HAWKINS COUNTY, TN - MILITARY - Jacon & Polly Lawson, Revolutionary War Pension Application ----¤¤¤---- REVOLUTIONARY WAR PENSION APPLICATION - JACOB & POLLY LAWSON The Revolutionary War Pension Application of Jacob Lawson of Hawkins County Tennessee Transcription by John William Finnell This transcription is from the National Archives and Records Administration microfilm collection number 804, Roll number 1533, Frames 397-440. (6-1776) SERVICE NUMBER Va. Lawson, Jacob W. 86. Polly Contents NATIONAL ARCHIVES MICROFILM PUBLICATION SELECTED RECORDS NATIONAL ARCHIVES MICROFILM PUBLICATION State of Tennessee Hawkins county On This 28th day of November 1832 personally appeared in open court before the justices of the Court of Pleas ? ?, now sitting. Jacob Lawson a resident of Hawkins County aged Seventy two years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declarations in order to obtain the benefits of the act of congress ? June 7th 1832. That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers ? as ? stated. That he was born in the county of Bedford in the state of Virginia in the year 1761 or thereabouts- that he entered the said service as a substitute in the room of John Howell. For three months in the month of August 1779 - under Captain Shelton and was marched by said Shelton against the Tories, near the Bleu Ridge, and was stationed with his company at a place called the Hollow, not far from the Flower Gap, and ? Gap, and continued doing duty with said company at said station, and at other stations near said Bleu Ridge in Virginia until sometime in the month of November 1779 when he was discharged by his said Captains, but whether he received a written discharge or not he cannot now state tho' he thinks he did not as it was not customary with the militia's officers then to give such discharges. He states further ? that said company of militia belonged to the regiment commanded by Col. James Lyon of Henry County in the state of Virginia, but who was not out during the tour above spoken of. Nor was there at the time declarant was out. Any other company of men doing duty with Captain Shelton's company at the above stations. That again in the fall of 1780 sometime in the month of December, the day not recollected, this declarant enter the said services under Captain William Cloud of Col. Lyon's Regiment in Henry county as aforesaid as a volunteer for three months. And was marched with said regiment to North Carolina against the British, and after a difficult and tedious march accompanied mostly by the heavy winds and high waters the regiment crossed the Harr Rive, about one hundred miles from where the troops set out. And after remaining there sometime stationed. Col. Lyon, contrary to the advice of his officers and wishes of his men retreated back to Henry County- or was supposed at the time, on account of his being afraid of meeting with the enemy and accordingly the regiment reached Henry County. When it had r?ndy?ed some time in the month of Febuary 1781 having been gone fully two months- to which period this declarant served that tour- Shortly after reaching home and being somewhat mortified of the conduct of his said Col. This declarant again volunteered in the latter part of February 1781 under Captain George Haston in the regiment commanded by ? Penn- and Major Waller. The only officer whose name he now can recollect and was marched into South Carolina by Col. Penn for the purpose of joining General Greene, who was then watching the movements of Lord Cornwallis. And after a tedious ? march they reached General Greene's Headquarters after ? the Lean river and other water crosses on their route, on the 11th of March, the day after the battle between Gen. Greene and Cornwallis. When the declarant's company reached the headquarters of Gen. Greene, he was encamped at the ? ? on Troublesome ? about ten or twelve miles from the battleground. And a few days after joining Gen. Greene he determined to pursue Cornwallis who was retreating from Greene and accordingly the army took up a line of march but in consequence of bad roads and continual rains the army did not reach Ramsey's Mills until the latter part of March. At which place the enemy had ? but ? left and crossed ? river on to ?. After remaining some time at Ramsey's Mills, the company to which the declarant belonged was ordered to join the Light Horse at a ferry on Cape Fear River (name not recollected, of the ferry) at which place, the commander of the Horse he thinks the ? ? ? proposed to Captain Haston that if his company would furnish 12 ? to serve one year in the light horse the balance of his company might go home and be excused from serving the balance of their tour and that accordingly the company did furnish 12 men by drawing lots who should go and giving something to those upon whom the lots fell and in that way the company which declarant was attached was discharged from serving the balance of his tour. Having served but two months after they reached home. Declarant further stated that when his company reached Gen. Greene's head quarters, there was many officers both ? and militia whose names he has since forgotten, but he can name some. Namely Gen. Lawson whose tent he stood guard frequently. General Harper who commanded the Virginia Continental who was wounded in the battle of the 15th March. ? Washington ? William of Maryland ? ? ? ? Which different periods of actual service amounted to seven months but if the last tour is counted as three months, as ? Washingtons ? delcarant's captain it should be. He will then be entitled to a cu?ih of eight months service in the revolutionary war. That he has resided in Virginia or Tennessee ever since he joined the service. He ? relinquishes ? claim to a pension or annuity whatever except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension role of the agency of any state. Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid} Jacob (his X mark) Lawson S D Mitchell Clk At this same time personally appeared in open court John Millis a resident of Hawkins county in the state of Tennessee aged about sixty Eight years. Who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath declare and certify that he is well acquainted with Jacob Lawson. Who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration, that at the time said Lawson performed the above services. This offiant? Resided in the same county and neighborhood ? in Henry County Virginia, with said Jacob Lawson, and was out with said Lawson in two of the tours mentioned in his declaration above ? the one under Captain Shelton against the tories in 1779 when they both served three months. The other under Col. Lyons and Capt. Cloud where they served two months. He also states that he well recollects the time when the troops left Henry County under Col. Penn to march into South Carolina against the British. And at which time in the month of February 1781 he saw the said Jacob Lawson leave home under the command of Capt. Haston in Col. Penn's regiment. And also saw him return home in about two months and that he always understood that said Lawson performed the two months faithfully honorably as his brother soldiers testified on all occasions. The offiant further states that he has been acquainted with said Lawson ever since. Residing in the same neighborhood, within about one mile of said Lawson in Hawkins county. Sworn to & Subscribed the day and year aforesaid} John (his X mark) Willis S D Mitchell Clk And the said court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of this matter and after putting? The interrogatories prescribed by the War Department that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states and the court further certifies that it appears to them that John Willis who has signed the preceeding certificate is a resident in said county of Hawkins and state of Tennessee is a credible person and that his statement is entitled to credit. State of Tennessee Hawkins County} I Stockly D. Mitchell Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Se? of Hawkins County do hereby certify that the forgoing contains the original proceedings of said court in the matter of the application of Jacob Lawson for a Pension. In testimony where of I have here unto set my hand and seal of office this 29th day of November AD 1832 S D Mitchell Clk By ? Mitchell ?Clk BRIEF in the case of Jacob Lawson County of Hawkins, In the State of Tennessee (Act 7th June, 1832) 1. Was the declaration made before a Court or Judge? A Court. 2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity? 3. How old is he? 72 years. 4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed. Period. Duration of Service. Rank. Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served. Sub. In 1779 for John Howell. Years, Months, Days. 3. As a Pr. Gen. Capt. Shelton. Vol. 1780 2. " Col. Lyon & Capt. Cloud Vol. 1781 2. " Capt. Geo. Haston, Col. Penn & Major Waller: he joined Gen. Greene 1. In what battles was he engaged? None. 2. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Virginia. 3. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? Living witness & traditionary. 4. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? And if so, in what respect? Correct. I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned. W. R. Turner, Examining Clerk. Declaration - In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of the 7th of July 1838 Entitled "an act Granting half pay and pension to certain widows" State of Tennysee ss: Hawkins County On the Sixth day of May AD 1839 personally appeared before the Justices of the County Court of Hawkins County in open court Polly Lawson a resident of said county & state aged seventy four years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress ? July 7th 1838 entitled an act granting half pay and pension to certain widows. That she is the widow of Jacob Lawson who was a provate in Col. Lyon's regiment of militia and she refers the comms of Pension to the documentation of her said husband now on file in the war department for the ? of her said husbands services in the revolutionary ware. That her said husband was on the pension roll at the Agency of JonesBorough in this state at the rate of $ 20 and 25 dollars per annum according to the ? ? ? at this time. She further declares that she was married to the said Jacob Lawson in the month of August in the year Seventeen hundred Eighty Four (1784) and that her said husband died on the 5th day of September 1833, Eighteen hundred thirty three. That she was not married to him prior to his leaving the services but the marriage took place previous to the first of January Seventeen hundred ninety four ? at the time above stated. And that she has no record proof of her said marriage. Sworn and subscribed in open court before the justices thereof the date above} Polly (her X mark) Lawson. James M Hord Clk. State of Tennysee Hawkins County} I James M Hord clerk of the County Court of the county aforesaid do hereby certify that the forgoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of Mrs Polly Lawson for a pension. I also certify that John Reynolds and Darin Reynolds Esq. Whose names appear to the annexed affidavit or depositions and certificates are now and were at the time of signing the same acting Justices of the Peace for said County and that their signatures appear to be in their own proper hand writing. Given under my hand and seal of office in Rogersville this 8th day of May 1839. (Seal) Jas. M Hord Clk April 29, 1937 Mrs. Fred L. Cretney Jacob Lawson 412 West 7 Street W. 86 Leadville, Colorado BA-J/AWF Dear Madam: The Data which follow were obtained from papers on file in pension claim W. 86, based upon the service of Jacob Lawson in the War of the Revolution. Jacob Lawson was born in the year 1761 in Bedford County, Virginia. The names of his parents were not stated. While a resident of Henry County, Virginia, Jacob Lawson enlisted sometime in August, 1779 and served three months as a private in Captain Shelton's company of Virginia militia, out in pursuit of Tories. He enlisted sometime in December, 1780, served two months in Captain William Cloud's company, Colonel James Lyon's Virginia regiment, marched to North Carolina against the British. He enlisted the latter part of February, 1781 served two months in Captain George Haston's company, Colonel Penn's regiment. He was allowed pension on his application executed November 28, 1832, at which time he was a resident of Hawkins County, Tennessee. He died September 5, 1832, at his residence in Hawkins County, Tennessee. Jacob Lawson married in the month of August, 1784 at "Captain Amis" in Hawkins County, Tennessee, Polly; her maiden name not designated, nor were the date and place of her birth given. The widow, Polly Lawson, was allowed pension on her application executed May 6, 1839, at which time she was seventy-four years old, and a resident of Hawkins County, Tennessee. She died July 10, 1844 at the home of her son, Lazarus Hawkin, in said county. The following children survived their mother, Polly Lawson- Lazarus Lawson, who was in 1845 fifty-one years of age; Matilda, who married Anderson Campbell of Hawkins County, Tennessee; Lewis Lawson of McMinn County Tennessee; Russel Lawson; Reynolds Lawson; Elizabeth, who married William Finnell; Anna, who married Thomas Haynes of Bradley County, Tennessee, said Thomas Haynes was deceased in 1845. It was stated that their daughter, Betsy, was born in August, 1784 and that she was still living in 1839. Very truly yours A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant To the Administrator NATIONAL ARCHIVES MICROFILM PUBLICATION NONSELECTED RECORDS NATIONAL ARCHIVES MICROFILM PUBLICATION WAR DEPARTMENT Revolutionary Claim I certify that in conformity with the laws of the United States of the 3rd March, 1843, and June 19th, 1844. Polly Lawson, deceased, late of Tennessee, widow of Jacob Lawson, who was a private in the Revolutionary war entitled to receive a pension at the rate of twenty three dollars and thirty three cents per annum commencing on the 4th March, 1843 and terminating on the 10th July 1844, the day on which she died. The amount due is payable to Lazarus Lawson, Matilda Campbell, Lewis Lawson, Reynolds Lawson, Russell Lawson, Elizabeth Finnell, and Anna Haynes, only children of said Polly Lawson deceased. Given at the War Office of the United States, this 29th day of April, one thousand eight hundred and forty -five. Examined and Countersigned Secretary of War Commisioner of Pensions Tennessee 5010 Polly Lawson dec'd Widow of Jacob Lawson Who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832 And who died on the 5 Sept. 1833 Of Hawkins Co in the State of Tennessee Who was a private in the compny commanded By Captain Shelton of the Regt commanded by Col Lyons in the Virginia line for 7 months Inscribed on the Roll of Jonesboro' At the rate of 23 Dollars 33 cents per annum To commence on the 4th day of March 1836. Certificate of Pension issued the 5 day of Feby 1840, ? and to Hon. A Mclellan H Reps Arrears to the 4th of Septr 1839 $ 81.66 Semi=annual allowance ending 4 Mar' 40 11.66 $93.33 {Act July 7, } { 1838 } Recorded by DM Curdy, Clerk Book A Vol. 2. Page 208 BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Jacob Lawson which require further proof or explanation. I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? II. Did the Declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resided, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so? IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? V. Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7 1832? VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if son, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? No. XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it? No. XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had? XIV. If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service? If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses? Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct? XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service? XVI. Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? 2 EXPLANATORY NOTES. *QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words: " Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. 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 that the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades; For ___ year ____ months, and _____ days, I served as a ________ For ________ months and ________ days, I served as a __________; and for such service I claim a pension. Declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the act of ? of the 3rd March, 1843 and June 17th 1844 granting pension to widows ? State of Tennessee Hawkins County On this 3rd day of March 1845 personally appeared before the justices of the county court of said county Lazarus Lawson, one of the surviving children of Polly Lawson late a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States. And a resident of said county and state aged fifty one years who being first duly sworn, according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provisions made by the acts of Congress passed on the 3rd March 1843 and June 17th 1844 granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War. That the said Polly was the widow of Jacob Lawson decd. Who died on the 5th of September 1833 who was a private in the army of the Revolution and who was a pensioner at the time of his death of the United States. And the annual amount of the pension which he received under the Act of July 7th 1838 was twenty-three dollars, thirty-three cents per annum and that at the time of her death she was a widow never having married after her said husbands death. She died on the tenth July 1844. Sworn to and Subscribed in open court the day and year above. Lazarus Lawson (signature) State of Tennessee Hawkins County I Robert Johnson, clerk of the court of Hawkins County do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of Lazarus Lawson for pension. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 3rd day of March 1845. R Johnson Clk By Jas M Hord Clk State of Tennessee Hawkins County At a County Court held at the Court house in Rogersville on the first Sunday of March 1845 personally appeared in open court before the justices thereof Jasper Spears aged fifty five years a citizen of said county and being first duly sworn states that he was well aquainted with this Polly Lawson widow of Jacob Lawson late a pensioner of the United States. That she lived within one mile of declarant for about 18 or 20 years. That she departed this life on the 10th day of July 1844 ath the house of Lazarus Lawson her son in said County. And the following are the names of her surviving children towit, Lazarus Lawson, Matilda Lawson who intermarried with Anderson Campbell of Hawkins County. Lewis Lawson Of McMinn County Tennessee, Russel Lawson, Sam Reynolds Lawson, and Elizabeth Lawson who intermarried with William Finnell and Anna Keaynes formerly Anna Lawson who intermarried with Thomas Keaynes now decd. The latter of Bradley County Tennessee. Said widow died the widow of Jacob Lawson decd. Never having married after the death of her said husband. Which testimony was satisfactory to said Court. State of Tennessee Hawkins County I Robert Johnson Clerk of the county Court of said County do certify that the foregoing contains a true copy from the records in my office which testimony was satisfactory to the Court. Witness my hand and seal of office at office in Rogersville this 3rd day of March AD 1843. R Johnson Clk By Jas M. Hord DClk (Seal) Ann Reynolds About Seventy Three years of age after being duly sworn states as follows (vo?) that she was present when Polly Lawson and Jacob Lawson was married. That they was married near her Father's house ^Hawkins County Tennessee by Thomas Murrel a Baptist Preacher. And that the said Polly Lawson has a daughter about fifty four years old and to the best of her knowledge and belief said Polly Lawson and Jacob Lawson was married near twelve months before said Child was born. She also states that the said Polly Lawson is now living and that her husband Jacob Lawson has been dead between five and six years. Sworn and Subscribed to before us John Reynolds and David Reynolds, two justices of the peace for Hawkins County this 3rd day of May 1839. Ann (her X mark) Reynolds John Reynolds J.P. David Reynolds J. P. ?B the words "Hawkins County Tennessee" was intertwined by me and the said Deposition sworn to ? In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand I also Certify that said witness is a credible person and entitled to credit in testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand this 6th day of May 1839. John Reynolds J.P. for Hawkins County Washington City February 4th 1840 Hon. J. L. Edwards Sir: Permit me to trouble you again by asking the favour of you to send me the regulations and a blank declaration to enable a Revolutionary Soldier to make out his claim to enable him to draw a pension and also ^ one copy of the regulations and a blank declaration to enable a widow of a Revolutionary Soldier to make out her claim for a pension. Enclosed you will please find additional testimony in the case of Mrs. Polly Lawson widow of Jacob Lawson decd. Which is now on file in your office with the suspended cases, which you will please have examined and apprize me of the result of such examination. Respectfully your Obt. Servt, A. Mclellan Rogersville, Tennessee June 27th 1845 J.L. Edwards Esqr. Sir The Pension certificate which ? of the 29th April ? to the heirs of Polly Lawson decd was duly filed by me. But not shown to said heir until very recently. They think a mistake has been made in filling it out. The pay commences on the 4th of March 1843. Terminates on the 10th July 1844. When it should commence from the 4th September 1841 since which time there mother has not drawn any pension. I presume the widow was entitled to draw as well as other widows, from that time. If a mistake has occurred please do inform me and I will return the certificate which is still in my possession. Respectfully I am D. Alexander Rogersville, Tn J.L. Edwards Esqr. May 9th 1839 Sir I herewith enclose to you the declaration of Mrs. Polly Lawson for a Rev War Pension. Be pleased to Enclose the certificate to me. Respectfully Your obt. Servant D. Alexander Rogersville Tennessee January 1845 James L. Edwards Esqr. Sir Mrs. Polly Lawson (widow of Jacob Lawson ^late a Rev. Pensioner) and who was also a Five Year Pensioner. Died about the 10th day of July last. Her children have applied to me to draw the amount coming to her. Will you be so good as to inform me what is necessary to be done to entitle them to such advantages. There are some other cases of a similar kind. I would also be obliged to you to send me a copy of the law paper at the ? ? ? ? in relation to widows pensions + ? regulations. With the forms used. I am respectfully Yours ? D. Alexander P.S. Please do state what her ? amounts to. Her certificate having been forwarded to your office by the Pen. ? I do not remember what she drew per year. Hawkins County State of Tennessee Personally appeared the 6th day of May A D 1839 before me John Reynolds a justice of the peace in and for the county state aforesaid. Lazarus Lawson and Anderson Campbell citizens of Hawkins County and both credible witnesses with whom I am acquainted. Being by me duly sworn according to law. Both say that Jacob Lawson the Husband of Said Polly Lawson died on the fifth day of September Eighteen hundred and Thirty three at his residence in Hawkins County aforesaid. Said Lawson was a Pensioner as stated in said Polly's declaration Said witnesses also declare ? that said Polly has never been married since the death of her said husband. Sworn to subscribed before me this 6th day of May A D 1839. Lazarus Lawson Anderson Campbell John Reynolds JP For Hawkins County 86 Rev WIDOW, &c. File No. 86 Polly Lawson Widow Jacob Lawson Priv. Rev. War Act March 3, 1843 Index: - Vol. A,.Page 416 [Arrangement of 1870] '43 7033 Polly Lawson Deceased '44 528 Act 3. March, 1843 & 17 June, 1844 Awarded $ 23.33 per annum From 4 March, 1843 to 10 July, 1844- the day of Polly Lawsons death Issue certificate- Payable to Lazarus Lawson, Matilda Campbell, Lewis Lawson, Reynolds Lawson, Russell Lawson, Elizabeth Finnell and Anna Haynes up to the 10 July, 1844. Day of mothers death D. Alexander Rogersville Tennessee State of Tennessee Hawkins County On this 21st day of October 1839 personally appeared Anna Reynolds a citizen of Hawkins County aged about Eighty one or two years before the undersigned justice of the peace for said county being duly sworn states that she was present when Mrs. Po ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: John Finnell (johnfinnell@bigfoot.com) -----------------------------------------------------------------------------