About

This is the official blog of the Society of the War of 1812 in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

90 Responses to About

  1. Brent D. Morgan says:
    April 7, 2012 at 1:01 pm

    Would like to tell everyone about the Virginia Genealogical Society Spring conference. This year’s title is the War of 1812. Featured speaker on 1812 subjects with be Stuart Butler an 1812. He will speak both on history and genealogical research for 1812 ancestors. Please visit http://www.vgs.org for details and to register for conference. Questions can be directed to brentster1@comcast.net

    Reply
  2. Todd Post says:
    April 2, 2015 at 2:14 pm

    To whom it may concern:

    Do you happen to know where I could find out more about Robert Carter Burwell of the 51st Virginia Regiment? Specifically I am trying to find out when he received his commission as captain.

    Thanks,
    Todd

    Reply
    • Mike says:
      April 2, 2015 at 7:58 pm

      Todd: The Frederick County Minute or Order Books for the period a few years before 1812 to Feb 1815 would have this date of commission information. Also the commission approvals would probably be in the Auditors accounts at the Library of Virginia.

      Stuart Butler’s book, “A Guide to VA Militia Units in the War of 1812” indicate his company from Frederick County served from Jul 6th to Sep 28th 1813 and was attached to Lt Col McDowell’s Flying Camp.The Flying Camp unit went first to Westmoreland County to assist the Northern Neck units from numerous incursions by the British from the Potomac River. Before the tour of duty was up they traveled to Camp Fairfield on the James River to protect Richmond,

      Mike Lyman
      Past President
      War of 1812 Society

      Reply
      • John L Kitzmiller says:
        September 27, 2019 at 5:28 pm

        My ancestor Richardson Hensley Jr (1779-1868) was born in Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, and by 1800 was in Shelby Co, KY. I was told he was 1st Lt for VA in War of 1812 and served on the frontier. Would you have any record about him?

        Reply
        • Mike says:
          September 28, 2019 at 12:42 pm

          John: His service would be from Shelby Co, KY which I do not have access to. I find no service listed for him at NARA thus he was probably not paid by the federal Gov’t. I recommend you check the militia records in Shelby Co for his service.

          Mike Lyman

          Reply
  3. D. John Shultz says:
    November 27, 2015 at 7:39 pm

    I am trying to determine which disease was causing the epidemic in Norfolk in the winter of 1814/1815 (likely yellow fever or smallpox?). My ancestor, John Schultz Jr died while in the Military on 2/13/1815 in/near Norfolk and is buried in an unmarked/unlocated grave in that area. He was a member of the volunteer artillery from Winchester. Any light that someone could shed on his service or his death would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, John Shultz (note the uncommon spelling of my last name: there is no “c” in Shultz).

    Reply
    • Mike says:
      December 3, 2015 at 3:16 pm

      John:
      I find no Virginia service for your ancestor at NARA or in Virginia muster and payrolls. Would like to know your source of service.
      Add camp fever and measles to the list of sickness and deaths in camps at Norfolk. Fort Tar is where most of them were buried in mass graves. On Google go to Fort Tar, War of 1812 in Norfolk, VA for information

      Mike Lyman

      Reply
  4. Leon Lyell says:
    January 30, 2017 at 6:47 am

    RE: William Romulus Poe, b 1895 in Richmond VA died 1866 in Ill

    William Romulus Poe is my earliest known direct male ancestor.

    The information on his birth comes from records relating to his involvement in the War of 1812. This shows that he joined Capt John McPherson’s infantry Company of the 19th VA Militia Regiment from Richmond City, commanded by Lt Col John Ambler as a corporal, from 26 August 1814 until 7 September. He was apparently born in Richmond as well. My guess is that as he was made a corporal at such a young age he may have come from a well-established family.

    I have no clues as to his parents. Can anyone suggest the next logical step to take to uncover who his parents were, please? Is there a good source for information on Amblers regiment for example?

    Many thanks,

    Leon J Lyell

    Reply
    • Mike says:
      January 30, 2017 at 10:32 am

      Leon:
      Ancestry.com indicates he was born 27 Dec 1794 in VA. Since he served from the Richmond City area in 1814 his parents may have resided there. There were many Poes in the Revolutionary War from Virginia and he may descend from one of them. I suggest you contact the Library of VA website and by telephone for assistance in identifying his parents, through vital records, obituaries, military records, etc. The 1850 and 1860 U.S.Census in Illinois where he resided may provide some info as well. Familysearch.org is a good site to search.
      Mike Lyman

      Reply
  5. Bonnie Bell Sauve says:
    April 24, 2017 at 10:20 am

    My great great grandfather, Samuel French, fought in the War of 1812 according to my great great grandmother’s pension application. He enlisted July 21, 1814 and was discharged September 25, 1814. Samuel French was a private under Capt. Foushee G. Tebbs, Virginia military. Elizabeth A. French is buried somewhere on the farm which now belongs to A. Wiatt Garland, past president of Northumberland County Historical Society. He found her tombstone on his farm, but has not discovered any other tombstones. I believe she was buried in a Haydon family plot somewhere next to her husband, Samuel French.
    Where can I find the book written by Myron Lyman about the War of 1812 in Virginia? I came across a timeline and now I can’t find it. I am attempting to write an historical novel based on the lives of my ancestors starting with the War of 1812. Any information on General Cockburn landing in Northumberland County and burning homes and property August 1814, would be appreciated. Thank you.

    Reply
    • Mike says:
      April 25, 2017 at 11:03 am

      Bonnie:
      Samuel French was born in Northumberland County. His birth was recorded in St. Stephens Parish Record: Samuel France, son of George and Hannah, his wife was born 15 December 1778. He was the second son born to this couple. William had been born in 1775, and a daughter, Judith, was born in 1777. As the 1783 Heads of Households enumeration shows that there were then only four white persons in George’s household, Hannah might have died. In any case, Hannah died before 1792, because George married Ann Winters that year. A daughter, Elizabeth Linsa France, was born to them in 1795.
      In the War of 1812, Samuel served under Foushee G. Tebbs in the Richmond County Militia, the 41st Regiment. After the War, Samuel received a warrant for bounty land, which his widow received in Polk County, Florida.
      Samuel married Margaret Longley [possibly Langley] before 1824, according to information found in either his, or his widow’s pension application. Where the wedding took place has not been discovered.
      On 6 January 1824, Samuel, then a widower, married Elizabeth Haydon at her residence in Richmond County. She was the daughter of John and Winifred Davis Haydon. Samuel and Elizabeth had, at least, two sons, William Henry French, who was born circa 1831, and Samuel G. W. French, born circa 1841. In 1870 and 1880, Elizabeth was living with her elder son.
      Samuel French, in 1836, was in poor health, and was excused by the Court from paying taxes in Northumberland County.. On 7 August 1843, he died at his home in Lottsburg. Elizabeth survived him by many years, dying on 28 August 1892. Her son, William H. French, reported her death. She was buried on her parents’ farm in Richmond County. A stone marks her grave.
      Samuel French does not have a grave marker, but it is reasonable to assume that Elizabeth was buried beside him in the family graveyard of her parents.
      Beverly Fleet, Colonial Virginia Abstracts: I, (1988), 434-435.
      Heads of Families . . . . , Baltimore, MD: Genealogical Publishing Co.,(1986), 38 and 75.
      Nottingham, The Marriage License Bonds of Northumberland County, 39.
      White, Index to War of 1812 Pension Files, 766.
      Communication sent to Lyman from Bonnie Sauve, great-great-granddaughter of Samuel French.
      Patrick G. Wardell, War of 1812: Virginia Bounty Land & Pension Applicants, Bowie, MD, (1987), 158.
      Northumberland County Order Book 1835-1844, 16.
      Wardell, War of 1812: Virginia Bounty Land & Pension Applicants, 158.
      Hailey, Northumberland County , Virginia, Death Records, 1853-1895, 81.
      Bayne Palmer O’Brien, “Some Early Tombstones Located in Northumberland,” The Bulletin of the Northu;mberland County Historical Society, VI, (1969), 37.
      Payrolls of Militia Entitled to Land Bounty Under the Act of Congress of Sept. 28, 1850, 399. Also, Butler, A Guide to Virginia Militia Units in the War of 1812, 153. Also, White, Index to War of 1812 Pension Files, 956.
      Wardell. War of 1812: Virginia Bounty Land & Pension Applicants, 196.
      Nottingham, The Marriage License Bonds of Northumberland County, 48.

      I will forward you by e-mail the Northumberland Co, VA encounters with the British during the war

      Mike Lyman

      Reply
  6. Chris Bonin says:
    November 2, 2017 at 12:43 pm

    Hi all,

    I just wanted to introduce myself. My name is Chris Bonin, and I have a book on Virginia and the War of 1812 coming out next year (2018 McFarland). Also, does anyone know the uniform of the Petersburg Volunteers?

    Reply
  7. David Thielman says:
    February 23, 2018 at 8:29 pm

    Dear Sirs,
    I am writing because I have an excavated button which I believe belonged to a member of the Petersburg Volunteers from 1813 while deployed to Fort Meigs on the Maumee River in Ohio to fight with General Harrison. I dug it myself in 1973 in an area occupied by The Petersburg Volunteers. From my research, there doesn’t seem to be any record or examples of existing buttons from the Volunteers. I thought I would share it with you. As I understand, the Volunteers were outfitted when they stopped in Richmond on the way to Ohio. This would seem to fit as the buttons have no design on the face except for “RICHMOND VA” in block letters. The button is 15mm in diameter and made of pewter.
    As there seems to be much interest from your group in that group and period, I would like your thoughts on this button. I would be happy to send photos of the button. It has never been professionally cleaned and is difficult to read, but intact.
    Sincerely,
    Dave

    Reply
    • Mike says:
      February 25, 2018 at 11:00 am

      Dave:
      A great find! Probably quite rare and valuable. I would like see a photo and with your permission would post in our Society newsletter for our members to see. We would love to have you join our society if you have developed your line to an 1812 ancestor
      Many thanks for sharing this with us
      Mike Lyman
      Past President Var of 1812 Society in VA

      Reply
  8. Tim McGrath says:
    May 15, 2018 at 10:20 pm

    Dear Sirs:

    I’m working on a book for Penguin on James Monroe and hoping you can point me in the right direction regarding the uniforms worn by the northern Virginia militias present at Bladensburg. Any assistance is greatly appreciated. Email address is below; phone #’s 610- 891-0714 (day) or 299-9196 (cell). Thanks very much!

    Reply
  9. Dean Knepper says:
    June 26, 2018 at 11:45 am

    Mike Lyman,

    RE: Significant Events War of 1812 in Virginia “Captain Henry McClung’s Artillery Co of Rockbridge Co, VA which traveled to Fort Norfolk, VA and was a unit in a Battalion of Artillery”

    My GGG Grandfather Henry Epley served in McClung’s Artillery Co, March 1814 – June 1814. There was also a John Epley (believed to be his brother) who also served in the Battalion of Art’y (1813-14), Virginia Mil.

    Any additional information you might have (place of birth, family, etc.) would be greatly appreciated.

    Thank you,

    Dean

    Reply
    • Mike says:
      June 30, 2018 at 1:01 pm

      Dean: The Battalion of Artillery at Norfolk operated as a separate command at Norfolk for a while and then the came under the command of the Regular Army. The companies of the battalion were then stationed in several forts in Norfolk and Portsmouth and also at Craney Island.
      I have no information on Henry and John Epley. They apparently did not serve long enough to receive a pension or bounty land or they did not apply for same.

      Mike Lyman

      Reply
  10. Pat Saletore says:
    July 4, 2018 at 3:53 pm

    I am looking for confirmation that James Mullenax, of Pendleton County Virginia was the same James Mullenax who died at the battle of Chippawa. I know MY James Mx served under Capt. Jesse Hinkle and was at some point stationed in Norfolk during the war in the 46th Regiment attached to the 5th Regiment.

    I have found that a James Mx and his brother Ezekiel were both killed 5 Jul 1814 at the battle of Chippawa and I know that troops were called up from Norfolk to serve under Col Cass of Fort Detroit. The James who died at Chippawa served under Col Cass

    My James’ son Joseph joined the 5th Regiment from 21 Jul 1814 to 11 Feb 1815…days after that James was killed. To other sons served as well, Jacob and William.

    MY James’ probate was started late in the summer of 1814 and doesn’t appear that year as a taxable. in Pendleton Co., VA.

    I have sent for the military file on the Chippawa James who served in the 19th from OH…but I think he was “attached.” I found more information online. I have not exhausted my options yet, but if you can help with the search…it would be great.

    Reply
    • Mike says:
      July 6, 2018 at 11:45 am

      Pat:
      I am referring your request for information to President Stuart L Butler to reply to you by e-mail
      Mike Lyman

      Reply
  11. Christine Mary Huebner says:
    August 13, 2018 at 10:16 am

    I am looking for James Bryant Bashaw, 4th Regiment, Virginia Militia and
    also Asa Maxey who was in Capt. Pugh’s unit to see if these two individuals could have served together at some point. The River Raisin is mentioned in Asa Maxey’s record.

    A grandson of James Bryant Bashaw is named Asa Maxey Bashaw and I am looking for a possible connection. Thank you.

    Reply
    • Mike says:
      August 14, 2018 at 12:33 pm

      Christine: I do not find them in the same unit however you could obtain from the National Archives (NARA) the service record which would perhaps list the company size unit for Asa Maxey. They have a service index card for him showing he was a Sergeant in the Kentucky Volunteers but nothing from Virginia. Privates James Bashaw and Boin Bashaw served eight days in Capt James Dozier’s Co in Lt Col Parker’s 111th VA Militia Regiment in Westmoreland County. There were two different Capt Pugh’s that served in Virginia. Both were from West Virginia that was part of Virginia during the war period, Capt David Pugh was from Brooke County and Capt Jonathan Pugh was from Hampshire County.
      Mike Lyman

      Reply
  12. Joanelle Gray says:
    September 21, 2018 at 2:34 pm

    Mike, I am looking for info on Littleberry Jackson, born around 1775 probably Amelia Co. Va. married in Dinwiddie County and served in the War of 1812, 83 Reg’t (Scott’s) VA. No track of of him after the war. Any Info would greatly appreciated.

    Reply
    • Mike says:
      September 23, 2018 at 11:18 am

      Joanelle: Ancestry.com lists a person this name in 1830 US Census as residing in Hall, GA and in 1840 and 1870 censuses residing in District 824, Murray, GA. Perhaps the county records there would indicate he was from Virginia
      Mike Lyman

      Reply
  13. William Bell says:
    October 23, 2018 at 7:18 am

    I am looking for information on William Bell who served in Capt. Carr Bower”s Co. of Va. Militia in War of 1812. He was from Southampton County Va. Enlisted June ‘18 discharged Sep ‘18. Any info on unit , actions etc would be appreciated.

    Reply
  14. William Bell says:
    October 23, 2018 at 7:20 am

    Correction he served June of 13 through September of 13.

    Reply
    • Mike says:
      October 24, 2018 at 4:11 pm

      William: Butlers Guide to VA Militia units in the War of 1812, 2d edition, page 186 indicates that the company “Rendezvoused at Jerusalem and marched to Portsmouth” At Portsmouth was Fort Nelson on the Elizabeth River opposite Fort Norfolk. In between the two forts was the US Constellation in the river. All three protected the area from British attack during the whole war period. The company probably took up defensive positions outside of Fort Nelson along the river
      Mike

      Reply
  15. Scott Chapman says:
    December 29, 2018 at 10:56 pm

    I am looking for any further details on a Moses Chapman, born 1758 in Halifax, VA. Lived in Halifax until about 1821, then moved to Kentucky with son Joseph. I see there is a PVT Moses Chapman who served with the 4th Regiment Virginia under LTC William Greenhill. I see that Halifax was the source of company unit members. I have found some evidence of a Land Grant for a Moses as well. Moses likely has a brother William, also from Halifax, and Moses has a son born in Halifax in 1796. Additional searches found both a William and Joseph Chapman serving in the 29th Regiment under Ballard. Do you have any further details on Moses? Any possible connections with William and Joseph, did the 29th take unit members from Halifax or adjacent counties?

    Reply
  16. George Best says:
    March 25, 2019 at 10:22 pm

    Hello,

    I am researching the Petersburg Volunteers and I am curious if anyone knows of any primary source material providing details on their uniform. I have seen Frederick Todd’s print (published in Rene Chartrand’s “A Most Warlike Appearance” and the Military Collector and Historian), but I have never seen any supporting documentation. It’s not that I do not trust Todd or Chartrand, but my historical training has always made me want to double check sources. The diaries, memoirs, newspaper articles, and letters (mostly published in newspapers) I have collected, downloaded, and copied only mention that the uniform is “fine” or “elegant” and other things along those lines. The closest I have found is that a “generous emulation exists” among the uniform of the Pittsburgh Blues and the Petersburg Volunteers, which is still very vague, even though I know pretty well what the Pittsburghers were wearing (blue coatee, red facings, round hat w/red and blue cockade).

    I have seen elsewhere on this site that someone did find a pewter button at Fort Meigs with “Richmond, VA” printed on the back. Is there any more info on that?

    Reply
  17. Mary Buehler says:
    August 7, 2019 at 7:47 pm

    Looking for information on the 9th Regiment (Boyd’s) of the Virginia Militia. I would like to know where this Regiment was formed/from, I heard it was Caroline County, but I cannot find anything written about it. Looking for Henry Clift, Corporal, in this Regiment.

    Reply
    • Mike says:
      August 10, 2019 at 12:33 pm

      Mary: Henry Clift in the rank of a corporal appears on the payroll of Capt Elliott Dejarnatt’s Company in Caroline County’s 30th VA Militia Regiment commanded by Major Reuben Tankersley. This payroll is in the Library of VA archives and is available on their website. Details of where and when this unit served is in Stuart Butlers book, “Guide To Virginia Militia Units During the War of 1812” available in most research libraries. Dejarnett’s Co was called to duty from Dec 3rd to Dec 9th 1814 (See pg 55). The reason it was called up is that the British had gone up the Rappahannock River and occupied Tappahannock in Essex Co Dec 1 to Dec 4, then from the river they attacked North Farnham Church in Richmond County on Dec 6th, then skirmishes with the British in Essex and Middlesex County on the 6th and 7th took place. These encounters are in our society’s book, “Encounters With the British In Virginia During the War of 1812,” pub 2009 on pg 33. Now why is the 9th VA Regt listed: For Caroline County units to get to Middlesex County they needed to travel through King & Queen County, and in doing so joined up there with that county’s 9th VA Regiment commanded by Lt Col Elisha Boyd. I expect Henry was not in a fire fight with the British units because they had probably departed before they arrived. Mike Lyman Past President

      Reply
  18. Dianna Shoemaker says:
    November 9, 2019 at 9:44 pm

    Looking for information on Mathew Robinson of Monongalia Co, VA. He was born in 1780, his father was John Robinson, his wife’s name was Eleanor & he died in Indiana in 1841. Reference materials in Indiana indicate that he was a Lieutenant in the War of 1812. Military records show a person of this name, who had served in the 4th Regiment (Woods’) Virginia Militia. Mathew Robinson is my husband’s ggg-grandfather. Any information you can provide would be greatly appreciated.

    Reply
    • Mike says:
      November 10, 2019 at 11:59 am

      Dianna: Monongalia County, VA (now WVA) during the War of 1812 had three regimental size units, the 76th, the 104th and the 118th. Your husbands ancestor was in one of three company sized units attached to Lt Colonel Archibald Woods 4th Ohio County Regiment. You can to go to the National Archives (NARA) website and request his service records (they are not on-line) to get the unit. He was in one of these three company sized units: Lt Christian Core’s Detachment,(104th) Feb 20 to Mar 4 1813 (the year might be a typo); Capt John Lantz’s (118th) Feb 20th to 4 March 1815 at Morgantown; or Capt Daniel Stuart’s (76th) at Feb 20th to 4 March 1815 at Morgantown, now WVA. Note the war ended on 15 Feb 1815 but the order was issued by the Virginia General Orders dated Jan 13 1815. It took a long time to get the order to Monongalia county,and the unit to assemble and get to Morgantown. Source: Stuart L Butler, “Guide to VA Militia Units During the War of 1812”, 2d Ed 2011, pgs 111,135,136.
      Mike Lyman, Past President War of 1812 Society in VA

      Reply
  19. Karen Bryarly Trenary says:
    December 14, 2019 at 8:36 pm

    Greetings,
    My name is Karen Bryarly Trenary. My husband John and I are trying to collect military information about my 4th generation Grandfather and his service in the War of 1812. (Major Richard William Bryarly… born 1752/ Died 1839) He was born in Clarke County and settled in Berkeley County and is buried at Morgan Morgan’s Chapel in Bunker Hill, WV. I currently own The Bryarly Union Mill and one of the seven homes he built in Darkesville, WV. We are in the process of reestablishing his grave marker and are seeking the correct information to have placed upon it. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

    Reply
    • Mike says:
      December 15, 2019 at 12:56 pm

      Karen: I find no War of 1812 service for him. Having been born in 1752 he would be age 61-63 during the 1812 war period 1812 to 1815, thus way above military age. You should be looking for Rev War service at Fold3 or ancestry.com or at the National Archives. A Thomas Bryarly born 1721, England, who died c1791 in Walnut Grove in Clarke County, VA may have been his father. His wife was Anna Leath and had a son Samuel
      Mike Lyman

      Reply
  20. Lori Gray says:
    January 18, 2020 at 12:51 pm

    Hi Mike:
    I am looking for information on an ancestor named Freeman Wells. He served in the 9th Reg’t (Sharp’s) Virginia Militia. I think he was living in Sussex County, VA at the time. He was enlisted as a private and discharges as that also. He was born between 1766-1770. He first lived in Halifax County, then moved to Sussex County and lived there between 1806-1812- maybe longer- I am still researching this. Any information you can provide would be greatly appreciated. Mike in your opinion would it be helpful to try and look up his records on NARA?
    Thank you
    Sincerely,
    Lori Gray

    Reply
    • Mike says:
      January 19, 2020 at 11:30 am

      Lori: He was in Capt James Williamson’s Company of the Sussex County’s 15th Virginia Militia Regiment from 6 September to 24 October 1814. He was sent to Fort Norfolk and upon arrival was assigned to the 9th VA Regiment commanded by LT Col William Sharp. This regiment was under the command of Regular Army Brigadier General Robert Taylor, the commander of Fort Norfolk and the area surrounding it. The regiment was deployed to Plum and Smith Creeks area near Brambles. Since this area was so well defended the British did not attack. Since he did not serve three months, he and his heirs were not eligible for a pension or bounty land. If you desire a service document to join the U.S. Daughters of 1812 society you may order it from the NARA website. His record there is number 528 in roll box 222. My sources are his service index card available on Fold3 and Stuart Butlers, “Guide to Virginia Militia Units in the War of 1812”, 2d edition 2011, New Papyrus Pub Co, Athens, GA pages 195 and 233
      Mike Lyman Past President War of 1812 Society

      Reply
      • Lori Gray says:
        January 21, 2020 at 11:49 pm

        Thank so much Mike. I really appreciate your information and response. Lori

        Reply
      • Arthur Tulak says:
        June 2, 2020 at 2:56 am

        Aloha Mike,

        I am a NMAL of the 1812 Society and am working a supplemental. I am related to Col. William Sharp.
        Col William Sharp 1751-1838, 5th great-grandfather
        Nancy Jemima Sharp 1788-1858, Daughter of Col William Sharp
        Nancy Jemima Corn 1807-1838, Daughter of Nancy Jemima Sharp
        Mary Ann Moore 1833-1928, Daughter of Nancy Jemima Corn
        Lillie Mae Norvell 1873-1940, Daughter of Mary Ann Moore
        Willlie Alberta Sheets 1900-1976, Daughter of Lillie Mae Norvell
        Nancy Wells, daughter of Willlie Alberta Sheets, my Mother.

        Would appreciate any resources you can point me to.

        Respectfully,

        Dr. Arthur Tulak
        COL, USA, Ret.

        Reply
        • Mike says:
          June 3, 2020 at 4:27 pm

          Col Tulak: I could not find any War of 1812 service for Col William Sharp born Oct 1751 in Virginia, died 9 Feb 1838 Winchester, Franklin Co, TN. Probably the Col rank came from Rev War service. However to join the War of 1812 Society you need a male War of 1812 veteran. You may use a collateral sister or brother. In your case Nancy Jemima Sharp, daughter of Col William Sharp had a brother James born 1787 in Virginia who died in 1847 in Franklin Co,TN He was a Sergeant in Captain Bentley’s Company, of the 74th VA Militia Regt, Hanover County, commanded by Lt Col William Trueheart. Sources Virginia Muster Rolls. Also see FindaGrave.com memorial # 51613895 for family data
          We would like you to join our VA society. If you desire to let me know

          Mike Lyman Past President melyman@va.metrocast.net

          Reply
  21. Thomas Scruggs says:
    February 7, 2020 at 4:27 pm

    Greetings. Attempting to link a Virginia born 1812 militia man to his rightful ancestors. His name was Samuel Ayres, from an early bio,”born on the James River, served in war of 1812, and on the lakes at the last of the war”. He moved to TN after the war to marry his sweetheart. Numerous researchers attempt to place Samuel in either Buckingham or Essex, but the evidence is not solid.
    I’ve determined that 3 VA militias had Pvt Samuel Ayres: (1) Capt N. Grigsby’s Co. Calvary, VaM; (2) 5th Regiment VaM Capt J. Heinkle / Maj C Mercer; and (3)
    6th Regiment VaM Lcol Dickinson / Scott / Coleman;
    Looking for evidence that any of these 3 regiments served on the Great Lakes. I believe I saw evidence the VA supported Wlm Hnry Harrison with brigade, but that may have been a composite of many militias/counties? Would appreciate any ideas you may have. Thanks, Tom

    Reply
    • Mike says:
      February 11, 2020 at 3:20 pm

      Dear Sarah and Tom Scruggs:
      Your email to Mike Lyman, our website chairman, has been referred to me for a reply.
      The three Virginia War of 1812 soldiers you are referring to in your email all served in Virginia militia units that served in Norfolk. They were never assigned to the Great Lakes area or Canada. The state of Virginia did send a brigade of Virginia militia to Ohio in 1813 to help establish Fort Meigs at Perrysburg, Ohio. They were under the general command of Maj. Gen. William Henry Harrison. These units were from what is now West Virginia. From my book on this brigade, Real Patriots and Heroic Soldiers… (2008), I can say that no soldier named Samuel Ayres (or variant spellings) was a part of this brigade.
      There was, however, a Samuel Ayres, who enlisted in the U.S. Regular Army during the War of 1812. His name is in my book on Virginia U.S. Army soldiers who enlisted in the regular army. (Virginia Soldiers in the United States Army, 1800-1815). He was a carpenter, 25 years of age in 1813, born in Cumberland County, Virginia, and enlisted in Norfolk on May 24, 1813. He served in the 1st U.S.Rifles and was discharged in Washington, D.C. on May 20, 1815. The 1st Rifles served on the Canadian frontier, basically, the Great Lakes area. A Samuel Ayres submitted an application for a bounty-land- warrant from which he received 160 acres. His warrant application number is 12-160-10461. These files are in the National Archives in Washington, D.C. Since he was a regular army soldier, his application is not anywhere near as informative as a militia soldiers, as the only proof they needed to submit was proof of service, i.e. discharge certificate or other documents that proved he served in the army and unit he provided. However, if you wish to obtain a copy of his file, look at the website, nara.gov and locate the pertinent sections for applying for bounty land application forms. Regular army soldiers for this time period do not have distinct service records. If you have access to ancestry.com or fold3.com, you can find Samuel Ayres’ enlistment record as mentioned above in the Rifles. There is little than what I mentioned already except he served under a Captain Hamilton.
      If you have any further questions on this subject, please do not hesitate to contact me at srtb@widomaker.com
      Stuart L. Butler
      President, Society of the War of 1812 in the Commonwealth of Virginia

      Reply
  22. Jayne Grady-Reitan says:
    February 15, 2020 at 12:21 pm

    Hello! I am seeking your help to piece together my family history regarding 2 great-great-great grandfathers who fought in the War of 1812. Much information is available on the Internet regarding one of my ancestors, Col. George Armistead, so I am not seeking help on his account. However, the other ancestor, Capt. Edward B. [Butcher] Grady, from Loudoun County VA, has less information. So far, I have learned that he led a company of riflemen in the 56th Regiment of the VA Militia under Lt. Col. Timothy Taylor between Aug. 24 – Sept. 17, 1814. During that time, he was in Leesburg. One account of someone else who was in Leesburg on Aug. 24th claimed to see the glow of Washington D.C. burning in the distance. Would such a view be possible? Capt. Grady later participated in the defense of Baltimore during the bombardment of Fort McHenry according to 2 men, Benjamin Kent & Charles Russell, that served under him. After the successful defense of Baltimore, from Sept. 18th – Dec. 14th, Capt. Edward B. Grady served in the 58th (formerly the 57th) VA Militia as a surgeon’s mate presumably to care for the wounded from the Fort McHenry battle. He was a physician by profession, so his contribution to help with with medical needs makes sense. Do you have any more information on Capt. Edward Grady’s military encounters or medical service during the War of 1812? Any photos or information about the 57th or 58th regiments? Dr. Edward Grady was given bounty lands in exchange for his military service. Do you have any information of how to match the Bounty Land numbers: 94843-40-50 and 32793-120-55 to an actual map of their location? How do I track down what happened to those bounty lands? Lastly, is it possible that Col. George Armistead and Capt. Edward B. Grady would have met? Their grandchildren, Susan Armistead Grady & Cuthbert Powell Grady married in Nov. 21, 1867 and started the family line of which I am part. I assume that this couple, my great grandparents, were amongst the 2500 people gathered at the unveiling of the Col. George Armistead’s marble monument on Sept. 12th 1882 on Eutaw Place as they were living in Baltimore at this time. In addition to my specific questions, any additional information would be greatly appreciated! Thank you, Jayne Grady-Reitan

    Reply
    • Mike says:
      February 16, 2020 at 10:39 am

      Jayne: Not much more I can add but this. Yes, he probably could see DC burning from most anywhere he served. Some units of the 56th and 57th Militia regiments from Loudoun County merged and served under the 60th Va Militia Regt of Fairfax County commanded by LT Col George Minor. Captain Edward Brady’s Rifle company served under LT Col Minor from 24 Aug to Dec 7 1814 at Pipers Ropewalk in Baltimore. Reference your Bounty Land Warrants questions I suggest you get the book by Christine Rose, “Military Bounty Land 1776-1855” pub 2011 by C R Publications, Jan Jose, CA. Militia officers or their descendants were not eligible for bounty land until 1850. I refer you to Stuart L Butler, president of our society for further answers e-mail srtb@widowmaker.com

      Mike Lyman
      Past President War of 1812 Society in VA

      Reply
  23. Larry Young says:
    February 19, 2020 at 9:50 am

    Mike,
    I hope you can help or direct me in the right direction. I am trying to find information about a Richard Nelms who was in Coleman’s unit of the 6th Regiment in the War of 1812. I have seen statements that these regiments were from different counties, but I have not seen a listing that tells me where the 6th came from. I believe this Richard may have been my ggg grandfather.

    I am a descendant of the Nelmses that migrated to Fannin County Texas in about 1845. The migration was headed by John Archibald Nelms. The book” Plowhorse Calvary” by Robert Weddle (my uncle) states on p. 10:

    “John Archibald Nelms was born December 10, 1797, in Virginia, probably in Shenandoah County, where his family had lived for eight generations. The first Nelms had come from London about 1620. Both John Arch’s father, Richard, and his grandfather, John, had served in the Virginia Militia during the American Revolution.”

    Robert was a very precise journalist and historian, so I believe our tree goes back to Richard and then John (not Presely Nelms as found on the internet). I have found record of a John that fought in the Revolution, but no Richard, so that reference could be confused with the War of 1812. If Richard fought in the Revolutionary War, he would have been pushing 40 at the time of his first child, so the War of 1812 makes more sense.

    I’ve also found a 1780 Northern Neck grant to a John in Isle of Wight, and two different probates for Johns in about 1785. No Richard is mentioned in either probate. There were probably a lot of John Nelmses in Virginia at that time. I need to find one that had a son of the right age named Richard.

    Any help you can provide will be appreciated. I suspect we were not one of the richer Nelmses which are well documented, otherwise Richard would have been an officer and the family would not have left Virginia.
    Thanks,
    Larry Young
    Tulsa, OK

    Reply
    • Mike says:
      February 20, 2020 at 12:08 pm

      Larry: Richard Nelms appears on the General Index Card on Fold3 as a Corporal in the 6th Virginia Militia Regiment and serving from January to May 1814.. Stuart Butler’s,”Guide to VA Militia Units in the War of 1812,” Second Edition, 2011, pg 231, lists 15 company size units from Virginia that were included in this regiment. The regiment was commanded by Lt Col Daniel Coleman from February to April 1814. One of these companies was that of Capt Joseph Mauzy from Rockingham County which is adjacent to Shenandoah County where you have indicated your family was from. The War of 1812 service records are not available online so one has to request them from the National Archives (NARA). An Ancestry.com CD(computer disk) indicates at NARA his records are in roll box 152, record 17578, By obtaining his service records you will have the correct service.
      Mike Lyman, Past President War of 1812 Society in VA

      Reply
  24. Larry Young says:
    February 21, 2020 at 4:22 pm

    Thanks so much. That helps.

    Reply
  25. Charles R Arterburn says:
    May 17, 2020 at 3:50 pm

    Can you please tell me which Virginia Counties supplied men for the 4th Militia Regiment?

    More specifically, I’m trying to determine whether AUSTIN JOHNSON of the 4th Regiment (Lt Col Lucas, Major Wills) came from Hanover County or Louisa County.

    Fold3 has only an index card for AUSTIN JOHNSON. I think he might have died in the war. Is there a record of deaths even if there was no pension application?

    Thank you,
    Charles

    Reply
  26. Bill Guerrant says:
    August 1, 2020 at 10:59 am

    Dear Sir:

    I am searching for information about Major John Bennett of the 101st Militia (Pittsylvania County). Any information about his service would be very much appreciated. Thank you! Bill Guerrant

    Reply
    • Mike says:
      August 1, 2020 at 11:39 am

      Bill:He was one of two staff officers in rank of major serving under Lt Col Thomas H Wooding who commanded the 101st Virginia militia regiment. Company sized units of this regiment served at Norfolk or in MD. See FindAGrave for info regards his birth & death dates and places, cemetery data and info regards his spouse and parents. He was a private serving under Lee’s Legion during the Rev War, serving long enough to receive a bounty land warrant issued 12 Feb 1792
      Mike Lyman, Past President War of 1812 Society in VA

      Reply
      • Bill Guerrant says:
        August 1, 2020 at 1:43 pm

        Many thanks! I hate to be a pest, but I can’t seem to find him on Findagrave. Could you please provide a link?

        Reply
  27. Jacqui Rejcek says:
    August 7, 2020 at 12:50 pm

    Good morning!! I am looking for any information about the service of my 4th great grandfather Private Philip Haley (Hailey) 1791-1853 who I believe served in the 9th regiment virginia 1812 boyds militia — I only recently discovered that there was a possibility that he served but can find nothing to back up that claim. I am interested in any service record info that can be provided or anecdotal records of battles that may have occurred during the time he was enlisted — really just anything that could be of use in furthering my search for information about him. If you can’t provide any information or if you need more, just let me know and let me know of some sites I may be able to look at myself. Thanks you so much — Most Respectfully, Jacqui Rejcek

    Reply
    • Mike says:
      August 9, 2020 at 12:10 pm

      Jacqui: The military records have only Philip Hailey. As a private and a substitute for Nathaniel H Hooe, he served in Captain Thomas Pollard’s Company in the 25th VA Militia Regiment in King George County. He served for one month and 15 days. From 15 to 26 Jul 1813 the company was in the vicinity of Round Hill Church near the Westmoreland County line and Rozier’s Creek. On 18 July 1813 the British barges entered the creek and attempted to land but the militia kept them from doing so, thus his unit probably was involved. The company was called up again from 20 Jul to 4 Sep 1814. King George Co borders on the Potomac River and during the period 20 to 25 Aug 1814 the King George militia were firing on seven British warships in the river that were en-route to Alexandria. On 25 August at Potomac Creek in the county the British captures a schooner. The militia were firing at them thus perhaps his unit was involved.
      During this period units of the 9th VA regiment commanded by Lt Col William Boyd from King & Queen County were arriving in Fredericksburg and King George Co. The National Archives General Index Card indicates that Philip was paid by this 9th VA regiment and thus may have marched with it to what is now Fort Belvoir where many militia units engage these seven British ships during the period 1-4 Sep 1814
      Mike Lyman

      Reply
  28. jeffrey manley says:
    August 31, 2020 at 7:30 pm

    My great x 3 grandfather Thomas Bates Watkins (abt 1778-1864) served in the Virginia Militia in the last months of the War of 1812. According to the pension application of his widow Judith Watkins, he enlisted at Romney, Va. (now WV) in Capt Crawley’s Co., Virginia Volunteers, which I assume is part of the Virginia Militia. His service extended between 10 August-22 December 1814 at which point he was discharged in Norfolk pursuant to a substitution. She goes on to say that he re-enlisted but provides no details. I would like to find out more about the history of this regiment during the months Thomas Bates Watkins was enlisted. Can I find this information with the details in her application or do I need the number of the regiment and the name of its commander? Where would I find that? Many thanks for any help. jeff manley

    Reply
    • jeffrey manley says:
      September 1, 2020 at 9:00 am

      I now see that on his Pension Application file it says he served in Capt Nealy’s Company, Va. Mil. Perhaps Capt Crawley’s Company was the one he enlisted in. The Pension File numbers are: WO14171 and WC25566. These are not yet posted on the internet as it is still processing the latter “S”. My family files indicated that his widow was awarded a pension of $8/month.

      Reply
      • Mike says:
        September 1, 2020 at 12:53 pm

        Jeffrey: Yes the pension record answers most of your questions. From Stuart Butler’s, “Guide To Virginia Militia Units in the War of 1812”, pgs 109 and 232 we note that West VA Counties were part of VA during the War and each county was assigned at least one Regiment. Kanawha County (now WVA) had the 80th regiment and Captain William Neely’s company of the regiment was ordered to Norfolk and served there from 10 Aug 1814 to 22 Feb 1815. While there this Company was attached to the 7th VA Regiment commanded by Lt Col Davis Saunders. This unit mustered with the 4th VA Regt and was stationed in and around Fort Norfolk. This area was very well defended so the British forces on ships in the Chesapeake Bay did not attack.
        Mike Lyman

        Reply
    • Mike says:
      September 1, 2020 at 12:28 pm

      See reply to your later query
      Mike Lyman

      Reply
  29. David Libershal says:
    September 2, 2020 at 10:03 pm

    Mike,

    My wife’s ancestor, Edwin Reader from Shenandoah County served briefly during the War of 1812. I found the index for his NARA records on Ancestry that showed he was a Private in the 97th Regt in Capt Jesse Allen’s Co. in service Aug-Sep 1814. I just purchased Stuart Butler’s book, “A Guide to VA Militia Units in the War of 1812” 2d Edition New Papyrus Publishing,Athens GA, pub in 2011 which shows on page 184 that the company was a cavalry troop (looks like it was assigned to the 3rd Cavalry) that “rendezvoused at Center Mills. At Camp Fairfield”. I located Camp Fairfield but can’t find a “Center Mills”. Any ideas on that location? I assume that is where they formed up in the county before heading to Fairfield. Also, I can’t find Jesse Allen’s company listed in Appendix 2. Would it have been part of the 3rd Regt of Cavalry listed on page 250? If so, would it be in the 1st Battalion since his militia Regt. is part of the 7th Brigade. I find the organizational structure confusing and appreciate any help

    Reply
    • Mike says:
      September 4, 2020 at 1:11 pm

      This reply is from Stuart L Butler, Past President of The Society:
      Your assertion that the organizational structure of the Virginia militia is confusing is largely accurate, but there is a method to its madness.

      You are correct to indicate that Camp Mills was a rendezvous point most probably in Shenandoah County, the location of which I do not know at this time. It was probably a rendezvous point previously used by the local militia for assembling. From there the unit marched to the environs of Richmond and camped along with hundreds of other militia units in a place referred to as Camp Fairfield, about six miles east of Richmond. This camp became a major defensive position, one of several, that was to protect the capital from possible British invasion and capture of Richmond in the fall of 1814, an invasion that never came.

      Captain Jesse Allen’s unit of cavalry, in addition being part of the 97th Regiment (Shenandoah), was also organizationally part of the Third Cavalry Regiment. The state of Virginia was also organized by state regiments of cavalry and artillery, each regiment organized from a large number of counties making up one of the four large divisions of state militia that Virginia was divided into. Also, each county had no more than two volunteer companies of artillery, cavalry, mounted infantrymen assigned to it. Capt Allen’s unit was organized under the state cavalry, and was not a volunteer cavalry unit. The state’s four cavalry regiments were composed of up to 30 units from counties within one of the four divisions. You are right to indicate that Captain Allen’s unit was part of the Third State Regiment described on Appendix II, Page 250. As part of the 7th Brigade, Virginia Militia (each division was broken down into brigades and numbered) it was assigned to the 1st Battalion of this regiment commanded by Maj. Robert Grattan of Augusta. In preparing for the Guide to Virginia Militia, I decided not to list all the companies of each state cavalry and artillery unit under this section; perhaps I should have.

      Captain Allen’s unit was at Camp Fairfield until September 13, 1814, and then returned home with no further service. Many units were also returned to their homes after the initial calling up revealed that the British forces that had moved into the Chesapeake Bay were heading north to Washington and later Baltimore, and were not aimed at Richmond. Edwin Reader apparently did not apply for a pension, but he or his wife may have applied for a bounty land warrant application file. Fold3.com has only indexed the name index to this file to the letter L, so you would have to apply for a file from the National Archives to determine if he applied for one. The website is nara.gov and from there follow directions to apply for such a file.

      I hope this has answered your question about your ancestor’s unit.

      Mike Lyman

      Reply
      • David Libershal says:
        September 4, 2020 at 2:49 pm

        Mike,

        Many thanks to you and to Stuart for this enlightening response. I just acquired his book a week ago and feel privileged that he replied. I will check with NARA on the bounty land issue. I know that he moved to Wilson County, Tennessee before 1820 and he never left that state; not sure how that might be related to a land bounty but I’ll see what I can find.

        Reply
  30. David Libershal says:
    September 3, 2020 at 6:47 pm

    I overlooked the fact that it was only in his Pension record where I found his company name. Edwin Reader/Edwin Reeder is the same man. He is only one in Shenandoah County census records. The surname variants are common in his marriage and census records.

    Reply
  31. Bill ryan says:
    December 2, 2020 at 12:04 am

    My name is Bill RYAN. I read the story of the defence of fort McHenry and that unconquerable flag! That is my favourite story (true story). The poetry written by that wordsmith lawyer! I re-read the story from a book titled Great American places.

    Reply
  32. Denis Glover says:
    April 14, 2021 at 10:25 am

    Can you give me more info about him?
    Richard Glover – Facts
    War of 1812 · US Army
    War of 1812 (1812 – 1815)
    Unit
    121 (July-Sept, 1813, And Sept, 1814,) Virginia Militia
    Conflict Period
    War of 1812
    Branch
    Army
    State
    Virginia
    Served For
    United States of America
    ·
    Enlistment
    Pvt
    ·
    Discharge
    Pvt

    Reply
    • Mike says:
      April 14, 2021 at 1:44 pm

      Denis:Fold3 and the US Army Register indicate that at age 37,(thus born c1777), occupation as a shoemaker, in Prince William County, VA, he enlisted in Lexington, Virginia, for 5years in the 15th US Army Regiment. He is shown serving in Carson’s Mississippi Militia at Fort Covington, LA on 13 May 1815. You perhaps may find more family data at Ancesstry.com or Familysearch.com. I do not believe he died in Virginia
      Mike Lyman

      Reply
  33. Carl Moss says:
    April 23, 2021 at 1:34 pm

    Wonderful website! I am a descendant of Matthew Moss (13 Dec. 1776- April 1859) enlisted 6 July 1813, Private, 4th Regiment, Virginia Militia, unit, Flying Camp, led by Lieut. Col. James McDowell. He is buried in the Moss Cemetery, Milam Co., TX.
    Sincerely,
    Carl Moss, Hideaway, TX

    Reply
    • Mike says:
      April 23, 2021 at 3:57 pm

      Carl: The Virginia Muster & Payrolls and Stuart Butler’s “Guide to VA Militia Units During the War of 1812” provide this additional information. Under Col McDowell’s Flying Camp, 4th Regt stationed at Norfolk, VA he is listed as a private in Captain John C Baskin’s Company, 32d Regiment from Augusta County and as well in Capt Archibald Stuart’s Company, 93rd Regiment from Augusta County, both during the period 6 July to 28 Sep 1813.
      Mike Lyman

      Reply
  34. Allen J Thacker says:
    September 13, 2021 at 12:03 pm

    About 15 years ago I was in contact with this organization and it was noted that you folks had a record of my 5th great grandfather being a veteran of the War of 1812. The society contact also communicated to me that the burial site was somewhere in Nelson County Virginia. The burial site has been discovered and I visited the site last year in August (2020) … I’m wondering now what I have to do to get a badge/marker for his grave. His name is Wyatt Thacker … Thank you for your time .. Regards; Allen J. Thacker

    Reply
    • ButlerStuart says:
      September 15, 2021 at 8:51 am

      Hello Allen: The Society urges you to apply for membership in the Society of War of 1812 in The Commonwealth of Virginia based on the information you have provided and the information that our Graves Registration chairman, Mike Lyman, has uncovered regarding your ancestor, Wyatt Thacker. After your application is processed, the Society can begin to determine when it can conduct a grave marking ceremony. That will depend on time and the ability for members to plan for the event in numbers that would enable for such a ceremony to occur. You can follow the steps necessary to become a member at our website: 1812va.org under Membership. We look forward in having you as a new member and eventually for a grave marking ceremony to honor your ancestor. Stuart L. Butler, Website Chairman. Please let us know if we can be of further assistance to you.

      Reply
  35. JoAnn Jones says:
    October 8, 2021 at 11:10 pm

    I’m looking for information on my ancestor, Christopher Rhodes. According to Ancestry he served in the 5th Reg’t (McDowell’s) Virginia. Rank Private Roll Box 174 Microfilm M602. He lived in Rockbridge/Botetourt County, VA.
    Thank You

    Reply
    • ButlerStuart says:
      October 17, 2021 at 10:03 am

      Hello JoAnn Jones. I apologize for the lateness of this reply. Thank you for your question on the War of 1812 service record of Christopher Rhodes. The 5th Regiment of Virginia Militia commanded by Lt. Col. James McDowell was a regiment established in Norfolk from a large number of Virginia militia units mostly from western Virginia. Many companies were raised from Botetourt, Rockbridge, and Rockingham counties, among others. Without examining the military service record for Christopher Rhodes at the National Archives, it is difficult to place him in a particular company. The service record would show his company commander’s name which then could identify the county from which he enlisted. The Library of Virginia had a name index for many Virginia soldiers who service in the War of 1812, but the name index (online) does not show a service for him. This would mean the Library of Virginia does not have the muster rolls or payrolls for this unit, which were printed in 1850s. He did not apply for a pension, but he may have applied for a bounty land warrant. These files are also at the National Archives. I suggest that you examine the website: nara.gov which will give you the information about how to obtain a copy of his service record or bounty land, if he applied for the latter. According to the Library of Virginia website’s catalog, a Christopher Rhodes of Rockbridge County died on December 17, 1830, at the advanced age of 100 or 110? This is probably a grandfather of the Rhodes you are looking for, or a near relative. The info is printed in the Lexington Intelligencer, a newspaper of the time. If you would like to see this data, go to the Library of Virginia website and click on library catalog and put in his name. The Library has a copy of the newspaper on microfilm, if you close enough to Richmond to visit.

      Reply
  36. Anna Lautzenheiser says:
    October 28, 2021 at 9:30 am

    Hello! I have a relative (John W. Hamilton) who served during the War of 1812. His pension application filed by his widow indicates that he served from Aug 28, 1814 – Nov 30, 1814. He was in Capt. Allen’s Co Virginia Militia. How do I go about finding out which Capt. Allen he served under?
    Thank you advance for your assistance!

    Anna

    Reply
    • ButlerStuart says:
      October 30, 2021 at 7:41 am

      Hello Ann,

      You are correct that your ancestor, John W. Hamilton, applied for a pension based on his War of 1812 military service. The original pension application is in the National Archives. I am not certain that you have looked at his pension file or not, as the file does show that Hamilton served in Capt. Benjamin Allen’s company that was raised in Cumberland County, Virginia. The dates that you indicate in your message are correct. This company was assigned to the 1st Regiment of Virginia Militia under the command of Lt. Col. William Trueheart. The regiment consisted of many companies assigned to that regiment. This regiment, and consequently, Hamilton’s company, was stationed at Bottom’s Bridge, Virginia, about ten miles east of Richmond. Bottom’s Bridge is located approximately where the old road from Richmond to Williamsburg crossed the Chickahominy River and is a landmark on modern maps. The camp was established to defend Richmond against any British invasion up the James River in the summer and fall of 1814. No such invasion happened and the fort was never attacked or threatened. Depending on his exact service dates, Hamilton could have been at Bottoms’ Bridge the whole time the company was called out, i.e. Aug-November 1814, or he could have only served part of that time due to some possible illness or other reason that caused him to leave before the company ended its camp there. You may wish to obtain a copy of his military service record which will give you the exact dates that he was with that company and other information about him that was included on the muster or payrolls. Most service records usually indicate time of service or note any sickness or disciplinary action taken regarding his service. This record can be obtained from the National Archives online from the National Archives website: nara.gov. You can follow the directions there about getting a copy of his record. If you have not already examined his pension record (which is far more valuable than his service record in regards to personal information), you can go to fold3.com and see his pension record. This file also contains a copy of his bounty land warrant application file which may be of interest to you. At this time, this feature is free and you don’t have to join the website. If you have any further questions, please let us know.

      Reply
  37. Jack Clise says:
    October 29, 2021 at 6:24 pm

    Mike,
    I looking for info on Pvt. Harry Clise (maybe Clice or other spelling) who served in the 56th VA Regiment (Lynn’s Militia). Wondering about the history of this regiument and where they may have served during the War of 1812. Much thanks..

    Reply
  38. Kathy Lawson says:
    November 1, 2021 at 5:35 pm

    I’ve inherited my 94 yr old mother’s Ancestry records recently and I have been trying to fill in some of the blanks (needless to say, I’m a rookie) I’m specifically looking for John May b 1793 Rockingham Co, VA – d aft 1870 Mt Crawford, Rockingham Co – wife was Catherine Eutsler – I found a War of 1812 record that I think might be his – but – how can I be sure ? Any help with this would be greatly appreciated !!

    State
    Virginia
    Regiment
    5 (McDowell’s) Virginia Militia
    Branch
    US Army

    Soldier John May
    Military Service Location Virginia
    Pension Number – #1 Surv Orig 4072
    Pension Number – #2 Surv Cert 3287
    Roll number 64 Archive Publication Number M313
    Household members

    Reply
    • ButlerStuart says:
      November 5, 2021 at 4:02 pm

      Thanks you for your question concerning the War of 1812 service record of John May whom you indicated may have served from Rockingham County, Virginia. A service record for a John May in the National Archives does indicate that a John May served in the War of 1812 while in the 4th Military Regiment (possibly 5th) under Col. Thomas Wooding. This regiment was stationed at Norfolk during the time that John May served. The original service records in the National Archives would provide you with specific dates that he served and other information such as sickness or pay that he received. You can obtain a copy of this record by going on the Archives’ website: nara.gov and following the instructions and payment outlined on that site. However, you will find more information about John May from his pension application file also at the National Archives. You can, however, see and copy that file by going on the website: fold3.com . At this time you can access this file for free so I highly recommend that you do this. This file will give you more information about his service. It indicates that he was assigned to Capt. Christopher Morris’ company, which was raised in Augusta County. May have been a resident of that county. The 1810 census lists a John May in Shenandoah County, but not in Augusta or Rockingham. The pension record also states that Morris’ company was in service from July 14, 1814-January 28, 1815. This file also contains the bounty land warrant file when May applied for bounty land based on his service. John May’s discharge paper, a rarity among pension and service records in the National Archives, is also included. By all means, take a look at this pension file and see if you believe this is the John May in whom you are interested. I don’t think his wife’s name is given, but this is not unusual, as he applied for the pension himself and was not required to provide his wife’s name. Also, she may have died by the time. he applied for the pension which was in 1871. If you have any further questions, please let us know. The pension file states that his service was under Col. Thomas Wooding, but he may have also service earlier than this as a service record exists for his service in the 5th Regiment under Colonel McDowell.

      Reply
  39. Catherine Doty says:
    December 26, 2021 at 1:05 pm

    I am attempting to piece together information on Paul Vandervort’s, my 3rd Great Grandfather, service during the War of 1812. The only solid pieces of information I currently have are that he lived in Monongahela County and that there is a pension application that lists him as a Private in “Captain Wilson’s” Militia.

    Reply
    • Catherine Doty says:
      December 26, 2021 at 1:28 pm

      Sorry for the misspelled county. It was Monongalia.

      Reply
      • ButlerStuart says:
        December 29, 2021 at 10:19 am

        Hello Catherine Doty and thank you for your inquiry concerning your 3rd great-grandfather’s War of 1812 service. In my book on the Virginia Brigade of militia which traveled to Ohio in 1812-1813 to assist General Harrison in repelling the British occupation of Detroit (Real Patriots and Heroic Soldiers: Gen. Joel Leftwich and the Virginia Brigade in the War of 1812), I listed every Virginia (then West Virginia) militiaman who served in that organization. I list your ancestor, Paul Vandervoort, Private, wagoner, who served in Ohio, specifically, Upper Sandusky, from November 30, 1812, until April 5, 1813, when the brigade was discharged and returned to Virginia. This information comes from the compiled military service record for Paul Vandervoort now in the National Archives in Washington. He was assigned, as you indicated, to Capt. Samuel Wilson’s company from Monongalia County. The index to the pensions applications, also at the National Archives (both index and files themselves) indicate that his wife, Mary, applied for a pension and that both Paul and Mary each received land through the bounty land application process. These documents are all in the pension application file based on Vandervoort’s service. The website, fold3.com has been filming and making available the application files contained in each pension application file. Unfortunately, for you and others, the unit has not yet filmed the files for servicemen whose names start after “S”. Your only recourse is to apply for a copy of the pension (and bounty land) files through request to the National Archives at their website: nara.gov . Directions on how to obtained a copy of these files are found on the website. The costs of these files are at least $25 each, but may be more now. Also, the virus epidemic has affected staffing at the Archives to such a degree that only a percentage of the work force has been reporting in for duty. This would mean most probably a delay in receiving these files, but the website may indicate how long the wait time is. These files can be extremely informative about the soldier and his family, including information about his marriage, when and where, and the maiden name of his wife. You can also obtain a copy of his service record from the National Archives, but the primary info about him I have already abstracted. Still, there could be some miscellaneous documentation about his service, such as any sick or other leave he took. Please let us know if you have any further questions. Stuart L. Butler.

        Reply
  40. Charlene E Frey says:
    January 23, 2022 at 8:18 pm

    Hi Mike,

    I have good news to give you. I found the military service of my g-g-g-grandfather William Jackson in the War of 1812. I had previously sent you two messages on 1 Mar 2017 and 9 Mar 2017. You graciously replied to me on 7 Mar 2017 and 9 Mar 2017. {These messages are still found under “233 Responses to Significant Events War of 1812 in Virginia.”) I had inquired of you in my last message where I should go next to obtain information on William Jackson’s military service, as I had come to the end of the trail in doing my research.

    After a pause of almost 5 years, I decided that I would once again try to locate my g-g-g-grandfather William Jackson’s military service in the War of 1812. I discovered that Fold3 now has an Index of the Bounty Land Warrant Applications for the War of 1812 on their website. It was free (no cost!), so I looked on-line under the name “Jackson” for the state of Virginia/West Virginia. I discovered a Bounty Land Warrant Application for Corp. William Jackson. I decided to take a gamble and submit by NARA Form 85 to the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), Wash D.C., to obtain the Bounty Land Warrant Application for Corp. William Jackson. On Dec 3, 2021, I received an email from NARA with a digital PDF attachment. I was totally surprised when I discovered that this Bounty Land Warrant Application was indeed submitted by my g-g-g-grandfather William Jackson.

    On 20 Dec 1850, William Jackson was 73 years old when he filed his first application with the State of Ohio in Warren County, Ohio, for 80 acres of Bounty Land. In the 1850 census, he lived with his wife Hannah (Bennett) Jackson, age 70, and their granddaughter Sarah E. Jackson, age 9. (Sarah was the orphaned daughter of their oldest son Elias L. Jackson, who died in 1848.)

    On 24 Mar 1855, he again filed a Bounty Land Warrant Application with the State of Ohio. He was 78 years old when he appeared before the Court of Pensions in Morrow, Warren County, Ohio, to file his second application to obtain additional bounty land granted to surviving officers and soldiers of the War of 1812. His wife of 57 years Hannah Elsworth Bennett Jackson has died a month earlier on 20 Feb 1855. She was 75 years old. William Jackson died two years later on 4 Apr 1957 on his farm in Level Station, Warren, Ohio. He never received his additional bounty land because he died.

    The Bounty Land Warrant Application was 11 pages long. It gave the details of his age, his birth date, his date/place of enlistment for the War of 1812, and his volunteer service under Capt. John McWhorter in the War of 1812. It also stated the date of this service from 16 Sep 1812 to 15 Apr 1813. It stated that this was his only military service in the War of 1812. Thus, he did not re-assign for further military duty. It stated that he was granted 80 acres of land, which he later sold. It did not say where the land was located. It gave two witnesses who verified to the truth of what was contained in the Bounty Land Warrant Applications. (I knew the relationship of these two witnesses to William Jackson from doing my genealogy. I added this eleven-page PDF file, containing the two Bounty Land Warrant Applications for Corp. William Jackson, into the Photo Gallery for William Jackson in my family tree in Ancestry.com.)

    As recommended in your previous emails in Mar 2017, today I bought a copy of Stuart L. Butler’s book “Real Heroes and Patriotic Soldiers: General Leftwich and the Virginia Brigade in the War of 1812.” It cost $32.00 on Amazon. I hope to read about my g-g-g-grandfather’s Corp. William Jackson’s military adventures as he marched North with General Leftwich and General Harrison from Point Pleasant, Virginia, to Upper Sandusky, then West to Fort Meigs, Ohio, and the Michigan Territory.

    Thank you for your assistance in helping me research the military service of Corp. William Jackson in the War of 1812.

    Reply
  41. Charlene Frey says:
    February 10, 2022 at 2:52 pm

    Hello Butler,

    I read your book “Real Patriots and Heroic Soldiers” and enjoyed it very much. I received the Bounty Land Warrant Application and the Payroll & Muster records of my 3rd great grandfather Corp. William Jackson from the National Archive and Records Administration (NARA), Wash. D.C.

    I received three Company Muster Roll records for Corp. William Jackson. The places listed for the 1st and 3rd muster rolls were Point Pleasant and Fort Meigs, respectively. For the 2nd muster roll, there was no place listed on the record. However, there were dates mentioned on this record, as follows: “Company Muster Roll for Nov 16, 1812 to Feb 28, 1813. Roll dated Mar 16, 1813.”

    I am wondering if Corp. William Jackson was one of the 250 volunteers from Virginia and Pennsylvania who accompanied Capt. Langham on his dangerous mission to Fort Malden. Capt. Langham’s troops left Fort Meigs on 26 Feb 1813 and arrived at Fort Stephenson on 28 Feb 1813. Since the 2nd muster roll for Corp. William Jackson shows a Muster Roll date of “Nov 16,1812 to Feb 28, 1813,” can I surmise that the place of the 2nd Muster Roll for Corp. William Jackson was Fort Stephenson and that he volunteered for Capt. Langham’s mission to Fort Malden? (See page 99 of your book “Real Patriots and Heroic Soldiers.”)

    Also, in your book on page 217, William Jackson is listed as a Private in the Company of Capt. John McWhorter (Harrison County). I was wondering why he was not listed as a Corporal, since the NARA Bounty Land Treaty Application and Payroll & Muster records have him listed as Corporal.

    Reply
    • ButlerStuart says:
      February 14, 2022 at 10:06 am

      Dear Charlene,
      Thank you for your very kind comments on my book concerning General Leftwich’s expedition into Ohio during the War of 1812.

      I obviously made an error in indicating that William Jackson was a private instead of corporal when he finished his tour there.

      As far as your belief that William Jackson could have been a member of Captain Langham’s special force to destroy the Queen Charlotte, I think it not unreasonable that he could have, but absolute proof that he did eludes us. He could have been at Fort Stephenson as of Feb 28, but since we do not know the location of where the muster roll dated March 16 was taken, we can’t be sure if he was. The force returned to Fort Meigs around March 6, 1813. He appears on the last muster roll taken at Fort Meigs. Do you have the date of that roll? It is probably dated sometime in early April, as that is when General Leftwich’s force left Fort Meigs. There is no listing of the men who were on the special force so we can never be sure the names of the men who were on it. They came from various companies and likely any list, if such was made, has long since disappeared. Muster rolls were routinely taken every two months, but in such conditions as existed in the Ohio wilderness, some of the rolls were taken three even four months after service was rendered. The locations of where each man was at a given time is lost when the final roll was taken. I hope this has been of some help to you. Whatever Corporal Jackson accomplished during those six months, he must have been a brave and courageous men to survive the winter of 1812-1813. Sincerely, Stuart Butler

      Reply
  42. Charlene Frey says:
    February 25, 2022 at 12:05 am

    Hi Stuart,

    In answer to your question above concerning the date of the last muster roll taken at Fort Meigs, the date was March 29, 1813 (as shown on Corp. William Jackson’s 3rd “Company Muster Roll” record). This record also states: “Discharged Mch 29, 1813.”

    According to Pvt. Peter Davis’ Journal of the War of 1812, it reads: “March 30.
    This day received my discharge, and Captain John McWhorter his company… left Camp Meigs for the purpose of returning home….”

    Since 250 Virginia/Pennsylvania militia men accompanied Capt. Langham on his incredible mission to Fort Malden, I highly suspect that Corp. William Jackson did volunteer for this dangerous mission. I believe the purpose of calling a muster roll is to determine the army’s strength and the soldiers’ fitness for duty. Therefore, I would highly suspect that Capt. Langham did call a muster roll at Fort Stephenson before he and his men started on their dangerous mission to Fort Malden early on 2 Mar 1813. I don’t think that Fort Meigs would have held a muster roll on 28 Feb 1913 since nothing special was happening at Fort Meigs on that day.

    I guess the only way to know if the 28 Feb 1813 muster roll was taken at Fort Stephenson is to look at the muster roll records for Lieut. Larwill and Lieut. Madiss. If one of their muster roll records show a date of 28 Feb 1813, then that would prove that Corp. William Jackson was one of Capt. Langham’s party. The article “LANGHAM’S DESPERATE ENTERPRISE” documents the names of two men who accompanied Capt. Langham on his mission to Fort Malden, as follows:

    Page 561 states: “The force, which was under the command of Capt. Langham, consisted of 68 regulars, 120 Virginia and Pennsylvania militia, 32 men under Lieut. Madiss and 22 Indians, making, with their officers, 242 men; besides these were 24 drivers of sleds and several pilots.”

    Page 563 states: “All the following is from the Journal of Lieut. Larwill, who was one of Capt. Langham’s party.”

    The above pages are from a sketch by Hezekiah L. Hosmer found at OHIO GENEALOGY EXPRESS – WOOD COUNTY, History, Historical Collections of Ohio, (See http://www.ohiogenealogyexpress.com/wood/woodco_hist_coll_1891.htm.)

    Do you have access to the muster roll records of Lieut. Larwill and Lieut. Madiss? If so, could you tell me if they both have a muster roll record dated 28 Feb 1813? If not, I guess I would have to send to NARA to purchase their military records.

    Reply
    • ButlerStuart says:
      March 4, 2022 at 9:50 am

      Hello Charlene,
      Sorry for the delay in responding to your request. I think it should be pointed out that the muster roll dated March 19, 2013, is the muster roll of Capt. McWhorter’s company and not a muster roll of all those at Fort Meigs. Military posts (Meigs and Stephenson) did not conduct muster rolls. The “card” you got as part of Jackson’s service record for the period March 19 reflects the exact information that is on the original muster rolls; in other words, all that info that is on the original roll that pertains to Jackson was transcribed and placed on the service card. If he were part of the expedition for that time period ending in March 19, his absence from the company should have been noted as either “on command” or some kind of special kind of duty. That said, clerks were not all that diligent in providing info onto the rolls that is accurate and that info could have been overlooked. As said before, there is no list of soldiers who were on the expedition. Capt Langham was part of the 19th U.S. Infantry and not the militia. Any muster roll on which his name appears would be with the muster rolls of the regular army. Conceivably, if such rolls are extant for this company, perhaps info on his participation might be listed there. The regular army muster rolls for this period are also in the National Archives, but info from them have not been transcribed onto similar cards and one must consult the originals there, or have someone do the research for you. My feeling is that such info is not likely to be found there. Regardless, I think it is a good supposition that Jackson participated in this expedition.

      Reply
  43. Mark Hammond says:
    July 2, 2022 at 9:54 pm

    At Fort Meigs was found a unique tombstone shaped canteen. I have heard that it was attributed to the VA militia. Does anyone have any information as to the source or who utilized this canteen?

    Reply
    • ButlerStuart says:
      July 10, 2022 at 8:39 am

      Mr. Hammond:
      Thank you for your inquiry concerning the “tombstone” canteens and the Virginia militia at Fort Meigs. A brigade of Virginia militia under the command of Brig. Gen. Joel Leftwich was at Fort Meigs from the construction of the fort in February 1813 until April 1813. According to the book, Uniforms and Equipment of the United States Forces in the War of 1812 by Rene Chartrand (pub by Old Fort Niagara Association, Youngstown, NY, 1992) there were “keg” like canteens that were shaped like little beer kegs, also, a cheese-box shaped canteen made of wood and round. An older, tin shaped canteen, was also used. I have seen the type of “tombstone” shaped canteens in other publications such as David Cole, “Survey of U.S.Army Uniforms, Weapons, and Accoutrements,” (n.d.) a source which can be found on a website using the title or David Cole. That depiction shows this type from the Revolutionary War era. What kind of canteens the Virginia militia was issued is difficult to tell, but much of what militias were issued by the states were more likely to be older items such as tombstone canteen. Along with the Virginia, Ohio, and Pennsylvania militias at Fort Meigs were a number of regular army units during this period. Such a canteen could have been issued by all of the above unis. I hope this has been helpful to you in some manner. Stuart Butler

      Reply
  44. Lawrence Price says:
    September 14, 2022 at 4:19 am

    Question about the location of the original “THE BURIAL PLACE OF THE MOUNTAINEERS” brick wall around the burial place of the brave and patriotic yeomanry of the upper country, who-marched to the defense of our town during the late (Norfolk). By any chance is this wall still in place and where? I have wanted to visit the location for many years but can’t locate it. And if it’s gone, try to organize a replacement or some type of epitaph.

    Alexandria Gazette 1836
    The following is evidence of this: – “THE BURIAL PLACE OF THE MOUNTAINEERS .- It is with liveliest satisfaction we inform our readers, that the Common Counsel of Norfolk, at their meeting yesterday afternoon contracted for building a brick wall around the burial place of the brave and patriotic yeomanry of the upper country, who marched to the defense of our town during the late war, and who fell victims to the terrible plague which ravaged the country in the memorable winter of 1814-1815. Too long has this duty been delayed, while every citizen of Norfolk has felt it as a reproach, that no public tribute of respect and gratitude had been paid to the memory of their gallant defenders, but for twenty years their graves had been left unenclosed and without any mark to distinguish them from the sod of the field. It is contemplated to have their remains disinterred and deposited in one common grave, to mark the spot by a monument to their memory, inscribed with their names as far as they can be ascertained.

    Reply
  45. Lawrence Price - Member of Society of the War of 1812 in the State of Maryland says:
    September 14, 2022 at 5:04 am

    By any chance do have a copy of these books described below? My 4th GF was with Boyd and I think the battle or skirmish he was in is described in the second volume. Any information would be appreciated. My 4th GF was one of the mountaineers from Berkeley VA. His obit mentioned he was in some type of action in the Norfolk area.
    _________________________________________________________
    Pension paperwork information – George Price served — Capt Meredith Darlington’s Company 4 (Boyd’s) Virginia Militia Regiment 10th May 1814 to 3rd August 1814 —-Capt John Mohler’s Company Virginia Militia 20th April 1814 to Aug 3, 1814 – 4th regiment 1st February 1815 to 5th of March 1815 —Lt. Braxton Davenports 4th Virginia Militia Boyd 30th April 1814 to 10th May 1814– Muster Roll of Captain Joseph Grantham’s Company of Light Infantry of Jefferson County Called into service March 31, 1814

    Discharges in Norfolk or Camp Holly – He was at Peach orchard

    ______________________________________________________
    Orderly Books of the Virginia Militia, War of 1812 [manuscript] 1813-1814.
    Author: Elisha Boyd; James Faulkner; Virginia. Militia.
    OCLC Number: 48799997
    Notes: Forms part of the Tracy W. McGregor Library.
    Description: 2 volumes
    Other Titles: War of 1812 orderly books
    Summary: Orderly books of six regiments of militia employed in the defense of Norfolk, Va. against raids by Sir George Cockburn.
    The first volume, kept partially by Col. James Faulkner records the march of an artillery corps from Winchester to Norfolk, organization of the artillery under Colonel Read, and all the orders issued to June 17, 1813, when Faulkner was ordered to Craney Island.
    The second volume, kept by Lt. Col. Elisha Boyd of the 4th Regiment of Virginia Militia, 1814 May 3 to August 1, concerns the strengthening of defenses and maintaining watch for the enemy. On July 22 he notes an attack was repulsed and the dead buried. He also records courts-marital, punishments and orders

    Any information would be greatly appreciated.

    Reply
  46. Stuart Butler says:
    September 18, 2022 at 11:16 am

    Thank you for two inquiries concerning the Virginia militia, in particularly, the 4th Virginia militia and the companies you mentioned in your inquiry. A quick answer to your question about whether the Society holds in its possession copies of the two orderly books at Tracy W. McGregor Library, is no we do not, nor do we have other similar items in our possession. The Society does not maintain a library or materials on a state level. Since the materials you state are there, your responder may well take a visit to examine them to determine what attack took place on July 22, 1814, in Norfolk where soldiers were killed as a result and their burials protected by a wall that was planned to be erected around them. I have examined several publications in my possession but have found no specific attack that resulted in deaths on that date. Further research is needed on this aspect and I will undertake that as time permits and let you know the result of the research. I will email you separately on this work.

    Reply
  47. Cara Wright says:
    December 4, 2022 at 5:11 pm

    Thank you so much for this website. I am looking for my 4th great grandfather, George Wright of Botetourt County, Virginia. Our family lore is that George served in the War of 1812 and did not return home, leaving behind a wife and son, my 3rd great grandfather, George Washington Wright. Personal Property Tax lists from Botetourt County have entries for George Wright from 1811 to 1814 and none thereafter. George lived in the tax district of Joseph Hannah, who is listed as Captain 121st Regiment, Flying Camp. The US Registers of Enlistments in the US Army, 1798-1914, lists 11 George Wrights in the War of 1812, several of whom died during the war, but I am unsure how to narrow these down to my family. In the Botetourt County Will Book, George Wright’s property is inventoried June 1815, stating that he is deceased. Any advice you have for finding our George is most appreciated. We also believe that George’s brother John Wright served in this war and returned home, but there are more Johns in the US Registers than there are Georges. Thank you.

    Reply
  48. Nancy fox anderson says:
    January 17, 2024 at 9:57 am

    I’m trying to find out where the 57 and 60 Virginia militia served. Were they in any actual battles. My ancestor James fox and most of his siblings served in these units. Amos, Caleb, Elisha and Joseph were his brothers

    Reply

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