Lenoir County NcArchives Military Records.....Grey, Zachariah & Gatsy Harper Warof1812 - Pension ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/nc/ncfiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Sloan S. Mason http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00016.html#0003873 April 9, 2019, 9:45 am War Of 1812 Pension Lenoir County, NC War of 1812 Records for the: Petition for Bounty Land & Pension due Zachariah GREY & wife Gatsy HARPER GREY Source: Fold3 (transcribed documents according to date) War of 1812 Soldier: GRAY, Zachariah Widow: GRAY, Gatsey Numbers: WO#6353, WO #5222 Service: PVT, Capt. John MOSELY’S Co., NC Militia Enlisted: Sept. 29, 1814 Discharged: March 31, 1815 Bounty Land: 439-8—50: Canceled, 4518-80-55: Canceled: 19901-160-55 Resident of Soldier: 1850 Census: Lenoir Co., NC Resident of Widow: 1855 to 1873: Lenoir Co., P.O. Box, Kinston, NC Maiden Name of Widow: Gatsey HARPER Marriage of Soldier & Widow: Nov. 3, 1813, Lenoir Co., NC Death of Soldier: About Oct., 14, 1853, Lenoir Co., NC Death of Widow: Prior to Dec. 2, 1891 Remarks: Canceled BLW 14518-80-55-Filed in the Brief State of North Carolina Lenoir County On this 26th day of October, A.D. one thousand eight hundred and fifty. Personally appeared before me James W. MORRIS, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County of Lenoir and State aforesaid, Zachariah GREY, aged Fifty Nine years a Resident of Lenoir County in the State of North Carolina who being duly sworn according to Law, Declares that he is the identical Zachariah GREY who was a Private in the Company of Volunteers Commanded by Captain Joshua MOSELY in the Regiment of Volunteer Commanded by Col. Nathan TISDELL in the war with Great Britain declared by the United States on the 18th Day of June 1812. That he volunteered at Kinston on or about the — day of October A. D., 1814 for the term of six months and Continued in actual service in said War for the Term of Two Months and then Enlisted during the War and Continued in actual service about five months and was honorable discharged at Fredericksburg in the State of Virginia on the — Day of April, A.D. 1815.as will appear by the Muster Rolls of said Company. Signed: Zachariah GRAY He makes this Declaration for the Purpose of obtaining the Bounty Lands to which he may be Entitled under the “Act Granting Bounty Lands to Certain Officers and Soldiers who have been engaged in the Military Service of the United States” Passed September 28th, 1850. Sworn to and Subscribed before me the Day & year above written and I hereby certify that I Believe the said Zachariah GREY to be the Identical man who served as aforesaid and that he is of the age stated. Jas. W. MORRIS, J. P. State of North Carolina Lenoir County J. W. C. LOFTIN, Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for the State & County aforesaid do Certify that the Signature of James W. MORRIS, Esq, which appears to the foregoing Affidavit are genuine. That he was at that time and now is an Acting Justice of the Peace of the County of Lenoir, due Faith and Credit are Due to his Official Acts as such. In Witness Whereof I have Hereunto Subscribed and affixed the Seal of my Office at Kinston, NC. October 26th 1850 Will. C. LOFTIN, Clk. By B. F. LOFTIN, S.C. CLERK No. #6107 Nov. 1, 1850 Zachariah GRAY N. Carolina Vol. Act: Sept. 28, 1850 1812 Land W. C. LOFTIN Kinston, N. Carolina No. 6107 Nov. 1, 1850 Zachariah GRAY, Pvt, Cap. MOSELY, NC Vol. Militia, Col. TISDELL War of 1812 Land, Adm: 80 Acres Warrant no. 439 issued Feb. 17, 1837 and sent to William C. LOFTIN, Kinston, NC, Vol. 47, p. 154 Dec. 27, 1855—— entered. at Genl. land office-Red’d under Act of 1812. Warrant recalled by letter. J.C. CODNE? RDC, Prest. Smithfield, NC-April 1st, 1855 Hon. L. T. WALDO, Comm. of pensions Washington, DC Dear Sir, herewith I forward the Declarations of Mrs. Gatsey GRAY widow of Zachariah GRAY deceased for County lands under the act approved March 3rd, 1855, you will please forward all communications therein to pertaining to Smithfield, NC. Very Respectfully yours, J.C. CODNER Act met Apl. 1855 Gatsy GRAY, widow of Zachariah GRAY, Priv. Capt. Joshua MOSELY Col. N. TISDALE NC Militia Entered: Dec. 1, 1814 Dis: Jan. 1st, 1815 War 1812 rec’d Warrant: 80 Ad 80 Acres Nov. 22, 1855 — 5 Jan. 13, 1874 John C. CODNER, Attn., Smithfield, NC Dec. 25, 1855-Warrant no. 19.901 for 160 acres issued26th Nov. 1818 to Zachariah GRAY, Priv.: 20th US Infantry-Sent to Hon. L. SLOCUMB, Ho. Rear.- Subsequently patented (Sec. Room 98) Lets: to J.C. CODNER, Prest., recalling warrant of 80 acres Caveat? Entered at Genl. Land Office State of North Carolina County of Lenoir On this Ninth day of April, A. D. one thousand eight hundred and 55, personally appeared before me, a justice of the peace, within and for the county and State aforesaid, a resident of Lenoir County, (Gatsey GRAY), in the State of North Carolina, who being duly sworn according to law, declares that she is the widow of Zachariah GRAY deceased, who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Joshua MOSLEY, in the second regiment of NC Malitia commanded by Col. Nathaniel TISDELL, in the war with Great Britain, declared by the United States on the 18th day of June, 1812, that her said husband was drafted at Kingston, NC on or about the tenth day of October A.D, 1814 for the term of six months, and continued in actual service in said war for the term of fourteen and was honorably discharge at Beten? Island on or about the 1st day of January A.D. 1815. She further states that she was married to the said Zachariah GRAY in Lenoir Co., NC on the 3rd day of November, A.D. 1797 by one William DEAN a Justice of the Peace and that her name before her said marriage was Gatsy HARPER, that her said husband died in Lenoir County, NC on the 14th day of October A.D., 1853, and that she isn ow a widow. She further declares that her husband has heretofore made application for bounty land under the act approved Sept. 28th, 1850 and obtained a land warrant for 80 acres, the No. she has forgotten which he legally deposed of and it cannot now be returned. She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the bounty land to which she may be entitled under the “Act approved March 3, 1855.” She hereby appoints John C. CODNER, of Smithfield, North Carolina her true and lawful Attorney irrevocably with power of substitution to prosecute this her claim for land to receive the certificate or warrant when issued, and to do all other acts necessary and proper in the premises. Gatsy (her X mark) GRAY We, William GRAY and Cornelous HARPER of Lenoir County in the State of North Carolina residents declare that the foregoing declaration and power of attorney thereto subjoined were signed and acknowledged by Gatsey GRAY in our presence, and from our acquaintance with her we do know that she is the identical person she represents herself to be; that we are each well acquainted with Mrs. Gatsy GRAY the above applicant for bounty land, that we have known her for thirty years last past,a nd that we were acquainted with Zachariah GRAY her late husband, having known him for forty five years previous to his death; that they, the said Gatsy GRAY and Zachariah GRAY lived together as husband and wife, and were reputed so to be; that we, the deponents never heard the fact of their marriage disputed or questioned, and that the said Zachariah GRAY died in Lenoir County, NC about 14th day of October A.D. 1853 that we have a partial knowledge of his death and he died about that time that we live in the Neighborhood with Mrs. Gatsy GRAY and from personal knowledge we do now that the aforesaid Mrs. Gatsy GRAY now a widow, and that we reside in the County of Lenoir, NC. Wm. GRAY Cornelius HARPER The forgoing declaration and affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above written and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons; that the claimant is the person who represents herself to be, and did before me acknowledge the power of Attorney subjoined to the foregoing declaration to be her free act and deed for the purposes therein expressed, and that I have no interest in this claim. John K. NOBLE, J. P. State of North Carolina County of Lenoir G. W. VENTERS?, Clerk of County aforesaid, do certify that John K. NOBLE whose name appears to the foregoing certificate at the date thereof an acting Magistrate for said County duly commissioned and sworn, and that his signature theres is genuine. In witness whereof I have hereto subscribed my name, and affixed the seal of said Court at office in Kinston, this 11th day of April, A.D. 1855. G. W. VENTERS? Clk. (Note: Zachariah Grey #3528, farmer, of Lenoir Co., NC-5’ 9 1/4”- eyes: blue, hair, ark-enlisted at age 23 (b. ca. 1791) on Dec., 1, 1814 in New Bern, Craven Co., NC; by Lt. J. H. HOWARD for War, D. R. Feby. 16, 1815, Present: Honorably discharge April 28, 1815 at Fredericksburg, VA; term expired-See pension case.) (Marriage of Gatsy HARPER & Zachariah GREY could not have taken place on 3 Nov. 1797 as stated above, he would have been 6 years of age. Other records state they married 3 November 1811/1813 at the home of her parents John & Sallie HARPER) Washington, DC-17th Dec 1855 Hon. J. MINOT, Comm. of Pensions Sir, In examining ——— ——— 262, 26th Congress 1st Session I find that Zachariah GRAY Private 20th Regiment, US Infantry drew a warrant for 160 acres of land in Ills. S.W. 31-W14 N Range 7 E disbursed to Hon. J. SLOCUMB H.R. 20th Jan. 1814, see page 531. I have in my possession Warrant for 80 acres No. 14.518 issued in the name of Gatsy GRAY, widow of Zachariah GRAY for service in Capt. MONSELY’S campaign NC Militia, War of 1812 an application No. 100-893 Act 3rd March 1855 the foregoing facts are states with arrows? to the return of the warrant if it should appear that it had improperly issued. Very Respectfully yours, J.C. CODNER of Smithfield, NC Warrantee Died before issue Filed in place of no.439 for 80 acres Act of 1850 14.518 cancelled 80 acres p. 49 Smithfield, NC 5th March 1856 Sir, Herewith Land Warrant No. 14.518 for 80 acres secured in the name of Gatsy, widow of Zachariah GRAY, act of 3rd March 1855 is returned. Very Respectfully yours. J.C. CODNER? Hon. J. MINOT, Comm of Pensions Washington, DC The delay in returning this warrant was caused by your letter of 27th Dec. 1855 running in the P.O. at Washington City until 29th Feb. 1856 who it was forwarded to my address at Smithfield, NC J.C. CORBIN? Treasury Department Third Auditor’s Office January 30, 1857 It appears from documents on fill in this Office, that Zachariah GRAY, Private of Captain John MOSELY’S Co. of North Carolina Militia, entered the service on the 29th September 1814 for 6 mo. and served till the 31st March 1815, the expiration of the service. Jn. S. GALLAHEEE Aud. No. 52212 War of 1812 Widow’s Pension North Carolina Gatsey GRAY, widow of Zachariah GRAY Company: Capt. MOSELY Reg: NC Militia Raleigh Agency Rate per month-Eight Dollars Commencing February 14, 1871 Certificate dated 24th May 1873 and sent to Pension Agent Act 14th February, 1871 Vol. NC, page 87 and James M. KAVANAUGH, Clerk War of 1812 Declaration of a Widow for Pension State of North Carolina On the 9th day of August, A.D. eighteen hundred and seventy one personally appeared before me, Rich. F. GREEN, Clerk of the Superior Court of Lenoir Co., Cour of Record in and for the County and State aforesaid, Gatsy GRAY, aged seventy nine years, a resident of Lenoir County in the State of North Carolina, who being duly sworn according to law, declares that she is the widow of Zachariah GRAY who served the full period of sixty days in the Military service of the United States in the War of 1812, and who was the identical Zachariah GRAY who was Drafted in Captain KILPATRICK and MOSELY Company, Regiment, don’t know Brigade, don’t know Division, at Beacon Island, on the — day of October 1814 and was honorable discharge at Washington City, D.C. on the know known, day of —— 1815, that was in no battle, the Widow father: John HARPER was one of old Revolution Soldiers, I have given names of two Capt. KILPATRICK & MOSELY not known which of the Captains my husband served under, but am certain it was one of the two, that she was married under the name of Gatsey HARPER to said Zachariah GRAY, on the third (3rd) day of November A.D. 1813, by William DEAN, Esq. in Lenoir County there being no legal barrier to such marriage; that her said husband died in Lenoir County on the not remembered day of —— 1853 and that she has not remarried since his death; that at no time during the late rebellion against the authority of the United States did she or her said husband adhered to the cause of the enemies of the Government, giving them aid or comfort, or exercised the functions of any office whatever under any authority, or pretended authority, in hostility to the United State; that she will support eh Constitution of the United State; that she is not in receipt of a pension under any previous act; that she makes this declaration for the purpose of being placed not he pension rolls of the United State, under the provisions of the act approved February 14, 1871; and hereby constitutes and appoints, with full power of substitution and revocation, Wm. COLTON of Baltimore, MD, her true and lawful attorney to prosecute her claim, and obtain the pension certificated that may be issued; that her post office is at Kinston, County of Lenoir, State of North Carolina; that her domicile or place of abode is in Lenoir County. Attest: Zacha HOWARD, Channcey GRAY Signed: Gatsey (her X mark) GRAY Also personally appeared Zacha HOWARD and Chauncey GRAY, residing at Lenoir County. They were present and saw Gatsey GRAY, the claimant sign, her name (or her mark) to the foregoing declaration; that they have every reason to believe from the appearance of said claimant, and their acquaintance with her, that she is the identical person she represents herself to be, and at no time during the late rebellion against the authority of the United States die she, or her said husband, adhere to the cause of the enemies of the Government, or give them aid or comfort; and that they have not interest in the prosecution of this claim. Zacha HOWARD Chauncey GRAY Sworn to and subscribed before me, this Eighteenth day of August A.D. 1871, and I hereby certify that the contents of the above declaration were fully made known and explained to the applicant and witnesses before swearing, including the words——— erased, and the words ————added; and that I have no interest, direct or indirect, in the prosecution of this claim. B. F. GREEN, C.S.C. War of 1812 Declaration of a Widow for Pension Claim of Mrs. Gatsey GRAY widow of Zachariah GRAY Who belonged to KILPATRICK’S & MOSELY’S Co. Filed by William COLTON Room, No. 11 Law Buildings, St. Paul St. Baltimore, MD Kinston I hereby certify that Zacha HOWARD and Chancey GRAY, being the Individuals named in a letter from the Department of the Interior ——— dated——— in the case of Gatsey GRAY Surviving widow of Zachariah GRAY a Soldier of the War of 1812. Claimant for Pension, after careful investigation I am convinced the above witnesses are men of undoubted good character for truth and veracity, and that their Statements in the affidavit referred to are worthy of full faith and credit. E. FLERX? Postmaster Kinston, NC August 16, 1871 Wm. COTTON, Esq. Dear Sir, Enclosed please find papers int he case of Gatsey GRAY, which I hope you will find correct. Please give them your earliest attention as to the old lady is in very needy circumstances. Very respectfully Your Obt. servant, Wm. H. N. HUNTER Clerk & Judge Balt. Aug. 26, 1871 Hon. C. H. BAKER, Comr. of Pensions, Sir; I have the honor to send you the app. of Gatsey GRAY, widow of Zachariah for a Govt. Pension, War of 1812 provided for by the Act of Feb. 14th, 1871 from Kinston Co., NC also a cert. from E. F. COX, P. M. that her witnesses are worthy of full faith and credit. Your obed. Servt. Wm. COLTON, F. M.? No. 6353 Gatsy GRAY, Lenoir Co., NC; Widow of Zachariah GRAY, Capt. KILPATRICK & MOSELY’S Co. died: 1853, Lenoir Co., NC Received: Aug 28th, 1871 N. COTTON, Baltimore, MD. March 12, 1872: —— April 4, 1872, Marriage and widowhood-AT June 1, 1872: new evidence with signature attested required Sept, 27, 1872: letter giving a — ment of dates given & req— a definite date of marriage. Dec. 24, 1872: Special Circ. Feb. 7, 1873: B. L. D. for date marriage Feb. 25, 1873-letter calling better evidence of marriage no action can be taken May 20, 1873, admitted May 26, Certf. O. P.F.C. War of 1812 Act of February 14, 1871 Brief of Claim for A Widow’s Pension in the Case of Gatsey GRAY, widow of Zachariah GRAY, of Captain MOSELEY’S Company, Colonel — Reg’t—— NC Mil. Residence: Lenoir Co., NC, Post Office address: Kinston, Lenoir Co., NC. Soldier enlisted 29 Sept. 1814, discharge 31st March 1815. Service for Sixty Days Shown as Follows: B.L. Div. reports Zachariah GRAY for service in Capt. MOSELEY’S Co., NC Mil. from 29th Sept. 1814 to 31st March 1815. 184 days, Soldier died 1853; date and fact established by report from Bounty Land Div. Warrant to Widow. Continued widowhood since his death established by testimony of Serenia COX and Daniel WILLIAMS. Marriage to soldier prior to February 17, 1815, established by affidavits of Serenia COX daughter of Claimant, who testified that she was born in the year 1813 and of Daniel WILLIAMS, aged 75 yrs who was present and witnessed the marriage about the year 1810. Oath to support the Constitution of the United State subscribed. Non-receipt of pension declared. Loyalty established by affidavits of Zacha HOWARD and Chauncy GRAY. Their credibility certified by E. F. COX, P.M.? Admitted May 20, 1873 to a pension of eight dollars per month, from February 14, 1871. F. S. CAMPBELL, Examiner Approved: A.W. FISHER, Reviewer Wm. COLTON, Baltimore, MD. Department of the Interior Pension Office Washington, DC-April 4th, 1872 Sir, In the claim of Gatsey GRAY, no. 6353 for a widow’s pension under the act of Feb. 14, 1871. the following evidence under oath of affirmation by two witnesses acquainted with the fact is required. Proof that the claimant has not remarried since death of the soldier. Please return this letter with the evidence. Very respectfully M. BAKER Commissioner Wm. COLTON Rm. 11, Law Buildings Baltimore, MD Department of the Interior Pension Office Washington, DC April 4th, 1872 Sir, In the claim of Gatsey GRAY for a widow’s pension, under act of February 14, 1871, No. 6353 proof of her marriage to the soldier prior to February 17, 1815, is required. You are informed that proof upon this point is of value in the following order. 1) A certified copy of a church or other public record. (was lost in the last war-written in pencil) 2) An Affidavit of the officiating clergyman or magistrate. (The magistrate dead 40 years who married him) 3) The testimony of two or more eye-witnesses of the ceremony. 4) The testimony of two or more witnesses who knew the parties have lived together as husband and wife from the date of their alleged marriage, the witnesses stating the period during which they know them to cohabit. Before any of the lower classes of evidence can be accepted, it must be shown by competent testimony that none hight can be obtained. In all affidavits relative to marriage, the affiants should state their ages at the time they testify. Return this circular with the evidence. Very respectfully, J. H. BAKER, Commissioner Wm. COLTON, Baltimore, MD. (AFK) In the matter of the Pension Claim of Gatsey GRAY, widow of Zachariah GRAY, no. 6353 Elicia TAYLOR, aged 80 years of the County of Duplin, NC being duly sworn deposit and saith that, “Zachariah GRAY and Gatsey GRAY, to my knowledge, lived together as man and wife from he year 1811, until the day of the death of her husband, the said Zachariah GRAY, and that she the said Gatsey GRAY has not remarried. Signed: Elicia (her X mark) TAYLOR Sworn to and subscribed before me May 25, 1872 Wm. W. N. HUNTER, Superior Court Clerk, Lenoir Co., NC State of North Carolina Lenoir County In the matter of Gatsey GRAY, Serenia COX taketh oath that she was born in 1813; has lived in Lenoir County ever since, Gatsey GRAY is my mother, Zachariah GRAY was my father who died in 1854 or 1855. Since which time my mother, Gatsy GRAY has remained a widow. I do not know of my own knowledge wether my father & mother were married or not, but they lived together as man & wife, since I can recollect until his death. Signed: Serencia (her X mark) COX Witness: A. MUNROE, C.M. DAVIS Daniel WILLIAMS, maketh Oath that he was born in Lenoir county about the year 1798. Have always lived in this County, I have known Gatsey GRAY, and Zachariah GRAY since I can remember. I saw them married, about the year 1810 by William DEAN, who was a Magistrate. Zachariah GRAY died some 15 or 20 years ago, since which time Gatsey GRAY has been a widow. Signed: Daniel (his X mark) WILLIAMS Witness: A. Munroe, C. M. DAVIS North Carolina Lenoir County I, Wm. W. N. HUNTER, Clerk of Superior Court in and for the County and State aforesaid do hereby certify that Daniel WILLIAMS, Elicia TAYLOR and Serenca COX, whose names appear to the foregoing affidavits are all credible persons, and whose oaths ware entitled to faith and credit. Witness my hand the seal of said Court at office in Kinston, the 25th day of May 1872. Wm. W. N. HUNTER Superior Court Clerk Baltimore-May 29th, 1872 Comm. J. H. BAKER Comm. of Pensions Sir, I have the honor to return you two P.O. L. dated April 4, 1872, Same of Gatsy GRAY and certificate of Dan’l WILLIAMS, Serena COX and Elicia TAYLRO in proof of marriage. Respectfully Wm. COLTON, per Law Department of the Interior Pension Office Washington, DC- June 1, 1872 Sir, In the widow’s claim of Gatsey GRAY, no 6353 for a widow’s pension under the act of Feb. 14, 1871, new evidence of marriage and widowhood is required. The evidence forward is insufficient as the signatures of all three affiants are by mark without any attesting witnesses. Signature by mark should be attested by two witnesses who write their names. Please return this letter with the evidence. Very respectfully, C. W. SEATON Acting Commissioner Wm. COLTON, Rm. 11, Law Buildings Baltimore, MD. In the matter of Pension Claim of Gatsey GRAY, widow of Zachariah GRAY, no. 6353 Daniel WILLIAMS, a citizen of Lenoir County, NC, aged 75 years, being duly sworn deposit and saith that “I saw Zachariah GRAY and Gatsey HARPER married the 3rd day of November, 1811, in Lenoir County, NC, and knew them to live together as man and wife for many years and am positive that she has not re- married since the death of her husband the said Zachariah GRAY. Signed: Daniel (his X mark) Sworn to & subscribed before me the 25th of May 1872 Wm. W. N. HUNTER Superior Court Clerk Lenoir County, NC State of North Carolina Lenoir County Personally appeared before me W. A. COLEMAN one of the Justices of the Peace for Lenoir County, Serenia COX and Daniel WILLIAMS the affiants named in the foregoing affidavits, who make oath that the fact, therein se forth are here and subscribed the same in my presence. Given at Office in Kinston, NC this August 16th, 1872. Wm. A. COLEMAN State of North Carolina Lenoir County This is to certify that I, Wm. N. HUNTER, Clerk of the Superior Court, and Probate Judge of Lenoir County, hereby certify that Wm. A. COLEMAN whose name appears to the foregoing certificate is and was at the time of the signing the same, a Justice of the Peace for the County of Lenoir, duly appointed, commissioned and qualified and full faith and credit are due to all his official acts. I further certify, that the foregoing affidavits were sworn to and subscribed in my presence, and the affiant, Serenia COX, and Daniel WILLIAMS and the witnesses A. MUNROE and C. M. DAVIS, are all person of good character and worthy of credit and belief. In Testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and affix the Seal of said County at Office in Kinston, the 16th day of August, A.D., 1872 W.W.N. HUNTER Superior Court Clerk and Probate Judge Department of the Interior Pension Office Washington, DC-Sept. 27, 1872 Sir, In the Claim of Gatsey GRAY no.6353 for a widow’s pension under the act of Feb. 14, 1871. Your attention is invited to the discrepancy of dates given in the evidence forwarded to establish the claimants marriage. I her application for Bounty land claimant gave date of Marriage- November 3rd, 1797. And in her application for a pension November 3rd, 1813. Serena COX, a daughter of the claimant and soldier testifies that she was born in the year 1813, and the affiant Daniel WILLIAMS under date of Aug. 16, swears that he saw them married in the year 1810. And under date of May 25th states that he was present at the marriage which occurred on the 3rd November 1811. In consequence of the variance of dates given you are informed that it is necessary that a definite date should be established upon satisfactory evidence. Please return this letter with the evidence. Very respectfully, C. W. SEATON Acting Commissioner William COLTON Room no. 11, Law Building St. Paul Street Baltimore, MD. Balmo. Sept. 23rd 1872 Boom., J. H. BARKOR Comer. of Pensions, Sir, I have the honor to return P.O. Letter dated June 1t 1872, case of Gatsey GRAY. Also Affs.: Lavinia COX born in 1813, and Daniel WILLIAMS who was present & saw Zachariah and Gatsey GRAY married about the year 1810, and that since her husbands death she has never remarried but is this day the widow of Zachariah GRAY dec’d. Also letter of W. W. HUNTER as to needy circumstances of Claimant. Yours truly, Wm. COLTON pr. BOWEN. Department of the Interior Pension Office December 24, 1872 Sir, In the Claim of Pension filed by Gatsey GRAY, under the Act of Feb. 14, 1871, No. 6353, the following evidence was called Sept. 27, 1872, viz: affidavits of Daniel WILLIAMS and Elicia TAYLOR to the earliest date at which they clearly remember claimant and soldier living together, also the circumstances by which such date is fixed in their memory. No satisfactory response to these calls has been received. To enable this Bureau to promptly and finally dispose of the few remaining cases filed under the act named, I earnestly, request that the required evidence be immediately forward or that you state definitely what occasions the delay, and if it is intense to proceed further in the prosecution of this case. If the claimant has deceased, please inform his or her legal representative or heirs that, upon completion of the case, they will be entitled to the amount due up to the date of death. If none such are known to you, or if they decline to proceed with the settlement of the case, will you so state. You are informed that continued silence for a reasonable time will be considered an abandonment of the claim, and it will be rejected for the want of evidence in support of the allegations made in the Declaration. Very respectfully, J. H. BAKER, Commissioner W. COLTON, Esq. Baltimore, MD. Department of the interior Pension Office Washington, DC-Feb. 25, 1873 Sir, In the claim of Gatsey GRAY, no. 6353 for a widow’s pension, under th east of Feb. 14, 1871. the evidence of marriage is deemed insufficient to establish the date thereof prior to Feb. 17th, 1815. Satisfactory evidence must be furnished before any further action can be taken in the claim. Efforts should be made to obtain a transcript of record from the county wherein the marriage occurred. Please return this letter with the evidence. Very respectfully, W. F. BAKER, Commissioner Wm. COLTON, Esqr. Baltimore, MD. Widows Pension Claim No. 6353 Gatsey GRAY Soldier: Zachariah GRAY Served in Capt. KILPATRICK’S Co. & MOSELEY’S Co. DC Mil. or NC Mil. Warrant No.: 14518-80-55 Required: Service, marriage & death of Soldier Mr. Sherman, was cohabitation proven from any date. Can you give a date of marriage. A. H. KINGSLEY, Examiner. Report: Above warrant issued to widow of Zachariah GRAY, maiden name Gatsey HARPER for his service in Capt. MOSELEY’S Co., NC Mil. from 29 Sept. 1814 to 31 March 1815. Cohabitation proved, widow gives date of marriage Nov., 3, 1797. Kinston, NC Feb., 3, 1873 William COLTON, Esqr., Dear Sir, I am far from being well, nevertheless, I have attended to the case returned. I this day have all the parties present & I do Sincerely hope this will secure Mrs. GAY’S pension. Owen to extreme old age & ignorance it is not to wondered at that the Statements are incorrect. This is a very ignorant Community, hence to get a proper Statement is next to an impossibility, but I do believe from the conversation I have had with parties that Gatsey GRAY & her witnesses she is justly entitled to a pension. Please inform me if Wm. SMITH will get a pension. Respectfully yours, Hope BAIN. Batto, Feb. 5, 1873 Hon. J. H. BAKER Comm. of Pensions Dear Sir, Enclosed I return your letter dated Sept. 27, 1872, case of Gatsey GRAY, also Spe. Cir., Dec. 24th, also Certificate of Dan’l. WILLIAMS in relation to same and also letter of Hope BAIN, which was addressed to me; In the Certificate of Dan’l WILLIAMS seems to refer to fact by which his recollection is established, you will please do the very best you can with the testimony as it seems to be the best they can do. With great respect, Your obedient Servant Wm. COLTON, Pr. Adviser Widow states she was married in Lenoir Co., NC-Nov. 3, 1797, and two witnesses testified that they knew the parties 30 & 45 years respectively; that they lived together as man and wife and were believed to be so. There may be a record in NC of said marriage. W. SURFRIDGE? - CH B L D? Feb. 20, 1873 (front of postcard) Smithfield, NC March 5 Hon. J. MINAT Com. of Pensions Washington, DC Goldsboro, NC April 3, 1873 William COLTEN, Esqr. Dear Sir, I have delayed the returning of the letter you sent me from the Pensions Office. The cause of which is I had to go into the County in which Gatsey GRAY resides to see her & if possible get the required information in her case. I have put myself to considerable trouble & some expense to ascertain the fact of her being the lawful Wife of Zachariah GRAY. Learn from persons of unquestionable veracity that they were married & lived together as Husband & Wife prior to the close of the War 1814. In those days when they were Married the Minister or Magistrate were not as particular as now, to obtain or return Marriage licenses. I have searched the record at the Clerks Office & find no licenses obtained. I have no desire to defraud the US but from all I have been able to ascertain, I must believe this applicant Gatsy GRAY is justly entitled to a Pension. I can see no just cause of withholding on account of the loose and vague manner in which Matrimony was Solemnized in those days of ignorance. Respectfully yours, Hope BAIN Balt.? May 16, 1873 Hon. J. H. BAKER Comm. of Pensions Sir, Enclosed please find P.O. Letter dated Feb.2 5th 1873 in case of Gatsy GRAY, No. 6353 appl. for Pension under Act approved Feb. 14, 1871, also the letter of Hope BAIN addressed to me which is the best evidence we are able to furnish and respectfully to leave the case to you. Yours respectfully, Wm. COLTON, Pr. A. Recorder? UNITED STATES OF AMERICA DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR BOUNTY LAND 80 ACRES Gates GRAY widow of Zachariah GRAY, Private Captain MOSELEY’S Company North Carolina Militia War of 1812 (picture of Bond itself) State of North Carolina Lenoir County Daniel WILLIAMS, a colored man who was once the slave of John WILLIAMS who is now deceased, being sworn says That he is quite ignorant of dates, and therefore can not be so exact therein, as to preclude all variance, but that the following statement is substantially correct, to wit: That he was present at the house of Mrs. Sallie HARPER in Lenoir County and saw Zachariah GRAY and Gatsey HARPER married according to Law, but William DEAN, who is now dead and who was a Justice of the Peace, as the affiants now recollect from certain circumstances, which have been called to his mind, on the 3rd day of November 1813; and that Serenia COX was born on the 11th day of October 1814. Zachariah GRAY lived upon the land of John WILLIAMS, Dec’d the former owner of affiant at the time of this marriage with Gatsey HARPER and affiant recollects the event with great distinctness. Daniel (his X mark) WILLIAMS Sworn and subscribed, Before me Febry. 3rd, 1873. W. A. COLEMAN, Justice of the Peace for Lenoir County, NC Signed in Presence of A. MONROE, Hope BAIN. I Wm. W. N. HUNTER do certify that Wm. A. COLEMAN is a Justice of the Peace, and duly qualified according to law and that his signature is genuine to the above certificate. I hereunto set my hand & seal. Wm. W. N. HUNGER, SCC By Jas. K. DAVIS, D. C. Feb. 3, 1873 Claim of A Person who has never before had a Land Warrant or made a Declaration therefor. State of North Carolina County of Lenoir On this 12th day of November, A.D., 1873, before me, the undersigned, a W. A. COLEMAN, Jr. duly authorized by law to administer oaths within and for the county and State aforesaid, personally appeared Gatsey GRAY aged 78 years, a resident of ——, in the county of Lenoir County and State of North Carolina, who, being duly sworn according to law, declares that she is the widow of Zahariah GRAY who was a Soldier in the Company —— commanded by Captain MOSLEY & KILPATRICK in the (not remembered) Regiment of —— commanded by —— in the War 1812 & 1814. That he was drafted at Kinston, in Lenoir County on or about the October day of (not remembered) A.D. 1812 for the term of during the war for he enlisted at the expiration of his draft and continued in actual service in said war for the term of fourteen days; and was honorably discharged at (came home) in the June day of (date not remembered) A.D. 1813. She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the Bounty Land to which she may be entitled under the act approved March 3, 1855. She also declares that she has not received a warrant for Bounty Land under this or any other Act of Congress, nor made any other application therefor. She hereby appoints William COLTON of Balt. City, MD her true and lawful Attorney with power of substitution, to prosecute this his claim for land, to receive the Certificate or Warrant when issued, and to do all other acts necessary and proper in the premises. Signed: Gatsey (her X mark) Signature of Claimant Witness: James HERRING We, James HERRING and Henry S. TINDAL residents of Lenoir Co., in the State of North Carolina upon our oaths, declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Gatsey GRAY inner presence; and that we believe, from the appearance and statements of the applicant, that she is the identical person she represents herself to be. Signed: James HERRING Henry S. TINDAL Witness: Hope BAIN Roger M. SEARS THE forgoing declaration and affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above written; that the contents of the same were read over and explained to them before signing; and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons; that the claimant is the person who represents himself to be and further that I am not interested in this his claim as Attorney or otherwise. Wm. A. COLEMAN Justice of the Peace State of North Carolina County of Lenoir I hereby certify, that William A. COLEMAN, Esqr. before whom the forgoing affidavits and Power of Attorney were mad and acknowledged, and who has thereunto subscribed his name was at the time of so doing a Justice of the Peace, in and for the county aforesaid, duly commissioned and sworn, and that his signature thereto is genuine. In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the Superior Court, for the county aforesaid, this 12th day of Nov. 1873. Wm. W. N. HUNTER Clerk of Superior Court Lenoir Co., NC Balt. - Jan 1st, 1874 Hon. J. H. BAKER, Sir, Enclosed please find the app. of Gatsy GRAY for Land Warrant, please excuse me for not sending papers before they were overlooked. Respectfully Wm. COLTON Stamped Jan, 3, 1874 Claim of a person who has never before had a warrant, or made a Declaration therefor. Claim of Gatsy GRAY, widow of Zachariah, Capt. MOSELY or KILPATRICK, NC-1812 Identical Filed by Wm. COLTON, N. 60 Flayt? St., Balt. City, MD Mr. REVIEWER, This case is as you will perceive, rather weak as to the proof of marriage, technically speaking, owing to some discrepancies in statements by claimant and one of witnesses, but in view of the facts, that all evidence with in Bounty land, and this claim, —— to marriage prior to war of 1812; that Wm. W. N. HUNTER, Clerk & Probate Judge certifies to honesty & credibility of witnesses, so that any discrepancies as to dates can be accounted for on the —— of ignorance; and that they have furnished the best evidence possible of war. I admit this case. T. H. File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/nc/lenoir/military/warof1812/pensions/grey736gmt.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/ncfiles/ File size: 37.8 Kb