Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 31,554, William Black, Penn.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Penn.
Black, William
S. 31,554
CONTENTS
Res. 21

Arkansas 655 5
Alabama
William Black
of Lincoln in the State of Alabama who was a Pri. Chap in the Confed. commanded by Captain Powers of the Regt commanded by Col. Watt in the Pennsylvania line for 16 months' length.
2 " a Pico
Inscribed on the Roll of Alabama at the rate of 326 Dollars 66 Cents per annum. to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 1 st day of March 1833 and sent to Mr. C.B. Clay No. of R.
Arrears to the 4th of Apr. 1832 $189.99 Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 th Mo. 33 163.33
$653.32
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Book
Vol.
Page
Clerk
see letter to A.M. Oakley, Sept. 18. 1834
see cir. Tr. Mar. 13. 1835
Transferred to Arkansas from 4 th Sept. 1834 - Apr. 15. 1835.
Susp 2 see letter 5 Feb. 1836 to Ark. P. Agt. do. to A.M. Oakley March 3. 1836 - order to pay, Nov. 21. 1836 - do. to P. Ag. Sept. 12. 1838 -
Letter to Hon. E. Crops 6 Dec. 1843 for Annu.
Paid at the Treasury under the Act of 6. April 1838 from 4 th March to 4. Sep 1842. Agents Notified 12. April 1844

The State of Alabama Limestone County 3 rd
On this 10 th day of December 1832 personally appeared in open court, before the County Court of the County aforesaid now sitting William Black a resident in the County of Limestone State of Alabama aged Seventy Eight Years, who being first duly sworn according to Law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7 1832 - That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated -
That as well as he recollects about the first of November 1776 the company of the Militia of the State of Pennsylvania, which he himself commanded as Captain was drafted into the service of the United States that Frederick Watt was the Colonel who commanded the Regiment to which said Company belonged David Mitchell was the Major, that he was immediately marched with said Regiment & joined the army under the command of General Putnam at Princeton in the State of New Jersey - that he was marched under Putnam & had a skirmish with the enemy at Red Bank fort house from there marched back to Princeton, & was stationed some short time at Kingston that he served as Captain as aforesaid, under that part of the army commanded by Genl Putnam & which mostly engaged in the State of New Jersey until he was discharged about the first of April 1777 - That in the summer of 1777 he was marched from Cumberland County the place of his residence, with the Company of the Militia under his command aforesaid, up the west branch of the Susquehanna against the Indians, that there were no Regimental or Field officers who accompanied this Expedition, the object of which was to guard the

Frontier. That he was marched to several points near said river but was mostly stationed at Fort Mifflin. That he served two months on this campaign - That in the latter part of 1777 or part of '78 he marched with a volunteer company of said militia under his command as captain in the Regiment commanded by David Mitchell as Colonel & William Vansdersan as Major - That General Potter commanded the division of the army to which he belonged, that they met at the battle fought by said troops at White Marsh, & did service with said troops in marching in the state of Pennsylvania, that he served two months on this campaign which was the term for which he volunteered That in August 1778 he was again drafted into service with the said company of militia under his command & marched along the west branch to the north branch of the Susquehanna That he was stationed at the mouth of Big Fishing creek opposite to Fort Perkins. The object of this service was to guard the frontier against the Indians He served two months on this campaign. There were no field officers on this division, but the different companies were stationed by Colonel Laurens Hunter.
That again in 1779. he served two months as Captain of Volunteers who were marched under his command up the West Branch of the Susquehanna & were stationed part of the time at the Big Island & a part of the time at Fort Belply - There were no Regimental or Field officers attending the campaigns who were marched on this service against the Indians, but that said campaigns were stationed by General Potter.
That in the same year he went as a private as a volunteer on a service of two months in the company commanded by Captain James Powell, against the Indians up the West Branch of the Susquehanna, at which time Fort Mifflin was taken by the Indians - That in the latter part of 1779 - he again commanded a company of said militia, who were drafted & was marched up the West Branch of the Susquehanna & stationed for the term of two months, the time for which he was drafted

at Penn's Valley. That there were British & Tories who fought with the Indians, in this line all the campaigns above mentioned, in which he marched to guard the frontiers. That he served as aforesaid seventeen months as a Captain of the Militia of the Cumberland County State of Pennsylvania. Two months as a private. That he can not be positive as to the dates of the several campaigns, but knows that he served the time he has stated.
That he was born the 18th July 1755 in the County of Lancaster State of Pennsylvania, that he has the record of his age taken from his father's family Bible. He lived in the County of Cumberland at the several dates when he entered into service as aforesaid, in the manner above stated. That he personally knew Generals Washington Putnam, Belane other as in any others.
That he received a Commission as Captain as aforesaid in the year 1776, which he has long since lost, & can not now state by whom it was signed.
That he has no documentary evidence of his service. That the affidavits of Captain Jonathan Robinson & James Officer are the only proofs he can now procure of his said service. That he lived in said Cumberland County until 1784 when he moved to Washington County North Carolina thence in 1804 he moved to Knox County Tennessee thence he moved to Madison County Alabama & in 1818 he moved into said County of Limestone where he has lived ever since State residence.
He hereby relinquishes every claim 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. That Robert Malone & Thomas Mucklin two of his neighbors will testify as to his character for veracity & as to their belief of his services as a revolutionary soldier. Subscribed & sworn to the day & year aforesaid Robert Austin for CC 1825
Wm Black

We Robert Donnell a clergyman residing in the county of Limestone State of Alabama and Thomas Macklin residing in the same county hereby certify that we are well acquainted with William Black who has subscribed hereto the above declaration that he believes him to be seventy eight years of age, that he is respected & beloved in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution & that we concur in that opinion
Subscribed hereto to the day of year of our Lord Robert Austin Jr CLK
Robert Donnell Thomas Macklin
C. C. Chan.
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories presented by the War Department, that the above mentioned applicant was a revolutionary soldier & served as he states. And the Court further certifies that it appears to them that Robert Donnell who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman residing in said county of Limestone and that Thomas Macklin who has also signed the same is a resident of said county of Limestone & is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit
I Robert Austin Jr clerk of the County Court in & for the County of Limestone State of Alabama, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of William Black for a pension
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 11th day of December 1832 and of American Independence the 57th
Robert Austin Jr CLK
The State of Alabama Limestone County ss
I George M. Lane Judge of the County Court of the County of Limestone State of Alabama do hereby certify that Robert Austin Jr whose name is subscribed to the certificate was at the time of subscribing the same clerk of the Court aforesaid that his said certificate is in due form of law given under my hand seal this 11th December 1832
Geo M Lane

of your brother's of the same 1839
in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty nine the 18th day of March
to the Hon. the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives of the United States I have the honor to submit the following resolutions

Territory of Arkansas } County of Hempstead } p
On this twenty second day of October 1834 before me, the Subscribed Justice of the peace for the said county of Hempstead personally appeared William Black who on his oath declared that he is the same person who formerly belonged to the company commanded by Capt James Paine, that he commanded a company himself in the Regiment commanded by Col Samuel Hunter and that he was captain under other officers in the service of the United States that his name was placed on the pension roll of the state of Alabama from whence he has lately removed, that he now resides in the Territory of Arkansas where he intends to remain, and wishes his pension to be there payable in future. The following are his reasons for removing from Alabama to Arkansas. That he had no land in Alabama, and that he thought he could get land cheaper in Arkansas, and that he had a brother who resided and still resides in Arkansas, and that he was poor, and believed he could do better in Arkansas than in the state of Alabama, and

that he had a son who resided and still resides in said Territory
Wm Black
Sworn & subscribed to before me the day and year aforesaid.
Abraham Mading C. J.
And on the same day Patrick Landefer appeared before the subscribing Justice of the peace for the county and Territory aforesaid, who in his oath declares that William Black as aforesaid is the person described in the affidavit, and that he was well acquainted with him in the State of Alabama Patrick Landefer Sworn and subscribed
to before me the day and year aforesaid.
Abraham Mading C. J.
I Abraham Mading a Magistrate as aforesaid certify that Patrick Landefer the above named witness is a person of veracity.
Abraham Mading C. J.

I Allen. M. Oakley clerk of the circuit court of Kempstead county certify that Abraham Mading is a magistrate as above and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my seal of office and subscribed my name this twenty second day of October in the year of our Lord 1836.
Allen. M. Oakley of the circuit court of Kempstead county

August 22, 1930
Rev.& 1812 Wars Section MCS:MLB OW
Mrs. Henry Haviland King 608 Conley Avenue Columbia, Missouri
Dear Madam:
You are advised that it appears from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 31554, that William Black was born July 18, 1755, in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.
While a resident of Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, he was commissioned captain of a company of Pennsylvania militia, in 1776, and served with the Pennsylvania troops, as follows:
From about the first of November, 1776, until about the first of April, 1777, as captain in Colonel Frederick Watt's Regiment, was in a skirmish at Sunbury.
In the summer of 1777, two months as captain, was engaged in guarding the frontier.
From sometime late in 1777, two months as captain in Colonel David Mitchell's Regiment, and was in the battle of White Marsh.
From August, 1778, two months as captain under Colonel Samuel Hunter and was engaged in guarding the frontier.
In 1779, two months as captain and served in campaign against the Indians.
In 1779, two months as private in Captain James Powers' Company.
From sometime late in 1779, two months as captain and was engaged in guarding the frontier.

He moved to Washington County, North Carolina in 1784; to Knox County, North Carolina in 1804; from there to Madison County, Alabama, and in 1819 to Limestone County, Alabama.
He was allowed pension on his application executed December 10, 1832, at which time he was a resident of Limestone County, Alabama.
He moved to Hempstead County, Territory of Arkansas, in 1834. In that year, he stated that he had a brother and son who were living in the Territory of Arkansas.
There are no further data relative to family.
Very truly yours
E. W. MORGAN Acting Commissioner

To what time was Wm. Black, act June 1832, paid, at the Alabama Agency?
Mar 35
and to what time at the Arkansas Agency, where he was transferred?
J L Edwards 21 Nov. 1836
Paid to 4th. March 1835 at Decatur - Ala. + 12 mos to 4 Sep. '35 at Ark: - Note on the books of this office - The semi-annual payt. due to 4 March 1836, is directed by the Comt. of Pensions to be stopped the said Black having recd. a semi-annual payment due up to 4 March 1835 at 2 agencies - viz at Decatur Ala. & at Arkansas. 3 d Audt. Office 21 Nov. 1836 A. Hyde

22. 10m Black app n for H. H. 10m Black Cor. L Allen M. Oakley Hempstead C.H. Arkansas Ter. Banta
Edward's Ferry corner of Virginia Washington City And. Dec. 18. 1834
FREE

Memphis Tenn. P. M. Arkansas Territory 24th October 1834.
Sir,
Yours of the 18th September is received. You herewith have the affidavit of William Black who wishes to have his pension payable in Arkansas.
If you please Sir, make the necessary arrangement so as to have his pension paid by the agent in Arkansas. He has not drawn any money since the 4th Sept r 1833. Let me hear from you soon.
I have the Honor to be your most ob dt humble Servant
Allen M. Oakley
J. L. Edwards Esq r

J. L. Edwards, Esq. Pension Agent, Washington City.

Pension Agency Office,
Little Rock, Ark. Terr.
28 Aug. 1834.
Sir,
I herewith enclose a letter from William Black, addressed to the Secretary of War, requesting that the payment of his Pension may be transferred from the Agency at Mobile, Ala. to this Agency, together with the deposition of said Black, as to his identity. — I will merely remark, that I have personal no knowledge of the Pensioner, but, from the representations of the gentleman who handed the papers to me, I have no doubt of his being the identical person named in the Pension certificate.
As Mr. Black resides near 100 miles from any post office, you will please address any communications for him, to the "Care of Allen M. Oakley, Esq. Hampstead B.H., Ark. Terr. "
Respectfully,
Yrs. ob't serv't
J. L. Edwards, Esq. Washington City
Thos. S. Woodruff, Agt.

State of Kentucky Scott County Set -
Jonathan Robinson a citizen of the County and State of said State that he is well acquainted with William Black who now resides in the County of Linnstrom and State of Alabama. That the said William Black was born in Cumberland County State of Pennsylvania and remained a citizen and resident of said County and State during and until after the War of the Revolution - " -
That the said William Black he well knows was a Captain of the Militia of Pennsylvania and served as such in the said War of the Revolution but how often the said Black was out on Actual Service he cannot state - for then than two times - That said Black rendered one term of service against the British in the latter part of 1776 & beginning of 1777 - as well as this deponent recollects he was called into service in Novr. 1776 and served until March or April 1777. That said Black marched from Shermans Valley in Pennsylvania to Princeton New Jersey. That this deponent served as a Captain in the same Regiment with said Black during said term of service - That their field Officers were Col. Frederick Wats - Maj. David Mitchell & Genl. Putnam That although this deponent well recollects the term of service

of yet he hesitates as to the date and is not certain but that they were called into service in Nov 1775 and service include March or April 1776 - That the other term of service which he recollects of as having been rendered by said Black was in the year 1777. or 1778. That in one of said years the said Black commanded a Company which were called into service upon an Expedition against the Indians upon the West branch of the Susquehannah River - That it is strongly  the impression of this deponent that said William Black served several other terms of duty during said War of the Revolution but he cannot recollect them so as to speak of them distinctly. This deponent states that he recollects that a man by the name of David Logan who died in the County and State in which he now resides some years past was a Lieutenant in the Company of said Black during some of his terms of service but which he cannot say - This deponent is now in the Eighty first year of his age - Signed and sealed this 17 th day of September in the year 1832 - " " " " " " " " " "
State of Kentucky
Jonathan Robinson
Scott County Ky
September Court 1832
This day Jonathan Robinson personally appeared in Court and made Oath that the facts contained in the Annexed affidavit were true. the said Jonathan Robinson being well known to the Court. which is ordered to be certified.
State of Kentucky
Scott County Ky.
D. J. Ben B. Forster
Clerk of the Court. for the County aforesaid do certify that the foregoing order of Court concerning the affidavit of Jonathan Robinson is fully and correctly transcribed from the Records as they remain in my office
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and caused the seal of my said office to be hereunto affixed in Georgetown the 25 th September 1832 and 48 th year of the Commonwealth
D. J. Ben B. Forster

State of Kentucky Scott County Set - " 5 " -
I James Officer aged twenty two years past in Feby last a citizen and resident of Scott County State of Kentucky States that he is well acquainted with Captain William Black whom he is informed and believes now resides in Livingston County State of Alabama - That the said William Black and this deponent both resided in Cumberland County State of Pennsylvania during the whole of the War of the Revolution - That this deponent knows that the said William Black was the Captain of a Company in the Militia of Pennsylvania during the said War of the Revolution and served as such but how often he cannot state. Nor does he know of his own knowledge except one time when this deponent served under him - That the time of was in 1777 or 1778 he thinks the latter year - That they were called into service in the latter part of August that they rendezvoused at the farm of John Black in Cumberland County Pennsylv- ania and marched from thence up the Kishakankillies about 60 miles. Thence up the West Branch of the Susquehanna River down 15 miles from thence across the wilderness to the North Branch of the Susquehanna. & from thence to the town of Northumberland. That at this place

Capt Black's Company was divided one half under the Command of David Logan the lieutenant was sent to Fort Rice - & the other half under Capt Black himself was sent up the North Branch of the Sun gun-hanna - That the above expedition was after the Indians & British and as well as he collects they were out about two months - Signed and dated this 17 th Sept 1832
James Officer Saab
State of Kentucky
Scott County ss. September 17 th 1832
This day James Officer came into Court and made oath that the facts contained in the foregoing affidavit were true which is ordered to be enlarged the said officer being well known to the Court
State of Kentucky
Scott County ss.
Attest J. Ben P. Ford clerk
the Court for the County aforesaid do certify that the foregoing order of Court concerning the affidavit of James Officer is fully and correctly transcribed from the records in my office
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of my said office to be affixed the 25 th day of September 1832 and 41 st Year of the Commonwealth
John Ben P. Ford clerk

Pension Agency Office, Little Rock, Ark s .
Sir,
Agreeably to the requisitions contained in the instructions of the D o Comptroller, of 29 ult., I herewith enclose, for your perusal & decision, the evidence in support of Capt. Wm Black's claim to Pension - he having failed to demand his pay for more than one year. - If found correct, please return the enclosed, when I will make the pay.
I would have remarked, in justice to a large proportion of the Pensioners in this State, that the instructions above referred to, are calculated to be very oppressive on the Pensioners attached to this Agency - the principal part of them residing more than 100 some of them 250 miles from this place. - It seems hard, that, after traveling that distance, they should be compelled to return without being able to obtain the small pittance allowed them by the Govt., & that, too, after waiting until two semi-annual payts have become due.
Respectfully, Yr. Obt. Servt.
J. L. Edmonds, Esq., Comt r of Pensioners.
J. P. H. Brodhead Act.

Pension Agency Office, Little Rock, A. T.
4 March, 1886.
Sir,
Your favor of 10 ult., with the order accompanying same, were rec d per this evening's mail, and, agreeably to your request, I herewith return your letter of 5 ult., in relation to the pension of William Black.
I am, respectfully, Yr. obt. servt.
Wm. H. Woodruff
J. L. Edwards, Esq. Comm r of Pensions, Washington City.

relation
Dear -acti no imp I have with long me,
Wapello Mar 3 rd Ark. Twp Iowa
J. Edwards Esq. Comr of Pensions Washington city
drawn NEW
BB

Newstead court house Arkansas Territory February 6 th 1836
Sir
William Black who was placed on the pension roll in the state of Alabama, has by mistake drawn his pension six months in advance. In the month of March 1834 Mr Black removed to Arkansas, and shortly afterwards sent on his power of Attorney to draw his pension of the agent in Alabama which Power was returned as being defective, and at Mr Black's request I addressed you requesting that his pension should be paid in Arkansas, but no answer being received from you I again made out another Power of Attorney for Mr Black authorizing his friend in Alabama to receive his pension up to the 4 th March 1835, which was paid. On the 14 th April 1835 you ordered Mr Black's pension to be paid in Arkansas commencing on the 4 th Sept r 1834, and Mr Black not having heard from his friend in Alabama in September 1835, he received from the agent in Arkansas his pension for one year, so soon as he ascertained that the mistake was made he sent the amount back to his friend in Alabama to be refunded to the proper agent, who it appears has refused to receive the same.
Mr Black is very old and infirm, and greatly mortified that this mistake should have been made as he is fearful the department will think that he intended to defraud them. In justice to Mr Black

I state that I have done all his business relative to his pension for since his residence in this country, and that his character is that of an honest upright old man - indeed I believe him to be as honest a man as ever lived. As Mr Black will be entitled to receive his pension for six months on the 4 th March next, he submits to you whether he must retain what he has drawn through mistake or not. He has He is now in order to correct the error, and is determined to not receive any more of his pension until he hears from you.
Do if you correct this error and let him draw his pension in Arkansas.
Yours
Respectfully
Allen M. Oakley
J. L. Edmonds Esq. Washington city
Pension Agency Office,
Side Rock, N.Y. 10 Feb. 1836.
Sir, The foregoing letter having been submitted to me, by Mr Oakley, I am hesitatingly of the opinion, that, from my long acquaintance with him, I believe what he states with respect to the character of Mr Black (with whom I have no personal acquaintance) to be strictly true, & that no imputation whatever ought to attach to Mr B's character, in consequence of having drawn 6 months' Pension. - Any instructions you may give me, in relation

relation to his six months' Pension, due to March next, will be complied with, by
Yr. obt. servt.
A. H. Woodworth
J. L. Edwards, Esq. Commr of Pensions, Washington City.
ms wts y made be r BeneK

TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
SECOND COMPTROLLER'S OFFICE,
Feb'y 2 d , 1844.
Sir:
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An Act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," and the third section of the Act of August 23, 1842, extending the time within which pensioners may receive their pensions from the pension agents, William Black , a Pensioner on the Roll of the Arkansas Agency, at the rate of Three hundred & twenty six Dollars and 68 Cents per annum, under the law of the 4 th June 1832, has been paid at this Department, from the 4 th of March, to the 4 th Sept. 1842.  Respectfully, yours,
 Comptroller.
To the COMMISSIONER OF PENSIONS, Present.

Hon d Lew C. Chap Secretary of War Washington City

Hempstead Courts House Arkansas Territory 13 th August 1834
Sir (Being a pensioner of the United States and entitled to draw the sum of $326 66 / 100 per annum, and having resided in Limestone County state of Alabama previous to this and having drawn my money at Mobile. I have removed to and settled in this Country, and I request you to have arrange- =ments made so that I can draw my pension of William E Woodruff agent for paying pensions at Little Rock Ark. Terr. since my residence in this Country. I made application to the agent for paying pensions at Mobile, but was informed by him that he did not consider himself authorized to pay my claim on account of my having removed out of the state.
I further state that I have not drawn any part of my pension since the 4 th of Sept r last.
I have the honour to be
Yours (most Humble)
Servant
Wm Black
Honble Lew Cas Secretary of War

Columbia, Missouri 608 Conley Ave.
Department of The Interior Bureau of Pensions Washington, D. C.
Will you please send me military record, Revolutionary war, of William Black who in 1840 lived in Hempstead, Co. Arkansas and received a pension at that date. Also all family data that you can, of said William Black as this record is wanted for membership in Daughters of American Revolution.
Thanking you I am
Fannie Black King (Mrs Henry Haviland King.)
608 Conley, Ave.
Columbia
Mo.

31554 Ref INVALID.
1930 Aug 22 list to Mrs Henry Haviland & King N.C.
File No. 31,554 William Black Capt Rev War
Act: June 2 nd 1827
Index:—Vol. 2 , Page 42
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Wm Black
adm
8 mo pri
16 mo Capt
2 mo pri
280 160 120 20 20
Hon: L. B. Clay
A. R.

BRIEF in the case of  William Blake of the County of Limestone  in the State of Alabama  (Act 7th June, 1832.)
 1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Court  2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?  3. How old is he? 78 years.  4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed. 
   Period. Duration of Service. Rank. Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.   Years, Months, Days.     In 1776 Nov. 1 st — 6 — Capt. Gen. Col. Fred l M c Watt   "77 — 2 — ditto no Field Officer ag t the Indians   "78 — 2 — ditto Col. David Mitchell   "78 Aug t . — 2 — d o against the Indians.   "79 — 2 — d o Same   " — 2 — Volunt. Capt. Powers   " — 2 — Capt. against the Indians  
 5. In what battles was he engaged? White Marsh  6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Cumberland Pa.  7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? Depositions  8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? 
Requies
I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
Levin Belt Examining Clerk.