3 Rev War

REVOLUTIONARY WAR ANCESTORS
PAGE 3
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6) JOSEPH ROGER JAMES
My 6th Great Grand Father

1795. Capt. Henry HIGHLAND'S Co. Joseph JAMES,
100A, 1 poll. GSA National Archives and Records
Service: Joseph Rogers James S-32340 Declaration:
In Order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress
passed Jun 7, 1832 State of Indiana, Owen Co.. Owen
County Probate Court November term 1836.

On this 17th day of November in the year of our lord
1836 personally appeared in open court before the
Honorable John Dunn, Judge of the Probate Court
of said county now sitting. Joseph Rogers James, a resident
of the county and state aforesaid, aged 80 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 entered the service of the United States under
the following named Officers and served as herein
stated to wit, that he enrolled himself in a company of
Volunteer militia commanded by Captain Gill Faulder,
in the Regiment commanded by Colonel McDowell in
the conty of Burks in the state of North Carolina in the
Spring of the year 1780. And applicant believes it was in
the month of March and between the middle and
last of that month.

That soon after he so joined his said company the
Tories under the command of one Roberts assembled at
a place in the county of Lincoln called Rainshower's
Mills. That the company to which this applicant
belonged consisting of twenty four or five men under the
command aforesaid together with other companies from
elsewhere were marched to said Mills. That the Tories
made but little resistance to forces of the Whigs but broke
up and scattered a few in each direction. That the
company to which applicant belonged was marched in
pursuit of that portion of the Tories who had dispersed in
the direction of Morgantown, the county seat of Burks Co.
That they continued their pursuit and search for some
time till they took seventeen prisoners who were
conveyed to the Colonel of the Regiment for disposal.

That in this tour they from the time they left home
till they returned was one month and four or five days.
That they remained at home but a short time
(applicant cannot say how long), when they were again
called out on chase after the Tories. That in this way
they were called on and served in five or six short
expenditions, the longest of which was eight days.
That the others were but for a day or two.

And on some one or two of these occasions they were
employed only one day. That on or about the fifteenth
day of August said company under the command of
Captain Hardin received intelligence from their Colonel
to rendevous at Morgantown. That they were mustered
into Morgantown where they remained three or four
days and additional companies were coming in. That
from Morgantown aforesaid they marched across the
South fork of the Catawba River that after they had crossed
the Catawba they laid bye waiting as applicant thinks for
the arrival of more troops and provisions for some days.
That they were again marched under the command aforesaid
to where they come up to the troops commanded by
Shelby. And from thence in company with the army to
Kings Mountain. That here they had an engagement
with the British and Tories under the command
of Furgison.

That applicant was on the right wing of the army
during the battle. That they were compelled to retreat
before the British down the Hill. And that on the side
of the Hill applicant was wounded in both his legs (in
what is called the calf of his leg), by a musket ball. that
after the battle was over notwithstanding his
wound he was able to ride his horse.

That they were marched to the plantation of one Felix
Walker on little broad river near the mouth of Kings
Creek where one Race Sharp and many others of the
Tories who had been taken prisoners were hanged.
That Sharp and others who were hung lived prior
to that time in the neighborhood of this applicant,
but had fled from their said pursuit when on
one of their Tory chases aforesaid.

From this place they were marched back to Morgantown
and from thence to the Moravian town where the
company of this applicant returned home again.
That at the Moravian town he last saw the prisoners
aforesaid. That in this tour he was employed with
his horse two months. That the company to which
this applicant belonged were sometimes employed
in Tory scouts while the flesh wounds of applicant were
too sore to permit him to attend with them.

That sometime in the month of December 1780, he
again joined his said company who were rendezvoused
at Morgantown. That it was as early as the 15th of
December this applicant is satisfied but cannot say
certainly the precise day of month. That they were
marched under the command of a brother of their former
Colonel as applicant believes, across the South fork
of the Catawba river and from thence after some
delay the cause of which applicant does not now
know to a stream he thinks was called Paccollett,
where they encamped with the army commanded
by General Morgan.

From here they were marched to the Cowpens where
they had another battle with the British. That at this
place he recollects to have seen Colonel Washington.

That here again they were compelled to retreat and this
applicant was then charged on by a British Dragoon
and struck on the head with his sword and left on the
ground for dead. That after the battle he was
taken to one Sannderer's.

That his ribs were broken loose from his back as he
supposes by the horse of the Dragoon aforesaid. That
other wounded persons were also kept at the same
house. That he remained here unable to get home till
the first of March following, when applicant
returned home.

That during the summer of the year applicants company
was several times called out for short scouts. That
the next services that applicant performed was
in his said company in the month of September 1781.
That they were marched from Burks aforesaid.
They were marched to the head waters of the
Catawba River, thence to Cary River, thence to
French Broad. That they traversed the country in
this direction for the purpose of seeing whether some
recent murders had been committed by the Indians
or Tories. That without making any satisfactory
discoveries they again returned home. that in this tour
they were employed between three and four weeks.

That sometime after the surrender of Cornwallis at
York town, but how long after this he knows not, he
at the county of York, in the state of South Carolina
engaged in what was called the ten months men, in the
company of Captain Nesbit, his Colonel was by the name
of Hill and his General was by the name of
Sumptor from York Co.

They marched in the direction to York town, crossed
the Catawba at Widow Biggers Ferry and went
through Salisbury. That in this service applicant
continued three months when his wounds from fatigue
rendered him unable longer to bear the fatigue, when
he was discharged. That his discharge was
signed by Hill and Sumpter.

And that after this time he engaged with a commissary
to drive wagon for which he is informed he is not
entitled to pay and therefore not recorded. That
during the first tour of service herein named
among the few that were killed was the
Captain herein first named. When Captain
Hardin succeeded to the command of the company
aforesaid. That sometimes this applicant was
called Joseph Rogers only this being the name
of applicants mother and sometimes called Joseph
James only by which; name he was enrolled he
cannot now say certainly. That he was born near
Lynchburg Ferry in the County of Campbell in
the State of Virginia. That he has no record of
his age, it having been burnt. He lived in Burks
County in the State of North Carolina when
he was called into the service and afterwards he
removed to the State of Tennessee in the county of
Carter. From thence he moved to Clay County
in the State of Kentucky. From thence to the county
of Preble County in the State of Ohio. From
thence to Monroe County Indiana. From thence
to Cole County, Illinois. From thence to Cass
County Indiana and from thence to White County
and from thence to Owen County Indiana his
present residence. That he was called into service
as herein heretofore stated. That the Officers are
also herein as fully named as the memory of
applicant will permit. That he never received but
one discharge and that was burnt in Monroe
County Indiana by his house being burnt. That
Joseph Skidmore and John Walter Hood with whom
I have long been acquaited can testify and the
said Skidmore and myself having been well
acquainted for more than thirty five years, and
the said Hood about four years. That said
Skidmore can testify as to the effect produced on
this applicant by his wounds since his acquaintance.
That applicant has become very frail both in body
and mind by reason of his age and wounds aforesaid
or he would not apply for a pension of the Government.
That he cannot from loss of memory state his services
more particularly than he has done.

That he served during his tours of service as follows
to wit: The first tour named above 1 month and 4 days
second trip -- after Tories 8 days
At Kings Mountain trip 2 months At Cowpens 2
months 15 days Tory and Indian expedition 23 days
In Nesbits Company 3 months And for which
time he claims a pension. That he has no documentary
evidence of his service and knows not one by whom
he can prove the same living within his reach. He hereby
relinguishes every claim to a pension or annuity except
the present and declares that his name is not on the
pension rolls of any State in the union. Sworn to and
subscribed in open court. (His Mark) Joseph Rogers
James State of Indiana, Owen County, We Joseph
Skidore and John Walter Hood (There being no clergyman
in the vicinity), do hereby certify that we have been
acquainted with Joseph Rogers James who has
subscribed and sworn to the above declaration. That
we believe him to be of the age of 80 years.

That he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood
where he resides to have been a wounded soldier
of the Revolution and that we concur in that belief.
Sworn to and Subscribed in open court. Testiment,
S.C. Johnson Clk. (His Mark) Joseph Skidmore and
(His Mark) John Walter Hood. State of Indiana,
Owen County Owen County Probate Court, February
Term 1837: Personally appeared Joseph Skidmore
aged sixty three in March next who being duly sworn in
open court to speak the truth the whole truth and
nothing but the truth, deposeth as follows to wit; That
he became acquainted with Joseph Rogers James
(who has applied to the War Department for a pension,
and who resides in said county), about thirty five
years ago in the Eastern part of Kentucky. That said
James was then about forty five years of age. That
he then knew by information of the wound received at
the battle of the Cowpens in his back as also the
wound received at Kings Mountain. That he knows
nothing of his own personal knowledge of the services
of said James. That all he does know was from
common report, and from said report he is compelled
to believe that said James was a soldier in the War of
the Revolution and served as he states. And he further
states from his long acquaintance with said James he
has no hesitation in saying that credit ought to be given
to his statement of said matter and further he saith.
Subscribed and sworn to in open court. Feb 15th 1837.
T.C. Johnson, Clerk (His Mark) Joseph Skidmore.

Joseph Rogers James being duly sworn, states under
oath that the reason why he has not previously applied
for a pension was first that for a great many years
after the war of the Revolution, he was of opinnion
from information that he was not entitled to a pension
unless he was destitute of property to a certain extent
greater than was true as to himself. Second, he thought
it illiberal and wanting patriotism in him to apply for
a pension when he was able to support himself and
family by his own exertions. And lastly that when he
began to be unable form his wounds and old age to
support as aforesaid, his house was burnt consuming
all his papers containing evidence of his service, and
that he has been engaged for some time in trying to
procure positive evidence of his service and wounds,
but not as yet able to find such witnesses as can
certainly testify, and further he saith not. Sworn to
and subscribed in open court Feb 15, 1837 T.C.
Hohnson, Clerk Joseph R. James Spencer Indiana
Feb 15 1837 Sir, Having availed myself of the
first opportunity to procure for Mr. James the
deposition of Joseph Skidmore as well as his reasons
for not applying sooner for a pension, I now forward
them to you. I fear Sir that the Department has
mistook some remark in the declaration as to Mr.
Skidmore's knowledge of the service and wounds of
Mr. James. But I hope the deposition of Mr.
Skidmore will be satisfactory as to what current report
has been for 35 years past. The reasons of Mr. James
may not seem satisfactory to theDepartment owing
to the fact, that the notion that is is a want of patriotism
for a soldier to apply for a pension as long as he can
support himself, is peculiar tot he West, but you know
Sir., that but few of them in Indiana would apply at all
till since the passage of the late act. If more testimony
as to Mr. James character is wanting, it can easily
be had as he is a respectible member of the Baptist
Church and has been so for many years. If the testimony
from the comtroller's office is still needed will you
please address him a note or let me know. I am Sir,
Yours most respectfully, Hon. John W. Davis
D. R. Eckels

RECORD OF FINAL PENSION PAYMENT RG-217:
Joseph Rogers James S32340 State Bank of Indiana,
Branch at Terre-Haute, Sep 4, 1838 Received of
Samuel Merrill, Agent for paying pensions, $16.10,
being for six month's pension due to Mr. Jos. Rogers
James from the 4th day of March, 1838, to the 4th
day of Sep 1838, for which I have signed duplicate
receipts. Joseph Rogers James State of Indiana,
Vigo County: Be it known that before me S.B.Gookins,
a Notary Public in and for the County aforesaid,
personally appeared Joseph Rogers James and
made oath, in due form of law, that he is the identical
person named in an original certificate in his
possession, of which (I certify) the following
is a true copy: "War Department, Revolutionary
Claim" I certify that in conformity with the law of the
United States, 7th Jun 1832, Joseph Rogers James of
Indiana who was a private in the army of the
Revolution is entitled to receive $32.20 perannum
during his natural life, commencing on the 4th of
March 1831, and payable semi annually on the 4th
of March and the 4th of September in every year.
(seal) Given at the War Office of the United States,
this 10th day of March, 1837. B.F.Butler,
Secretary of War ad interim Examined and
Countersigned, J.L.Edwards, Commissioner of
Pensions That he now resides in Green County,
Indiana, and has resided there for the space of about
11 months. That he has resided in the State of Indiana
for 18 years past and that previous thereto he resided
in Ohio. (His Mark)Joseph Rogers James Sworn and
subscribed thie 5th day of March 1838 before me
S.B.Cookins Notary Public before me S.B. Gookins
Notary Public more on his military record:
Revolutionary War Veteran: a) Military Record:
several pages long / see hard copy. He enlisted
several times beginning in the Spring of 1780. On
one occassion he had his ribs broken loose from
his back and had to remain in a strangers home for
three months before he could return home. On
another occassion he was shot in both legs but
managed to still be able to ride his horse. He was
granted a military pension: b) "Record of Final
Pension Payment RG-217 Joseph Rogers James
S32340 State Bank of Indiana, Branch at Terre-Haute,
Sep 4, 1838. Received of Samuel Merrill, Agent for
paying pensions, Sixteen dollars and ten cents,
being for Six months' pension due to Mr. Jos. Rogers
James from the fourth day of March, 1838, to the
Fourth day of September 1838, for which I have
signed duplicate receipts. $16.10 signed, Joseph
Rogers James c) State of IN, Vigo County Be it
known that before me S.B. Gookins, a Notary
Public in and for the county aforesaid, personally
appeared Joseph Rogers James and made oath, in
due form of Law, that he is the identical person
named in an original certificate in his possession,
of which (I certify) the following is a true copy;
"War Department: Revolutionary Claim". I certify
that in conformity with the Law of the United
States of the 7th June, 1832, Joseph Rogers James
of Indiana who was a Private in the Army of the
Revolution, is entitled to receive thirty two dollars
and twenty cents per annum during his natural life,
commencing on the 4th of September in every year.
Given at the War Office of the United States, this
tenth day of March one thousand eight hundred
and thirty seven. (seal) B.F. Butler, Secretary of War,
ad interim" Examined and Countersigned J.L.
Edwards, Commissioner of Pensions. That he now
resides in Green County, IN, and has resided there
for the space of about eleven months. That he has
resided in the state of IN for 18 years past and that
previous thereto he resided in Ohio. Sworn and
subscribed this 5th day of March 1838 before me,
S.B.Gookins, Notary Public his mark: Joseph
Rogers James

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7) Bethuel Miller
My 5th Great Grandfather

7a) On 04 Oct 1999, Sarah Elizabeth Rose
successfully proved to the NSDAR (National Society,
Daughters of the American Revolution), that her fifth
great grand father, Bethuel Miller
was a Rev. War Patriot.

7b) Recorded in "History of Marlow, NH" edited
by D. Hamilton Hurd (1886) p-316 "July 31, 1775, ...
We being willing to submit ourselves to the Defensive
Service both with our parsons and entrust, and to
be in such a surcumstance that we may be sarvicable,
we have taken an account of what men there is
in our Town that are capable of exercising themselves
in the Defensive sarvice. There is forty seven
men fit to bear armes...(ranks and names given)...
Private Bethuel Miller. The company
participated in the Battle of Lexington, and later
served under Col Bellows in the Rev. War

7c) Bethuel enlisted three separate times, and
served in two well known battles. It was
customary for men to join up when needed to
fight a particular battle, then be released to
return home to their farms until the next time
they were needed.

7d) Bethuel first served from 05 Dec 1776 to 15
Mar 1777 in the Company of Capt.Joshua Hayward,
Regiment of Col. David Gilman. They joined up
with the US Army in New York. He served for 3
months and 11 days during this enlistment.
(Vol 1V P 544)

7e) Next he served for a short period of 8 days.
This time he was in Capt. Samuel Canfield's
Company, Col. Benjamin Bellows Regiment.

7f) On 28 Jun 1777, they REINFORCED THE
GARRISON AT FORT TICONDEROGA while
it was besieged by the enemy. He was discharged
from this enlistment on 03 Jul 1777. (Vol XV P26)

7g) He reenlisted again on 21 Sep 1777 and
served in Capt. Ashley's Company, Capt. Bellow's
Regiment. This time he served for one month
and two days and HELPED TO REINFORCE
THE CONTINENTAL ARMY AT SARATOGA.
(THIS IS THE BATTLE WHICH SECURED
AMERICA'S INDEPENDENCE.) His regiment
was commanded by General Horatio Gates, who
many historians believe was partially to
blame for Benedict Arnold's change of heart.

7h) Bethuel was discharged from this
enlistment on 22 Oct 1777. (Vol XV p 371)

7i) He is recorded in the following: Rolls of
the Soldiers in the Rev. War, 1775 to May, 1777;
Diaries of Lt. Jona Burton, Ed. By Issac Weare
Hammond, Vol 1 of War Rolls, NH 1885.
(13,3) 799 pages,

7j) Rolls of the Soldiers in he Rev. War
May 1777 to 1780; with names of NH men
in Ms regiments.

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