WASHINGTON COUNTY, TN - MILITARY - Captain James Pearce, Revolutionary War Pension Claim ==================================================================== USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, data may be used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or for presentation by other persons or organizations. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for purposes other than stated above must obtain the written consent of the file contributor. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: Diane Kuras spirit13@earthlink.net ==================================================================== Captain James Pearce - Revolutionary War Pension Claim No. W5529 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 12 Sep 1832. James Pearce Declaration of Revolutionary War Service STATE OF TENNESSEE WASHINGTON COUNTY On this 12th day of September 1832 personally appeared in open court before the Honorable Samuel Powell, Judge of the Circuit Court of Law and Execution for said county now sitting James Pearce, formerly a citizen of Washington County, Tennessee, now a resident of Sevier County in the state aforesaid, aged eighty-four years, who being sworn according to law doeth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of this act of Congress passed June 7, 1832. To wit, that he entered the service of the United States Union the following named officer and swears as having stated that in the year of 1779 he was a resident of Washington County, now Tennessee, then in the State of North Carolina, which county was then a frontier and bordered on a Nation of Cherokee Indians who were in liege with the British in the War of the Revolution and was at that time and before and after committing murders and confrontations on the said frontier in which he resided. That in the summer of 1779 he raised a company of volunteers in the county of Washington (now Greene) by order of Colonel John Sevier and marched his volunteer company to the French Broad river, then in Indian territory, now Cocke and Sevier counties Tennessee, after said Indians in Company with Capt. Jacob Brown who also commanded a Volunteer Company from Washington county, now Tennessee. There being no officers of higher grade in Company with us other than captain which grade this acclaimant occupied, he states the object of said tour was to prevent the Indians from crossing the river and getting into the frontier settlements. He states that he was nineteen days after Indians said tour and commanded this company as Captain. He states that in the spring of 1780 he again raised a volunteer company in the said county of Washington and marched to Beaver Dam on Lick Creek where the Indians had come in on the frontier settlements and killed one man and assisted in guarding the frontier for the time of two weeks when he returned home. He states that early in the fall of 1780, he with a company, volunteered under Colonel Sevier, then of Washington county, North Carolina, now Tennessee. This acclaimant being a resident of Washington, now Greene county, Tennessee and marched to what is now Carter County, Tennessee to Gap Creek. When Colonel Campbell's Regiment joined Colonel Sevier. Campbell's Regiment being from the western part of Virginia, we were joined by Colonel Shelby's Regiment from Sullivan county, now Tennessee. We marched on to Kings Mountain atop the Yellow Mountains by way of Bright's Trace. He states that there was a hard battle fought on Kings Mountain. Which battle he was in and commanded his said company under Colonel Sevier. In which battle the American army was successful. The British Colonel (Ferguson) was killed and his army principally killed and taken prisoners. He states he marched his company home and discharged them in now Greene county, Tennessee. Virtually after having delivered a full months tour. He states that immediately after his returning home to Greene county, he received orders from Colonel Sevier to march with his company to guard the frontier neighborhood on the Lick Creek flats against the Cherokee Indians and prevent Indian spies from getting into the white settlement. When he remained with his company serving as aforesaid, waiting the march of Colonel Sevier, whom he was to join where all together they had remained the time ten days. He marched his company and joined Colonel Sevier's regiment on Lacy Creek, now Jefferson county, Tennessee, in accordance with the order of the said Colonel Sevier. From thence, marched over the French Broad River, encamped on Boyds Creek, marched about ten miles on the following morning, was attacked by the Indians and had a battle in which the Indians were defeated with the capture of eleven of their men (none of the whites were killed). Found protection papers with the Indians and British protection papers, also British Civilians from the Thirtieth Regiment. Returned to an island in the French Broad River and encamped there some days waiting for Colonel Campbell's Regiment from Western Virginia. After the arrival of Colonel Campbell, we then marched on to the Indian towns which they burned and destroyed. Had several skirmishes. Killed some Indians and took some prisoners and returned home where he discharged his men verbally after having served the full time of nine months in said campaign. That in the several tours before, states he served seven months and some days, and commanded as a Captain during the whole time, being elected by the company in which he remained their Captain and recognized by Colonel Sevier. The distance from the seat of Government being very great and the chain of mountains and unsettled country intervening furnishing such obstacles. The officers of the militia elected in the frontier received no regular commissions at the time but acted upon the authority of the election in the companies and recognition of the superior officers, and he received his commission on his march to King Mountain in North Carolina. That he resided, as before stated, in Greene county, then Washington co., and there resided for many years but recently removed to Sevier and there resides at this time, but is now residing amongst those who knew nothing of his Revolutionary War service. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ STATE OF TENNESSEE WASHINGTON COUNTY We, Charles Robinson and Jacob Brown residing in the County of Washington do certify that we are well acquainted with James Pearce who has subscribed and sworn to the above foregoing declaration, that we believe him to be eight-four years of age; that he is respected and beloved in the neighborhood where he resided; to have been a revolutionary soldier and that we concur in that opinion, that he now removed to Sevier County from his former neighborhood. Sworn to and subscribed in open Court the 10th September 1832. Charles Robinson (X) Jacob Brown (X) Jas. V. Anderson, Clk. And this said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter and after his presiding the interrogations 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 him that Charles Robinson and Jacob Brown - who signed the preceding certificate are residents of the County of Washington within the State of Tennessee, and are credible persons, and that their statement is entitled to credit. S. Powell, Judge of the Circuit Court of the State of Tennessee I, James V. Anderson, Clerk of the circuit Court of Law and Equity of the County of Washington do certify that the foregoing contains the original proceeding with the matter of the application of James Pearce, I also certify Levi Bowers is an acting Justice of the Pearce for the County of Washington. In Testimony whereof I have here unto set my hand and affixed my seal of office this 22nd September 1832. Jas. V. Anderson, Clk. James Sevier, a citizen of Washington County appeared before me, Levi Bowers, an acting Justice of the Peace for the said county of Washington and made oath that he knew the declarant James Pearce before his service set forth and knew of him having served in the expedition of Kings Mountain and that immediately following against the Cherokee Indians in 1780/1 and was with him in said expeditions n which he commanded as Captain. Jas. Sevier Sworn to and subscribed before me this date above Levi Bowers, Justice of the Peace ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 5945 Jonesboro Agency James Pearce of Washington in the state of Tennessee who was a Capt. in the -- commanded by Captain -- of the Regt commanded by Col. Sevier on the C. Car line for 7 mo, 3 days from 1779. Inscribed on the Role of Jonesboro Agency at the rate of 110 Dollars 45 Cents per annum to commence on the 1st day of March, 1831. Certificate of Pension issued this 20th day of Feby 1833. Arrears to 11th of Sept1832 = 210.67 Semianl. allowance ending 11 __ 33 = 70.20 Total = 280.90 Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832 Recorded by Nathan Rice - Clerk Book D Vol 9 Page 208 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ State of Tennessee Greene County Be it known that on the ninth day of February one thousand eight hundred and forty seven before me, Jeremiah Farnsworth, a Justice of the peace in and for the county and state aforesaid, personally appeared, James Pearce, a resident of Rhea County, Tennessee, aged Fifty-seven years past, who doth upon his oath make the following affidavit relative to his Father, Captain James Pearce, and his mother Margarett Pearce, and the Record hereunto annexed; on the back of which I have written my name officially, viz: - That he is the Son of the said Capt. James Pearce, late a revolutionary pensioner of the United States, and the said Margarett. That his father the said Capt. Pearce was a pensioner under the act of congress of 7th June 1832, at the rate of One hundred and forth dollars per annum; or there about, on account of his services in the War of the Revolution - and that he died in Sevier County Tennessee on the first day of Aril Eighteen hundred and thirty three, leaving his mother the said Margarett as his widow. Affiant states that he saw his father during his sickness, witnessed his death and was at the burying. That his mother the said Margarett died, as he has credibly informed, in Washington County Tennessee in the month of February Eighteen hundred and thirty seven. That in the year Eighteen hundred and Eighteen, Affiant visited his father and mother in Sevier County state aforesaid; that while he was there he caused a copy of the original family record of his father, to be taken, showing the births of the children of the said Capt. Pearce and his wife Margarett, as well as their own births (Which copy he exintures to me, and as before stated, my name is written on the back). Affiant is certain, that said copy is a correct and true copy of the original, from the fact that Affiant gave out from the original, while his Nephew James Pearce wrote the names and dates upon the paper above alluded to, hereunto annexed, which copy, Affiant states has been in his possession ever since, and which he is well satisfied was correctly written by his said Nephew, and which he deems genuine. As to the original family record, Affiant further states, that it was always regarded by his father as a correct record, which was kept in a Bible belonging to his father - that he (Affiant) has not seen said Bible or original record since he took a copy of it in Eighteen hundred and eighteen - nor does he know it is now extant, but that in all probability it is lost or destroyed; and that said original record appeared in the handwriting of his father. Affiant further states, that he has always understood from his father and mother, that they, before marriage, resided in Berkeley County Virginia - that in consequence of her being under age, they crossed the Potomac river into Frederick County Maryland and were married; but whether they were married by License or publication Affiant is unable to say. Affiant further states, that the reason why he makes this affidavit in Greene, instead of Rhea County where he resides is because his is a Witness in the Circuit Court of Greene, now is session, and came prepared, by request, to do so. Signed: James Pearce ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Copied from the James Pearce Family Bible in 1818 James Pearce was born 24 March 1748 Margaret Pearce was born 4 February 1755 The father and mother of the under names George Pearce born 10 March 1772 Elizabeth Pearce born 17 June 1774 John Pearce born 15 May 1776 Mary Pearce born 20 April 1778 Sarah Pearce born 30 August 1780 Rebecca Pearce born 2 March 1783 Margret Pearce born 19 April 1785 Soloman Pearce born 14 February 1787 James Pearce born 14 May 1789 Orpah Pearce born 20 September 1791 Jeremiah Pearce born 26 December 1793 Thomas Pearce born 2 March 1796 Charlotte Pearce born 10 April 1800 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Thomas Gibson was the administrator of Margaret's estate. He asked that James Pearce's Revolutionary War pension be paid to the remaining three heirs whose whereabouts were known. The Certificate of Pension was issued and recorded April 11, 1850 (Pension Claim W-5529). Pension originally was allowed on James' application, executed September 12, 1832 in Sevier County, Tennessee. The following is the Declaration of Thomas Gibson of April 5, 1847 regarding pension owed to Margaret: DECLARATION of Thomas Gibson, administrator of the estate of Margaret Pearce, widow of James Pearce, in order to obtain the amount of Pension due to the said Margaret at her death under the 3rd section of the act of Congress on the Fourth of July, 1836. STATE OF TENNESSEE COUNTY COURT; APRIL TERM WASHINGTON COUNTY Monday the 5th 1847 On the fifth day of April 1847, personally appeared in open court, now sitting, Thomas Gibson, a resident of the County and State aforesaid, aged fifty eight years past, who being first duly sworn according to law; doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the about of Pension due to Margaret Pearce at her death under the 3rd section of the act of Congress of the 4th of July 1836 viz: That he is the son-in-law of James Pearce and his wife Margaret, having intermarried with their daughter Sarah, and administration on the estate of the said Margaret; and that he now makes the declaration for the purpose of obtaining the amount of pension due the said Margaret at her death under the 3rd Section of the act of Congress of the 4th of July 1836 on account of the revolutionary service of her husband the late James Pearce, for the benefit of the surviving children and heirs at law of the said James Pearce and his wife, the said Margaret, deceased. Affiant further declares that he has every reason to believe that the same Capt. Pearce was an officer with the rank of Captain in the war of the revolution, particularly so, from the fact that he was a revolutionary pensioner of the United States at the rate of $140.00 per annum on the Jonesboro, Tennessee roll under the act of Congress of the 7th June 1832. For the particulars of his revolutionary service in the North Carolina Line, Affiant refers to his (Capt. Pearce's) declaration and other papers now on file, as he supposes in the Pension office at Washington City. Affiant further declares that he has always understood from the said Capt. James Pearce and his wife Margaret (whose maiden name was Margaret Dungan) that they were married in the County of Frederick, State of Maryland, prior to the war of the revolution and from circumstances and the ages of their children he believes they were married in the year Seventeen Hundred and Seventy One - That the said James and Margaret were both residents of Berkley County, Virginia at the time their marriage, but owing to the laws of that state prohibiting the issuance of marriage license to minors, and the said Margaret being under age, they crossed the Potomac River and were married in Frederick County, State of Maryland. As evidence of the marriage, Affiant submits the accompanying testimony of John Waddill, James Sevier and affidavit of James Pearce, Jr., together with the original family register thereto annexed. Affiant further declares that he has every reason to believe that said original family register is lost or destroyed so that it cannot be found. That the said James Pearce formerly resided in Washington County, afterwards in Greene and lastly in Sevier County, all in Tennessee, where he died on the first day of April One Thousand Eight Hundred and Thirty-Three as will more fully appear from the testimony of the said James Pearce, Jr. For further proof of his death Affiant refers to papers presented at the pension agency in Jonesboro, Tennessee, where the widow drew the amount due her deceased husband about the year 1833 or '34, which proof he supposes is on file in the pension office in Washington City. Affiant further declares that the said Margaret Pearce continued to be a widow after the death of her said husband and died at his residence in Washington County, Tennessee on the twentieth day of February, One Thousand Eight Hundred and Thirty-Seven, as will more fully appear by the certificate of the county court of Washington County, leaving Sarah, now Sarah Gibson, a resident of Washington County, Tennessee; Rebecca, now Rebecca Collins; and James Pearce Jr., both of Rhea County, Tennessee, only surviving children and heirs at law of the said Capt. James and Margaret Pearce. He further states that his information, that George, John Mary and Thomas PEARCE are dead; that the reminder of the children moved westward many years ago and have not been heard of with any certainty for the last ten years; therefor Affiant does not know whether they are dead and if living, does not know the place of their residence and all his inquires have been unsuccessful. Affiant further declares that the estate of the said Margaret Pearce or the pension claimed on her account will not be applied to any payment of any debts or liabilities, but will be disposed of by him as administrator and one of the heirs to those who are entitled as children and heirs at law of the said Capt. James and Margaret Pearce. Signed. Thomas Gibson Sworn to and subscribed to in open court at the courthouse in Jonesboro, Tennessee this day and year first written. The county further certify the above named Thomas Gibson is a son-in-law of the said Capt. James and Margaret Pearce having intermarried with their daughter Sarah - that he is of good character and respectability where statement is entitled to the highest credit and that he is the lawful Administrator on the estate rights of the said Margaret Pearce. Satisfactory evidence being addressed, this court further certify that the said Capt. James Pearce formerly resided in our county of Washington, afterwards in Greene county and lastly in Sevier county, Tennessee and that he died in said county of Sevier on the first day of April One Thousand Eight Hundred and Thirty-Three, and that he and the said Margaret resided together as husband and wife until he died. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ It was alleged that the marriage took lace in Frederick county Md before the termination of the husband's last service during the war of the Revolution (His service terminated in 1781) In proof of which, a copy of the Original family register showing the ages and names of their children was submitted with the Declaration. Said copy was taken from the original family register in 1818 by James Pearce Jun who gave his affidavit showing it to be a true copy and that the original was lost or destroyed after the death of his father. Said copy shows that the first child was born March 10, 1772 which corresponds with the evidence of John Waddill who affidavit also is on file and is dated 17 Aug. 1815. Mr. Waddill states that Pearce and his wife were living together as man and wife, when he first knew them, on Limestone creek, Washington county, N.C. now Tennessee, at his (Pearces) mill place in 1779 and 1780, at which time they had two or three children. Mr. Waddill cannot be mistaken in the dates from the fact that he is a very intelligent old man, and a good scholar and fixes these dates from the dates of his entering the service against the Indians, which I believe he mentions in his affidavit. He also states that Pearce sold said mill place to gen. John Sevier shortly after the above mentioned dates, which corresponds with the evidence of James Sevier as given by Doct. Kinney and shows conclusively, that they all lived in the same settlement and was well acquainted with Pearce and his wife. Waddill was the soninlaw of Gen. Sevier and James Sevier the son of Gen. Sevier and Doct. Kinney the soninlaw of James Sevier who was a Rev. pensioner and drew $33.33 at Jonesboro, Ten. The affidavit of Doct. Kinney is also on file. He had been requested (writing obscured) pension. Sevier and ascertain from him what he knew in relation to Pearce and his wife living together prior to 17781. He did so, but Mr. Sevier shortly after, and before he was called on to give his affidavit, died suddenly of apoplexy, but Doct. Kinney made a memorandum in writing at the time the questions were propounded and answers given of what Mr. Sevier was willing to be qualified to. Then Kinney sweared to the facts. Sevier resided within a few miles of the mill place mentioned in the two affidavits, up the day of his death. Doct. Kinney resides in Jonesboro and is a gentleman of high standing whose veracity cannot be questioned. James Sevier was equally so. So is Mr. Waddill, and to take all the evidence in relation to the marriage into consideration, together with the respectability of all the witnesses, I think Col. Edward will not hesitate for a moment to admit such evidence, especially when the Certificate of the Clerk of Frederick county court Md. (herewith enclosed) shall be considered, which accounts for the absence of License or marriage bond, and opens the way for the admission of testimony of an (word obscured) grade such as I have positioned in this letter. As to the service of Capt. Pearce, I presume the benefits of the Joint Resolution of Congress approved July 1, 1848, relative to evidence in applications for pensions will be extended to the heirs in this case, and that a Certificate will, as I trust, be immediately issued and made payable to Thomas Gibson, Administrator at the Jonesboro Tennessee agency. Please address me "Greenville Ten." I have the honor to be Very respectfully Your obed. servt. B. McDonnel Col. James L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions Washington City ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Washington County Tennessee April 5th, 1847 Mr. James L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions Sir, You will please recognize B. McDonnel of Greenville Tennessee as my agent in the matter of the pension claimed within and in case the allowance shall be made you will also oblige by sending the Certificate to him. Respectfully Thomas Gibson Attest Pleasant Gibson ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Pension Office August 14, 1849 Sir, The Certificate of the Clerk of the Court of Frederick County Md stating that there is no record in his office previous to 1799 of licenses issued is received and filed in the case of Margaret Pearce, decd, widow of James Pearce . (writing obscured) Act 4 Juy 1836, Mrs. Pearce having died in 1837. The children cannot avail themselves of the benefits of the Act of 1st July 1836. which requires no further proof of service when the husband has been allowed a pension. Such proof of the service as is required in my letter to you of this 11 May 1847 should therefore be (writing obscured) used. . . . . . . I am respectfully Your obed Servant J. L. Edward B. McDonnel, Esq Greenville, Tennessee ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Greenville, Tennessee December 7, 1849 Dear Sir, Enclosed you will find papers in the case of Mrs. Margaret Pearce, widow of Capt. James Pearce. By way of refreshing your memory I enclose your letter to me of the 13th Feb 1847. That you may fully understand this case, permit me to bore you with its history, Capt. James Pearce applied for a pension under the act of 7th June 1832. He died April 1st 1833 before the pension was allowed. His widow, Margaret Pearce, received the amount due her husband at his death. As their marriage took place before the termination of Pearce's last service, she was entitled a Pension under the act of 4th July 1836, but did not apply. Mrs. Pearce died Feb. 20, 1837 and was entitled to a pension the moment the act of 4th July 1836 passed, at the rate of $140.47 per annum, viz: from the date of her husband's death to her own. The time intervening between her husband and her own death is 3 years, 10 months, 19 days. Amount to about $540.00. This amount being due the widow, and having died without applying, becomes a vested right in the children. Thomas Gibson of Washington County, nephew and soninlaw of Mrs. Pearce at Washington or Jonesboro, administrator, (writing obscured) the amount due from the 1st April 1833 to the 20th of Feb. 1837. His Declaration being drawn under the act of 4th July 1836 and sworn to in open Court at Jonesboro in April or May 1847. The proofs and papers on file in the pension office are as follows. 1st. Declaration properly authenticated. 2nd Copy of Family register showing that the first child of James & Margaret Pearce was born March 10, 1772. This copy is sworn to by James Pearce, Jun. and satisfactorily accounts for the absence of the original. 3rd It is alleged that the marriage took place in Frederick county, Maryland in 1770 or 1771. The Certificate of the Clerk of Frederick county now on file shows that there is no evidence of marriages on file in his office prior to 1799. This Certificate opens the way for the admission of an inferior grade of testimony, viz: the copy of the family register and affidavit of John Waddill and Doct. Kinney, all on file, and shows conclusively that Pearce and his wife Margaret were living together long before his service at "Kings mountain" and "Lick Creek (writing obscured)" in 1780. 4th The affidavit of John Waddill stated that he was a neighbor to Pearce in 1779 & 1780, that he was well acquainted with Pearce at that time, frequently went to Pearces mill on Limestone Creek, Washington County, N. CC. at which dates they had 2 or 3 children, and Waddill states by what circumstances in his own history he arrives at these dates. 5th The evidence of James Sevier, through Doct Kinney corroborates Waddills testimony and is also on file. Enclosed is the letter of Mr. Edwards dated 11th May 1847, requiring that the service of Pearce and his grade as Captain be established by, the Certificate of the Comptroller of N. Carolina. The Comptroller writes me of late date, that the records in his office do not show the grade of Pearce. That deficiency is supplied by the enclosed affidavit of John Waddill. The enclosed Certificate of the Comptroller shows that Pearce received for military service 143.1.8 pounds. The currency of N. Carolina is 8 shilling to the dollar and $2.50 cents to the Pound. 142.1.8 20 shillings to the pound 8) 2.861 shilling which divided by 8 to reduce to dollars & cents $357.76 Pearce served upwards of 7 months. Divide $357.76 cents by 7 and we have the monthly pay of a Captain of Infantry. This amount may be a little too much but there was no doubt small terms of service Pearce received pay for, not claimed in this Declaration. 7) 357.76 $51.10 What the pay of a Captain was in the revolution. In am not able to say, but suppose that $51 per month is not far from the mark. "Proclamation money" existed long before the revolution and was estimated at 10 shillings to the dollar. The children cannot avail themselves of the law of 1st July 1848 as you will see by the letter of Mr. Edwards dated Aug. 11, 1849. I in (writing obscured) this letter, that the proof of the marriage is satisfactory since the Certificate of the Clerk of County of Frederick county, Md. has been filed. No further proof is required by this letter except proof of service according to the requirements of Mr... Edwards letter of 11 May 1847, also enclosed. I am anxious to this allowance made, and will of course, take it a great favor, if you will take some pains to accomplish a favorable result. If you think it best you can see Mr. Edwards personally. If no, send him my letter, enclosed with the affidavit of Waddill and certificate of Comptroller. Respectfully, B. McDonnel Wm. A. Johnson Washington ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ State of North Carolina Buncombe County Be it known that on the twelfth day of December one thousand and eight hundred and forty nine before me John H. Fugg a Justice of the Peace in and for said county, personally appeared John Waddill, a resident of the county aforesaid, age eighty-five years past, who being duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following affidavit relative to Capt. James Pearce deceased, late of Tennessee viz: That he was well acquainted with the said Capt. James Pearce during the war of the revolution, and that he was known and recognized as a Captain of Militia during that war. Officiate states that the knew the said Capt. James Pearce in Washington County of North Carolina, west of the Blue Ridge, in the year one thousand seven-hundred and eighty, and at that time the affiant resided within five or six miles from the residence of said Peace. That about the first of September in said year, the militia of the neighborhood of Pearce as well as of other neighborhoods were ordered to rendezvous at Gap Creek, now in Carter Count, Ten. preparatory to marching against Col. Ferguson force of British and Torie then advancing from the South. That said militia were ordered out by Col. John Sevier and they marched under his command to Kings Mountain where they met to defeat Col. Ferguson. (word obscured) as I have every reason to believe, and that in compliance with said call, Captain Pearce joined the expedition as a Captain. He was absent from his home when the Battle of Kings Mountain was fought. Affiant did not see said Pearce after he left his home but states that it was understood by the neighborhood that he, Pearce, was with the said expedition and from information arrived from soldiers engaged in the service, he, affiant, is well satisfied that said Pearce did serve as a Capt. of Militia during the expedition to Kings Mountain. Affiant further states that he was frequently in company with the said Capt. Pearce after the termination of the war of the revolution and has often heard him say that he was engaged at Kings Mountain and against the Indians as a Captain of militia during the revolution. John Waddlill Sworn to and subscribed this day and date first above written. I further certify that I am personally acquainted with the above named John Waddlill who is a resident of Buncombe County as aforesaid and that he is of good character and respectability whose testimony is entitled to full truth and respect. J. A. Fugg J. P. State of North Carolina Buncombe County I Robert B. Vance, Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions in and for said County do certify that John A. Fugg, Esq who has signed his name to the foregoing proceeding relative to Capt. Pearce, is now and was at the date thereof an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said county, duly appointed and qualified according to law, and that the signature purporting to be his appeared in his own proper handwriting and is genuine, to which proceeding full faith and credit should be given as his official act. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, at office, in Asheville in the state aforesaid, this fifteenth day of December one thousand eight hundred and forty nine. R. B. Nance, clk. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ To: Col James Edwards Commissioner of Pesions Washington City Greenville, Tennessee Dec. 27th 1849 Sir, Your letter to me of the 14th Aug. 1849 relative to the claim of Margaret Pearce, widow of Capt. James Pearce for a pension under the act of 4th July 1836, was received in which I am referred to the requisitions contained in yours of the 11th May 1847 relative to the proof of service and rank of Captain James Pearce in the war of the revolution. In compliance therefore, I have procured the Certificate of the Comptroller of North Carolina, showing that James Pearce received at different times, (word obscured) Certificates for military service, amounting to 143.1.8 pounds which when reduced by North Carolina currency, 8 shillings or $2.50 cents to the pound amount to the sum of $357.76 cents, which is the pay of a Captain for about 7 months service, according to my calculations. I am informed by Maj. Collins, the Comptroller, that the records of his office afford no evidence of the rank of Capt. held by James Pearce. This deficiency however, I think, is supplied by the affidavit of John Waddill, which is herewith enclosed with the Certificate of the Comptroller. For other proof of service and rank, I respectfully refer you to papers on file, with his (Pearces) Declaration. If an allowance should be made for the heirs of Margaret Pearce, ;you will please make the Certificate payable to Thomas Gibson, Administrator at the Jonesboro, Tennessee agency. This request is made for the sake of convenience. Mr. Gibson resides some 10 or 12 miles from Jonesboro and it would be attended with much less trouble for him, as one of the heirs and administrator, to receive the whole amount and distribute it, than for the heirs scattered as they are, to drew their respective shares singly by Powers of Attorney or in person. I have the honor to be Very respectfully, Your obd. svt B. McDonnel Col. James L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions Washington City ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 474 TENNESSEE Margaret Pearce widow of James Pearce who died on the 1 April 1833 of Washington this State of Tennessee who was a Capt in the -- commanded by Captain -- of the Regt commanded by SC in the line for -- . Inscribed on the Roll of Jonesborough at the rate of 140 Dollars 00 Cents per annum commences on the 1st day of April 1833 and end 20 Feby 1837 when she died. Certificate of Pension issued the 11 day of April 1850 and sent to Hon Andrew Johnson HR. Payable to Thomas Gibson, adm. Awards to the 1st of Semiannual allowance ending for sole use of surviving children James Pearce, Sarah Gibson, Rebecca Collins Revolutionary Claim Act July 4, 1836 Recorded by J.B. Chase, Clerk Book D, Vol 2, Page 411 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 5945 Jonesboro Agency Dec, 15m 1846 Wm. A. Johnson James Pearce of Washington in the State of Tennessee who was a Capt. in the -- commanded by Captain -- of the Regt commanded by Col. Sevier in the N. Car line for 7 mo 3 days in 1779. Inscribed on the Role of Jonesboro Agency at the rate of 1 10 Dollars 45 Cents per annum to commence on the 1st of March 1831. Certificate of Pension - issued the 20th day of Feby 1833 Arrears to 11th of Sep 1832 = 210.67 Semianl allowance ending Mar 1833 = 70.23 Total = $280.90 Revolutionary Claim Act June 7, 1832 Recorded by Nathan Rice Clerk Book D, Vol 9, Page 208 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Contributed by: Diane S. Kuras (Mrs. Anthony T. Kuras) 4573 Colleen St. Port Charlotte, FL 33952-9172 941-629-4644 spirit13@earthlink.net ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~