Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 4654, Isom Harris, Va.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Va.
Harris Isom or Isham
R. 4654
CONTENTS

1654
N 35875
Sham Harris
N.B.
Act June 7 th 32

State of North Carolina } Rutherford County }
On this 8 th day of August A.D. 1843 personally appeared in open court before the court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions now sitting Isaac Davis a Resident of the United States in the County of Rutherford and State of North Car- olina Aged Eighty four Years. Who being first duly sworn according to law, states on his Oath that 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 in the year 1780 - (The month and day not recollect- ed) as a substitute in the place of — Jones who had been drafted in Rutherford County in Virginia That he marched through North Carolina into South Carolina under the command of Brigadier General Stevens. (Name of Captain not remem- bered) General Stevens joined General Gates at Bragg's Mills near Camden. That he was in the Engagement near Camden when Gates was defeated from there he returned into North Carolina and was discharged at Hillsborough in which Town he served six Months -
Declarant further states that he was drafted in the year 1781 in Rutherford County Virginia That he marched under Captain Walker and joined Gen Washington near New York. That he was sta- tioned at Elmer and remained there until the sur- render of Cornwallis in which Town he served six Months - He knows of no living witness to prove his service.
Declarant further states that he was born in Han- -ton County Virginia in the year 1759. The record of his age is lost. That he lived in Rutherford County Virginia when called into service - since the Revolution,

he has lived mostly in Burke County North Carolina but now in Rutherford County North Carolina That he was called into Service here as a substitute and was discharged here -
General Stevens & Colonel Allen were officers when he was in Service -
He received a discharge but does not recollect from whom - and that the same is lost or mislaid -
That he is acquainted with & knows by Rev d Benjamin Hamilton & William Forney
That he 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 Army of any State. None to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
I now his mark David
We Benjamin Hamilton a Clergyman residing in the County of Rutherford and Mr. Forney residing in the same County certify that we are well acquainted with David who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be 84 years of age; that he is a native and believed in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution. & that we concur in that opinion None of subscribed the day and year aforesaid -
Benjamin Hamilton
Willie Anderson
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter and after put- ting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Depart- ment, that the above named applicant was a Regular Army Soldier, and served as he states, and the Court further certify that it appears to them that Benjamin Hamilton who has signed the preceding certificate - is a Clergyman Residing in the County

of Rutherford and that Mr. Loney (who has also signed the same) is a citizen in the County of Rutherford & is a Credit person, and that this Statement is entitled to Credit.
The Jefferson State
I George W. Logan Clerk of the Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions for said County do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the Original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of Behan against for a division. The testimony whereof has been reduced into writing and Read at Open Court this 9 day of Augt 1843
W. Logan C.B.
We the undersigned James Hanes do hereby certify that we saw papers in the possession of John Hanes purporting to be discharges from the services in the Revolutionary War and that we remember when they were lost or mislaid eighteen years ago - Augt. 8 th 1843
James Hanes his mark
Abel Hanes his mark
Given to in open court - Augt 8 th 1843 W. Logan C.B.

COPIED FROM AWF
December 15, 1931
BA-J/MLB
Mrs. B. F. Ezell 341 West Minnesota Avenue De Land, Florida
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter of November 24, 1931, relative to Isham Harris, a soldier of the Revolutionary War.
The data which follow are obtained from the papers on file in pension claim, R. 4654, based upon his military service in that war.
Isham or Isham Harris was born in 1759 in Charlotte County, Virginia.
While residing in Lunenburg County, Virginia, he alleged that he served as a private in the Virginia troops, as follows: in 1780, six months, officers not recollected, and was in the battle of Camden; in 1781, six months in Captain Walker's company, and was at the siege of Yorktown.
He applied for pension August 8, 1843, while a resident of Rutherford County, North Carolina, but the claim was not allowed, as he failed to furnish sufficient proof of service, as required by the pension laws.
Soldier had children, the only name stated being Isaac, who was a resident of Rutherford County, North Carolina, in 1853. There are no further data on file as to family.
The above history is that of the only soldier named Isham or Isham Harris that is found in the Revolutionary War records of this office.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Assistant to Administrator

Washington June 15 1884 Hon L P Maedo Sir
I present herewith the Affidavit of Rev. Benja. Hamilton, who is personally known to Hon T L Cling- = man as Mad of Steph Standins and who is entitled to full credit also of two other witnesses - in support of the Claim of Isham Harris of North Carolina - under the act of 7 Mar 1832.
Harris in his declaration claimed for two tours of service of 6 mo each. The tours in the Militia of Virginia were usually confined to three months each. From the evidence filed there can be no doubt I think of his having been in the service, that he was out twice and must have served not less than 3 months each time - I ask therefore that this Claim may be allowed for 6 months - if no more
Very Respectfully, Your obed Servt Geo L. Ames

Price 25
H. N. Silvester Washington City.

Rutherford County North Carolina Jan. 20. 1845 Mr. H. H. Sylvester
Isano
Dear Sir. Mr. Sam Harris claims a Pension and I have undertaken to attend to it for him. He sent his declaration to the Pension Office dated I think August 8 1843 and received an answer from J. W. Cunnup which you will see on the other side and from which you will learn that he did not obtain the principle reason seems to be the old man claimed two terms six months each and they were but three months each now if you will undertake and examine his Papers (for they are filed in the Office) and give me instruction so that he can obtain the claim to which he is intitled that is two terms three months each, I will allow you Fifty Dollars and if you cannot obtain it you must lose your trouble, as I will have to do also if nothing is obtained if you will undertake on the above conditions please examine and write to me as soon as possible and let me know all about the matter and I will be governed by your advice altogether. I will further say to you that Mr. Harris sustains a good character.

and it is generally believed that he did some and ought to have a pension. and the reason he did not apply sooner is that he thought he could live without it this fact can be certified but by misfortune the old man is truly needy - if you think after examination that nothing can be done will you be so kind as to inform me yours respectfully.
To Mr H. H. Sylvester
Benjamin Hamilton
N.B. Adress Rev. Benjamin Hamilton Rutherfordton North Carolina

The following is a true copy of the letter addressed to Osam Harris from Geo. M. Crump
Pension Office October 11. 1843
Sir
The papers in the case of Osam Harris claiming a pension under the act of June 7-1832 have bin examined and placed upon file. The services set forth in the declaration are unsupported by any evidence save the assertion of the claimant which of itself is insufficient. The tours of Militia Service in Virginia were limited to three months in each of conflicts with the claimants statement Without further evidence the claim cannot be allowed but will for the present be filed among the suspended cases the lateness of the assertion of the claim is calculated to excite distrust of its correctness
I am respectfully your ob. Servant Geo. M. Crump

Y. V. V. V. V.
June 20/37

915 Pension Office, June 20. 1852.
Sir,
The additional evidence transmitted by you in support of the claim for pension in virtue of the services of Thomas Harris in the revolutionary war, has been examined and filed with the other papers. This proof is insufficient to establish any service, much less a sufficiency to entitle the present claimant to pension — It merely shows  xxx  * the fact that Harris was reputed a soldier, and that the witnesses heard him declare he served two tours. &c — This is not better than his own Declaration, on file in this Office — which avers the same thing —
The claim is further suspended —
Very respectfully, &c
Geo. C. Ames Esq Present }

Main Aaron re Mary Browning Co Tenn 1780 6 mo West to the South 1751 6 mo
I will accept a caliphate for 6 mo in behalf of the claimant Mr Hamilton.
H. H. Sylvester Feb 19 45

Fri July 12 45
I enclose a letter from the Reverend Benjamin Hamilton of Rutherglen M.A. on the subject of a claim of Isaac Harris, under the Act June 7 1832.
Asks you to see the favor to claim the Rev. Mr. Hamilton's letter, & permit me to look at Mr. Harris' papers.
Yours Respectfully
H. H. Glasgow
See Enclosure

March 3
Aug 17
# N6 act June 7. 1832 Isham Harris
J. Edwards Aguir Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.
Upon the
A

Rutherford Tenn 9th Aug 1843
J. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions Sir
Enclosed you have the Declaration of Old Solomon Harris a voluntary soldier who is quite old and consequently absent minded and needs pecuniary aid. he no doubt was a good soldier and is entitled to pay for his services. You will address him to this for have you rec d of late Mrs Elizabeth Metcalfe Declaration about 10 to you some 2 or 3 weeks ago.
Yerry Respectfully W. H. Jackson

To The Bureau of Pensions - Washington D. C. -
Kindly give me all personal data concerning Isham Harris - (rejected Claim) Revolutionary Records - Do you have Colonial Militia? I should like Isham Harris of the Colonial Period -
Please give me all family data concerning Abel Harris (born 1812) His wife was Elizabeth Mashburn Davis - (widow Davis) Is she mentioned or any other family names -
Thanking you in advance
I am very truly -
Jessie Bernard Reid
Mrs. H. E. Reid -
303 - South 3rd Street -
Richmond - Va
I failed to state - Isham Harris was a Virginian who lived afterward in western N. C. - Abel Harris (Burke County later Decatur)

JOHN B. STETSON UNIVERSITY DELAND, FLORIDA
Nov. 27, 1931.
Bureau of Pensions:
Have you record of military service for the following Revolutionary War soldiers?
Reuben  Daniel (of of Com Granville Co N.C. and Ninety-Six Dist. S.C.)
Nathaniel  Mitchell (probably of N.C.)
✓ only one  Deham  Harris of N.C.
Yours Truly
Mrs. B. F. Ezell 341 W. Munn Ave DeLand, Fla.

N o 35-575 Isham Harris
N.L.
Suspended
Let to W H Walton Act 11-1845. v
" See C. Amos Jan 20/54
Act June 7 th 32

Johann Harris P.O. Box 32
Hon S P Waldo
Commr of Pensions

Envelope 2-14 Stamps Goffney S.C. Order of Pfc. L.H.M. Aug. 31, 1916 Sec. — RW Stamped. env. ret'd Dept. of Interior Washington D.C.
Dear sir: — Will you please examine the record of Revolutionary pensions and tell me if Isham Harris of Virginia had one on file —

Truly how many calls you have for things of this kind but I will greatly appreciate it - yours very truly
(Miss) Alberta Harris
Gaffney S.C.

Sam Slame ne
C. Snee

1916 Sept 14. Neil To Miss Alberta Harris. M. B. K.
 1929 Dec 6. Visit to J. S. Breward, R.R. S. Box 25. Hernamville, Miss. see his letter in Abt. Harris Reg. File. Oct 29, 1932. 1925 Dec 7. Visit to Mrs. H. E. Reid. see 1931 Jan 7. " " " Wilfred J. Harris saw 1931 Jan 15 " " Mrs. H. E. Reid - mstg. 
4654.
P. O.
Isham Harris
Service:
Enlisted: _____, 18_____
Discharged: _____, 18_____
Application filed: _____, 18_____
Alleged The printed list of 1852 gives cause of suspension as:
Re-enlisted: "Suspended for further proof and explanation."
Attorney:
P. O.
Recognized.
Contract.

April 6, 1931
Mr. Wilfred T. Harris 1217 East 41st Street Kansas City, Missouri
Rev.& 1812 Wars Section AWF:MLB
Dear Sir:
You are advised that it appears from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, R. 4654, that Isom or Isham Harris was born in 1759 in Charlotte County, Virginia.
While residing in Lunenburg County, Virginia, he alleged that he served as a private in the Virginia troops, as follows:
In 1780, six months, officers not recollected, and was in the battle of Camden; and in 1781, six months in Captain Walker's company, and was at the siege of Yorktown
He applied for pension August 8, 1843, while a resident of Rutherford County, North Carolina, but the claim was not allowed, as he failed to furnish sufficient proof of service, as required by the pension law.
Soldier had children, the only name stated being Isaac, who was a resident of Rutherford County, North Carolina, in 1853. There are no further data on file as to family.
Very truly yours
E. W. MORGAN Acting Commissioner

Rev. and 1812 War Section.
December 7, 1925.
Mrs. H. E. Read 303 South Third St. Richmond, Va.
Madam:
I have to advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, R. 4654, it appears that Isom or Isham Harris was born in 1759 in Charlotte County, Virginia.
While residing in Lunenburg County, Virginia, he alleged that he served as a private in the Virginia Troops, as follows-
In 1780, six months, officers not recollected, and was in the battle of Camden; and in 1781, six months in Captain Walker's Company, and was at the Siege of York.
He applied for pension August 8, 1843, while a resident of Rutherford County, North Carolina, but the claim was not allowed, as he failed to furnish

Rev. Beopou.
sufficient proof of service, as required by the pension law.
Soldier had children, the only name stated being Isaac, who was a resident of Rutherford County, North Carolina, in 1853. There is no further data on file as to family.
Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT Commissioner.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Washington, D. C., _____, 19_____
In reply to your request of _____, received _____ for a statement of the military history of Joam or Inham Harris a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau. R. 4664.
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     1780 6 mos Pvt of not recollected ✓ Pa   1781 6 mos Walker ✓        
Battles engaged in, Camden. Siege of York. Residence of soldier at enlistment, Staten Island Co. Va. Date of application for pension, Aug 8. 1843. ✓ ✓ ✓ Residence at date of application, Rutherford Co. N.C. Age at date of application, born in Charlotte Co. Va. in 1759 Remarks: Soldier had children, Isaac a resident of Rutherford Co. N.C. in 1853 the only name stated. No further family data. Claim was never allowed as soldier failed to furnish sufficient proof of service as required by the pension laws.
Respectfully,
Commissioner.

1217 East 41st Street, Kansas City, Missouri, March 31, 1931.
Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir:-
I am informed by the Adjutant General's office that you have in your archives information concerning Revolutionary soldiers who received pensions; and I am writing to inquire if it would be possible to ascertain whether my great-grandfather, who was a soldier in that War, and seriously wounded in battle, was the recipient of a pension; and if so, could you supply me with the number of his regiment and any other information you may have concerning his war record. Practically all of the information I have available is from the memory of an uncle, a non-commissioned officer in the Civil War, who remembers as a boy talking with his grandfather about the Revolutionary War. Whether or not I have sufficient information to be of aid in locating any official record of my ancestor's war record is questionable, unless he received a pension from the Government, of which fact I am not certain. Some member of my family has been a soldier in every war in which the United States has ever engaged, with the exception of the War of 1812, and I am anxious to secure my great-grandfather's record to complete the family history.
The information I have is that my great-grandfather's name was Isom (or Isham ) Harris ; he was born in Virginia in 1755 and moved with his family to North Carolina during his boyhood. I am not certain whether he was a member of a Virginia regiment or one from North Carolina. The most pertinent fact I have established is that he was badly wounded in the hip at the battle of Cowpens, S.C. , and although he lived to the ripe old age of 95, my uncle states that he recalls his grandfather always walked with considerable of a limp as a result of his battle wounds. I understand that he served under General Marion. Whether or not my great-grandfather received a pension we do not know, but my uncle is rather of the opinion that he did.
In the enclosed self-addressed, stamped envelope, I would appreciate very much if you would advise me whether from the somewhat meager information given above it would be possible to ascertain any definite information concerning the war record of my ancestor; as well as your charge for making search of your files.
As you understand, all of my relations who had any first-hand information on the subject have long since died, so that there is no way of my securing additional information through my family connections.
Thanking you in advance for any assistance you may be able to render, I remain,
Very truly yours,
Wilfred T. Harris
Wilfred T. Harris 1217 East 41st Street, Kansas City, Missouri.

State of North Carolina Rutherford County, May 31- 1854
Mr L. W. Waldo Comr. of Pensions
Dear Sir I have I have bin requested to state what I know of the Deam Harris Dec late of this County and of his application for a Pension —
I was raised in the neighbourhood of Mr. Harris am now thirty nine years of age and have known Mr Harris ever since I can recollect and for the last ten years of his life he lived on my land and spent a good part of his time at my house I have ever understood that he was an old Soldier and have never heard it doubted — I have heard him speak of his services and hardships when in the Army No less a thousand times relating to many little circumstances which occurred both in in the Carolinas and Virginia he stated that he was at Gates Defeat in South Carolina and at the taking of Cornwallis at Yorktown and from my knowledge of the man knowing him to be an honest and upright man and never hearing any thing alledged against his moral character. I am as fully satisfied that he was in the wars as I could be of any thing I was not an Eye witness of —
in regard to his application for a Pension I recollect after the Pension law of 1832 had gone into effect and some of his neighbours

were getting Pension that he was told by the Hon. S. P. Carson Representative in Congress that he ought to apply, that he refused at that time giving as his reason that he was able to live without it - But shortly after that he decided off what property he had among his children and those that was to take care of him failed to do it and the old man became dependent - he then asked me to try for his Pension which I did but having no experience in the Barnings in fact knowing nothing about it, I drew up just what he told me not being very particular about it after application was rejected I do not know on what ground. Some time after that the old man died and I have known nothing of the case since. The above are the leading facts which I suppose is all that is necessary for me to state. Respectfully yours
To Hon L. D. Waldo
Benjamin Hamilton

State of North Carolina Rutherford County } Personally appeared before me the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said County John Adams, a resident of the County & State aforesaid aged 90 years and made oath in due form of law that he lived a near neighbor to Isham Harris, late dec d of Rutherford County an applicant for a Revolutionary Pension from the close of the Revolution up to the time of his death. That on the return of the said Harris from the war he settled in different neighborhoods that they continued to live near each other up to the time of his death as above stated. That he has often heard the said Harris relate his two different campaigns in the revolution, the first to S C arolina, was in the battle of Guilford defeat. The other was in the State of Virginia & at the surrender of Lord Cornwallis at York Town. That he has heard him tell over the trials and hardships through which he passed during the above campaigns times almost without number, that the character of the said Harris was that of an honest upright candid and correct man that he is as well satisfied that he served the two causes in the revolution as he could  was of almost any fact that he was not an eye witness to
John Adams
Sworn to and subscribed this 27 th day of May 1854
Before me A. D. Allen
Joseph Brindle of the County & State aforesaid aged 76 years, also appeared before me the sub-

=scribes a Justice of the Peace and made oath in due form of law that he was well acquainted with the abn named Isham Harris for some fifty or sixty years before his death, that has often repeatedly had him speak of his Revolutionary services, of being at Gates defeat in S. Car. — Also of being present at the surrender of York Town, cannot say how long he was in service, but recollects he always said that he had two different sons, one in South Carolina and the other in the State of Virginia, that he never had any doubts expressed as to the truth of his allegations of his alleged service, knows that he was recognized by his neighbors as a revolutionary soldier, was a man of character, standing & integrity Joseph his Brindle Sworn to & subscribed, this 27 day of May 1834
Before me D D Allen
And I the said Justice of the Peace do hereby Certify that I am personally acquainted with John Adams & Joseph Brindle, the above deponents, who are venerable old men of good character and standing, & that their statements in the above case are entitled full faith & credence
D D Allen
State of North Carolina } Rutherford County } J. W. L. Gilkerson clerk of the Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions for said County certify that D. D. Allen whose name appears to the foregoing affidavits was at the time of signing his name

to the same an acting Justice of the Peace for said County duly com- missioned & qualified & the foregoing signatures purporting to be his are genuine,
Given under my hand & seal of office this 31st day of May A.D. 1854 R. L. Kirby P.M.

Know all men by these presents that I Isaac Harris of the County of Rutherford and State of North Carolina a son & heir at Law of Isaac Harris late Dec d of Rutherford County who was a Soldier in the army of the Revolution and an applicant for a Pension do hereby constitute and appoint George C. Ames of Washington City D. C. my agent and attorney to prosecute the claim of my Father the said Isaac Harris for any amount of Pension that may be due to file additional evidence or arguments and to renew a certi- ficate of Pension and finally to do all things pertaining to this business that I might do were I personally present. Hereby ratifying and confirming all that my said attorney may lawfully do in the premises Witness my hand and seal this 1 st day January 1853
Sealed and delivered in presence of his Isaac Harris seal of Hugh Watson mark. Benjamin W. Miller
State of North Carolina County of Rutherford. Be it known that on this 1 st day January 1853 before the subscriber a justice of the Peace in and for said County Personally appeared Isaac Harris above named and acknowledged the foregoing Power of attorney to be his act and deed, also made oath in due form of Law

that he is a Son & heir at Law of Isaac Harris who made application for a Revolutionary Pension that he is directly interested as a claimant and made this affidavit to be filed in the Pension office together with any other evidence his attorney may see proper to submit -
And I the said Magistrate do hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with the said Deponent Isaac Harris and that he is a Person to whose statements is due full faith and credit in writings of all which I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my private seal date last above mentioned D. D. Allen
State of North Carolina
J. R. L. Gilkey Clerk of the Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions for the County of Rutherford and State aforesaid do hereby certify that D. D. Allen is an acting Justice of the Peace as above, and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his is genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my seal of Office & subscribed my name this 6 th day of January 1833, R. L. Gilkey (clerk)

State of North Carolina Rutherford County
On this 31 st day of May 1856 personally appeared before the Court of Pleas & Sessions for the County State aforesaid Benjamin Hamilton a resident of our said County & a minister of the Gospel, and made oath that the statements made in the foregoing letter addressed to the Hon. L. D. Waldo Court of Sessions embrace the facts connected with his application,
Given to & subscribed in open court & before the court.
R. L. Gilkey (cl) Benjamin Hamilton
In witness of all which I have hereunto subscribed my name & affixed my seal of office, this 31 st day of May 1856
R. L. Gilkey (cl)
The Rev. Benjamin Hamilton as well as the L. Gilkey of old. are both known to me and are entitled to full credit in all respects
J. Klingman cl.