John King, the Revolutionary soldier, volunteered for service to his country, in the cause of freedom, at White Plains, Maryland, for the term of three years 1778-1781. He served as a private under the command of Captain Stull of the Regiment commanded by Colonel Gunby, in the Maryland line from April 1778-April 1781. He fought in the Battles of Ruddy Fork, Alamance and Guilfod in the state of North Carolina. Was discharged from duty in Canaden, South Carolina, April 1781, When he arrived in Virginia is uncertain.
The above military record is contrary to a record that has previously been published. However, the above record is the one recieved from the Military Archives, Washington, DC., The above record was approved by the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution who have access to Military Archives records.
In 1818 the Revolutionary Claims Act was enacted by U.S. Congress providing a pension to Revolutionary soldiers. John King did not agree to apply for pension at this time. He felt he would be asking for and recieving charity of which he was opposed. He fought for freedom and independence not for monetary gain.
By 1829 John King was experiencing some mifortune and realized he would come to the point of declining health. He appeared before the court in Montgomery County, Virginia, in September, 1829, with his sworn statement of service, record of property ownership and letters of recommendation from his neighbors, Andrew Lewis, Jonathon Conner, and son-in-law, Stephen Burnett. Andrew Lewis stated he knew personally that Jong King had fought bravely in the battles he mentioned. He was in his neighbor, a man of good character, truthful and honest. However he had experienced financial difficulty.
In June, 1832, John King signed the following statement:
Known all men by these present, that I, John King, of the County of Floyd, Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States, do hereby constitutes and appoint Robert Craig, my true and lawful attorney for me and in my name, to receive from the Agent of the United States for paying pensions in Washington City, DC, my pensions from fourth day of March, 1831., to the fourth of March 1832.
Witness my Hand and Seal, this the 18'th day of June, 1832.
Signed by
Henry D. King as Witness
Signed by
John King
