List of 63 Pension Application Petitioners
Copies from the original document. All spelling is Same as In Copy (sic).
BOLD has been used to highlight Genocide and Ethnic Cleansing
Additional Information for each of the 63 Petitioners included with Link.
Pension Application Casper Stultz - W4819 - Anna M Stultz - f39NC
Transcribed by Will Graves 1/26/11: rev'd 2/5/17
North Carolina Stokes County:
On the 1st [?] day of September [?] A.D. 1832 personally appeared before John Shumhow [?], William Ward & William Cox the worshipful Justices holding the Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions for the County of Stokes State of North Carolina Casper Stultz Senior a resident of the County of Stokes in the State of North Carolina aged seventy-nine years on the 11th day of December [?] next who being duly sworn in open Court according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed June 7th 1832. He states that he was born in the State of Pennsylvania he believes in the County of Northampton on the 11th of December [?] 1753 according to the record or register of his name which he has often seen in the family Bible now in possession of his brother-in-law Samuel Stroup [sic, Samuel Strupe] that when just a boy he accompanied his parents who removed from Pittsylvania to Surry County now Stokes North Carolina that while living in said County of Surry now Stokes in the month of February in the year 1775 as well as he now recollects he volunteered in the militia service for a tour of three months under Captain Henry Smith of the Surry militia under the command of Colonel Martin Armstrong that he marched to Fayetteville then called Cross Creek in said State of North Carolina where they were joined by several other companies of militia who were taken command of by Colonel Alexander Martin Colonel Armstrong of the Surry militia not having gone into service in this expedition the object of this march was to suppress the Tories or Scotch who had joined the enemy in that part of the State, that in about two months from the commencement of the service he was with the rest of the troops discharged by discharge of the officers but he received no written evidence thereof. That sometime in the summer of the year 1776 he again entered the militia service as a volunteer for a tour of six months under the aforesaid Captain Henry Smith in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Joseph Williams in the brigade under General Christie [sic, William Christian] that this expedition was against the hostile Cherokee Indians that they marched into the nation and destroyed the Chilhowee Town of said hostile Cherokees. That the Indians having retired before our troops, he was in common with the whole force discharged after the destruction of said town and he received no evidence thereof in writing. That in this expedition he was engaged in served in or about six months but is unable to state the precise length of time.
That in the year 1777 or 1778 which he cannot now recollect he with about fifty others were pressed into the service under Captain Pleasant Henderson to go as a guard to the Commissioners employed to run the line between North Carolina and Kentucky or Virginia which he cannot recollect that the force was under the command of Colonels Joseph Williams &
Richard Henderson whose duty deponent also believes appertain to the running of said line. That in the expedition he acted as a wagoner conveying baggage & provisions for the Commissioners and troops. The necessity of the guard or military was owing to the hostile character of the Indians in that part of the Country. That he went as far as Carter's Valley in NC now Tennessee when owing to the extreme roughness of the country he was unable to proceed further with his wagon where he was discharged from the service and returned home. He thinks that he was engaged in this service for about two months – no written discharge was given him:
This applicant further states that he has no other testimony or evidence of his service but the accompanying affidavits of Frederick Binkey & Samuel Stroup that John Butner and William A. Lash and many of his other neighbors can testify to his character for veracity & their belief in his having served in the revolution.
That at the time of his performing the [indecipherable word] of duty as herein before set forth he resided in the County of Sury [sic, Surry] NC now formed into the County of Stokes that ever since and at this time he lives in said County of Stokes formerly Surry.
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 any State whatever.
Sworn to in open Court the day & year above stated.
S/ Jno. Hill, CCC
S/ Casper Stultz, Senior, X his mark
Frederick Binkly or Penekly maketh oath that he was in the revolutionary service as a militia man and he well recollects that Casper Stultz Senior who has made the foregoing declaration was with him under Captain Henry Smith in the expedition against the Tories at Cross Creek or Fayetteville & against the Cherokee Indians in the then the Western part of North Carolina now Tennessee and that he well recollects that said Stultz served for the length of time and in the manner stated by him. He was not in company with said Stokes on his expedition with the troops that accompanied the Commissioners in running the line between North Carolina and Virginia or Kentucky but doubts not that said Stultz has stated the same correctly. That ever since the revolutionary war he has been acquainted well with Stultz who with deponent has continued to live in said County of Stokes then Surry that he is reputed & generally esteemed to be a man of veracity and by his neighbors believed to have been a soldier in the revolution.
Sworn to in open court the day & year above.
S/ Jno. Hill, CCC
S/ Frederick Binkley
[John Butner and William A. Lash gave the standard supporting affidavit.]
[p 20]
Bethania Stokes County North Carolina September 7th A.D. 1832
Samuel Strupe Senior being aged 75 years July 19th the last and infirm so that he is unable to attend at Court maketh affidavit of the services of Casper Stultz Senior having been acquainted with the said Casper Stultz for many years say all his lifetime and that he always resided in the same neighbor [neighborhood] and considered as an honest man and that he has known him to be totally blind for at least fifteen years and has been unable to do any Labor for near twenty years –
That to his knowledge he entered the State troops commonly called the Scotch expedition under Captain Henry Smith who served under Colonel Alexander Martin believes it to have been in the year A.D. 1775 as a private was called out for a three months tour but believes that they were all discharged in about two months –
That he entered the service again as a private on the six months tour called the Cherokee expedition under Captain Smith & Colonel Jos. Williams under General Christy in the State troops and that he served at the six months to his knowledge as he the said Strupe served with him the said Casper Stultz Senior in this expedition skirmishing many of their towns on the Tennessee River & which took place in the year A.D. 1776 from June to Christmas say six months.
That the said Stultz again entered as a private under Captain Pleasant Henderson & under Colonel Richard Henderson on a Tour up upwards of two months and perhaps upwards of three months were stationed at Carter's Valley and from thence to march the line between Virginia and Kentucky Colonel Jos. Williams commanded the North Carolina troops – which took place in the year A.D. 1778 him the said Strupe served with this expedition also.
That the said Stultz went on to South Carolina with flour for the Army of Regulars under Colonel Borsky [?] or some such name of the Maryland line was pressed with a four horse team and retained in service about 1 1/2 months – at the time of Gates defeat in the South. That in January 1781 to his knowledge the said Casper Stultz stood as guard over the Prisoners taken at the Cowpens and guarded at Bethabara in Stokes County also he guarded the Prisoners taken at Kings Mountain supposed to have been near 2 months. That he said said Casper Stultz guarded the United States magazine at Salem North Carolina and aided in conveying the same to Henry Court House in Virginia commanded by the Conductor of the Magazine supposed to have amounted at least 2 months in the year A.D. 1781 –
That during the War to his knowledge the said Casper Stultz was called out at different & diver times into service to suppress the Tories who were at times very troublesome by Captain Henry Smith who was Captain for the South in and of Stokes County amounting to something like a month.
Further states that he believes him the said Casper Stultz to be aged 79 years December 11th A.D. 1832.
Sworn to and subscribed before me this date 1st written.
Test: S/ W. A. Lash, JP
S/ Saml. Strupe, Senr, X his mark
[p 22]
State of North Carolina Stokes County: On the 21st day of December A.D. 1832, personally appeared before me the undersigned, a Justice of the peace, in and for the County, Casper Stoltz [sic], Senior, who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory for two months in the Expedition against the Tories at Cross Creek or Fayetteville I served as a private: For six months, in the Expedition against the Hostile Cherokee Indians, I served as a private; For two months along with the Commissioners to run the line between North Carolina and Virginia or Kentucky, in which expedition I acted as a Waggoner; For two months I acted as private to guard the Prisoners that were taken at the Battles of the Cowpens and Kings Mountain, in Bethabara Stokes County, and for which service I claim a pension.
S/ Casper Stultz, Senior, X his mark
[p 23: Christian Jacobsen, a clergyman, gave a standard supporting affidavit.]
[p 3: on March 1st, 1838 in Stokes County North Carolina Mrs. Anna M Stultz, 77 on the 14th day of February last, made application for a widow's pension under the 1836 act stating that she is the widow of Casper Stultz; that she married him September 18, 1780; that they were married by Michael Hauser Senior, JP, in Bethany Surry County North Carolina; that her husband died February 6, 1834; and that she remains his widow.]
State of North Carolina County of Stokes: SS
On this 5th day of January 1839 personally appeared before me Charles Banner one of the Justices of the peace for the Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions for the County aforesaid Anna Margaret Stultz widow of the late Casper Stultz Deceased aged seventy-seven years in February 1838 & she being first sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following amendatory declaration to a former one which was transmitted to the Pension Department of the United States in March 1838 in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed the 4th of July 1836 making provision for widows of officers & soldiers of the Revolutionary War, in which declaration she made proof of her marriage to said Casper Stultz deceased & and of his being a Pensioner of the United States & refer to the pension Department to her husband's Declaration & papers: by which he obtained a pension under the Act of 7th of June 1832. The answer being returned through the Honorable A. H. Shepperd from the War Department, that the husband C. Stultz had not mentioned in his Declaration of performing any Services as a soldier after his marriage with this applicant – explanatory to this state of the matter, the said widow declares that her husband frequently mentioned to her & others that he had a right to claim for many small tours of duty which he performed in companies routing Tories, but could not exactly recollect them all: & did not mentioned them in his Declaration as it was done in a hurry when he could not call to mind every service he had actually performed, She further more declares, that after their marriage, Major Henry Smith (she calls him) ordered out a company of men to go after a set of Tories into the Douthat Settlements near the mouth of Muddy Creek where it empties into the Yadkin River & he told her when he returned and about ten days that the Tories had fled & crossed over the River into the forks of the Yadkin into Rowan County. This route was closed shortly after they were married which she knows very well (as I write her own language) but she does not know at this time of any person that she can prove it by = another small Tour he performed she believes in January 1781, he went as one of the soldiers to guard the power wagons from Salem to Virginia she believes to Henry County & was gone about 3 weeks at least & thinks one of the Banners was along in said route &Jo. Houser & her Brother George Houser, dec'd. This applicant declares that her & her husband's children are as follows which appears on the annexed certificate of the Reverend Julius T Beckler, Sworn & subscribed the day and year 1st above written before me.
S/ C. Banner, JP
S/ Anna M Stultz, X her mark
Benjamin Banner Senior a Pensioner of the United States & credible person for truth being sworn according to law declares on his oath that he drove a wagon loaded with ammunition & guns for the use of the United States Army from Salem (then in Surry County North Carolina) to Henry Court house in Virginia, and that the above named Casper Stultz went as one of the guard to Henry Court house aforesaid in January 1781. Sworn & subscribed at his own house in the County of Stokes North Carolina this 7th day of January 1839 before me & interlineations made before signed
S/ C. banner, JP S/ B. Banner, Sr.
[p 9]
A list of the names and ages of the Children of Casper Stultz and his wife Anna Margaret which were christened in the Moravian church as appears by the records of said Church in the Village of Bethania in Stokes County North Carolina (to wit)
John Henry born the 11th of July 1782
Margaret born the 14th of January 1784
Joanna Gertrude born the 11th of October 1785
Solomon born just 27th of December 1787
Mary Eliza born 12th of February 1790
Benjamin born 20th of October 1792
Mary born 20th of June 1795
Thomas born 23rd of October 1797
Samuel born 8th of June 1800
Susanna born the 13th of April 1803
This is to certify that the above is a faithful & correct copy of the Church Register –
Witness my hand and seal 4th January 1839
S/ Julius T. Beckler
Pastor of the Moravian Society at
Bethania Stokes County North Carolina
[p 11]
North Carolina, Stokes County: SS
Be it known that on this 8th day of January 1839 before me a Justice of the peace for said County personally appeared Joseph Hauser in Bethania in said County: who is a Credible person as to veracity & truth, and being sworn according to law declares on his oath that Casper Stultz above named went as one of the guard of Tourage wagons, one of which this deponent drove, from the old Moravian Town in the fall of the year 1780 down into a Tory settlement called the Douthat &Markland [?] neighborhood near the Yadkin River & mouth of Muddy Creek & there we loaded 5 or 6 wagons in a field with corn & returned to the old town for the use of the Army with the prisoners stationed at said Town, that was taken at the Battle of Kings Mountain we were only gone 2 days on this business & said Stultz also guarded the prisoners he does not know how long –
And afterwards said Casper Stultz furnished workhorses in January 1781 put in a wagon this Deponent drove loaded with guns, lead & powder (for the use of the United States Army) from Salem (then in Surry now Stokes County) to Henry Courthouse in Virginia when said Stultz went as one of the guard commanded by Lieutenant Jones 24 days to Bethania he returned with this Deponent. Sworn & subscribed the date 1st above written before me
S/ C. Banner
S/ Joseph Houser, X his mark
[Veteran was pensioned at the rate of $33.33 commencing March 4th, 1831, for 10 months service as a private in the North Carolina militia. Veteran's widow was pensioned for a similar amount commencing March 4th, 1836.]
Pension Application John Tonner - S3818
He was a private in the year 1776 on the first of June under the command of Captain Henry Smith the Regiment was commanded by Colonel Joseph Williams and Major Joseph Winston. I entered the service as a volunteer was living at that time in Surry County in the State of North Carolina we marched from there against the Cherokee Indians that were troubling the frontiers of said State. We crossed the Blue Ridge at what was called the Flower Gap and crossed now [sic] River at Harpers Ferry and marched on to the Long Island of Holston River we arrived there soon after a skirmish between some men and the Indians we lay there about 30 days and then marched over the mountains, crossing the Nolichucky River and French Broad River to an Indian town on Tennessee River called Tellico the Indians had abandoned the towns and went off. We stationed ourselves there a month or better scouting about. Afterwards we started to home and got home the 20th of December I think as well as I now recollect. We were gone six months and 20 days.
Pension Application William Viars - S9512 - f15NC
Transcribed by Will Graves rev'd 2/13/14
North Carolina, Wilkes County
On this 4th day of November 1834 personally appeared in open Court before the Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions for the County & State aforesaid, now sitting, William Viars, a resident of the County of Wilkes & State of North Carolina, aged seventy seven years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath, make the following declaration, in which to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7th 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated: That about the last of May or first of June 1776 this declarant volunteered himself to go against the Cherokee Indians who at that time were committing great depredation upon the whites on the waters of New River on the North Western side of the Blue Ridge [Mountains] in that section of country now principally embraced within the boundaries of Ashe County NC. That he joined a company of Volunteer Militia commanded by Captain Robert Cleveland & Lieutenant Burnett Owens & Ensign Nathaniel Vannoy; that the company rendezvoused at Wilkes Court House and thence marched to the north western side of the Blue Ridge to a station known by the name of Baker's Station, where a number of white families had collected together to protect themselves against the depredations of the Indians. From this point they made excursions through the country in various directions in search of the Indians occasionally crossing the Blue Ridge to the South side also visiting a station on the waters of the Yadkin [River] at Herndon's Mill, but did not succeed in meeting with any of the Indians. This declarant was employed in this service until the fourth day of July 1776, making not less than One Month.
Soon after the declaration of Independence as this declarant believes some time in the latter part of July preparations were made for a general expedition against the Cherokee Indians. He again volunteered his services and was attached to the company of Capt Benjamin Cleveland which met at Wilkes Court House preparatory to their unfinished campaign. In the organization of the company and making the necessary preparations, this declarant having a good horse, was detached by Captain Cleveland to take charge of a portion of the baggage, it being necessary to transport it by means of pack horses. He accordingly set out with the troops and proceeded with them to the Pleasant Gardens in the County of Burke where they joined the main army and under Genl. Rutherford [Griffith Rutherford]. After joining Genl. Rutherford, this declarant was continued in the pack horse service, and marched with the army by the most direct route to the Cherokee Nation. Upon arriving at the Middle Towns of the Cherokee Indians, they found themselves entirely abandoned, the Indians having all fled. At that place, Genl. Rutherford divided the troops, leaving a small portion together with all the baggage & provisions (except a few days' rations, which the troops who proceeded took with them) at that place, while he advanced with the main body of the army to the Valley Towns. This declarant was left of course at the Middle Town with the baggage and there remained until the return of the troops to that place, after which, and after destroying the Towns and such other property of the Indians as they could find, they set out upon their return to North Carolina, and having advanced on their return as far as Wilkes C.H. This declarant was discharged by Captain Cleveland or Col Armstrong, he does not recollect which, and returned to his home having served in this expedition not less than three months.
From the time of the return of this declarant in the fall of 1776 until the summer of 1780 this declarant performed several short tours of duty against the Tories but as he cannot recollect the length of each nor the particular circumstances under which they were performed he declines setting up any claim on their account.
About the month of August 1780, preparations were made by Col Benjamin Cleveland and other active and distinguished Whigs in Wilkes County for raising volunteer troops to defend the south western section of the State against the invasion of the British and Tories from South Carolina. This declarant again turned out as a volunteer and joined the company of Captain Jesse Franklin at Wilkes C.H. where they remained some time making the necessary preparations for their extended expedition. In the final organization of the troops Captain Franklin was promoted to the appointment of Major and David Viars, the brother of this declarant, was appointed Captain in his stead. As soon as they were fully organized they set out upon their march toward the upper part of South Carolina, where having advanced some distance into Burke County they were joined by a regiment of Militia from Virginia under Col Campbell [William Campbell], and some troops from that section of Country now called East Tennessee under Col Sevier [John Sevier]. The whole then moved forward until they reached a point not now recollected by this declarant, when intelligence was received that Major Ferguson [Patrick Ferguson] was advancing from South Carolina with a large body of British and Tories and that he was about occupying a favorable position on King's Mountain. A preparation was immediately made for all the troops who had horses or who could procure them to advance with all possible speed to meet him. This declarant having no horse was unable to proceed, and was consequently left behind with a large number of the troops who were similarly situated. They proceeded however with as much expedition as possible, but did not reach the battle ground in time, the engagement [October 7, 1780] being over, and the Americans with their prisoners being on their return some distance, when they met with them. Upon rejoining the Army this declarant assisted in guarding the prisoners until they marched back as far as Wilkes C.H., where other troops were ordered out to take charge of the prisoners and this declarant was discharged having served in this expedition not less that two and a half months.
In the spring of the year following this declarant believes about the last of January or first of February intelligence was received of the approach of Lord Cornwallis from South Carolina, and a call was immediately made for volunteers to reinforce Genl Green [sic, Nathanael Greene] who was then known to be in advance of Lord Cornwallis. This declarant again turned out under Captain Benjamin Herndon, and rendezvoused at Major Lewis' on the Yadkin [River] in the lower end of Wilkes County where they joined several other companies, the whole being placed under the command of Major Richard Allen. They set out
upon their march to join Genl Greene whom they expected to meet somewhere in the County of Guilford, but upon advancing as far as Salem in Stokes County, they discovered that Lord Cornwallis' army was between them and Genl Greene, and that a considerable body of the British Light Horse had been dispatched to intercept them. Upon meeting the Light Horse, they dispersed and retreated to Hauser [?] Town, where they rallied and had a slight engagement with them in which they killed one man, but escaped without loss or injury on their part. The detachment then made various efforts to join Genl Greene by making circular marches but found themselves intercepted at every point, so that they were compelled finally to abandon the attempt, but remained in the country watching the first favorable opportunity of cooperating with Genl Greene until after the battle of Guilford was fought[March 15, 1781], and the British marched off towards Wilmington where they returned home and was discharged. In this expedition, this declarant is satisfied he served not less than five weeks.
This declarant was born in the county of King & Queen in the State of Virginia in the year 1756, as he is informed, but has no record of his age. He was living in Surry County, N.C. now Wilkes when he entered the service of the United States, and has lived in the same County ever since. All the services performed by this declarant was performed as a volunteer. His answer to the fifth interrogatory is contained generally in the body of this declaration as well as he can now recollect. He never received any written discharge from the service, nor has he any documentary evidence of any kind to prove it but refers to the testimony of John Yates hereunto annexed who served with him during two of the tours mentioned in the foregoing declaration. He also refers to the Rev'd Thomas Fletcher & Joseph McNeal as persons to whom he is well acquainted in his present neighborhood, and who can testify as to his character for veracity, and their belief of his services as a soldier of the revolution, as he knows of no person living whose testimony he could procure who can testify as to that portion not proven by Mr. Yates.
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 agency of any state.
Sworn to & Subscribed the day & year aforesaid.
S/ William Viars, X his mark
S/ Wm Mastin, C. C. C.
[p 8]
On the day and year aforesaid personally appeared in open Court before the Court aforesaid, John Yates1 and after having been duly sworn according to law deposeth and saith that he served with William Viars the above applicant during two of the tours of duty mentioned in the foregoing declaration, to wit; the 3 months tour performed under General Rutherford to the Cherokee Nation, and the tour of 2 ½ months performed under Colonel Cleveland to Kings Mountain, and that the said 2 tours of duty as set forth & specified in the above declaration as having been performed by the said William Viars during the revolutionary war were performed by him.
Sworn to & subscribed the day & year aforesaid.
S/ Wm Mastin, CCC S/ John Yates, X his mark
[Thomas Fletcher, a clergyman, and Joseph McNeil gave the standard supporting affidavit.]
[Veteran was pensioned at the rate of $25.55 per annum commencing March 4th, 1831, for service as a private for 7 months and 20 days in the North Carolina militia.]
Pension Application Elijah Vickes - W4368 - Sarah Vickes - f59NC
Transcribed by Will Graves rev'd 2/11/14
[p 12]
State of North Carolina, County of Wilkes
On this 30th day of October 1832 personally appeared in open Court before the Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions of the County of Wilkes & State of North Carolina now sitting, Elijah Vickes, a resident of the County of Wilkes & State of North Carolina, aged Seventy three 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 7th, 1832.
That he was born on the eighth day of August 1759 in the County of Prince William in the State of Virginia the record of which is entered in a prayer book now in the possession of Captain William Gilreath of Wilkes County N. C. -- when he was about six or eight years of age, his father removed to the County of Chatham in North Carolina where he lived for about two years, and thence removed to the County of Rowan, in the same state, where he also lived about two years, and then removed to what is now Wilkes County N. C. -- this deponent continued to reside in the said County of Wilkes until the spring of the year 1776, when the Cherokee Indians becoming very troublesome on the North Western side of the Blue Ridge [Mountains], and a requisition being made upon the militia of Wilkes, for a company of volunteers to suppress them and guard the frontier settlements, this deponent volunteered himself about the last day of May or first of June 1776, and joined the Company of volunteers commanded by Captain Joseph Herndon, and rendezvoused near where Wilkes Court House now stands and marched to the protection of the frontier settlements on the North Western side of the Blue Ridge; and after scouring the Country for about a month, without being able to effect an engagement with the Indians, they returned home and was discharged. In the month of August or September following this deponent was drafted for a three months tour, to go against the Cherokee nation of Indians again. He again rendezvoused near Wilkes Court House, and was placed under the command of Captain Benjamin Cleveland & Lieutenant William Lenoir, and thence marched direct to the Pleasant Gardens in the County of Burke, where they joined the troops under General Rutherford [Griffith Rutherford]. After remaining at the Pleasant Gardens a few days, they marched direct to the Cherokee towns of Cowee, Oconoluflee [?], Watauga & the Middle Towns. At the latter place, the Indians having fled and abandoned the towns, and the troops being sickly from eating green Corn & Beef without salt, a proposition was made by General Rutherford for a thousand volunteers of the ablest and stoutest men to turn out and march to the Valley Towns. This deponent was one among the number that turned out, and when the requisite number was made up, they set out upon the march to the Valley Towns, a distance of about sixty miles – upon arriving at that place, most of the Indians abandoned the towns and fled – some few however remained whom we took prisoners – After destroying their corn and such other property as they could find and burning their towns, they set out upon their return and marched back to the Middle Towns, where they rejoined that portion of the Army they had left. After resting for a few days they marched back to North Carolina, and when the company to which this deponent belonged reached the County of Wilkes, they were discharged, and each man repaired to his home, which place this deponent believes he reached sometime in the month of November.
In the spring or summer of the year 1779, a requisition was made by the State of North Carolina for a certain number of nine months men, who were to be placed under the command of regular or Continental officers –[p 20] Sometime in the summer of that year, this deponent volunteered himself for 9 months after joining head quarters (which was the time upon which the requisition was made) & joined the company of Captain Micajah Lewis (a regular officer) at Wilkes Court House and marched in a short time to a place called Moons Creek in the County of Rockingham or Caswell North Carolina – it being their intention when they set out to join the northern Army. Upon arriving at Moons Creek however Captain Lewis received information that a large portion of the British Army had gone to the southward, and that perhaps there would be greater necessity for troops in that direction than to the North – upon receiving this information Captain Lewis concluded to return, and gave to his company furloughs until the first of March following – Soon after their return home, it being understood that generally that the British were concentrating a large force in South Carolina & Georgia, and there being a call for the militia of the County of Wilkes, Captain Lewis proposed to his company to March immediately for South Carolina, notwithstanding their furloughs had not expired, stating that all those who then went on should be permitted to reckon their time from the date of their arrival at Head Quarters – This deponent together with a good many others of the company accepted these terms, and set out about the first of November 1779, upon their March for Purysburg on the North side of the Savannah River in South Carolina, where they joined the Continental Army under General Lincoln [Benjamin Lincoln] – After joining General Lincoln, they were stationed at and near Purysburg until the following spring, doing nothing more than occasionally taking excursions up and down the River for a short distance, to watch the movements, and keep in check the British Army under the command of General Prevost [Augustine Prevost], which lay on the opposite side of the river. In the spring of the year 1780 General Lincoln with a portion of the Army of which this deponent was one,[p 21] marched up the Savannah River and crossed it at Augusta, intending to March down on the Georgia side and attacked General Prevost – the latter in the meantime however, had crossed the River into South Carolina, & was making his way towards Charleston – upon ascertaining this fact, General Lincoln retraced his steps, and recrossed the River and push forward to the vicinity of Charleston, where he remained with his troops for 2 or 3 weeks, when he made an attack upon the British, who were posted at Stono Ferry, and after a warm engagement of about an hour and a half [June 20, 1779], the Americans retreated to the camp which they had left. In a few days after their return to the camp, the term of service of this deponent expired, when he was discharged by Captain Lewis, and returned home, which place he reached sometime in the month of July 1780 – Soon after the return of this deponent home, intelligence was received by Colonel Cleveland that a large body of Tories were collecting at Ramsour's Mills, upon which he issued orders immediately for all the Whig militia within the County of Wilkes to rendezvous at the Court House – this deponent immediately repaired thither and joined the company of Captain William Lanier, and marched with all possible dispatch towards Ramsour's Mills – when within a short distance of that place they encamped all night, and Colonel Cleveland dispatched 2 or 3 of his men to go forward and reconnoiter the enemy's position, which they'd Ed, and returned about day light; when they all pushed forward as speedily as possible, but did not reach Ramsour's Mills until after texpress arrived, informing Colonel Cleveland that Colonel Bryan (a Tory Colonel) was collecting the Tories in Wilkes & Iredell [counties] and was making his way down the Yadkin –Upon [p 15] receiving this information Col. Cleveland set out immediately with his troops in pursuit of Colonel Bryan, and followed him as far as the Trading Ford on the Yadkin [River], but finding that Bryan was too far ahead did, and his own troops not being prepared for a long tour, he concluded to abandon the pursuit and returned home; which he accordingly did, and discharged the troops under his command. In this expedition, this deponent believes he served from three to four weeks. Immediately after his return home, this deponent again volunteered himself and joined the company of Captain Gist and marched direct to Hamblin's Old Store in the lower part of Wilkes County where they joined Colonel Isaacs, and from thence they marched to Salisbury, and thence to the mouth of Rocky River, intending to advance into South Carolina, as it was understood a large number of Tories were assembling near the Cheraw Hills. Upon arriving at the mouth of Rocky River, however, it was ascertained that a portion of the Company was without arms, and had been unable to procure them – in this state of affairs it was deemed best to select a certain portion of the troops and to furnish them with the arms which could be procured – in effecting this, it became necessary to disarm many of those who had arms, and to transfer them to others – this deponent was one of those who was disarmed, and was soon thereafter discharged and sent home. Colonel Isaacs intending at that time to change the direction of his route and to join General Gates. In this tour this deponent believes he served from three to four weeks –
About the last of August or first of September of the same year, orders were issued by Colonel Cleveland for all the militia of the County of Wilkes to rendezvous at the Court House and prepare for marching to oppose Major Ferguson [Patrick Ferguson] of the British Army, who was said to be approaching from South Carolina with a large body of British and Tories – this deponent again volunteered himself and rendezvoused at Wilkes Court House and joined the company of Captain William Lanier – After organizing the troops and making the necessary preparations, Colonel Cleveland set out upon his March for the purpose of opposing Major Ferguson [Patrick Ferguson]. On the way they were joined by Colonel Campbell [William Campbell] of Virginia, with a Regiment of troops, as also by some other troops from North Carolina – they pursued their March until they reached a point near the South Carolina line (which is now not particularly recollected) when intelligence was received that Major Ferguson with his troops had taken post on Kings Mountain – Upon the reception of this information, it was proposed that all those who had horses or could procure them, should immediately advance and make an attack upon Major Ferguson. This deponent having no horse, and not being able to procure one, was necessarily left behind, and although they pursued their march with as much speed as possible, did not arrive in time to engage in the battle, it having been fought and the Americans with their prisoners being on their return a short distance, when the foot man joined them. After rejoining the Army this deponent remained with them and assisted in guarding the prisoners while on their March, until they reached the Moravian Towns in the County of Stokes, where they were stationed for a considerable time guarding the prisoners aforesaid, and until the prisoners were sent off to Virginia or some other place – when this deponent was discharged and returned home, having been in service in this expedition between 2 and 3 months –
Shortly after this deponent returned home, Colonel Cleveland received information that a body of Tories under Colonel Fanning [David Fanning] had assembled on the waters of Deep River & were committing many depredations upon the inhabitants of that part of the country. He immediately issued orders to Captain Samuel Johnson of Wilkes, to raise a company of volunteers and march to their relief – this deponent again volunteered himself and joined Captain Johnson at Hamblin's old store, and marched immediately to Cox's Mills on Deep River, in Randolph or Chatham County – upon reaching Cox's mill they ascertained that Colonel Fanning with the greater portion of the Tories had marched off and abandoned that part of the Country – upon which they concluded to remain at that place for somehe action [June 20, 1780] at that place had been fought – they remained at that place for a day or 2 guarding and taking care of the prisoners during which time an time, in order to afford security to the surrounding Country, which was in a state of considerable apprehension on account of the Tories that were believed to be skulking about. During this stay at Cox's Mills they were engaged occasionally in scouring the surrounding country – as soon as quiet was restored, Captain Johnson marched his company home and discharged them. In this tour this deponent believes he served about three months.
Sometime in the month of January 1781 information was received in Wilkes from General Davidson [William Lee Davidson], that Lord Cornwallis with the British Army was approaching from South Carolina – when orders were immediately given for all the militia to turn out and oppose him – this deponent again turned out and joined the company of Captain Richard Allen, and marched for with a view of rendezvousing at Salisbury – but when they had arrived within a short distance of that place, they heard that Lord Cornwallis had crossed the Catawba, and was at that time in Salisbury – upon receiving this information they changed the direction of their route and marched towards Salem with a view of joining General Greene [Nathanael Greene] – when they had advanced some distance beyond Salem orders were received from General Greene directing them to return, and endeavor to form a Junction with General Pickens [Andrew Pickens] who was supposed to be advancing by a circuitous route from South Carolina. They did return, & met with General Pickens near Mitchell's River in the County of Surry – after joining General Pickens, they set out to join General Greene, and when they had advanced on their return as far as Salem, they there joined the Regiment of Colonel Locke [Francis Locke]. Upon leaving Salem, General Pickens with his troops took the direct road to Hillsboro, while Colonel Locke took a route higher up the Country – this deponent was attached to the troops under Colonel Locke, and when they had proceeded a considerable distance an express was received from General Pickens, stating that a large number of Tories had embodied themselves under a Colonel Pyles [sic, John Pyle] (a Tory Colonel) and requesting that Colonel Locke would repair with his troops, as speedily as possible to meet him at Trollinger's Ford on Haw River. Colonel Locke set out immediately, but before they reached the appointed place, General Pickens had engaged with the Tories and defeated them – as soon as they ascertained this, they turned about and marched directly for General Greene's Army, which they joined near the High Rock Ford of Haw River. After remaining with General Greene a few days, Colonel Locke's Regiment, with some other troops were discharged and returned home – which place this deponent reached in the early part of March 1781 having served during this tour from a month to six weeks. This last tour closed the services performed by this deponent during the revolutionary war, except – some short tours against the Tories, the length of which cannot now be recollected. He has lived in the County of Wilkes ever since the revolutionary war, and resides there at this time. He never received any written discharges from the service, except the one given by Captain Lewis for his nine months tour, but which, he had stolen, together with his Pocket Book & some other papers. He has no documentary evidence to prove his services but refers to Mr. William Johnson, William Gilreath, Alexander Gilreath Esquire, Captain Samuel Johnson & Mr. John Love, some of whom were with him during the most of the tours he performed – and he can also refer to them as persons to whom he is well acquainted, and who can testify to his character for veracity, if necessary.
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 agency of any State.
Sworn to & subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
S/ R. Martin, C. W. C. C. S/ Elijah Vickes, X his mark
On the day and year aforesaid, personally appeared in open Court, before the Court aforesaid, William Johnson,9 who being first duly sworn according to law, deposes and saith that he served with Elijah Vickes the above applicant in three of the several tours of duty mentioned in the foregoing declaration, to wit, the first tour under Captain Joseph Herndon to the North West Side of the Blue Ridge, to suppress the Cherokee Indians, the second under General Rutherford to the Cherokee Towns, also against the Cherokee Indians, and the third under Colonel Benjamin Cleveland to King's Mountain against the British & Tories, and thence down to the Moravian towns guarding the prisoners &c and further that the three said several tours of duty as set forth and specified in the foregoing declaration as having been performed by the said Elijah six, were performed by him.
Sworn to & subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
S/ R. Martin, C. W. C. C. S/ William Johnson
[p 18]
On the day and year aforesaid personally appeared in open Court before the Court aforesaid, William Gilreath, who being first duly sworn according to law, deposeth and saith, that sometime in the fall of the year 1779 he volunteered himself for six months, in the service of the United States, and about the first of November of the same year, he set out with others, and marched direct to Pureysburg in South Carolina, where they joined the troops under General Lincoln [Benjamin Lincoln] – that sometime before they left Wilkes County North Carolina Captain Micajah Lewis a regular old Continental officer, had raised a company of nine months men, of whom Elijah Vickes the above applicant was one, and at the time he marched as aforesaid, the said Elijah Vickes also marched under Captain Lewis to the town of Purrysburg aforesaid, at and near which place the said Elijah Vickes was stationed until the term of service of this deponent, to wit, six months expired – this deponent further states that from his knowledge of the character of said Elijah Vickes, he has no hesitation in saying that he believes the remaining part of the nine months tour as set forth and specified in the foregoing declaration was performed by him as he well recollects the said Elijah Vickes did not return home until sometime in the summer of the year 1780.
Sworn to & subscribed the day & year aforesaid
S/ William Gilreath
On the day and year aforesaid, personally appeared in Open Court before the Court aforesaid, Alexander Gilreath Esquire who being first duly sworn according to law deposeth and saith that he served with Elijah Vickes the above applicant, during two of the tours mentioned in the foregoing declaration, to wit: the tour under Colonel Cleveland to Ramsour's Mills, and thence after Colonel Bryan (a Tory Colonel) as far as the trading Ford of the Yadkin, and the tour under Captain Allen to Salem, where they joined Colonel Locke and thence to the High Rock Ford on Haw River where they joined General Greene – and further, that the said two tours of duty as set forth in the foregoing declaration, as having been performed by the said Elijah Vickes were performed by him.
Sworn to & subscribed the day & year aforesaid.
S/ Alexander Gilreath
[p 22]
On this day and year aforesaid, personally appeared in open court before the court aforesaid, John Love, who being first duly sworn according to law, deposeth and saith that, he served with Elijah Vickes the above applicant, during 4 of the several tours mentioned in the full born declaration, to wit: the tour under Colonel Isaacs to the mouth of Rocky River in Anson County, intending to proceed thence against the Tories – the tour under Colonel Cleveland to King's Mountain, and thence to the Moravian towns – the tour under Captain Johnson to Cox is Mills on Deep River after Colonel Fanning (a Tory Colonel) and the tour under Captain Allen, first towards Salisbury, & thence to Salem, where they joined Colonel Locke and from thence to the High Rock Ford on Haw River where they joined General Greene – and further that the said for several tours of duty as set forth and specified in the foregoing declaration, as having been performed by the said Elijah Vickes were performed by him. Sworn to & subscribed the day and year aforesaid
S/ John Love, X his mark
[p 57]
State of North Carolina Wilkes County: SS
Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, Elijah Vickes 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 one year, ten months and seven days I served as a private, and for such service I claim a pension –
This deponent further saith by reason of amendment to the foregoing declaration and to obviate the objections of the War Department thereto, that he cannot procure a clergyman to certify as to his character for veracity and his belief of his services as a soldier of the Revolution, as there is none residing in his neighborhood, nor any of his acquaintance in the County whom he could procure, but he refers to Mr. William Combs & Archibald Lovelace Esquire as persons to whom he is well known in his present neighborhood, and who can testify as to his character for veracity, and their belief of his services as a soldier of the Revolution.
Sworn to & subscribed this 16th day of May 1833.
S/ Elijah Vickes, X his mark
[William Combs & Archibald Lovelace gave the standard supporting affidavit.]
[p 4: On May 23, 1843 in Wilkes County North Carolina, Sarah Vickes, aged between 75 and 80 years, made application for a widow's pension under the 1838 act stating that she is the widow of Elijah Vickes, a revolutionary war pensioner at the rate of $73.33 per annum; that she married him December 29, 1783; that her husband died February 26, 1834; and that she remains his widow. She signed her application with her mark.]
[p 5: On May 23, 1843 in Wilkes County North Carolina, Elisha Vickes gave testimony supporting the statements made by the widow. His relationship, if any, to the veteran or his widow is not stated. He signed his affidavit with his mark.]
[p 8: Copy of a marriage bond dated December 29, 1783 issued in Wilkes County North Carolina to Elijah Vickes and John Vickes conditioned upon the marriage of Elijah Vickes to Sarah Childress.]
[p 41: Power of attorney dated January 2, 1854 executed by Elijah Vickers [sic] who states that he is a son of Sarah Vickers [sic] deceased widow of Elijah Vickers [sic], a revolutionary war soldier and pensioner
[Veteran was pensioned at the rate of $73.33 per annum commencing March 4th, 1831, for service as a private for 22 months in the North Carolina service. His widow was pensioned at the rate of $34.66 commencing March 4th, 1843. It is not clear to me why there was a difference in the amount of pension paid to the veteran and his widow.]
Pension Application of Samuel Weaver S3516
Transcribed by Will Graves
State of Tennessee, White County
On this 9th day of October 1832 personally appeared before the Justices of the Court of Pleas and quarter Sessions for said County Samuel Weaver a resident of White County and State aforesaid aged about 73 years who first being 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, 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated. In the year of 1776 as well as he recollects he was drafted to go against the Cherokee Indians in what is called Christie's Campaign [sic, Christian's Campaign?]. He lived in what was then a part of North Carolina but is now Washington County East Tennessee. He belonged to Captain Bledsoe's Company. He believes that his Captain's name was Abraham Bledsoe. This tour lasted about seven months. The Troops rendezvoused at the Long Islands of Holston [River]. From thence they went to the Cherokee nation and burnt and destroyed several of the Towns; but were not in any battle – on the expiration of his service he obtained a discharge from Captain Bledsoe. He was well acquainted with Colonel Christie [sic, William Christian].
He believes it was in the next year 1777 he was drafted and attached to Captain Joseph Wilson's company. He was stationed at the then Frontier at Wilson's Fort in what is now Greene County East Tennessee. This tour was for six months. Wilson's company was in the Fort nearly the whole time, but were out occasionally on what is termed Scouting parties. He received a discharge at the end of six months from his Captain Jo. Wilson. During this tour he received a discharge was well acquainted with General John Sevier who was a distinguished commander of the troops against the Indians. He then held the rank of Colonel.
His third tour was also against the Indians. His residence was the same during the whole War, Indian and British. He was again drafted and believes it was in the year 1778. He belonged to Captain James Stinson's company. The company rendezvoused at the house of Joseph Gist and with the Regiment ascended a Creek called Long Creek, and sent out as spies, as far as the head of Dumplin Creek, which runs into French Broad [River]. The spies met the Indians on the head of Dumplin Creek– they fired upon the Indians – the spies then returned to the Army late at night. The Indians then retreated across French Broad at a large Island. The Army in pursuit of the Indians marched down Dumplin Creek, crossed French Broad, and encamped on the South side, at the mouth of Boyd's Creek. The Indians went up Boyd's Creek and encamped, the same night in about a mile and a half of the whites. In the morning Captain Stinson and his company were out up the River to reconnoiter the position of the enemy – this Declarant was along – the Company went as far as was deemed prudent or safe – discovered the Indians – and sent one man back to the Army to apprised Colonel John Sevier who had the chief command – Sevier came on with his whole force and immediately a battle commenced, which is well remembered in Tennessee as “the Battle of Boyd's Creek.” Which resulted in a complete victory – Sevier, with his men penetrated into the Country – into the nation – destroyed their crops and burnt their towns – they were then returned home – we were not discharged in writing –but dismissed from service – this was a three months tour. His third [sic] tour was also for three months. He was drafted in Captain Bird's company-- he thinks his name was Amos Bird. The troops on this occasion took the same route and we passed over the same Country as in the last preceding Campaign until they crossed Tennessee River – at what was called the “Virginia Ford.” They then went on into the nation, burnt and destroyed the Towns and took a great many prisoners they then returned home and was in like manner dismissed from service – he thinks this was in the year 1779 – he omitted to mention one, amongst many important facts in this campaign – to wit an exchange of prisoners which took place at the Town of Chota between the whites.
His fourth tour was under Captain Jacob Brown against the British – this was for three months –he volunteered – this was in the year 1780. He was in the Battle at King's Mountain and well acquainted with Colonel Campbell [William Campbell], Williams [James Williams], Cleveland [Benjamin Cleveland] and Sevier [John Sevier] – Campbell was from Virginia – Williams and Cleveland from South Carolina. He received a discharge from Captain Jacob Brown. This terminated his services to his Country. He has no documentary evidence – a part of his service, he can prove by Thomas Gist1 a respectable citizen of White County whose statement on oath is hereto appended.
He hereby relinquishes every claim to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares his name is not on the pension roll of any agency in any State.
Answers to the interrogatories prescribed by the War department and propounded by the Court.
1. He was born in Halifax County Virginia on the 9th day of September 1759.
2. He has a record of his age – the family Bible which belonged to his father is now in his possession.
3. As already stated, each time he entered the Service he resided in what is now Washington County East Tennessee.
4. The manner of his being called into Service has been fully set forth.
5. He has also stated the General Circumstances of his service with as much accuracy as he can,
except that after the Battle at King's Mountain and after his discharge he was detained from home a long time attending to a brother in law whose name was George Hutson who had been wounded in the battle, but who finally recovered and came home – he has given the names of the principal officers with whom he was acquainted.
6. His discharges have been mentioned and from whom received – they were burnt up in the house
of his son even Elijah Weaver in White County about 24 years ago.
7. He states the names of the following persons to whom he is known in his present neighborhood and who can Testify as to his character for Veracity and their belief of his Services as a Soldier of the revolution – Viz.: Solomon Yeagar [sic, Yeager?], Thomas Broils [sic, Broyles?], David Snodgrass, James Snodgrass and the Reverend Andrew McBride.
S/ Samuel Weaver, X his mark
Sworn to in open Court 9th October 1832.
S/ Jacob A. Lain, Clk
This day personally appeared in Open Court, Thomas Gist, and made Oath in due form of Law, that he was out in the service with the said Samuel Weaver, and knows that he served as stated in the foregoing Declaration (which has been read to him) so far as the campaigns under Captain James Stinson and Captain Amos Bird are concerned – this affiant was in both these campaigns and knows of his personal Knowledge that the said Weaver served as he states – as to the other Campaigns mentioned in said Declaration, this affiant fully believes they were performed, but does not know it.
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
S/ Thomas Gist, X his mark
Sworn to in open court 9 October 1832.
S/ Jacob A. Lain, Clk
[Standard certificate of veracity and reputation given by Rev. Andrew McBride, and Solomon Yeager]