Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W 340, Jacob Burrus, Va.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Vol.
Burrous, Jacob or Burruss or Burris
W 340
CONTENTS
Susannah or Susana

4411 West Tennessee Susannah Burrus widow of Jacob Burrus Va who was a private in the Virginia Line
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 80 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the sixteenth day of Jan y 1844 and sent to Mrs Martin Carthage Tennessee
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book AP Vol. 1 Page 217

25705
West Tennessee
Jacob Burris Doct r of Smithville in the State of Tennessee who was a private in the Co. A. commanded by Captain Taylor of the Regt. commanded by Col. Spottwood in the Virginia line for 2 years
See letter 15th Feb 1834 to Mr. Hunter & Pen: ap d
scribed on the Roll of West Tennessee at a rate of 80 Dollars — Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
rate of Pension issued the 23 day of November 1833 and W m Martin Dixon Springs
Arrears to the 4th of Semi-annual allowance ending
Amount 1 Oct r 1833 $122,88
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by David Boyd Clerk,
Book E Vol. 7 Page 33

State of Tennessee.
Smith County
On this 20 th day of August 1832. personally appeared before me James James Samuel M c Manus one of the acting Justices of the peace one of the acting Justices of the peace for the county aforesaid, Jacob Burres, a resident of the said county of Smith & state of Tennessee, aged seventy seven 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 provisions made by the act of Congress, passed June 7 th 1832. That he enlisted in the Revolutionary Spring of the year 1776. with Capt. Frank Taylor, in Orange County, state of Virginia, for two years. That soon after that time, he was marched with the company commanded by the said Frank Taylor (William Taylor being Lieutenant) to Williamsburg in the said state of Virginia & then attached to the Second Reg t of the line of that state. commanded by Col. Scottwood and was there when Independence was declared. In the latter part of the summer the troops became very sickly - and that he and some others of the sick, were furloughed home, that he himself was long sick, when able to do so, he rejoined his company which was marched to Burnside, where they were encountered with the Small Pox. The Capt (meaning Taylor) with such of the men as got well first, went on, & joined the main army under Genl. Washington. Upon

was left behind. As soon as he got able to march, he fell in with Capt John Marks, with his company from Allamance, and with him went and rejoined his own company at head quarters, (the place not recollected), this was in the spring of the year 1777. continued to do duty in the army, & to be with it, in all its movements which were many until the Battle of Brandy wine, was in that Battle. soon after which was detailed with others & marched to Mud Island fort, on Fort Mifflin, in the Delaware, a little below Philadelphia, the army then having command possession of the latter place. To get there, they crossed the Delaware some distance above Philadelphia, went silently down on the Jersey side, to some distance below, - then, in the night embarked in Boats, & went to the Fort, commanded by Col Samuel Smith. here he done duty as a sergeant, during the whole of that long, & dangerous siege. Col Smith was of the Maryland line. He was then attached to the company commanded by Capt. Jacobs who was killed by a ball from the enemy striking a handstick standing by a gun, the stick, or part of it, striking the Capt, & killed him on the spot. He witnessed the attack made on the Fort (Red Bank) on the Jersey shore. The blowing up of a British war vessel, set on fire by a hot ball from other fort. At length, had to abandon the place with but a small portion of those brave men, who went in. During this siege, was wounded three, by splinters, knocked off the timbers, by the enemies balls. One badly for a while dead to appear never. From this fort marched under our Gallant Commander Col Smith, & rejoined the main Army at Valley Forge. continued here until six March 1778
When early two day to a This the Col the dis life his now and when pres Mif ma & m G Lester A of as we st line to the use and to

When he was discharged, except while on duty at Ft Mifflin as above, continued the whole two years - in the company commanded by Capt Paylor as above, in the 2nd Regt Va Line William Paylor, continuing to act as Lieut, other Subalterns not enrolled, Thinks Col Spottswood continued to command the regt the whole time. Tho not certain but Col Freebaker might have commanded, if the latter part of the Service. Has lost his discharge. Knows of no one now living within six hundred miles, by whom he could prove his Service. He is not on any pension roll, nor has he ever before, applied for a pension. And that he hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension, or annuity except the present. That when they abandoned Fort Mifflin, they crossed over to Red Bank Fort, marched up the Raritan, reoccupied the Reliance, & went on to Valley Forge.
Sworn to & subscribed before me this day & date above written
Saml W. McMurtry Justice of the Peace
Jacob Burns
And I the same Saml W. McMurtry Justice of the peace as aforesaid. do declare it as my opinion that the above applicant was a revolutionary soldier, & served as his status. And I further declare - that I have lived for the last 16 or 17 years a neighbor to the above named Jacob Burns who has now resided - during which time an acquaintance has been familiar to Cordial - That I have often heard

him speak of his revolutionary services and that he is generally reputed to have been a revolutionary soldier and of the regular army - and that he is reputed a man of the highest credibility.
Sam. W. McMurtry
Justice of the peace
State of Tennessee } Smith County } I Samuel W. McMurtry one of the acting Justices of the peace in & for the county & state aforesaid further states in relation to Jacob Burris the applicant for a pension as mentioned within.
That said Burris is very much afflicted with a cancer on his face, and to all appearance suffers great bodily pain; and I have no hesita- -tion in saying that he is unable to attend court without great risk of shortening the few rem- -nant of his days, even if it would be profitable at all - which is very doubtful.
Sam. W. McMurtry
Justice of the peace

State of Tennessee Smith County On this 20th day of December, 1888, personally appeared before me John H. Ligon an acting Justice of the peace for the County aforesaid, Susannah Burrup, a resident of the said County of Smith, aged Seventy five years, who being duly sworn according to law, doth, on her Oath, make the follow- ing declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed July 7th 1888 entitled "An act granting half-pay and pensions to certain widows"; That she is the widow of Jacob Burrup, late of the County of Smith aforesaid, who was a private in the Revolutionary war, and that she remains unmarried: - That he, the said Jacob Burrup, was a regular soldier in the Virginia line of troops; - That he served ten years, - that he was in the battle of Brandywine; And, that among the documentary evidence of his having served, is the Certificate of General Samuel Smith of Baltimore, that he served under him the said Smith, at the siege of Mud-Island fort, in the Delaware river; - All of which, may be seen by referring to the papers in the proper department.
She further declares, that she is the

widow of the identical Jacob Burrup, who was a pensioner, under former Acts of Congress; and that she , is the identical Susannah Burrup, whose name was placed on the Pension Books, at Nashville, in the state aforesaid, in order to enable her, to obtain the pension money due to her husband, the said Jacob Burrup, after his death.
She further declares, that she was married to the said Jacob Burrup, on the 1 day of March, in the year, seventeen hundred and eighty five: - That her husband, the aforesaid Jacob Burrup, died on the first day of October, eighteen hundred and thirty two: - That she was not married to him, prior to his leaving the service, - but the marriage took place, previous to the 1 st day of January 1794, to wit at the time above stated.
Susannah her Burrup mark.
Sworn to and subscribed, on the day and year above written, before me.
John H. Ligon Justice of the Peace
State of Tennessee Smith County } An this 20 th day of December 1888, Personally appeared before me John H. Ligon and

was acting Justice of the peace for said County, William Martin, aged Seventy three years, and made Oath in due form of law, that he is acquainted with Susannah Burruss, now applying for half pay Pension, and whose name appears in the foregoing declaration: - That she is his sister, and that she was married to the above named Jacob Burruss at, or about the time stated by her, to wit, in the month of March 1781. - and that she is the widow of the idem- tical Jacob Burruss, who was formerly a Revolutionary Pensioner, under the Act of Congress of 1832, and that he died in Smith County aforesaid, where he had long resided, on the first day of October 1832. And that she, the said Susannah Burruss, remains unmarried. That he was acquainted with the said Jacob Burruss before he entered the service; and that his acquaintance with him, from the time of his marriage, until his death, was intimate.
W. Martin
Sworn to and subscribed before me The day and year above written
John H. Ligon Justice of the peace.
State of Tennessee Smith County
Be it known, that I John H. Ligon an acting Justice of the peace for the said County of Smith, do hereby certify, that I am, and have for many years past, been well acquainted with Susannah Burruss, now applying for half pay Pension

(Having lived neighbor to her, during the time above named) That she is a woman of Credibility - That she is very old and infirm, being entirely blind - and that it would be with great difficulty, that she could attend Court, living as she does, about fifteen miles from the Court House. I further Certify that I know of my own knowledge, that she is the widow of the identical Jacob Burrup, named in the foregoing declaration, who was formerly a Revolutionary Pen- sioner; and further, that the said Susannah Burrup remains unmarried.
And I further Certify, that I live neighbor to, and have long been acquainted with William Martin who makes the foregoing affidavit, and that he is a man of Credibility.
Given under my hand and seal this 20th day of December 1838.
John H. Ligon H. B. Campbell H. B. Campbell Esq.
State of Tennessee South County.
I John H. Barnett clerk of South County Court, hereby Certify that John H. Ligon before whom the foregoing proceedings were had, was at the time the same performed to be at date, and now is one of the acting Justices of the peace in and for said County of South duly qualif- ied as the law directs In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at office the 26th December 1838
John H. Barnett Clerk of South County Court
3853 Susannah Burrup admitted
27th day of Dec 80
Seal of H. B. Campbell
H. B. Campbell

7487
Jacob Burris now deceased
Papers set to 10 Sep 1833 for proof of relationship of land and time of applic- cants death
from 07 th project 2 yrs to time of death 1 Oct 32 due Suran na Burris, widow
On Roll -
9 March $126.100 9 March $126.100 Pensioner
Dixon Springs
Lee: -
Wm Martin Dixon's Springs Tennessee

7487  BRIEF in the case of  Jacob Burris  County of Smith  in the State of  Tennessee  (Act 7th June, 1832.)
 1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Justice  2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity? yes  3. How old is he? 77  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.     enlisted In 1776 Spring 2 — — As a Private & Sergeant Gen. Capt. F. Taylor 2 nd reg mt. ga. Line, Col. Spotswood, Col. Sam. Smith  
 5. In what battles was he engaged? Brandywine & Siege of Fort Mifflin  6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Orange Cty. Va.  7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditional evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? traditional and a witness  8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? The declaration is not attached to the Clerk's seal as required 
I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
J. Waugh
Examining Clerk.

September 20, 1934
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
BA-J/MCS Jacob Burrus, W. 340
Mrs. L. N. Walling Rebel Hill McMinnville Tennessee
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your request for information in regard to Revolutionary War soldiers, Jacob Burrus and William Martin.
The data which follow were obtained from papers on file in the pension claim, W. 340, based upon the military service of Jacob Burrus.
He enlisted in Orange County, Virginia, in the spring of 1776 and served in Captain Frank Taylor's company in the Second Virginia Regiment which was first commanded by Colonel Spotswood and after by Colonel Febiger. He was in the battle of Brandywine. Soon afterward he was detached from the Second Virginia Regiment and marched to Fort Mifflin and was in the siege there, in Captain Treat's company under Colonel Samuel Smith of the Maryland line. At this fort he was twice wounded by splinters knocked off the timbers by the enemy's balls. He then marched under Colonel Smith to Valley Forge and rejoined Captain Frank Taylor's company in the Second Virginia Regiment. He served as private with the exception of the time he was at Fort Mifflin when he served as sergeant. His entire service amounted to two years.
In the summer of 1778, after returning from military service, he went to live with General Joseph Martin in Henry County, Virginia.
In March, 1781, Jacob Burrus married Susannah Martin, the daughter of General Joseph Martin.
Jacob Burrus was allowed pension on his application executed August 20, 1832, at which time he was seventy-seven years of age and was living in Smith County, Tennessee.
He died October 1, 1832, in Smith County, Tennessee.

As the widow of Jacob Burrus, said Susannah, was allowed pension on her application executed December 20, 1838, at which time she was seventy-five years of age and was living in Smith County, Tennessee.
In 1833 one William T. Burrus was thirty-three years of age and was living in Smith County, Tennessee, but his relation to the soldier was not given.
In 1832 the widow's brother, William Martin, then referred to as Colonel William Martin, was sixty-six years of age and was living in Smith County, Tennessee. He was living in Dixons Spring in 1833. The Revolutionary War records of this office fail to afford any information in regard to pension having been claimed on account of the service of this William Martin.
The papers in pension claim, W. 340, contain no further data relative to the family of Jacob Burrus.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Assistant to Administrator

1.650
West Tennessee
Susannah Barrup widow of Jacob Barrup dec.
who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832 and who died on the 1 st October 1832 of Elmhurst in the State of Tenn. who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Taylor of the Reg t commanded by Col. Spotswood in the Virginia line for 2 years
Inscribed on the Roll of Tenn. West. at the rate of 80 Dollars ~ Cents per annum. to commence on the 4 th day of March, 1834
Certificate of Pension issued the 17 th day of Jan y 1839 and sent Hon. W. B. Campbell Sec of Reps.
Arrears to the 4 th of Sept. 1838 $200.00 Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Mar. 39, 40.00
$240.00
{ Act July 7, } 1838. }
Recorded by H. Addison Clerk, Book A Vol. 2 p Page 206

J. S. Edwards Esq.
Commissioner of prisons

Devon Spring 19 th Oct 1833
Sir,
I herewith return the papers respecting the claims of Jacob Barnes for a pension, with the evidence you require, viz. to prove the time when he died - that his widow is still living &c. call this your notice in the declaration of Don Y Barnes & I should be very obliged to have it returned which it is hoped may be satisfactory.
Respectfully
Wm Martin
J. L. Edwards Esq.

1934. Sept. 20. hist. to Mrs. L. H. Wallingford
340
Recy WIDOW, &c.
File No. 340
Susannah Burrus Widow Jacob Burrus Priv Va. Line Riv War.
Act: March 3, 1843.
Index:—Vol. A, Page 100
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Yr Sir
Washington, 28 March 1830
I had great pleasure in receiving a few days past your kind and friendly letter of the 10 th Instant. you are one of those gallant Soldiers, who by their Bravery gave me a Vindex in the page of history, and made me known to my Country. It cannot therefore fail to bear from any of them. It is curious to think that so many of them are still living. Every year I hear from some one I have presumed to be dead. Some are like you in very circumstances at which I rejoice. others require my aid to obtain something from government. you may recollect that Capt. Hazard, of the Delaware line, lost his hearing by a Brisk bursting over his head - he is now Old and poor and has applied for a Pension - It has passed the Senate.
I remember perfectly, as if it had been yesterday, the two men to which you allude, immediately after we fired the gun, an 8 pounder, and saw that we had done execution. I said, Boys, get off as quick as we can, for the Rebels will fire on the Plaster house and they did so - I have not the most distant recollection of ever having had a letter from you before; if I had, I must have answered, for I should not have left unanswered a letter from one of my brave Companions in Arms.
Fortune has been favorable to me, and

have been rich worth half a million. In the year 1869 whilst I was here, My Partner entered into an Insurance speculation, by which the earnings of my long life were swept from me and without my knowing it - I have been a conscience. I keep up my spirits, even with the my bodily health, I am now just 77 years of age. I stand on East or when you knew me a young & good-looking Officer, I was a fast and easy, I was well in the East India my voice strong in which I recommended, was Great, was Rheumatism & General or serious complaint of my kind, and Chairman of an important Committee, which required much labour, and an excellent among the most active Members of the Senate. My political career will probably terminate 3 years hence, when I shall have been 40 years in Congress, being four years more than my friend Wilson, who has retired from Congress.
You wish to know how our public officers go on - I answer as well as that of every government can do except more, complaints by those who have left Office. Some of whom have slandered the public and to large amounts. and others who had been negligent, are heard. Better men are put in their places, than in whom the Government can place confidence.
So far General Jackson has done well, and I have no doubt will continue to act to the satisfaction of all unprejudiced men. He is in excellent health, and

indebted to the duties of his high Station. — The late Administration lost in the trade to the British Colonies which took of our produce five millions annually. The P st is endeavouring to recover it. He is confident of success. I am sceptical. The national debt will be extinguished in 1832, at which time, duties (which are heavy taxes) will be paid off to the amount of Ten million of dollars. — Silly people compare him to General Washington  Washington , which he desires. for who can compare with our immaculate Commander — you and I will answer. Not one — Not one
That you may live in Love and Liberty and Enjoy good health, which is the greatest of blessings is the sincere wish of
your friend & the Commander
S. Smith
Mr. Jacob Beman.

Sir
Baltimore 26 July 1832.
Received your letter of the 6 th Instant on yesterday, and recollect perfectly the particular to which you have referred. The Certificate I soon learn you may be of service to you. The number of languages from your district will soon be known. The letter of Secretary has more the instructions from which he has derived the course you will have to pursue to obtain the premium for which no man has a better Union — The Guthrie Stock was, to the day I entered the Service, the same I received. The Battles I have been in, my age — and that I have never been on the pension list. — Before I could draw any pension I had to take another oath, as to where I was born, my age, and the term of my Residence in this City. However you will obtain the proper directions thro: your Member. It will afford you pleasure to know, that your Commander who will count 80 years on the 27 th of this month, Enjoys good health. Walks well. Sleeps well, and talks his full share in Congress. With sincere wishes for your health & happiness I am Sir your Obedt Servant J. J. Smith
W. Jacob Bruns

Baltimore 24 th July 1832. I do hereby certify that from the details given me by Jacob Bruns in a letter dated the 6 th inst from Dixon Springs, Tennessee, I am perfectly satisfied, may contain, that he was one of the men drafted from the Army to force an en- trance at Fort Mifflin in 1777, that he did not leave until the Fort was Evacuated appears to me perfectly certain, for no man that lived not, could have given the details he has done - I think that he belonged to a Virginia Regiment, his name may probably be found on the Rolls of that State. I have no knowledge of the term he served. But presume it must have been Two years at least. He thinks that he was Enlisted for that term. I suppose that he and many others were in the Drun Regiment which commenced in 1777, have been Enlisted for Three years, or during the war.
J. Smith
Formerly Civil Colonel 4 th Maryland Regiment

J. W. McMurry discontinuation

Smith County. I Abraham Carruthers, Judge of the Circuit Courts of Law & Equity for the third judicial circuit in the state of Tennessee, do hereby certify that William Hart whose name appears to the foregoing attestation is clerk of the Circuit Court for Smith County in the Circuit and State aforesaid. And I further certify that his said attestation is in due form of Law
Given under my hand at Carthage this 14 th October 1883. Ab. Carruthers Judge

Jacob Burris -
General John H. Coeur The following is a list of the names of the officers who were present at the meeting of the officers of the regiment held at the headquarters of the regiment on the 10th day of March 1861.
Colonel J. H. Coeur Lieut. Colonel J. H. Coeur Major J. H. Coeur Captains J. H. Coeur First Lieutenants J. H. Coeur Second Lieutenants J. H. Coeur
Wm Martin Dixon Springs Tenn
Article XVII. In case of the death or resignation of any officer, the vacancy shall be filled by the appointment of another officer, to be approved by the Governor. The names of the officers who were appointed to fill the vacancies caused by the death or resignation of the officers above named, are as follows: [faded text]

B R I E F objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of
Jacob Burris further proof or explanation.
which require
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides?
yes
II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides?
yes
III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so? 
IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served?
yes
V. * Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled?
yes
VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations?
yes
VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832?
yes
VIII. Has the Court given their opinion?
the Justice has
IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate?
yes
X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal?
yes

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? Two resident Citizens
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it? No
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had? 2 witnesses  gg
XIV. †If the applicant has produced a witness or witnesses as to his service, has the magistrate who administered the oath certified that he, she, or they are persons of credibility? — Has the official character and signature of the magistrate been certified by the proper officer under his seal of office? yes
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service? yes
XVI. ‡Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? etc
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? 7
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
* QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
“Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades: For ————— year ————— months and ————— days, I served as a —————. For ————— months and ————— days, I served as a —————; and for such service I claim a pension.”
†QU ‡QU 6 9 7 see the accompan

It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which the applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable.
† QUERE XIV.  Proof of Service.
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
‡ QUERE XVI.  Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticated the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the end of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
widow or next heir of the widow be now dead, The will prove her relationship to the deceased applicant, and the time of his death, before a court of record, and the proceedings should be transmitted to this office with the accompanying papers.
Sep 10, 1877
The declaration should be made before a judge of a court of Records.
See the accompanying declaration of Mrs. Burns. I am, Mr. Burns, Anthon, etc. which to go there, it is hoped will be satisfactory.

1809
Mid. 340

DECLARATION
In order to obtain the benefits of the Act of Congress, of the 3d March 1843, granting Pensions for one year to certain Widows who have received Pensions under the Act of July 7, 1838.
STATE OF Tennessee } ss. Smith COUNTY. }
On this 27 day of October 1843 personally appeared before the Subscriber, a Justice of the Peace in and for the State and county aforesaid, Susannah Burrus a resident of Tennessee in the county of Smith aged about eighty years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the Act of Congress, passed on the 3d March, 1843, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War:—That she is the widow of Isaac Burrus who was a private in the Virginia Continental line
She further declares that she is still a widow.
her Susannah Burrus mark
Sworn to and subscribed on the day } and year above written before me, }
Jas W. Bransford JUSTICE OF THE PEACE.
State of Tennessee , Smith County:—Set.
I, Jas W Bransford a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, do hereby certify that Susannah Burrus the above declarant is personally known to me.
Given under my hand this 27th day of October 1843
Jas W Bransford JUSTICE OF THE PEACE.
STATE OF Tennessee } Smith COUNTY. }
I, John S Barnett Clerk of the County Court of said Smith county, hereby certify that Jas W Bransford whose name appears signed to the foregoing affidavit and certificate is, and was at the time of signing the same, an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, duly commissioned and qualified as such according to law, and that the foregoing signatures purporting to be his are genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed my seal of office, at office in the Town of Catlettsburg this 30 day of October 1843
John S Barnett CLERK OF Smith COUNTY. Court
[Handwritten flourish or signature]

1487
the note
[Faint, mirrored bleed-through text from the reverse side of the page]
[Faint, mirrored bleed-through text from the reverse side of the page]

State of Tennessee
Smith County
On this 20th day of Augt
1832. personally appeared before me, Sub Samuel W. McManus of the acting Justices of the peace for the county aforesaid. Col William Martin of resident of the county aforesaid, aged 66 years, who being first duly sworn according to law, death on his oath makes the following declaration in favor of Sarah Burns, who is now making application for the benefit of the provisions of the act of congress, of the 4th June 1832. granting pensions to the surviving officers & soldiers of the war of the revolution. That he said Sarah Burns took up his residence in the family of his Father Genl Joseph Martin Henry County Virginia in the summer of the year 1778. That he then spoke of his having recently returned from the army of the united states, or Washingtons Army as it was then frequently called. that he had been in the Battle of Brandywine and the Siege of Fort Mifflin - recounting various incidents which transpired during his service, parti- cularly at Fort Mifflin, under the command of Col James Smith. corresponding with the declaration accompanying this, made by said Burns. but then, more in detail - his recollections now having failed considerably. He continued the most of the time from then, until some time in the year 1780 or 1781 in the employ- ment of his Father Genl Martin, whom

aford by W
It is United of C Cann before Burr was m fared at the made of the said ing
he married opponents sister . From then untill now, the acquaintance has been intimate, cordial, and for more than the last thirty years, they have lived near neighbors, when they now reside. That during this long acquaintance, the subject of his revolutionary service, has been the theme above all others, on which he mostly delighted to dwell. Often referring to it, & never without that lively sensibility peculiar to the heroes of that day - always detailing the events substantially the same every. And even now, when much worn down with age, & disease (Cancer) touch that subject, his countenance dilates - his heart responds - Washington and liberty for ever. That dependent, has heard at different times, many others, early acquain- aintances of said Burrus - speak of his revolutionary service. That he had been living in the army etc. all this, together with the confidence he was in the honor & integrity of him, the said David Burrus. He has not a shadow of doubt on his mind, of his having served as set forth in his declaration, as above.
That said Burrus, owing to age, & other causes, has been for a number of years past, rendered in a great measure incapable of writing. and has employed him dependent to write several letters, under his dictation, to Genl Smith of Baltimore, his old Col. at York Mifflin. The contents of these letters, were mostly, recounting the events of that day. To all of these letters Genl Smith promptly replied, always recognizing the said Burrus, as one of those who so gallantly

afforded that place.
Sworn to & subscribed before me this day & date above written.
Wm Morton
Saml W. McMurtry Justice of the Peace
State of Tennessee Sevier County I Jonathan Pickett Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for said County, do hereby certify that Samuel W. McMurtry before whom the foregoing declaration of Jacob Borris, and affidavit of Col. William Martin was made, and who certifies the materiality of the said Jacob Borris to attend Court, then is and was at the time said declaration and affidavit was made, and Certificate given, an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the State and County afore said, duly Commissioned and qualified according to Law.
In Testimony whereof I have here unto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at Offutt in October this 31st day of August 1832 and 57th year of our Independence
J. Pickett Clerk

Wm G Burns Deposition

State of Tennessee
Smith County
On this 14 th day of Oct r 1833. personally appeared before me Abraham Canfield one of the Judges of the circuit courts of the state aforesaid. William J Burns aged 33 years. Who being first sworn, according to law. doth on his oath make the following declaration, in favor of Susanna Burns widow & relic of Jacob Burns late of said county dec d who had made application for a pension, pursuant to the provisions of the act of Congress passed the 7 th of June 1832. as appears by his declaration hereto annexed dated the 28 th of Aug t 1832. That the said Susanna Burns is the widow of him the said Jacob Burns dec d That she is quite old, and entirely blind, since that it would be with great difficulty she could be got to the court not less than, from 12 to 15 miles distant. That she resides in the said county of Smith, within in the neighborhood of him de t , where so resided for more than thirty years.

And, during which time he has been intimately acquainted with her, and her husband the said Jacob while living, and that the said Jacob Burns reported his life on the first day of October 1832.
William of Burns sworn to subscribed. before me in open court — 14th Oct. 1833 M c Carthers Judge Third Judicial Circuit
William of Burns
Smith Circuit Court
I William Hart clerk of the Circuit Court for the County of Smith in the Third Judicial Circuit of the State of Tennessee do hereby certify to whom it may concern that Abraham Caruthers before whom the foregoing affidavit was subscribed and sworn to, is Judge of the Circuit court of Law & Equity within and for the Circuit and State aforesaid, duly commissioned and sworn according to the laws of the land.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said court at office in Carthage 14 th October Anno domini 1833
W. Hart

Smith County
I, J. H. Graham, Comptroller Judge of the Circuit Courts of Law & Equity for the third Judicial Circuit in the State of Tennessee, do hereby certify that William Hart whose name appears to the foregoing attestation is clerk of the Circuit Court for Smith County in the Circuit and State aforesaid. and I further certify that his said attestation is in due form
Given under my hand at Carthage this 14 th October 1833. J. H. Caruthers Judge

J L Edwards Esq
Committee of pensions

Dixons Springs Tennessee
23 rd March 1833.
Sir,
The accompanying papers in in support of a pension for Jacob Barnes, were sent on to the War Office in August last. They have just been read here, returned as defective in the 16 th reel in the brief sent. To wit; " Are the papers authenticated as the regular military direct? " On examining, I am not able to discover the defect complained of.
It may be recollected that he was a regular soldier, and all that was, (by the regulations, required of him, was his own declaration under oath, before a court of record, and that authenticated in due form. With the certificates of the court, declaring their opinion, that he was a revolutionary soldier, & served as such.
Save the want of this certificate, I apprehend is the ground of the defect as above.
It may also be recollected, that it is provided in the regulations, that when it may happen, that any one claiming a pension, is not able, thro' bodily infirmity, to court to get the proof may be made before a Justice of peace, &c. Now this was the case with Mr Barnes, as appears by the papers.

And from which it may also be seen that they are authenticated precisely as required by the regulations, as well by the acting Justice of peace, as the clerk of the county court. It is therefore hoped, that on a review of the papers, the defect spoken of, will be removed.
The said Jacob
Burns is now dead, and I am his executor, is the reason, why I write you on this subject. He has left a widow who is entirely blind, & very much needs, what may be due him. He died shortly after the papers were executed, but at what time, I am not now prepared to say.
Should not this explanation be satisfactory, please let me know, in print and specifically the defects, if any. I am not at all surprised that, mistakes should occur, in such a confused, & complicated business, as I know, that which you have to transact to be.
It would very much oblige a helpless old woman  widow for this business to be acted on as soon as practicable.
Respectfully yours at I
Wm Martin Executor of Jacob Burns
PS I had supposed, that in addition to the declaration of Burns himself. The latter, & certificate, of Genl Smith, accompanying the papers. there would have been no hesita- tion in passing the claim. See the declaration.

of Lord St. Mary's, the Justice before whom Barnes made his declaration. And he also the certificate of Jonathan Pickett clerk of the county court. Fulfilling in every particular, all the rules laid down, for that class of cases, embracing him; so that I cannot see how a doubt can exist on the point, considered defective, viz the 16 th rule. But must have proceeded from oversight.
J. L. Edmonds Commissioner of Assizes

State of Tennessee Smith County
On this 14 th day of Sept Oct - ber, One Thousand eight hundred and thirty Three, Personally appeared before me Abraham Cantrell One of the judges of the Circuit Courts of the said State of Tennessee Samuel W. M. Murry Esquire, aged sixty five years, who being first sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in favour of Susanna Burris, widow and Relic of Jacob Burris deceased, late of the County aforesaid, who had made application for a pension, pur- suant to the provisions of the act of Congress passed the 7 th day of June 1832, as appears by his declaration, hereto annexed, dated the 20 th day of August, 1832.
That the said Susanna Burris is the widow of him the said Jacob Burris now dead - That she is quite old, and entirely blind; and that it would be with great difficulty she could get to Court - That she resides in the said County of Smith, and

in the neighborhood of him, deponent, and  where he has so resided, for the last sixteen or eighteen years, - during which time, he has been intimately acquainted with him: And that the said Jacob Purvis, departed this life, on the first day of October 1832. or there about.
Sworn to & subscribed Jam. W. McHenry before me in open Court 14 th Oct. 1833 Ab: Cauthers Judge 3 d Judicial Circ.
Smith Circuit Court
I William Hart clerk of the Circuit Court for the County of Smith, in the third Judicial Circuit of the State of Tennessee do hereby certify to whom it may concern that Abraham Cauthers, before whom the foregoing affidavit was subscribed and sworn to, is Judge of the Circuit Court of Law and Equity within and for the Circuit and State aforesaid, duly commissioned and sworn according to the laws of the land.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at office in Carthage 14 th October Anno Domini 1833
W. Hart