John White

This is the documentation for the Revolutionary War soldier John White. John White born in Union District, South Carolina, October 14, 1753 Died April 27, 1858 (104 years old) he was married to a Nancy ? Both are buried at the Price Cemetery(Rock Creek) in Polk County. This information was given to me by Betty White Morton and I have made my best attempt at transcribing it, in hope it will help someone else. Thanks Tony Wilson (ARWilson1@aol.com)
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Declaration In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 9th 1832.
State of Tennessee
Polk County
On this 6th day of March 1838 personally appeared before me John Cass an acting Justice of the Peace for said county and state aforesaid John White a resident of the county of Polk and state of Tennessee Aged ninety four years. Who being first duly sworn according to the law doth an his oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed on the 7th of June 1832 that he Entered the Service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated. Declarant says he was living in Union District in the state of South Carolina and was drafted in the United States under Captain Jollys Company as a private horseman in a regiment commanded by Colonel Brandon in the year of 1780 in the month of January and was marched to the City of Charleston in a few days after we reached Charleston we were marched out of Charleston to a placed called the ten mile house and was stationed there in garrison three months and was marched from there home and was discharged after serving the time of three months in said company and regiment. Declarant futher says he was again drafted into the service of the United States in a Company Commanded by Captain Forsythe Hughes, a private in the Regiment Commanded by Colonel Thomas Brandon in Union District in the state of South Carolina in the month of may 1780 and was engaged through the upper part of the state of South Carolina declarant says he with some Hundred others were detailed guard the house and mills of Colonel Brandon which he had taken from Colonel Fletcher (?) who was a Tory and was then gave to the British declarant says that the was never Engaged in any battle but was in the service of when the battles of Kings mountain the battle of the Cowpens and of Blacksstacks ford was fought but was on other duty. the country he marched through was the upper parts of South Carolina and North Carolina and Georgia at one time forcing the Cherokee Indians across the Hightower river in the state of Georgia. declarant says he continued in the service in said company until the British evacuated Charleston 12 Dec 1782 or about that time declarrant says by reason of old age and consequent laps of memory he cannot say positivly how long hew served but to the best of his recollection he did not serve less than two years and six months and during said time he was either in a field or garrison and was not engaged in any ?????? declarant says he has no documentary evidence having lost his discharge to prove his services by declarant says ???? William Prewitt can testify to his service who was a Revolutionary Soldier and was acquainted with his service or a portion of it. declarant says the reason he never claimed a pension before that he had property and enough to live on and keep him from want and could do without it. He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity Excepts the ????? and declares that his name is not on the pension Roll of the agencey of any state

Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.

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To the Honorable Senate & House of Representatives in Congress Assembled Your Petitioners John White now a Citizen of Polk County Tennessee Aged ninety-seven years. Wishes to Represent to your honorable body that he was a Soldier in the Revolutionary War and served in the Captain Jollys Company first and afterwards in the Heweses Companys and in Col. Thomas Brandon's Regiment in the State of South Carolina. Your Petitioner did not avail him self of the benefit of the act of the 7th of June 1838 feeling himself at that time able to support himself by his own labors and feeling himself above asking his country to support him while he could support himself. But owing to his age and infirmities your petitioner has become low in circumstances and has become needy and is informed that he is entitled to a pension under the act of 1832 and your petitioner some time in the year 1850 applied through his agent for the benefit of the above mentioned Law but owing to the great length of time your petitioner could not procure evidence such as was required to satisfy the Commissioner of Pensions. Your petitioner prays your Honorable Body to acquire his papers which is filed in the Pension Office and if in your wisdom you believe that your petitioner is entitled to a pension for his services you petitioner prays you honors to pass a special act for his benefit and relief. These requests are the prayer of you petitioner and when duly considered in Justice your Petitioner is in duty bound to say.
X Mark of John White
Witness signed John F Hannah
John Cass
State of Tennessee
Polk County
We the under signers Citizens of Polk County and State aforesaid Do certify that we are well aquatinted with John White who has signed the Foregoing Petition and we know John White to be a man of unblemished Character and we believe him to be of the age that he represents himself t be and we know him to be a man of good moral character and his veracity is of the first order. we believe he was a Soldier in the Revolutionary War and it never has been Doubted in the neighborhoods where he has lived in the last Thirty years. he has always been pointed out as a soldier of the Revoloutionary War and we believe that the Untied States should be ????? him as such.
(signed by 17 witnesses , have taken my best guess as to the names, some are very hard to read)
Nelson Lawson
John J Parker
Samuel Duggan
Michael Boicer??????
S. ??????????
Jason Matlock
Josephus Rogers
John C. Longley
Samuel Parks
William Haney
Mark Pall?????
A Henderson
R.A. Dobson
Stephen Lawson
Silas C. Smith
Owen C. Dennis
M Th. Hill???d
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State of Tennessee
Polk County
On this 3rd day of May 1856 Personally appeared before me John Cass an acting Justice of the Peace duly authorized by law to administer oaths in and for the County aforesaid and John White who deposeth and sayeth in due form of the Law that he served both as a footman & horseman in the war of the Revolution in the South Carolina forces from 1780 till near the close of the war under Captain Jolly Captain Hughs and Col Brandon. that for the particulars of his said service he refers to his own Declaration and papers on file in the Justice office. that his fathers name was John White- that his said father was in a part of the same Service but only for a short time near the close of the war
Xmark of John White ****************************************************************************
Below is an excerpt from a letter from Acting Commissioner ? to Congressman David V. Finley. I assume the Congressman had requested this confirmation in response to the request of the reinstatement of John White's pension. Hon. David V. Finley, House of Representatives Dear Mr. Finley: From the papers in the claim, Sur. File No. 3,539, it appears that John White was drafted from the Union District, South Carolina, in January, 1780, and served two and one-half years as a Private in Captains Jolly and Joseph Hughes' companies, Colonel Thomas Brandon's South Carolina regiment. He was the son of John White who also served for a short time in the War of Revolution, in Captain Joseph Hughes' company. Soldier was allowed pension on and application executed March 6, 1850, while ninety-four years of age and a resident of Polk County, Tennessee. The above noted is the only John White of South Carolina found in the Revolutionary War pension records. Very Respectfully, (no signature) Acting Commissioner
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His pension certificate reads:
33409 Tennessee John White, Polk Co. in the State of Tennessee who was a Pvt. Infantry in the companies commanded by Captains Jolly & Hughes of the Regt commanded by Col Brandon in the So Car Troops line for 3 mos pvt of Inf 6 mos " " Cav? Inscribed on the Roll of ????? at the rate of 35 Dollars 27 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March 1831 Certificate of Pension issued the 16th day of October 1857 and sent to Hon Samuel A. Smith, Charleston, Bradley Co. Tenn Arrears to Sept 4 1857- $934.66
Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832 Recorded by G.T. Getty, Clerk (signed) Book H Vol. 1 Page ?

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Samuel Walker's Pension Application

S 3448 Rev. War Bradley Co, TN 5 Dec 1836
Samuel Walker a resident of Bradley Co age 75 declares that [he] entered service in company of Mounted riflemen of volunteers commanded by Capt. John McClure, Lt. Samuel Adams, Ensign Owen Evans of Fishing Creek in Chester Dist. SC in 1778 sometime in April or May under command of Gen. Sumpter; marched to Mobley's meeting house where they defeated a party of British and Tories; marched to Congaree Fort and remained there until Fort surrendered and they took prisoners who were sent to Charleston SC. Declarant remained in service until 1780 when the British and Tories had almost taken possession of SC. "We again took up the line of march--determined never to yield." Arrived at Ramsour's Mill just as the battle was about to close 17 Jun 1780. American victorious then to Rocky Mount were they defeated the enemy; then to Hanging Rock where in battle Capt. McClure was mortally wounded and carried to Charlotte, NC and died in about 2 weeks. This battle fought 7 Aug 1780- at Charlotte NC Lt. Adams took command; marched to Col. Bratton's where in battle they killed a celebrated British Gen. named Hooke; from there to Blackstock where had fight with Col. Tarlatan at which place Gen. Sumpter was wounded in the shoulder and had it not been for Col. Hill, we would have taken every person there. He behaved so cowardly that he had his side arms taken from him and a wooden stick placed in the scabbard. Claimant continued in service until close of war. Was a private and volunteer. Isaac Day, Chairman of Court John H. Robertson Clerk of Court Samuel Walker was born in Ireland, Ballimarra in 1760 but record of birth is lost. Was acquainted with Gen. Green, Francis Marion, Gen. Sumpter, Col. Morgan. In his neighborhood he is acquainted with John Walker and Joseph [?]. McMinn Co. 22 may 1837--Amended declaration Samuel Walker declares before John Camp, JP that the reason he did not apply earlier for his pension is to wit he was living in McMinn Co 7 Jun 1832 and before he could apply he moved to GA to live with one of his sons who was living in that part of GA occupied by the Cherokee Indians and there were no Courts of record convenient. Then he moved to Bradley Co, which was also in the possession of said Indians. There he met one of his old fellow soldiers named Robert McCormick by whom he could prove his services and shortly thereafter there was a court of record established in Bradley Co. Bradley Co. 26 July 1837 -- Amended declaration Samuel Walker declares before John Dun, an acting JP. Entered the service of the United States May or June of 1778 at Fishing Creek, Chester Dist, SC in the company of Calvary commanded by Capt. McClure. To be a minute company to be in readiness at any time and to serve as long as the war lasted. After we was organized we marched to Mobley's meeting house . A body of Tories were assembled at the meeting house. We attacked them and took 30 prisoners and sent them to Hillsborough. Marched to the only church. There had scrimmages with the Tories and took our men that they had as prisoners from them. We marched to Altamahaw River in the state of Georgia. We heard that Col. Winn was besieged by the British and Tories on St. John's River. Gen. Sumpter ordered 300 men under the command of Col. Branum to go and raise the siege. Before we got there they had burnt the fort. We then marched to Winsborough, SC. Three weeks from there we marched to Broad River. Had in a scrimmage. There Gen. Sumpter lost his horse. We marched to Ramsour's Mill. There had a battle with the Tories and defeated them. We then had a battle at Rocky Mount and we left the ground. Marched from there to Hanging Rock. Had a battle and Capt. McClure was wounded and was taken to Charlotte NC. In 2 weeks he died. Samuel Adams, 1st Lt. took command. Marched to Blackstock, there had a battle and defeated the British. Gen. Sumpter was wounded in the shoulder at Blackstock. I saw him when he was shot. His sword fell out of his right hand and he caught it with his left before it fell to the ground. Went from there to Congaree fort and took it. Then we marched to Orangeburg and took it from the British. I then entered the service under Capt. Barnett for 10 months and was commanded by Gen. Sumpter. We marched to Ferguson's Swamp, lay in wait for Lord Rowden, who was on his march from Camden to Charleston. We took nine of his officers at our one-- McElhany. Went to Bacon's Bridge. From there to Congaree to intercept Lord Rowden on his way from Charleston to Ninety Six to [?] the British at that place where Gen. Green was. Green retreated from that place, from there to Mobley's Settlement to forage our horses. 2 weeks marched back to Orangeburg. Stationed there 3 week and was dismissed. The 10 months service having expired, I received a certificate for 94 pounds sterling for 10 months service in Capt. Barnett's Troop, which I lost by having my house burnt. Having served 2 years and 2 months under Capts. McClure and Adams [and] 10 months with Barnett, I am positive I served 3 years. Old age and laps of memory prevents me from giving dates of all Battles and places we were. John Hambright of Calhoun, Tenn. States that he has known Samuel Walker for 13 years (as of 7 Aug 1837) Bradley Co. 26 Jul 1837-Robert McCormick states that: I was personally acquainted with Samuel Walker in the Revolution War. That he belonged to Capt. McClure's company of Calvary which was a minute company and from my personal knowledge he served two years in the service of the United. I was with him in several Battles. He fought bravely in battle of Rocky Mount and Hanging Rock. I saw Capt. McClure after he was wounded. He was taken to Charlotte, NC and there died and was much regretted. I served the ten months service which Mr. Walker served and was dismissed in Orangeburg. I believe that he served as he has stated but was personally known to his serving two years under Captains McClure, Adams and Barnett.

Note: While searching thru an unmarked filing cabinet at the library in Athens, McMinn Co, I found a pension applic for SAMUEL WALKER who was a resident of Bradley. I have Walkers in McMinn Co but have no earthly idea if Samuel Walker belongs to my line.(William H. Walker 1788-1853) I hope this help someone. At very least, it's very interesting reading. Teri Summers Searching:BECK, COCHRAN, COLLINS, COOK, CULBERTSON, HARVEY, HAZELTINE, KIRKSEY, McKENZIE, MUNSEY, RACKLEY, SNYDER, WALDROP, WALKER, WITT, WOODS AND WOODY. Contributed by Teri Summer.

William Longley

DECLARATION
IN ORDER TO OBTAIN THE BENEFIT OF THE ACT OF CONGRESS PASSED JUNE 1832

State of Tennessee

County of McMinn

On this 3rd day of June personally appeared in open Court, before the Justice of the County Court of said county, William Longley a resident of said county and state, aged about seventy-two years, who being first duly sworn according to the 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 offices, and served as herein stated.

He entered the service as a drafted man, in the militia of the State of Virginia, in the month of October, 1780, as well as he could recollect, in Loudon County in said State, where he then resided with his father, under this command of Major Armistead, whose direct name is not recollected - Captain Thomas Humphries, Lieutenant John Bartlett. There were about 700 troops from said county of whom declarant was one and he thinks they were called light infantry. These troops were marching from Loudon County to Williamsburg in Virginia where they were stationed in the barracks for several months, and from wherein parties of our cause were detained to hold the British forces under Arnold in check. After being stationed here one month, declarant does not recollect the precise time, the British forces landed at Burrell's ferry at the mouth of the James River, where about 200 of our men and declarant one of them, were stationed. We stood our ground and fired upon the enemy until our cartridges were exhausted, each man of us having fired near 30 rounds, when we were so far outnumbered that we had to retreat. We retreated to Williamsburg, 6 miles from the above named ferry and on reaching there all our troops retreated from town and the British marched in and occupied our barracks that night. We had retreated only a mile or two into the woods from there, after night set in we marched back to town and attacked the enemy, drove in their pickets, and fired on them until outnumbered and drove from Nogfield. Next morning we were marched for Richmond and on the same day the enemy left Williamsburg, crossed James River at Jamestown, and marched up the country. Near the same time that we got to Richmond the enemy arrived at Manchester on the opposite side of the river, and commenced destroying property and burning large quantity of tobacco stored there. We were stationed on Chucks Hill. When the British appeared a part of our men were stationed on the bank of the river to prevent them crossing, and if any had attempted it they would have met with a warm reception as we were very hungry and greatly incensed at them. We had but one field piece, a six pounder and it was placed on the hill before mentioned and leveled against the enemy and its effect to do ____amongst them that they were quickly induced to leave off their __ and quit the place. The enemy left Manchester and pursued their course still further up the country and after some time turned their course and marched to Yorktown. Declarant and his comrades were stationed at Richmond as he thinks, about six weeks, when they were marched from there and joined the army under Gen'l Lafayette at Yorktown on the Glouchester side of the river. About this time or shortly after, the siege was formed, as the army under Washington shortly after arrived. Declarant was at this time constantly employed in working on the entrenchment and other works, that was going on. During this siege declarant was in several skirmishes with part of the enemy. On one occasion after fighting 200 of the Virginia troops, declarant one of them, with 500 of the French under the command of Lafayette were marched to make a track through the enemy's line on the Glouchester side, another detachment having made an attack on this side. Declarant recollects getting so near the enemy works, that he put his hand upon them and looking up he saw the tar barrels placed on the hearthworks to be lighted in the event of an attack. The firing having ceased on the York side, we were then fired upon but their balls went far above our heads. The enemy having discovered us, and opened their guns upon us as they _____. Declarant was one of the troops forming this hollow square into which the prisioners were marched when Cornwallis surrendered. The prisoners taken on the Glorchester side were marched to Winchester in Virginia, declarant being one of their guards. These prisoners were guarded at Winchester three months, as declarant thinks when they were marched into Frederickstown in Maryland, where declarant was discharged in February as well as he recollects, 1782. Declarant cannot recollect the precise time he served, he will set it down at fifteen months, as he is confident he served that long. Declarant was born in the State of New Jersey in the year 1761 as he was informed by his parents - has no record of his age nor has he seen one as well as he knows. He resided in Loudon County for a short time after this war, then in Shenandoah, Rockbridge, then in Washington, all in Virginia, whereas he removed to Sevier County Tennessee in 1800 where he resided until he came to the County of McMinn Tennessee, where he now resides. He received a written discharge from the service at Shephardtown, VA from Col Niswonger but it is lost, and he knows not where it is. James D Sewell, a clergyman, John Grisham, George Long, & Jackson Smith, are some of his present neighbors and can testify as to his veracity, and their belief of his service as a soldier of the Revolution.

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 and subscribed the 3rd day of June 1833

A. R. Turk, Clerk

William Longley

We James D Sewall, a clergyman residing in the county and state aforesaid, and John Grisham residing as aforesaid, hereby certify that we are well acquainted with William Longley who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; and we believe him to be 72 years of age; that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier in the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.

Sworn to and subscribed the 3rd day of June 1833

A R Turk, Clerk, James L Sewell

John Grisham

And the court do hereby declare their opinion, after investigating the matter, and putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that

James Sewell who has signed the preceding certificates, is a Clergyman, that he and John Grisham, who has also signed it are resident as they therein state, and that their statement is entitled to credit.

Amos _____

John Miller

Submitted by Jean McCullough <LJM39@aol.com>
If you are researching the Longley family, please contact Jean.
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