Joseph Rogers James (abt. 1756 - 1838)

Born about 1756 in Lynchburg, Campbell, Virginia

Husband of Elizabeth (Robertson) James — married 4 Aug 1785 in Lincoln, Kentucky

Husband of Margaret (Parker) James — married about 1820 in Indiana, United States

Descendants

Died 4 Sep 1838 at about age 82 in Green, Grant, Indiana, USA

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Biography

Joseph was born in 1756. He passed away in 1838.

Joseph Rogers James Rev War Pension 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 expeditions, 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 opinion 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 the Department 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 per annum 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 this 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 occasion 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 occasion 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

Birth

Birth 1756

Place: Lynchburg, Campbell, Virginia, USA^[1]

Death

Date: 4 Sep 1838

Place: Green, Grant, Indiana, USA

Sources

James, Joseph married Parker, Margaret on 20 Apr 1820 in Scott County, Indiana; Indiana Scott County Indiana, Marriage Collection, 1800-1941 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Original data: Works Progress Administration, comp. Index to Marriage Records Indiana: Indiana Works Progress Administration, 1938-1940.Jordan Dodd, Liahona Research, comp. Electronic transcription of marriage records held by the individual counties in Indiana. Many of these records are on microfilm at the Family History Library in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Joseph James RANK - INDUCTION: Fifer ROLL BOX: 101 ROLL STATE: VA U.S. Revolutionary War Rolls, 1775-1783, (National Archives Microfilm Publication M246 War Department Collection of Revolutionary War Records, Record Group 93; National Archives, Washington. D.C. Records indexed by Direct Data Capture. Ancestry.com

1. ↑ 1756 determined from his Revolutionary War Pension File in 1836 as being 80 yrs. old at time of filing.

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