Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 15399, Joseph Davis, Va.

SERVICE
NUMBER _____
Va.
Davis Joseph
S. 15-399
Carded
CONTENTS

Kentucky 26504
Joseph Davis commence in the State of Kentucky who was a private in the com commanded Captain Keller of the reg commanded Fort Preston in the Virginia for 1 year
scribed on the Roll of Kentucky rate of 40 Dollars Cents per annum, commence on the 14th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 28 day of Feb 1834 and Her Rule Johnson H B
arrears to the 14th of Sept 100.00 semi-annual allowance ending March 20.00 $120.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
recorded by Saul Boyd Clerk, Book 8 Vol. 7 Page 30

State of Kentucky } County of Lawrence } ss.
On this 15 th day of February one thousand eight hundred and thirty four personally appeared before me the undersigned One of the Commissioners of the peace for said county now the United States of America, in the County of Lawrence and State of Kentucky aged seventy 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 th 1832. That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated. To wit under.
on the 12 th day of May 1779. in the County of Washington in the State of Virginia as a volunteer for one year as a common soldier to fight against the Indians. he left the service after his engagement just one year after his engagement to wit 12 th May 1779. to the 12 th May 1780. he then re-entered in the County of Fousard. he was a volunteer. he was in no battle. the country through which he marched was from Black Runyon fort down the Clinch river to Powell's valley and to Cumberland Gap. at Cumberland

mountain to. Castle's woods. and down Church. and to. The fort. he remained with no continental, or militia regiments. or companies nor with any continental or militia officers. but the officers, who commanded the spies, and he does not believe he ever served under a regular officer for he always lived on the frontier settle- ments, where indians were always troublesome. and the especially on the Church settlements where they were every year. invaded by the northern indians for many years. These are the particulars which he can now call to recollection. that transpired during the revolution, and during the time he was in the service. but events so long ago. are not so fresh as he could wish, and he may be mistaken about the dates & events occurring - in April 1779. The settlements were all invaded. on Church and Powell's river. and in May. he volunteered for one year. as a spy or. was called scouts, each settlement turned out as many as they could. on the 12 th May the company was put in motion under which he served. from this place. he marched to Hunsford. and from there to. Cumberland Gap. a place was fixed if the indians were discovered approaching to what to. a place now in Scott county Virginia. called the rye cove. The company scouted here in this section of Virginia. which was then a wilderness. until late in December. 1779. The winter

was so very cold. that. the company had to broke up. and go to. The Cove. When. he arrived here. he was badly frost bite and was nearly unable to walk, he remained here till Febry. following and again returned. to the frontiers. and remained scouting and spearing until. his time expired in May 1780. he must pay for his services. and a certificate. and discharge. for his year service.
The next year 1781. in the month of September he substituted for one. George Denniston who was a drafted militia man for three months in Abingdon Washington county Virginia under Captain Keller. Major Arthur Campbell and Col. Preston who commanded the troops. at first Christ Hill in Albemarle. He was marched to the big lick in Botetourt county not far from Fincastle where he was commanded by Col. McClanahan, he stayed here until after Cornwallis was taken there was one hundred forty. started. to go down to take Cornwallis, but he was taken about six days after he arrived at the big lick, while he was here he saw Col. James Love. who lived on Fincer Creek who was a regular officer in the Continental service and. Capt. James Brickenridge a Surveyor who lived in Fincastle town

He marched through Montgomery county, to Roanoke and from there into South West which laid joining Montgomery at that day. He was in no battles - He has no documentary evidence as the discharge he got he gave to Dennison who was killed so to as he heard him to go in his place. He does not know of any person by whom he can prove his enlistment for Dennison that he now knows is a living man up. Capt Draper and Lieutenant McGeough is still a living Dennison is dead. (He died in Tennessee on the Holly chocky river as he is informed). He served with no continental regiments that he now knows of and only seen but a few continental officers. He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares his name is not on the the pension role of the agency of any state. - (and further he declares that he is old and poor and very infirm and from his bodily infirmity he cannot attend the court at Lawrence.) Sworn to and subscribed the day and year afore said - Joseph Davis

October 9, 1924.
Joseph Davis 7,15399
John Clinton Price, 915 W. 9th St., Coffeyville, KANS.
Sir:
I have to advise you that from the papers in Revolutionary War pension claim, S.15399, it appears that Joseph Davis, while a resident of Washington County, Virginia, enlisted May 12, 1779, and served one year in Captain Lewis' Virginia Company of Indian Spies. He enlisted in September 1781 and served 3 months under Captain Keller, Colonels Preston and McClanahan in the Virginia Troops.
He was allowed pension on his application executed February 8, 1834, while a resident of Lawrence County, Kentucky, aged 70 years. In 1843 he was living in Johnson County, Kentucky.
There is no data on file as to his family.
Respectfully,
Commissioner.
As D. K. Harris who am made the charges against this soldier retracted them and as the Office quibbled about the length & nature of service, but did not say he did not serve. I made no mention of pension being suspended

Let to D K Harris June 24 1835 Do to same & P. C. C. Aug. 6. 1835 Do Sept 30 1835.
Recharge retracted by D K Harris. See his letter filed in the papers of Edw. Darten Ken. act 1832, N o 25,506.
Let to W H Sylvester Aug. 18. 1843. Let to J. R. Hance Sept 18 44

Sir
295 Gen H Aug 16th 44
In the case of Presley Lankins it appears that his service was rendered subsequently to the revol y war and consequently affords no ground for a claim to a revol y pension. Congress has made no provision for those engaged in the Indian war which succeeded the revolution. The unauthenticated & informal declara- -tion of Edward Durden and the deposi- -tions of the Franklins to establish his general character have been exam- mined & filed. — His present state- ment is entirely inconsistent with his original declaration & is too general & vague to admit of a satisfactory inves- -tigation. It merely assigns that term to each tour which he was informed the laws of Va. prescribed to the Militia and asserts double the number of

hours set forth in his original statement under oath in 1833 before "his mind" became as "faded" as his witnesses now represent it —
The add. papers in the case of Joseph Davis (also informal) have been examined in connection with those heretofore filed. He now in general terms sets forth after that he served two tours of 3 mos each in the Va. militia but affords no detail of each as the rules required — It is very clear from his own statement, made when his memory was less frail than he now re- presents it that he served but one tour of 3 mos in the militia & performed for something like 12 mo. that service of vigilance which all the "active" & young of the frontier settlers rendered under their own organization for their domestic se- curity — That service is not provided for.
D. K. Harris Aug 16. 44
David K. Harris Esq Prestonsburg Floyd Co. Ky.

Declaration of Johnson County State of Kentucky
The declaration of Joseph Davis of Johnson County and State of Kentucky for a restoration of his pension he states that he served a militia soldier four terms of three months each under Captain Lewis and have forgot his given name but thinks it was Andy but not certain as to his given name a man by the name of Habersan was our Lieutenant and Michael Barron was our commissary or apportioned out our rations it was in the western part of Virginia that the service was rendered he further states that he does not now recollect the names of the high officers. but to the best of my recollection their names were Campbells & Preston. and he further states that he got his discharge from his Captain he refers to his former declaration for a more minute description of his services as he is getting very old and frail in memory. and therefore asks for a restoration of his pension
Joseph his Davis mark
35702 Davis

Johnson County State of Kentucky This day personally appeared before me the undersigned an acting Justice of the peace in and for said County Joseph Davis of the County and State aforesaid and made oath to the within declaration given under my hand this 30 th day of October 1843 N. G. Waldeck J.P.
Johnson County State of Kentucky I John H. House Clerk of the Court for the County aforesaid do hereby certify that N. G. Waldeck whose name is subscribed to to the above certificate is an acting Justice of the peace in and for said County and the above is his true and genuine signature and I do hereby further certify that Joseph Davis whose name is subscribed to the foregoing declaration is personally known to me and that due credit ought to be given to him when an oath given under my hand and seal this 30 th day of October 1843
This being a new County and having no seal of office any such as I have hereto affixed the same being adopted by the County Court att John H. House C.S. 66 (S.S.)

Johnson County State of Kentucky The deposition of John Franklin
he states that he has been acquainted with Joseph Davis whose name is subscribed to the within declaration and who is an applicant for the restoration of his pension for near forty years and he thinks that due credit ought to be given to him when an oath given under my hand this 30 th day of October 1843
John Franklin
Johnson County State of Kentucky The deposition of James Franklin
he states that he has been acquainted with Joseph Davis whose name is subscribed to the within declaration - and who is an applicant for the restoration of his pension for near fifteen years years and he thinks that due credit ought to be given to him when an oath - given under my hand this 30 th day of October 1843
James Franklin

State of Kentucky Johnson County I John Howe Clerk of the Court for the County aforesaid do hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with John Franklin and James Franklin whose names are subscribed to the within deposition and that due credit ought to be given to their statement when an oath given under my hand and seal this 30 th day of October 1843.
This being a new County and having no seal of office only such as I have hereto affixed the same being adopted by the County Court
at John Howe C.S.C.
This day personally appeared before me the undersigned a Justice of the peace in and for the County of Johnson John Franklin & James Franklin whose names is subscribed to the within Certificate and made oath to the same given under my hand this 30 th of Oct 1843
N. C. Waldeck
State of Kentucky Johnson County to wit I John Howe Clerk of the Court for the County aforesaid do hereby certify that N. C. Waldeck whose name is subscribed to the above certificate is an acting Justice of the peace for the County aforesaid and that the above is his genuine signature given under my hand and seal this 30 th day of October 1843 at John Howe C.S.C.

Sch 29
M c - Attention Mrs Davis Ky
Payne 96
991
26504
26639
J. L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.
free

Sch 29
Mr. Attention
Miss Mary Ky...
Poplar Hill
991
26507
26639
free
J. S. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.

Offer Books to States Lexington 22 d Sept 1835
In In your letter of the 6 th August, you direct the suspension of Payment to Joseph Davis - Now there are two of this name on the same Roll, one at $40 - the other at $20 - Which of them is suspended?
Yours
Rev. C. H. Lusk
W. W. Skidmore
Post
E. J. L. Edwards Esq Com. of Pensions Washington D. C.

J. H. Harris Prestonburg
Augt 6. 1830
My dear Sir, I have been thinking of you and your kind words, and how much I should like to see you again. I have been very busy lately, but I have managed to find some time to write to you. I hope you are well and happy. I have been thinking of you and your kind words, and how much I should like to see you again. I have been very busy lately, but I have managed to find some time to write to you. I hope you are well and happy.
Yours truly D. M. [initials]

War Dept.
Pension Office
Aug. 6. 1835
Sir,
Your letter of the 18 th ult o accompanied by the statements of John Osborn and Reuben Marshall came duly to hand. These statements are herewith returned, in order that they may swear to them. The pensions of Joseph Davis, Boyle Castle, Edward Darden, Thomas Howard and James Howard have been stopped.
So soon as lists of the Kentucky Pensioners shall have been printed for circulation, a list embracing all the counties you mention, will be sent to you.
We will be obliged to you for any information respecting fraudulent cases which you may be able to furnish. This Dept t . however, can make no compensation for such service. No appropriation by law has been made for such purposes.
✓
D. K. Harris, Esq t Prestonsburg Ky.
This man retracted his statements about Joseph Davis, see his letter dated Feb. 11. 1842 in claim of Edward Darden, S30983.

Joseph Davis to J. P. Denson Declaration
Lawrence City Ky.
Hale Troop Va

We Edward B Miller a Clergyman residing in the county of Lawrence and State of Kentucky and William Brown residing in the same hereby certify that we have well acquainted with Joseph David Matthews and know to the above declaration that we believe him to be recently years of age that he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a soldier in the revolution and that we believe said that Union
Edward B Miller William Brown
I John Stafford a Justice of the peace for the county of Lawrence hereby declare my opinion after an investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the war department that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states. And I do further certify that Edward B Miller who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman resident in the county of Lawrence State of Kentucky and William Brown who has signed the same is a resident in the county of Floyd and State of Kentucky and is a credible person and that their statement is entitled to credit and that the said applicant from old age from the distance to the court house and bodily infirmity cannot attend court.
John Stafford

State of Kentucky County Court clerk's office set.
I James M. Rice clerk of the court of the court of Lawrence county court hereby certify that John Stafford is a a Justice of the peace, and that his signature to the foregoing certificate is genuine.
In witness my whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of my Office thereto. Given from under my hand this 11 th day of February 1834.
R.R. James M. Rice
collected at 100

Nov. 19. 1843
Bl. of Edward Davis
Dearin V. Jos.
Davis.
Rev.
Edward
Commissioner of Customs
Washington City

Nov. 19. 1843
Col. of Edmund St. Laurin V. Fox.
Sir:
Rev.
L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City.

Prestonsburg Floyd county Ky Nov 3 1843
In enclosed I send you the cases of Edward Darton and Joseph Davis as sent to me to forward to the Department I also send you the claim of Presly Larkins. I would like to hear from the claimers of Morris Wells and Sara Austin you will forward your answer to Prestonsburg Ky Yours Gamer H Harris

29.505
Jos Davis
} Pen case
Lawrence county Loring Kentucky Feb 1879 pr. 17 months $40 can only allow 1/2 above. Louis a. Ray
void
Damer in Rice
Hon R. M Johnson

The deposition of Bazel Castle age a twenty three years. taken this day on oath before me. - He states during the war of the Revolution he was acquainted with Joseph Davis, that he knew of his serving in the army against the Indians in the State of Virginia in the year 17 - that he has known him for a long time since, and that he is undoubtedly the same individual. He thinks that he served against the Indians, acco- rding to his recollection a year or upwards. that he has heard (many years since) about his other services. but he knows personally nothing about it As to further this Deponent saith not.
Laurence County ss Wt 5
I John Stafford a Justice of the Peace for Laurence County. hereby certify that the above deposition was made before me. on oath by the Deponent, and that Bazel Castle is a man of credit and a credible witness. and that his statement above is entitled to credit. Given from my hand. the 2nd day of Feb 1836. John Stafford J.P.

State of Kentucky Lawrence county } ss
I Jas. M. Rice Clerk of the County Court for the County aforesaid do hereby certify that John Stafford whose name is subscribed to the forego- -ing certificate is and was at the time of sign- -ing the same a Justice of the peace of said County, and that it is his genuine signa- -ture.
In testimony whereof I have here- -unto set my hand and affixed the seal of my said office this 11 th day of February 1834
Atty Jas. M. Rice Clerk

915 West Ninth street, Coffeyville, Kansas, August, 20, 1924.
The Commissioner Of Pensions, Bureau of Pensions, Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:
Kindly send me the substance of the records on file in your office of "Joseph Davis, of Va. service. S-15399." He was pensioned for Revolutionary War service March 4, 1831 at Lawrence county, Ky and later lived in Johnson county, Kentucky. He enlisted May 12, 1779 in Washington county, Va. in a Company of Scouts who were used to spy out Invading Indians at the western Gaps of Va.
The veteran mentioned was my great great grandfather.
Your report is to be used as a credential for membership in the Sons of the American Revolutionary, and will be greatly appreciated by me.
Respectfully Yours,
John Clinton Price.
John Clinton Price

15399 INVALID.
File No. 15399
Joseph Davis Indians Pre Civil War
Act: June 7 th 82
Index:—Vol. 1 , Page 428
[Arrangement of 1870.]

1924 Oct. 9 - Hist. to John Clinton Price