James LEWIS W303 West Tenn. #26925 $97.50/year. Mary LEWIS widow Tenn. #2008, $97.50/year issued 17 Sept. 1853. Bounty Land Warrant 3067-160-55
2 June 1834, Franklin County. James LEWIS aged 78 states he was born 6 April 1756 in Virginia. before independence was declared he joined an independent company commanded by Capt. Nicholas LEWIS. A short time after this Lord DUNMORE, the Governor of Virginia, removed some powder from the public magazine in Williamsburg and put it on boars a public vessel. This caused considerable excitement and numerous companies marched out. The affiant marched to Williamsburg, 140 miles, and there was trained in military discipline. After about 20 days he was discharged to home. In early 1776 or late 1775 Capt. Thomas WALKER raised a rifle company in Albemarle and Louisa Counties. Affiant had a nephew, William T. LEWIS , who enlisted with the company as Orderly Sergeant and became ill. Affiant agreed in Oct. 1776 to serve in his nephew’s place and drew his pay.
In Nov. 1776 he joined the 9th Virginia Regiment which was stationed in Accomack and Northampton counties. About this time Capt. Thomas WALKER resigned and William HENDERSON, first lieutenant, took command. In early 1776 orders were received to march north. The sick and invalids were sent by water on the Elle and LEWIS was among those who marched to Philadelphia, arriving before the invalids and shortly after the battles of Trenton and Princeton. From Philadelphia the marched to New Jersey where Col. FLEMING died after having taken smallpox in the natural way. About that time those who had not had smallpox were ordered to be inoculated. LEWIS was appointed Sergeant Major in July. During the summer of 1777 an expert rifle company was formed and most of the rifle men for LEWIS’ company joined. but not Hudson MARTIN who was on the recruiting service in Virginia. LEWIS had command of the remainder, eventually numbering about 20. for them he made out pay and muster rolls and did duty of a commissioned officer.
That summer we marched to the highlands of York and participated in the battles of Brandywine and Germantown, where LEWIS and the whole regiment were either killed or taken prisoner with the exception of the drummer who had charge of. Col. MATTHEWS’ horse. Lt. Col. LEARS was killed and Col. MATTHEWS was badly wounded. That evening they were safely lodged in Philadelphia New Jail where they suffered with cold and hunger. In June 1778 LEWIS and over 100 others were exchanged for equal number of British prisoners. He received his discharge soon afterwards and at the same time reenlisted for three years or the duration of the war, with a promise of promotion from Gen. MUHLENBURG. He deposited both discharges at the Auditor’s Office in Richmond at the time he received certificates for the depreciation of his pay, and returned home. In late 1778 he received an appointment from Mr. John ALLEN as Issuing Commisary to BURGOYNE’S troops. He repaired to Albemarle barracks and issued provisions. In December he met the troops at Carlottsville. After returning to Albemarle he continued to furnish provisions until 1 Aug. 1779 he got married and repaired to is farm. He received of Mr. ALLEN some six or seven dollars in silver which is all he ever received for his eight months as commissary. In the spring of 1781 he served two months in the militia and was discharged 2 May 1781. He got home a few days before Col. TARLETON” paid us a visit at Charlottesville” with his Calvary and mounted infantry. The Albemarle County militia companies were them commanded Captains MILLER, WOODS, and TALIAFERO. LEWIS belonged to TALIAFERO’S company, and TALAFERO was taken sick and went home. LEWIS made out pay and muster rolls and received a lot of beef and one lot of clothing which he sent to headquarters. He never received an pay for these services. Lewis asserts he is entitled to a pension even solely for his services as an enlistee during the war for three years or the duration, although he was sent home as a supernumerary. He lived in Albemarle County during the war and afterward, until moving to Franklin County in 1812. He has a record of his age at home. John DRISKILL , clergyman, and James CAMPBELL vouch for LEWIS.
2 July 1839 Winchester, Tenn. James CAMPBELL to Pension Office. LEWIS claims his appointment as commissary can be proven by Major MARTIN and Holman RICE, two compatriots in arms.
2 July 1834 Manchester, Tenn. James LEWIS states he will accept a pension for services as an orderly sergeant and sergeant- major and relinquish the balance for the present.
25 April 1843 Franklin County James LEWIS claims he has lost his pension certificate.
L. D. SIMS claims he hs known LEWIS for many years.
14 Feb. 1853 Franklin County Mary LEWIS, widow if James, states they were married in Albemarle County, Va., Oct. 1826, and that he died 21 Feb. 1849.
Franklin County Clerk of the Court states that the will of James LEWIS mentions as Mary his wife. 2 Aug. 1853 Albemarle County, Va. Clerk produces copy of marriage bond dated 17th Oct. 1826 James LEWIS to Mary Polly MARKS of Albemarle County, Ida Garrett was bondsman. No return made.
14 March 1855 Franklin County, Mary LEWIS applies for bounty land. Charles CRESSMAN and Thomas FINCH J.P., vouch for her.
1 Feb. 1855 note in the file indicates this is the death date of Mary LEWIS. (?)