Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 17924, James Devers, Va.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Va-
Devers, James
S 17924
carded
CONTENTS

Virginia 23.877
James Devers
Memoranda in the State of Va who was a Pvt. — in the — — — commanded by Captain — of the Regt — commanded by Col. Churchill in the Va line for 11 mo. 25 days —
cont
Inscribed on the Roll of Virginia — at the rate of 39 — Dollars 50 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 20 th day of Sept. 34, and sent Chatham Goff Clarkesburg — Va.
Arrears to the 4th of Mar. 34 118.68 Semi-ann. allowance ending Sept. 1, 19.78 138.46
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Not June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Chas. Rice — Clerk. Book C Vol. 6 1/2 Page 9
Asa Cook 10 March 1835 1-4 20/2 do to wife J.S. Morgan Nov. 14. 1876 pay to William

State of Virginia Monongalia County
On the 28 th day of Jan. 1833
Personally appeared before the court of Monongalia County now sitting James Dovers a resident of the County aforesaid and State of Virginia aged 78 years who being first duly sworn according to law did on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832
That he resided in the county of Fairfax and State of Virginia that in the month of Sept. 1777 he volunteered his services in a company of Militia under the command of Capt. Dennis Ramsey. That he marched from Alexandria, Fairfax County, Virginia, to Germantown Pennsylvania, was there at the battle and detailed to guard the wounded on their retreat, was then taken sick and sent to the hospital at Lancaster where he was discharged by the Physician having served four months and five days. In February 1779 he was drafted in a company of Militia under the command of Capt. Charles Little. That he marched again from Alexandria to Williamsburg, joined the army and was attached to the regiment under the command of Col. Churchill, from thence to York, from thence he was marched nearly to Hampton where he was stationed some time, and then returned to Richmond where he was discharged by Capt. Little, which discharge has since been lost. Having served four months and six days. Shortly after he was again called into the service under Capt. Little, marched to Richmond, where he was detailed together with eleven other men under the command of Ensign James Daneel and put on board the ship Stormest , then lying in James River below Richmond, was engaged in a battle while on board, was taken prisoner, discharged four days after on parole having served three months.

and fifteen days; soon after his return home he was summoned before a Court Martial in Alexandria, where it was decided that the oath he had taken when a prisoner was not binding upon him, and that he was still at liberty to perform military duty against the enemy. Sometime in the fall of 1780 the month not remembered he returned under Capt. Little was employed in guarding General Washington's House, the White House and other Posts along the river until the surrender of Lord Cornwallis, when he was discharged honorably by his Capt. having served twelve months.
He remembers Major Armistead and was commanded by him a short time at Richmond, he has also seen General Washington frequently. That he was born in the State of South Carolina, on the 26 th day of Oct. in the year 1754 as appears from a record now in his possession That he removed with his Parents from North Carolina into the State of Maryland, from thence he removed with his parents into Frederick County Virginia, from thence to Fairfax County, from thence to Manassas - thence to Harrison, and thence to Monongalia County where he now resides
He is acquainted with John Swenson, Joseph Parrott and others in his neighbourhood to whom reference may be had. He has no documentary evidence by which he can prove the above services, except the enclosed Parole, nor does know of any living witness by whom he can prove them
In all the above services he was a private soldier - and he hereby relinquishes every claim to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not upon the Pension roll of the agency of any State Sworn to and subscribed by
his James F Devers mark
Monongalia
And the said court do hereby declare their opinion, that the above named applicant James Devers, was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.

Morgania County Virginia
This day personally appeared before me the Subscriber a Justice of the peace for the County aforesaid James Devers an applicant for a pension who being duly sworn doth on his oath make the following amendatory declaration
That upon a re-examination of his former declaration he finds that the draughtsman omitted to mention a tour of duty of four months performed under Captain Little in the year 1778. The particulars of which are as follows. In March 1778 I was drafted and placed under the command of Capt Charles Little and marched to Williamsburg from thence we were marched to Richmond where I was discharged orally after having served four months
also one other tour as follows
in September 1778 I was again drafted and placed under the command of Capt Charles Little and marched on the Potomac and stationed at the White House where I served two months and then was discharged orally by Capt Charles Little
He further states that the commencement of the third tour of duty as detailed in his former declaration was in the month of September 1779 when he volunteered & served as heretofore stated that he is confident that the ship Impet was an armed Vessel and that she was captured by the British and Benjamin Thomas was killed in our defence of the ship and John Allen Thomas Pool Leonard Baker John Burrows and myself was taken prisoners of war at the same time together with several others whose names I do not recollect
As regards the last tour in my former declaration I beg leave to state that I am sure was actually in the service twelve months

as heretofore stated
he further states that
the officers under whom he served were duly commissioned and in the service and that the affiant was not engaged in any civil pursuit during said service. I swear to the above subscribed this fifth day of Dec. 1833
James Davis mark Hillary Boggs
Virginia
I Thomas P. Ray, clerk of the County court of Monongalia, do certify that Hillary Boggs esq. was at the time of the date of said affidavit, an acting Justice of the peace in and for said county, and that the above signature purporting to be his, is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto signed my name and affixed the seal of said court, the 17 th of December 1833.
Thos. P. Ray

Harrison County State of Virginia SS.
Be it known that before me Chas Lewis a justice of the peace in and for said County of Harrison, personally appeared James Devers, and after being duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following amended declaration to those herunto annexed, — He supposed the 4 months and 5 days service in 1777. and 4 months & 6 days in 1779 wants no explanation — he states that the two years in the year 1778. one of 4 months & the other of 2 months claimed by him in his second declaration was actually performed by him as there stated, but omitted by an oversight or mistake in the first declaration, — that he has no further testimony to offer, that he knows of no person living who knows of his service — That his own oath is the only testimony he can offer — He further states that the third term of service claimed by him in his first declaration of 3 months & 15 days was commenced early in January 1781. — that he did actually serve the said 3 months & 15 days and received the Certificate of Parole on the 30 th April 1781 — as herunto annexed — he further states that the 12 months service put down in his declaration purporting to be "done in 1780." is also a mistake, that he never so ordered it to be put down, — but the true state of the service is as follows, that shortly after the date of the above Parole he again volunteered under Captain Little, a Minute man — that he was marched to Genl. Washingtons house and other posts on the river — that he continued in this kind of service as a minute man until the siege of York. that he then was finally discharged — that he was in actual service at this time as a minute man three months, he further states that he actually served in all — Seventy months and 26 days.
Sworn to and subscribed to this 5 th day of March 1834 before me.
Chas Lewis Jp James Devers his mark

I David Davison Clerk of the County Court of Harrison, do certify that Charles Lewis is an acting Justice of the peace in and for said County, and that the within signa- ture purporting to be his is genuine
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said Court, the 5 th day of March 1834.
D. Davison C.M.C.

and 1812 Section
MCS/HMM
November 8, 1929.
Mr. Martin L. Devers Grafton West Virginia.
Dear Sir:
I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 17924, it appears that James Devers or Dievers, was born October 26, 1754 in North Carolina. The names of his parents are not given.
He moved to Maryland, from there to Frederick County, Virginia, and then to Fairfax County, Virginia.
While a resident of Fairfax County, Virginia, he enlisted and served as a private with the Virginia Troops as follows:
From September 1777, four months and five days in Captain Dennis Ramsey's Company, and was at the battle of Germantown where he was detailed to guard the wounded; from March 1777, four months in Captain Charles Little's Company; from September 1778, two months in Captain Charles Little's Company; from February 1779, four months and six days in Captain Charles Little's Company in Colonel Churchill's Regiment; he enlisted early in January 1781 in Captain Little's Company and was detailed to serve under Ensign James Doneale on board the ship "Tempest", and while in a battle on said ship, was taken prisoner, and was paroled April 30, 1781, having served three months and fifteen days; he enlisted in 1781, served three months as a minute man and was discharged about the time of the Siege of Yorktown.
From Fairfax County, Virginia, he moved to Harrison County, and from there to Monongalia County, Virginia.
He was allowed pension on his application executed January 28, 1833, at which time he was living in Monongalia County, Virginia.

Rev. Wars
There are no data relative to his family.
This is the history of the only soldier named James Devers (searched under all spellings of the surname) that is found on the Revolutionary War records of this Bureau.
Very truly yours,
EARL D. CHURCH Commissioner.

We certify that James Devere being a prisoner upon parole has leave to return to Fairfax County. 43 James Devere Ensign
DEVERE, JAMES (VA.)
S-17924 April 30 th
[Handwritten signature]

Re - and 1812 War. Section MOS/eel
June 27, 1929
Harry Slawter R.R. # 1, Bridgeport, West Virginia
Sir:
I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S.17924, it appears that James Devers Dievers or DIVERS was born October 26, 1754, in North Carolina. The names of his parents are not given.
He moved to Maryland, from there to Frederick County, Virginia, and then to Fairfax County, Virginia.
While a resident of Fairfax County, Virginia, he enlisted and served as a private with the Virginia Troops as follows:
From September, 1777, four months and five days in Captain Dennis Ramsey's Company, and was at the battle of Germantown where he was detailed to guard the wounded; from March, 1777, four months in Captain Charles Little's Company; from September, 1778, two months in Captain Charles Little's Company; from February, 1779, four months and six days in Captain Charles Little's Company in Colonel Churchill's Regiment; he enlisted early in January,

1781, in Captain Little's Company, and was detailed to serve under Ensign James Deneale on board the ship "Tempest", and while in a battle on said ship, was taken prisoner, and was paroled April 30, 1781, having served three months and fifteen days; he enlisted in 1781, served three months as a minute man and was discharged about the time of the siege of Yorktown.
From Fairfax County, Virginia, he moved to Harrison County, and from there to Monongalia County, Virginia.
He was allowed pension on his application executed January 28, 1833, at which time he was living in Monongalia County, Virginia.
There are no data relative to his family.
Due to the large number of inquiries similar to yours and the lack of a clerical force available for the purpose, only two histories are furnished each inquirer.
Respectfully,
EARL D. CHURCH Commissioner.
add this in list of only 2 histories furnished under each inquiry. That is all.

Rev. and 1812 Wars Section
MCS/HMM
January 3, 1930.
Mr. Martin L. Devers Grafton West Virginia.
Dear Sir:
In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, the name and address of the person paid and possibly the date of death of James Devers, it is suggested that you address the Comptroller General, Records Division, General Accounting Office, Washington, D. C., citing the following data:
James Devers Certificate 23877, issued April 20, 1834 Rate $39.56 per annum, commenced March 4, 1831 Act of June 7, 1832 Virginia Agency.
There are no data on file relative to the wife of James Devers.
No charge is made.
Very truly yours,
E. W. MORGAN Acting Commissioner.

IN REPLY REFER TO
3-2562
Rev. and 1812 Wars Section. MMHF
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR BUREAU OF PENSIONS WASHINGTON
September 23, 1929.
Martin L. Devers,..... Grafton,..... West Virginia.....
Dear Sir:
I advise you that the data furnished by you are not sufficient to enable this bureau to make intelligent reply to the queries contained in your letter.
Please fill out such of the blank spaces below, as the information in your possession will permit, and return to this bureau.
First name of widow Anna Barker Full name of soldier James Devers Residence of soldier at enlistment Perhaps (Fairfax Co Va) Residence of soldier after service Monongahela Co Name of state from which he enlisted VA Approximate date of birth 1760 Approximate date of death 1840
Kindly return attached letter with your reply.
Respectfully,
Earl D Church EARL D. CHURCH, Commissioner.
See if records show when and where James Devers was born. who his father was Yours Respectfully Martin L. Devers

United States Department of the Interior Bureau of Pensions
Snopton N.C. Dec 2-1929
Gentlemen - your letter of hand in reply to my letter requesting a record if any of James Devers in the Rev. war is just what I was looking for, many thanks for same.
In order to connect up and make the Genealogy of the Devers family more complete, I would like to know if the papers in your office shows in any way the following (1) Something near the date of his death (2) The County he died in. (3) was his wife living at the time he applied for a Pension, and at the time of his death (4) what was the amount of his pension and so on
And if you have any other information you think would be valuable to me in my Genealogy work would be glad to have it. The James Devers you have a record of is my Great Great Grandfather and I want to get all the information about him and his family possible if there is any charges please let me know and I will make remittance by return mail. (The Rev war pension claim of James Devers is S 17924)
Yours Respectfully Martin L. Devers

Bridgenort, R 1, W.Va. February 23, 1929.
Commissioner of Pensions Dep't. of Interior, Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:
I should like to obtain the information found in the pension records about James Deyer , Revolutionary War soldier. He is supposed to have been in Capt. Dennis Ramsey's Company, Colonel Gilpen's regiment of Virginia.
I should also like the information about John Roe supposed to have enlisted in the third Jersey regiment, and David Harrison supposed to have enlisted in the regular army of Virginia under Capt. Stewart and (or) Col. Wadsworth.
Very truly yours,
Harry Slawter Harry Slawter
only 2 hist etc

17924 INVALID.
File No. 17924
James Devers
Rich Brn. Mar.
Act: June 7 th 89
Index:—Vol. 1 , Page 95
[Arrangement of 1870.]
1929 June 27 hist. to Harry Slaughter U.C.S. 1929 Nov. 8. hist. to Mr. Martin L. Devers M.C.S. 1930 Jan. 3. Mr. Martin L. Devers adv. rel. to date of death etc. M.C.S.

War Department Pension Office January 5 th 1851
Sir,
The claim of John Devers has again been taken up.
No additional service can be allowed unless supported by additional testimony, and as none has been offered, the six months claimed in his amending declaration is inadmissible.
The applicant has alleged to have served in two tours 8 months and 11 days, but has not stated how long he served in his third tour before he went on board of the Tampus - this he must do as was before stated - this last service cannot be allowed.
He will also send the original certificate of his having been parolled - Copies are never received as evidence in such cases. - besides the date appears to be at least two years after the alleged service was performed.
The 12 months service cannot be allowed - No such service as 12 months of the Militia, continuously , was ever performed by the Militia. -
The papers are herewith returned.
I have the honor to be Sir: Your Servant J. L. Edwards
Hon: S. P. Allen (House of Representatives)

28.426
O.S. 1891
Devers - 70
report to J. N. Allen
J. S. Johnson Chicago Ill.

I Thomas P. Ray, clerk of the County court of Monongalia aforesaid, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court, in the matter of the application of James Devers, for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto signed my name, and affixed the seal of said court, at Morgantown, the 29 th of January in the year 1833, and 57 th year of the Commonwealth.
Thos. P. Ray
We William Ford & George Keener residing in the county of Monongalia and state of Virginia, do hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with James Devers, who has as it appears, subscribed and sworn to the annexed declaration; that we believe him to be seventy eight years of age, that he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood in which he and us resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn to and subscribed, on the 9 day of February, in the year 1833.
William his Ford mark
George his Keener mark
I John Nuzum a justice of the peace in and for said county, do certify that William Ford & George Keener who has signed the above certificate, this day personally appeared before me, at the county aforesaid, and made oath to, and subscribed the said certificate before me, as a justice of the peace as aforesaid, and that the said persons could not conveniently attend the court of said county, residing more than 24 miles from the courthouse.
Given under my hand and seal the 9 day of February 1833.
John Nuzum
County of Monongalia } ss. State of Virginia }
On this 26 th of February, in the year 1833, was produced, before the County court of Monongalia in open court now sitting, the foregoing declaration and the accompanying or annexed certificates, and thereupon it is ordered to be certified, to the Department of War, that it appears to them, that William Ford and George Keener, are residents of said county, more than twenty four miles from the courthouse, are credible persons, and that their statement is entitled to credit, and that the said John Nuzum, before whom the same

appears to have been done, and whose signature appears thereto, is an acting justice of the peace in and for said county —
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said court, at Morgan town the 26 th of February, in the year 1833. and 57 th year of the Commonwealth.
Thos. P. Ray

For Devers
Admiral private 11 months 22 days $39.56
For Devers 1 1/2

Wadsworth March 8 th 1834
Hon Samuel L. Southard - Sec of Navy The Education-Comp Mr James Dews an applicant for a pension, whose papers appear to have been at the department since last, has of late desired me to examine his papers, - I done so and found his papers full of contradictions He - I examine the Mr Dews & think I have now got a true state- ment of his service, - He Mr Dews is an honest old man, - would not give wrong statement if he knew it - The fact has all been in the persons who have heretofore drawn up his papers.
I hope the he may never be placed on the pension list for the time he served. Yours Nathaniel Goff

1737 Fanny Stern - Pen Mungralen -
of Entitled

Jacy S. Dorr, Penn
In the case of I am informed by Nathan Goff that several declarations of the Pension were returned for correction - in the drawing and concocting of which he knows nothing had nothing to do - Mr. Dorr the Pension who drew them. Finally the old man came to him - he Goff examined him with great care, wrote a new declaration, transmitted it to the United States himself, with all the declarations previously written - and received a certificate -
I called to see the old man as many as three times, and on each occasion found him in a stupor stupor, produced by intoxication - from what I have understood from Mr. Goff. I think he Dorr is entitled
W. Langlet - Nov. 21. 1834

BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD*
NAME Devett, John (Dewitt) GRADE Private LINE Cranie's Continental Artillery (Massachusetts)
WARRANT NUMBER H068 ACREAGE 100 ISSUED Aug. 1, 1796 To Joseph Fosdick
*The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 4 of "Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800" which are registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subsequent dates. Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800. Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in The National Archives.

BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD*
NAME Deviance, John H. GRADE Private LINE New York (Deorance)
Pencil Notation
WARRANT NUMBER 7059 ACREAGE 100 ISSUED April 6, 1793
To Zariah Lewis, assignee
*The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 4 of "Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800" which are registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subsequent dates. Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800. Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in The National Archives.