduct them to the place where their services were needed. It is more probable that John Pipher, a military officer, recruited the men, paid them the 60 dollars mentioned in the first item of his account against Va. and which was part of their bounty, and then conducted them, at his own private expense, to Richmond, where their services were needed. But the fact that he was appointed a Lieutenant in the State Garrison Regiment, the very Regiment for which the

men were recruited, and sent out on the recruiting service only 2 months and 12 days before the date of his account & I think conclusive evidence that he recruited the men as a military officer, and that if his name is not on the military records, it ought to be there.
I am bound to conclude the facts the facts of this case have not had due consideration, and I trust you will reconsider it. It is impossible to resist the influence of the evidence which proves 1 st that Mr Proper was made a Lieutenant in the state Barron Regiment on the 24 th June 1778. 2 nd That he served his country in that office, and in that Regiment. 3 rd That he served, as stated by him, during the war. 4 th That he expended about $345.19-0 of private funds to promote the service of his country, which, with interest will amount to ten thousand dollars. 5 th That he got nothing but im- health and a broken constitution. thereby
—These facts, should, I think, induce you to liberal, clear fellows , and cause you to allow the claim, without further trouble or botheration about
I am Sir,
Very Respectfully
Your obt Servant
George W. Roring

Pension Office, December 24. 1859
Sir,
In reply to your letter of the 26 th November last and 7 th instant, I can only repeat that by decision of the Department no array of pension could be allowed the children of Elizabeth Prosser deceased even if the service of her husband should be proved. The claim for pension cannot therefore be entertained by this office.
As to the rights of the parties under act of July 5, 1832, for it is sufficient to say that no proof whatever exists of the service of Prosser as an officer in the Garrison Regiment to the close of the war, or that he became retired for it is as a supernumerary of that regiment. The rolls, to which I have referred, and upon which his name does not appear , were made up by a Board of officers specially appointed by the State to report the names of those entitled to half-pay. It sat immediately in on the 2 nd of February 1782, and on the 13 th April of the same year 1782. Besides, we have an authentic record of the condition of the regiment in 1782 = at a date anterior

& its reduction, and the names of the full complement of Lieutenants appointed thereon, all of whom were appointed in 1849. Proctor's name does not appear among them.
The documentary evidence in this office bearing upon the service in the Garrison Regiment, is voluminous, and incapable from its general character of being transcribed intelligently. Such portions, however, as may affect the present claim will be furnished by the office to a Committee of Congress should you refer the claim to that body.
Very respectfully,
G. W. Howards Esq. near Cannonburgh Carters Co. Kentucky

Near Cannonsburgh, Carter Co. Ky
December 28 th 1857
Sir - I desire to make some additional suggestions in relation to the "full returns of all the officers who served" , &c.
My wife's declaration was filed, and the account against Va. made part of it, under the advice of Mr. Waldo, a former comrade of Purvis. After it was filed, the Muster Rolls of the Va. Line were examined, and I was informed, by letter from Mr. Waldo, that Mr. Purvis name could not be found on them, either as officer or soldier. In his letter, however, he kindly added, "Perhaps the Auditor of Va. can furnish evidence of service". I have not his letter before me, but I think his language is quoted, correctly. Had he considered the list of officers returned, as conclusive evidence against the claim of those not returned; or had he believed Mr. Purvis did not serve, because his name was not on the but returned, or the military records, he would not have made a suggestion, the very object of which, was to direct my enquiries into a channel in which I could probably find evidence of his service, outside of that list, and outside of the military records. It was his suggestion which caused me to address the Auditor, and procure the certificate respecting the settlement with John Purvis, a seaman , &c.
In my letter to the Secretary of Va. I informed him that Mr. Purvis name was not on the list of officers, the Muster Rolls, or the Va. Line; or the Army Register, and I stated to him my correspondence with Col. Johnson, and copied, verbatim, the first item of the account against Va. In reply, he sent me evidence from the Executive Journal, that Mr. Purvis was commissioned as a Lieutenant, in the 11 th State Garrison Regiment of Va. on the 28 th June 1778, the very Regiment for which he had recruited the men taken to Richmond, and for which his account has been made out. But the Secretary, who & understand

is a very profound lawyer, instead of considering the list of officers returned and the military records as evidence that Mr. P. Spen had not served, kindly says: "From the links I have furnished, I hope you will be able to make out a chain which will enable you to get what is due you". I quote from memory; his letter is in the Pension Office.
Mr. P. Spen has a discharge, as etc. a fact which is susceptible of proof - for his commission, his discharge and his two accounts against him were frequently exhibited to others. Had he resigned his office before the war ended, it is not likely, judging from the usages of war, he would have had a discharge. The elder members of the family say he was in the Army about 5 Years. It appears from the executive Journal he was commissioned on the 24 th June 1778, and the war ended in 1783. In his account he charges for, " expenses during the war ", 300 pounds!
I take it for granted, that if I can satisfy you, without leaving rational doubts on your mind, that Mr. P. Spen served during the war , that I have established the claim. And now I ask, do not the facts in this case, create such a strong presumption that he served during the war , as to make it extremely hard for the mind to arrive at any other conclusion. And when we reflect that he served his country without pay, and furnished means to pay his own expenses during the war, and means to pay expenses of the man he took to Richmond amounting in all to 345 pounds, and 19 shillings, and that too, in the days which tried men's souls, does it not become the duty of those who administer the government, to see that justice is done his chief even, even at this late period.
I am Sir
Very Respectfully
Your Obt. Servt.
George W. Rogers

Near Cannonburgh Carter County Ky February 7 th 1858
Sir
I take it for granted that you are not opposed to the establishment of the claim of the Heirs of John Propper, and that you will afford all reasonable facilities for that purpose; and as it will be important for me, in the preparation of a petition to Congress, and in having further investigations made in Va. for evidence of his services, to know what can be proved by the Military Records, I take the liberty of requesting you to inform me, whether the Muster Rolls of the Garrison Regiment show that Mr. Propper served in it, either as Lieutenant or Captain, at any time between the 21 st June 1778, and the end of the war; and if he did, how long did he serve in that Regiment.
Mr. Walds informed me, his name could not be found on the Muster Rolls of the Va. Line, as officer or soldier; but that was before we obtained an index to his services, by discovering when and in what Regiment he had been commissioned.
You say, in your letter of the 24 th Dec r last "No proof whatever exists of the services of Propper as an officer in the Garrison Regiment to the close of the war , or that he retired from it as supernumerary." Did he serve in that Regiment at any time in the war?
Again you say, "The Rolls of that Regiment to which I have referred, and upon which his name does not appear , were made up by a Board of Officers specially appointed by the state to report the names of those entitled to half pay. It is at on the 2 a February 1782, and on the 13 th April of the same year." Perhaps the name of Mr. Propper was not reported by that Board of Officers because the Muster Rolls did not show whether he had served or not. You say, "The documentary evidence in this office bearing on the service in the Garrison Regiment is voluminous, and

incapable, from its character of being transcribed, intelligently." As I stated in a former letter, Col. Johnson informed me some twenty years ago that Mr. Popen's name had not been returned or reported, owing to the condition of the military friends, but if his services could be proved, that pay could be recovered, and I would be glad to have a copy of the Report of the Board of officers appointed to report the names of those entitled to half-pay; and if it is too lengthy to justify a copy, I will thank you for a copy of any statement in it, respecting the condition of the Muster Rolls, Army Register, &c.
Again you say. "We have an authentic record of the condition of the Regiment in 1782 - at a date anterior to its reduction, and the names of the full complement of Lieutenants appear thereon, all of whom were appointed in 1779. Popen's name is not among them." Does this authentic record of the condition of the Regiment in 1782, consist of the Muster Rolls of the Regiment in that year? If it does not, I will thank you to inform me its character, and how many were the full complement of Lieutenants.
You will readily perceive, I think, that the information asked for, will be necessary, both in the preparation of a petition to Congress and in making further investigation in Va.
I desire that search be made for evidence of Mr. Popen's services in a different direction. On the 28 th November 1779, the governor of Va. transmitted to General Washington some recruiting commissions, to be put into such hands as he might think proper, for re-enlisting such of the soldiery as had not already engaged for the war. Perhaps Mr. Popen might have received one of those commissions in 1779 and passed into a different corps. See Eff. Corr. Vol. 1 st page 170. I suppose Genl. W. made report, appointed officers of Review, &c. and if a copy of his report can be found, it will probably show the names of the

persons he selected to re-enlist soldiers etc. I hope you will see the importance of the information I desire and will cause it to be furnished as soon as convenient. The military records, the evidence of the service of our ancestors are in your possession, and we cannot have access to them, without troubling you to some extent.
I am Sir
Very Respectfully
Your obed Servt
George W. Kouns
I find I am not the only person opposed to the late technical decision of the Secretary which has changed the policy of the government for a quarter of a century, and checked the flow of the national gratitude to objects most worthy. The Ky. Legislature passed resolutions against it, by a unanimous vote.

J. W. Rowns, Mh. 19.
U

Pension Office, March 19, 1838.
Sir.
In reply to your note of the 7 th ultimo, I have to state that all the lists of officers of the Virginia State line on file in this office were obtained from the Auditor of Public accounts at Richmond, who probably may have documents relating thereto copies of which are not in our possession. In addition to what I stated in my letter of the 24 th December last, I can only say that the only  evidence we have that John Prasser was ever connected with at all with the Garrison regiment in any capacity, is that furnished by the friend Claumants themselves. I repeat that the "rolls" of the Garrison regiment in this office to which reference has been made, consist mostly of an abstract of the condition of the regiment made up by the Col. and Q.M. (Masters), and a list of the officers of said regiment entitled to half pay made by a Board in the same year. For the evidence upon which the Board decided who were so entitled, application should be made to

the authorities of Virginia, who might also afford you the information you request as to the Commissions issued in blank to General Washington by the Governor of that State.
I am, 8c
J. W. Horns,
Mch. 19.
J. W. Horns Esqr Near Cannonburgh Carter Co Kentucky.

15. 251
Elizabeth Prover John Kentucky
8500

House of Representatives
March 23rd 1858
George C. Whiting Esq. Dear Sir:
I enclose, herewith, a letter from George W. Konner of Hart Co Ky, in reference to a claim of the heirs of John Prosser. I am aware that if the claim be for pension, it cannot under the decision of the Attorney Genl, be paid. Will you please give me a statement of the case so that I may enclose it to Mr Konner. Return his letter to me.
I am Very Respectfully Your Obedt Servt John C Mason for Markland

0 Mh. 27.

Pension Office, March 27, 1858.
Sir,
In response to the enclosed letter of Mr. G. W. Brown, I have the honor to state that the condition of the claim of Elizabeth Prosser deceased has frequently been stated to him; and that a letter has been addressed to him subsequently to the date of his letter to you - namely on the 18 th of the present month. It may be remarked  stated , briefly, however, that under no circumstances could any of pension be now recovered, in view of the late decision of the Department, Mrs. Prosser being dead - and that her husband was not as supernumerary an officer of the Virginia State line, nor did he serve in that line at the close of the war, if, indeed, he ever belonged to it at all. There could be nothing due, therefore, under act of July 5, 1832. The Office has never been in doubt in respect to as to this claim, as your correspondent seems to think.
Mrs. John C. Mason Pursu of this

White Salmon, Wash. August 16th 1936.
Bureau of Pensions, Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:-
Do you have a record where a John Prosser , a Revolutionary War soldier, received a pension or made application for a pension? Or, did his widow, Elizabeth Apperson Prosser make application or received a pension? John Prosser was a Virginia soldier and some time after the war moved to western Virginia which later became West Virginia. I am trying to get some data that my wife and daughter might become members of the D A R. Elizabeth Apperson Prosser was born in 1764 and died August 5th 1838. I dont have the years of birth and death of John Prosser.
I shall be pleased to hear from you.
Very truly yours
J. P. Tonsfeldt J. P. Tonsfeldt

Near Cannonsburgh Carbon County Ky
September 12 th 1855
Sir
In the case of the application of Elizabeth A. Hopper, one of the children of Elizabeth Hopper deceased for pension on account of the Revolutionary Services of John Hopper, her father, She desires that the Navy Rolls of Virginia, if in existence, may be examined for the name of her father. She believes her father served about three years in the service of Virginia, during the war of the Revolution. She believes too, he served as lieutenant and captain. She does not suppose the term Seaman used in the certificate of the Auditor of Va, and which may mean a common sailor, a lieutenant, a captain, or a boomsman, &c. determines any thing in reference to the grade in which her father served; neither does she suppose she will be required to prove that the certificate in question does not refer to some other man of the same name. The Navy of Va. was but limited, her coast was usually under blockade, and the duty of her seamen, consisted I apprehend, principally, in guarding the coast. Mr Hopper resided in Westmoreland, which is bounded partly by the Potomac, the Chesapeake Bay, and the Rappahannock River, and it is probable that guarding the coast was the service in which he was engaged, and if the records of that service exist perhaps they will prove the grade in which his services were rendered.
The amount due Mr. Hopper, as stated in the certificate of the Auditor of Va. is $48. 16-6 only $2. 17-6 more than the account in his own hand write, against the state of Va. which is of file, and it is that without including items manifestly obliterated by the hand of time. The first item in Mr. Hopper's account, is sixty dollars paid 2000 units for state service . He probably received his monthly pay through the medium of a privateer or paymaster, I think it probably it was the identical account filed, which was audited, and set forth in the certificate, and this is an additional reason for having the Rolls examined.

After Mr. Roper came out of the service, he was called "Captain Roper." The tradition of the family is, that he was commissioned a both a lieutenant and captain. I understand that it was generally understood among the people who used near him, in the county of Prince William that he had been an officer in the service of the war of the Revolution, and I desire to be informed, whether proof of the fact, that it was generally believed he had served as an officer will avail any thing, in case it is made? I am a farmer, and do not understand what effect such evidence would have, and I wish to establish this claim with as little expense as possible - for while some of the heirs of Mr. Roper are quite wealthy, others are poor; and I cannot suppose there will be any impropriety in giving me this information. If there is, I desire it may be withheld.
I am Sir
Respectfully Yours &c. George W. Koring
The lawyers only visit our county during the sitting of our circuit courts - but our county is destitute of them, usually, at any other time.

Winnipeg Ky April
Elizabeth Pugh John Ky - Nov 1838
The Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
Maile }
(de 26)
Large decorative letter K

Cannonsburgh Carter County Ky March 30 th 1855
Sir.
Enclosed you will find a declaration, subscribed and sworn to, by Mr. Horns, who is one of the children of John Propper deceased. I shall now wait for such information as the Muster Rolls of the Virginia Line may afford on the subject of Mr. Propper's services. In one of your former letters you stated that when a declaration was filed the Muster Rolls, should be examined, and I should have the benefit of any information they would afford. I cannot resist the conclusion, from all I have seen and heard, that Mr. Propper was an officer in the Virginia Line, during the Revolutionary war, and I hope and trust that the Muster Rolls will shed some light on the subject. His children, all of whom were born, after the close of the war (indeed he was married after its termination) may possibly be mistaken as to his grade of officer, perhaps he was Captain or Ensign. But all concur in the understanding that he entered the service Lieutenant and served as Captain. I will receive, with pleasure and gratitude, any suggestion you may see proper to make in reference to this claim, provided you think Mr. Propper's children are entitled to any thing.
I am Sir
Very Respectfully, yours truly
George W. Horns

Wamnonsburgh, Coaster County Ky August 7 th 1855
Sir - I forward the certificate of the Auditor of Va who certifies to a settlement on the 2 nd Oct 1784 with John Propper, a Seaman, and that evidence of the indebtedness of the state to him for the sum of £48. 16. 6 d was delivered to Joshua Singleton. As the name of but one John Propper can be found, and as the amount due him from Va. corresponds very nearly with the amount claimed by him in his account on file in the Pension Office, I suppose this John Propper was the father of my wife. He resided in Northumberland county, which borders on the Potomac, and extends nearly down to the Chesapeake Bay, and he may have had experience as a Sailor and served in that capacity. But my wife does not recollect of hearing that her father had served as a Seaman. Since the receipt of the Auditor's letter she has reflected on the subject, and thinks she has heard that at first he was forced into the service, and often words commiserated as Seaman. Her recollection, however, on the subject of what she heard about his being forced into the service is very indistinct. She was only 12 years old when her father died. His revolutionary services were performed before he was married, which took place in 1784. The incidents of the war had probably ceased to be matter of much interest and conversation in the family before her intellectual faculties had ripened into sufficient maturity to enable her to recollect the substance of any conversation she might have heard about his services. Her father died in 1815. Her oldest sister died the same year, and in the fall of 1815 the family moved to Mason, a great distance from the residence of persons who would be likely to know anything about her father's services. One of her oldest brothers died, and the other moved to Ripley, when she was young. These were the members of the family who would be most likely to recollect the particulars of their father's

life. My wife does not recollect that she ever heard where her father and Mother were married. She had no knowledge of her Mother's relations, except two of her Brothers, and one lived in Frederick county, Va. and the other in the state of North Carolina. If the certificate of the Auditor will be sufficient to prove the service of Mr. Piper as Seaman, I will proceed to prove 1 st Mr. & marriage and 2 d Mr. heirs. I will have no difficulty in proving that Mr. & Mrs. Piper lived together as man and wife, that they were united, married, that they raised a family of children without any imputation of their not being married, that they belonged to the highest circles of society in the West, &c. and I will be glad to be informed whether such evidence will answer or not.
My agricultural engagements have been such, that I have not been able to attend to taking evidence in support of the right of Mr. Piper's widow and children to compensation on account of his services as an officer, which I expect to find time to do, this fall.
Please to accept my sincere thanks for the information you were kind enough to make in your letter of the 20 th of April last and which caused me to address the Auditor of Va. for evidence of Mr. Piper's services. I am Sir
Very Respectfully Yours &c
Geo. W. Koren

Dear Cannonburgh, Carter County Ky. June 21st 1856
Sir,
The last Mail brought me a letter from my brother in law, Mr. Proper of Jacksonville stating that he had ascertained (from the pension office and suppose) that his father John Proper had enlisted in May 1861 and served five years, that his bounty, Band, pension, &c. was ready for him when proper application is made, that all the heirs must unite in a petition for that purpose. If that is the fact I will thank you to furnish me the necessary forms and instructions to enable me to prepare the case, which the heirs deserve me to do.
The children of Wm. M. Proper, eldest son of John Proper reside in Missouri. The children of John H. Proper, second son of John Proper reside in Illinois. The children of M. M. Proper, formerly M. M. Proper, and the youngest daughter of John Proper reside, two or three in St. Louis and one, perhaps, in California. The other children of John Proper are still living.
My letters from the Pension Office assure me that the name of John Proper could not be found on the Muster Rolls of the Va. Line, either as officer or soldier. My letter from the Auditor of Va. is to the same effect If now, it has been found, it follows, that before it was overlooked. Under these circumstances I hope you will cause a more thorough and diligent search for his name as Lieutenant in the Va. Line, for I cannot resist the conclusion that he was promoted to that office, that he was sent into the county of Prince William as a recruiting officer where he formed an attachment for my Mother in law, and after the war closed, he located in that county, embarked in Mercantile pursuits, and was married in 1864.
The amount of John Proper's account against the state of Va. is very near the amount due him as indicated in the certificate of the Auditor of Va. They all on file in your office in the case of Elizabeth A. Korum, who is one of his children, perhaps that was the identical account allowed. The first item is for $60 paid two recruits for state. This indicates that he was an officer. Notwith-

Standing the term Seaman is used in the certificate of the Auditor. I discover from the copy which you were kind enough to forward me that the Auditor settled with him, under and by virtue of an act of the Legislature of Va, directing the Auditor to settle with the officers and soldiers of the Virginia State Line , and grant them certificates for the balance of their pay. &c. It follows then, that the John Patten with whom that settlement was made, was an officer or soldier of the Va. Line, the term Seaman to the contrary notwithstanding. When I opened correspondence with the Pension Office on the subject of this claim I expected to prove his services by an old soldier who is on the Pension List, and who told me he knew my father-in-law, had served with him, &c. but after I got forms and instructions he became childish with old age, and I could get nothing from him of a satisfactory nature. I now despair of being able to make proof of his services, and that is an additional reason for urging a thorough search of the records.
I understand from a letter from Mr. H. Brooks of Charlottesville Va. who lived in my father-in-law's family about 2 years, that Joshua Langston, to whom the evidence of the indebtedness of the state of Va. to John Patten was delivered, was the friend and assignee of Mary Patten. This is an additional reason for supposing the certificate refers to him and not to some other man of the same name. There is a very old and respectable lady in Prince William who lived neighbor to Mr. Patten, by the name of Mary Oden, who always understood he had been an officer in the Indian, I understand that an obituary notice of Mr. Patten's death was published in the National Intelligencer, in 1815, in which his services as Lieutenant in the Va. Line are spoken of in respectful terms. I do not complain, clerks and others have doubtless done that appeared to them their duty; but as Mr. Patten's name could not be found before & is now found as a soldier, I trust it will hereafter be found as an officer.
I am Sir
Very Respectfully Yours truly George W. Korns

General Store St. Lawrence Island

The Commonwealth of Kentucky, Tracy constable of Green County Great District: You are hereby commanded to summon In clear Robins to appear before me or some other justice of the peace at the house of said hostile at the mouth of Big Sandy in Green Co on the day of Sept 1834 to answer the complaint of George W. Doyne of a plea of assumpsit by account over five pounds and not returning fifth Ballas. And this you shall in no wise omit under the penalty of the law. Given under my hand this 14th day of Sept. 1834 Tracy

Prosser, John Va. R 8500
0. 048 '08. 11. 94. 81. 977
Prosser, John Va. R 8500

The Commonwealth of Virginia To John Raper Dr.
Sept 6 1778
To 60 Dollars for 2 Regiments for Sta. 9. B. 12.00 Decem 26 To expenses Brng Brown L. Burrito To 3 gills rum at the or. ordinary at 4/ — 0. 12.0 To Dinner at Farmer's Church at 2/ — 4. 4.00 To 3 linages at B.C. at 3/ each — 0. 9.0 Jan 27. To Breakfast at Do. 8/ each — 1. 4.0 To hors. employ'd on acct. bad weather 20 Dollars — 9. 0.0 To 3 gills rum at 4/ — 0. 12.0 To Do. 2 at 5/ — 10/ — 0. 10.0
To Dinner at King's — — — — — 0. 12.0 To forrage for horse — — — — — 0. 12.0 To forrage at Hanesville 2/ — — — 0. 2.0 28 To Breakfast at Do. at 9/ — — — 1. 7.0 To forther 4/6 1/2 gallon corn 4/ — — 0. 10.6 To 8 gills rum at 5/ To forrage at Aug. 2/ — 0. 17.0 To Dinner at Thanks at 10/ — — — 1. 10.0 To oats 4/ forther 6/6 — — — — 0. 10.6
29 To Breakfast at Do. at 10/ — — — 1. 10.0 To 2 gills rum at 5/ — — — — 0. 10.0 To 1 Gallon oats 4/ — — — — — 0. 4.0 To Do. at Allens at 10/ — — — — 1. 10.0 To 12 bundles forther at 1/ — — — 0. 12.0 To 1. Gallon corn 8/ — — — — — 0. 8.0 To stable at 4/ — — — — — 0. 7.0 30 To 3 gills rum at 5/ — — — — 0. 15.0 To 3 Breakfast at 4/ — — — — 1. 12.0 0 45 17.0
Jan 1779 To 200 Dollars for the war 270. 0. 0