Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 2747, Meshack Davis, N.C.

SERVICE
NUMBER
N. 6.
Davis, Meshack or Mashack or Moshack
R. 2747
CONTENTS

C
July 1, 1837 Mashack Davis N.B. - see 32
E. G. T. Lumpkin July 9 - 1837

State of Georgia
Gilmer County }
On this the 11 th day of June 1851 before me the undersigned a justice of the Peace in and for the county of Union State of Georgia personally appeared Meshack Davis aged according to his count about 101 years and after being duly sworn according to Law States that he served in the War of the Revolution 6 months and fifteen days that he lived in Rowan County North Carolina at the commencement of said War & that soon after it commenced he was drafted for a three months tour under Capt Elijah Lyons Col Locke & Genl Rutherford ford to go against the hostile Indians in the western part of the State (Valley River), served his term of service and returned home and some time after he states that he volunteered for three months to go against the British & Tories at Wilmington N.C. that his Capt name was Jesse Knighton (his Col name he has forgotten), and Genl. Rutherford he states that he served three months and 15 days before he returned home. He further states that about 11 years ago while living in Haywood County North Carolina that he made a declaration setting forth his services that said declaration & proof of service was taken or sent to the Pension Office by a Mr. King that his services was proven by Simeon Lewis of Burke County N.C.

which he would respectfully refer the Commissioner of Pensions to to establish his claim for a Pension as a Revolutionary Soldier hereby He hereby constitutes and appoints Thomas Lumpkin of Washington City his Attorney to prosecute his claim for a Pension
Sworn to and subscribed before me
Elmon Tille
Meshack his Davis mark
James M. Guilian Justice Peace
State of Georgia
Muscogee County
On this the 11 th day of June 1851 before me the undersigned a Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly authorized by law to administer oaths personally appeared Samuel Lovingood a resid- ent of said County (aged 54 years) whose state- ments are entitled to credit and after being duly sworn according to law states that he has been acquainted with Meshack Davis for the last 35 years that said Davis was repu- ted and believed to have been a soldier in the Revolutionary War and that he never heard it doubted by any one
Sworn to and subscribed before me the day above written
Samuel Lovingood
James M. Guilian Justice Peace

State of Georgia Union County
I Thomas M. Hughes Clerk of the Superior Court of said County do hereby certify that James M. Williams whose genuine signa- ture to the foregoing statements of Mesheac Davis & Samuel Lovingood appears is an acting Justice of the Peace in & for said County, Commissioned & duly qualified as such
Given under my hand and seal of Office this the twenty first day of June
1851
Thomas M. Hughes, Clerk

State of N. Carolina
Haywood County } Be it known that on this 25 th day of June 1855 personally appeared before me the subscriber a justice of the peace in and for said County Jacob Mason a resident of Jackson County & State aforesaid and made oath in due form of law that he is the Son in law and Administrator of Mashac Davis who departed this life on the 7 th day of October 1853 of said County who was a Soldier in the army of the Revolution and an applicant for a Revolutionary pension. That for the purpose of obtaining the said pension he believes now due the children of the said Mashac Davis dec d , he doth here by constitute & appoint George C. Sims Esqr of Washington his agent and attorney to take charge of the aforesaid claim with full power and authority to act in the premises, and to do all things necessary for the recovery of the same
attest
N. Brown J.P. Attest J. Vickery
Jacob Mason Seal Administrator of M. Davis dec d
Sworn to, subscribed, and acknowledged before me, and I do certify that Jacob Mason the deponent is personally known to me and that he is the person that he is represented himself to be in the foregoing affidavit. Given under my hand date first above written June 25 th 1855
N. Brown J.P.

State of North Carolina Haywood County
I William M. Brea Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Sessions do certify that W. Brown who's name appears to the foregoing is Magistrate duly Commissioned and sworn and was at the time of signing the same. and his signature is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have signed my name and affixed the seal of office thereunto. This 25 day of June 1853.
Wm. Brea
Messue Davis JR
32 Resp d
G. C. Amey

State of North Carolina } Court of Pleas and Quarter Haywood County } Sessions January Sep 1841
On this twenty ninth day of January 1841 personally appeared in open court before the court of pleas and quarter sessions now sitting Michael Davis a resident of Haywood county and state of North Carolina aged about 82 years who being first duly sworn according to laws doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated to wit
He was drafted and served a three months term against the Cherokee Indians under Capt. Elijah Lyons Colonel Locke and General Rutherford being the field officers and some
year after which he turned out as volunteer and served three months in Captain Jesse Knighton company in the vicinity of Wilmington on the sea board. and was at the skirmish of the Duck House General Rutherford being the Commanding officer in the campaign. That during both terms of service his place of residence was near Salisbury in Rowan County N.C.
That some three or four years after the close of the revolutionary war he removed to Lincoln county N.C. where he lived about fourteen years that he then removed to Wilkes County where he lived about eight years then to Buncombe County where he lived at different places in that county until about three years ago when he became and yet is a citizen of Haywood County, that he has no record of his age to be relied on but thinks from the best means of reckoning in his power he is about ninety two years of age. That he has no distinct recollection of his age when he first entered the service but thinks he was between twenty five and twenty six years of age having married at twenty five and entered the service the same year about four months afterwards. That he was born in the state of Maryland and moved to North Carolina at the age of fifteen being an orphan

We hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state or if any only on that of the agency
He further states that the reason he has not heretofore made any application for a pension is that he has been sick and confined for nearly eight years and lives some seventeen or twenty miles from town in a remote part of Haywood County on Fines creek, and have not been enabled since his first application to counsel, some six months ago until this week to obtain the testimony of Simeon Lewis whose affidavit is herewith annexed. It further appears to the court that Simeon Lewis is aged and infirm and unable to attend the court and that the affidavit was taken before Sam Padgett who is an acting justice of the peace in said state.
Sworn to before me the 10th day of March 1846 Mark
We Thomas Arrington a clergyman in the county of Haywood and D. C. Howell
residing in the county of Haywood hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Michael Davis who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be a revolutionary soldier and he is separated and believes in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution and are fully convinced in that opinion. We further believe he is of age as he states Thomas Arrington D. C. Howell

And the said court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the whole matter and after having put the interrogatories requiring by the War Department in open court to the applicant in person who is aged and very infirm that the above named Abraham Davis applicant as aforesaid was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states
And the court further certifies that Simon Lewis whose affidavit is herunto annexed is a very aged individual now residing in Burke County and that he is also deputed as was proven in open court to have been a soldier of the Revolution.
It further appears to the court that Thomas Armstrong who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman resident in Way- Cross and that D. B. Howell is a credible person and that their statement is entitled to credit — It is ordered by court that the clerk certify the foregoing proceedings and attach thereto the seal of the court — together with the following affidavit

Simeon Lewis aged 78 years swears that he was well acquainted with Moshaack Davis the applicant that keep brother intermarrying with the sister of said applicant's wife Patience Bentley. Leep further states that he was in the town secondly spoken of by applicant from Salisbury to the sea shore near Wilmington. I had a Skirmish at what was called the brick house, Jesse Knight was an Captain. Affiant states that he belonged to the same snap as Moshaack Davis during the said town sworn to before me this 2 nd day of Jan y 1841 of 1841 Simeon Lewis Genl. Ridgell (Jp) ind. 12
I William Welch clerk of the Court of pleas & quarter sessions for Heytesbury County do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the Original Proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Moshaack Davis for a Pension. In testimony of which I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of office this 29 th of January 1841
W m Welch Clerk
35183 A Moshaack Davis W m C. Act 7 June 1832

Claim of Isaac Davis for Pension War of the Revolution as Heir of Mr. Davis —

State of Georgia
County of Union } Be it known that
Before me, Jason C. Chastain a Justice of the Peace within and for the County and State aforesaid, personally appeared Isaac Davis aged 56 Years a resident of the County of Union and State of Georgia who being by me cautioned and then sworn in due form of law, states on oath that he is the Son and Heir of Meshack R. Davis deceased who was a Revolutionary Soldier of the State of North Carolina and that said Messack R. Davis continued in said War about six months and that he died on or about the 15 th day of October A.D. 1852. That his Mother named Lidia Davis died on or about the 15 th day of July A.D. 1847, and that they were married on the 7 th day of May in the A.D. 1870. and that they were residents of the County of Anson and State of North Carolina and that they resided there 40 Years and that there are three other children of the said Meshack Davis deceased as follows, Aaron, William, and Rutha and John Davis only surviving Heir of said Meshack Davis And He further more by these presents constitutes appoints and fully empowers irrevocably William R. Curry and A. H. Walker his true and lawful Attorneys for him and his in name and stead, to examine into, to prosecute to demand and receive from the United States Government all his rights in any manner of

claim for pension or arrears of pension or land that may be due as his Son and Heir of the said Michael Davis who died leaving the same undrawn as in right of law custom or equity he is or may be entitled In Testimony whereof he has on this 6 th day of August. A.D. 1853 hereunto set his hand and affixed his Seal.
Attest J. L. D. G. J. S. Isaac Davis L. S.
Subscribed & acknowledged and sworn to before me on this 6 th day of August And I hereby certify that I am not inter- ested in the prosecution of this claim.
J. C. Chapman J. L. S. Seal

State of Georgia 3 County of Union 3 I John S Hain Ordinary Within and for the County and State aforesaid, Do hereby Certify, That Jason C Chastain Esq before whom the foregoing Declaration & Power of Attorney was made was at the time of the signing thereof. an Justice of the Peace Within and for the County of Union and State of Georgia, duly Commissioned and sworn and That his signature there to is genuine In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed my official Seal at Blakesville on 22 nd day of July AD 1854,
J. S. Hain Ordinary Union, County, Georgia

REJECTED
2747
P. O. _____
Houback Prews
Service: _____
Enlisted: _____, 18
Discharged: _____, 18
Application filed: _____, 18
Alleges: _____
Re-enlisted: _____
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____
_____ Recognized.
_____ Contract.
_____ Cert. of Dis.
Searched for _____
_____, 18

n.c.
Approved 1832
1832
DRES...

N o 35183
Washack Davis
186.
Act of 7 th June 1832
Letters to _____
Mr. Ganes - 10 March 1880 Miss. Sitraharn - July 21 - 1880 Messrs. G. & Clingman - Jan. 1 - 1880 Nathan Leake - January 21 - 1880 Miss. Gumpkin - October 21 - 1880 Heating of the interior - October 21 - 1880
Ther. 1870.
See letter to L. S. Lingenfelter March 28/1852.
Dear Young & Walker, Aug 3/57

DAVIS, MESHACK (N.C.) R-2747
Cpt
To
Richmond Person Living at the South yardkin

Dear Sir
December 25 1781
Moshack Davis was at my house after his Ticket of fifteen pounds fifteen shilling and Likewise Daniel Bentleys Ticket that he is to receive for so Bentley you remember I Left a passel of the men that was with me at the Wilmorton Expedition and I Left them with you please to pay them to the men I Left them for an I you will much oblige your friend
Jesse Knighten

Aug 5 th 1861
Wagonville N.C. July 28 th 1861
Dear
NC
Rev J. H. Beaman
Camp of Stearns Washington City D.C.

Waynesville Haywood County NC 26 th July 1861
Sir
Yours of the 11 th of March was handed to me by the Post Master this morning it was directed to Mr. Lakin in place of Mr. Francis which occasioned it to remain in the Post Office here nearly three months as it was said that from the advanced age of the claimant Mackack Davis together with the fact that he now applies for the first time will fully justify the Department in requiring proof of the services. It seems to me that on examination you will find the proof you require in the affidavit of Lewis which is incorporated in, or annexed to, the applicant's declaration.
Hon J. L. Edwards Commr of Pensions
With great respect your obedt servt J. H. Francis

Stock Hill Ga. July 31 st 1854.
Hon L. P. Waldo.
Dear Sir
Enclosed We send You a power of Attorney made to us by The Heirs of Michael Davis or M. Davis as he in his life time generally signed his name, Who was a Soldier of The Revolution from the State of North Carolina. And we are informed by The Heirs, that said M. Davis filed a declaration for the purpose of obtaining the pension due him in his life time, but that he died before he could have a decision upon his claim. We therefore would respectfully ask You to examine the files in said claim, and inform us what proof is wan- ting to establish his claim,
We are very respect- fully Your Ob t Servt Derry & Walker.
Hon L. P. Waldo. Commissioner of Pensions Washington City D.C.

143.
Washington
Oct 25/57.
Thomas Sumpter in
Appeals from the decision of the Comr of Pensions in the case of Mashack Davis.
Triplett
Rept Comr Pensions for a Report.
Sept 2nd 33
Oct 27/57

Washington Oct. 25th 1857
Sir, I have the honor to enclose herewith the letter of the Hon. Commissioners of Pensions rejecting the case of Mashack Davis of Georgia, now 101 years old, asserted in 1845, under Act of 7th June 1834. I have examined very carefully into merits of this case, and have arrived at a different opinion as expressed the Clerk who acted upon it. I am constrained to appeal from the decision made adverse to its allowance, and beg that the papers may be submitted to you for your decision.
I have the honor to be Very respectfully Your Obedt Servt Th. D. Dampkin.
Hon. Alex. H. H. Stuart, Secretary of the Dept. of the Interior.

Mashack Davis 92
3. Syn of Cherokee's
3. Knigh.
Simua Lewis. Matruh in 2 nd Knigh =

Pension Office Oct 20th 21. 1887
Sir:
The case of Marshall Davis has been re-examined at your request.
He declares for a 3 months' term against the Cherokee Indians, but whether before or during the Revolution he does not state, and then for a 3 months' term during the Revolution. Our entries prove the latter, but for the other, reliance is placed on the record. This shows a service of more than 15 months, and cannot be appropriated to the claimant. The claim is indeed meritorious.
Very Respectfully
Yours truly
John Wilson
for Comr Pension
7. Lumpkin to Pension. ✓

July 10 th 1857
Re: to case of Marshall Davis Capt. Mifflin
Thos. Lumpkin Present

Washington D.C. July 7th, 1887
(ii) Having produced the requisite authority to the Pension Office to examine into the case of M. Davis or Mashack Davis of St. @ under Act of 7th June 1882, I respectfully state; that having made an examination into the merits of said @ I am fully impressed with the belief that the same is a meritorious one and will upon a fair reexamination be allowed. The old soldier being 92 years of age when he made his application asserted that he served two terms of three months each, making but six months, while the Comptroller's certificate would show that payments were made to M. Davis for a larger amount of service. I trust this fact will not invalidate his claim entirely. He no doubt being on the brink of the grave did not wish to swear to more service than he performed, hence he swore to less, by some three months. His statement is sustained by parallel testimony, and

There can be no doubt of his having been in the War of the Revolution. I trust the case may allow.
I am Sir, Very resp'y, Th. D. Dampkin
P.S.
The discrepancy may be thus accounted for. The period of enlistment was usually for three months. He may have continued in service beyond his enlistment and before he was discharged and remembering that he had enlisted on two occasions for three months each he may not have recalled his service for a longer period. 72
Wm. J. E. Heath
(Emm. of Classis)

Washington D.C. Nov. 6th, 1837.
Mr. [blank], I have the honor to submit for your consideration in the case of M c Asaph Davis upon which I appealed from the Hon. Com miss ioner's decision adverse to its allowance, one or two of features which should not be overlooked in its final disposition. They are first, the fact of M c Davis's advanced age and his imperfect recollection of the period of service which he rendered in the Revolution. The person who drew up his declaration could not have been possessed of any data upon which to base a claim as is clearly exhibited in said paper. The declarant states no doubt the truth that he entered for a period of three months, but the fact of his having continued in service is proven from the Comptroller's certificate for a much larger period, and for which I now claim. This name M c Davis , is the

only one found upon the records of N. Carolina, and the testimony on file proves that M. or Mackack Davis was a soldier in the Revolution and served in N. Carolina and clearly identifies him. This is to every man of com- mon sense, a claim of merit , but has been badly gotten up and I most respectfully beg that it may be examined upon its real  merits .
I have the honor to be Sir, Very resp'y Yours Ob't Serv't Th. Dampson
Hon. A. H. H. Stuart Secy. of the Dept. of the Interior.

House of Representatives Jan 11 th 1844
Sir
I enclose you two applications for pensions
As soon as they can be examined I should be pleased to know the result
Respectfully yours J. L. Clingan
J. G. Schwartzen

Dec. 10. 1845.
Adal tes card
Michael Davis.
Wm. J. - Edward born of William Present

Washington Dec 8 th 1845
Sir
I enclose herewith the Certificate of the Comptroller of N.C. in support of the claim of Meshack Davis of N.C. whose claim was attended to formerly by Mr. Grannis & Mr. Johnston Esqrs. I believe I am informed that one of his terms of service has already been proven by parole testimony. I hope the enclosed will be satisfactory to the department, to show the entire validity of his claim. early action is particularly requested in the case, as the old man is exceedingly poor & is just on the verge of going to the almshouse, which he will be compelled to do if he does not receive his pension very soon. I would take it also as great personal favour if this case could have immediate attention. I have never asked this before. Your most ob t Servant
Hon J. L. Edwards
Nathan Luke
Head of Pensions

M rs Sarah Davis Act 7 July 1832 (Hoarwood 6 o ) N. Carolina. Suspended.
John G. Bryant

Memphis Tenn of January 1841
(257)
Feb 8 1841
N.C.
Markack Davis Act 1832
J. G. Edwards
Camp of Pioneers
Washington
St. L.

Dear Sir
29 th Jan y . 1841
Enclosed you have the declaration of Moshack Davis in order to obtain a pension under the act of June 1832. The old man is very infirm and needs the aid of said act for his comfortable support. If you conceive the matter full enough you will confer a favor by forwarding as soon as convenient the certificate to that effect. With great respect I am yours &c.
Hon J. G. Edwards } Com of Pensions }
M. Lewis

July 24 1841. In Lab p 16
Maclean Sands
28 Washington St Hon. J. Graham H.R.

H R
July 22 d 1841
Ed d Edwards Esq.
Sir
will you please inform me what has been done with the Claim of Mashiah Davis of Haywood Co NC which was sent to your office last January
Respectfully
James Graham

Department of the Interior Washington March 25. 1852.
Sir
Your decision in the case of Mashack Davis is affirmed and the papers are here- -with returned to your Office of which you will please advise Mr. T. Lumpkin the attorney for the Plaintiff
I am very respectfully Your Obedient Servant Alex. H. H. Stuart Secretary
James E. Heath Esq. Commissioner of Pensions

Brief
Case of Mashack Davis
ack
June 7 th 1832. —

Brief
Case Mashack Davis for Revolutionary Pension under the act of June 7 th 1832.
Evidence
1 st = Declaration of claimant sworn to by him Jan'y 9 th 1841 in which he sets forth his services as follows 1 st he served 3 months tour as the Cherokee Indians - under Capt. Lyons &c. 2 d that he served 3 months in Capt. Jesse Knighton's Company &c. to which is annexed an affidavit of Simeon Lewis who swears to the last service under Capt. Knighton and states that he deponent served in same tour &c. also the Certificate of Thos. Arrington & S. C. Harell, Clergymen testifying to Davis' Credibility and Reputation as a Revo- lutionary Soldier &c - See paper marked A. & C
2 nd Comptroller of State of North Carolina Certifies that the name of Mr Davis appears on the records of his office as having received £43. 2 s. at different periods See paper marked B.
3 d Note signed Jesse Knighton in which he states that Ma- shack Davis was with him in an expedition &c. dated Dec. 25 th 1781. D. This is all the evidence in the Case Respectfully Submitted W. Clegg

Wahsiga N.C.
Comptrollers office
I William H Collins Comptroller of Public Accounts in and for the State of North Carolina do hereby certify that the name of M. Davis appears on the records of this office as having had the following Specia certificates issued in his favor for Military Services (Pension) And for Eight Pounds Sixteen Shillings (£8.16) see Book No 24 page 2 also another for Ten Pounds Six Shillings (£10.6) see Book No 29 page 4 dated Sept 8 1783 also another for Twenty four Pounds (£24) see Book No 26 page 14. given under my hand and seal this Today Nov 1845
Wm H Collins Comptroller
 8 - 16  10 - 6  24   £43 2  27   86  21. 10   107. 57 
 15. 15  27   37  2. 10   39. 20