Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 6775, Charles Cornelius, Va.
Page 1

(8-1776)
SERVICE
Va.
Cornelius, Charles
NUMBER
S. 6775
cancled
CONTENTS
Page 2

12.145
+Virginia (word is crossed over)
Mississippi
Charles Cornelius
of Govckland in the State of Va.
who was a farm. in the __  comm
by Captain  ____ of the Regl  commanded
by Col. Taylor in the Va.
line for 2 years -
Inscribed on the Roll of Virginia
at the rate of 80 - Dollars ----Cents per annum
to commence of the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 1st. day of April
1833 and Sent to H.S. Handy
Present -
Arrears to the 4th of March 1833   160 -
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 april   40 -
$200-
{Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832.}
(torn off) ordered by Nathan Rice  Clerk,
Vol. 6 Page 4
(2nd page torn at top) Cir Year , Sept. 22 (torn)
Jackson, Year fr. 4. Sept 34
Sept. 26. 1835. -
(torn) . Sgt- & Pensioner from
20, 1837
To Mississippi from 4 March
1837 - 21 Sept 1837
See letter to pensioner July 26.
1839 --
Dead.Let to Past Jackson 
feb 5.1846
Hon DB Wright July 20 1854
S. Adams Feb 7th 1833
Page 3

9630
Charles Cornelius
declarations

Virginia
Charles Cornelius
Declarations
Page 4

At a Court held for Goochland County 20th August 1832.
Virginia
Goochland County (to wit)
On this 20th day of August 1832 personally appeared before the county court of the county of Goochland Charles Cornelius a resident of the county aforesaid and state of Virginia, aged seventy 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 provision made by the act of Congress passed June 7, 1832
That he entered the service of the United States, in the Virginia State Troops, in the spring of the year, soon after Burgoyne's Troops were [illegible] to the State of Virginia that he was enlisted by one Joe Saundory, in the County of Culpeper, and state of Virginia, that he marched to Albemarle Barracks, in a company commanded by Mark Thomas, that immediately after, Thomas quit the place and the company was commanded by Capt Porter, who continued to command the company during the duration of the service, that Roberts, was Major, and Forest Taylor was Colonel of the regiment, that whenever the Troops guarded at the Barracks, broke their parol, they were transferred to induction, and he frequently accompanied them, that finally on the breaking in of the British from the south, the remainder of the troops were sent to induction and the whole guard was marched with them, and that he continued in the serve at that place until he was discharged, and, that his written discharge was sent to the war office in order to obtain his pay, and then he has not, recovered it again. That during the whole period of his service he acted as Corporal, That when he enlisted he lived in Culpeper, his native county, about seven miles from the Court house, That subsequently, he served a tour in the Militia of his native state having been drafted soon after his discharge and return to his native county, that he served
Page 5

in the Company commanded by Capt Bohannon of Culpeper, as a private, that he marched with his company backward and forward for some time, and was discharged at springfield near Williamsburgh, that, he was not acquainted with any of the officers in the regular service, that he was not in any battle, and that he has lost his discharge
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever, to a pension or annuity except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the pension roll of any agency in any state or territory
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
Charles Cornelius

And the said court do hereby declare their opinion, that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states .

I William Miller Clerk of the county court of Goochland do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of Charles Cornelius for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office the 29th day of August 1832
Wm. Miller C.C.
Page 6

Application for a transfer.
State of Mississippi
County of Pontotoc Set.
On the seventh day of August 1837 before me the subscriber a Justice of the peace for the County of Pontotoc personally appeared Charles Cornelius, who, on his oath declares that he is the same person who formerly belonged to the company commanded by Captain Thomas Porter in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Francis Taylor in the service of the United States; that his name was placed on the pension roll of the State of Tennessee from whence he has lately removed; that he now resides in the County of Pontotoc and State of Mississippi, where he intends to remain and wishes this pension to be there payable in future. The following are his reasons for removing from Tennessee to Mississippi. He originally intended moving to this state when he left Virginia, but halted a year in West Tennessee until he could make a selection of a place of residence here. He has now purchased land here, and as his children are living about him he expects to make this his permanent place of residence for the balance of his life.
Charles Cornelius

Sworn and subscribed before me the day and year aforesaid.
A B Lee (Seal)
Justice of the Peace
Page 7

State of Mississippi
Pontotoc County Set.
I James W. Drake Clerk of the Circuit Court of the County of Pontotoc do hereby certify that A. B. Lee, the magistrate within named before whom the affidavit of Charles Cornelius was taken is a Justice of the Peace duly appointed and qualified to administer an oath - that full faith and credit are due to his official acts and that the signature within, is in his proper handwriting. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of my office the 7th day of August 1837.
Jas W. Drake Clk.
Page 8

Pontotoc County Set.
Personally appeared before me the subscriber one of the Justices of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid Charles A. Bradford who on his solemn oath says that he has a brief acquaintance with Mr. Charles Cornelius, the pensioner who has subscribed the foregoing affidavit, that from his personal appearance and from all the deponent can learn of him and of his character, he has no doubt that he is the identical pensioner therein named
C A Bradford

Sworn and subscribed before me this 7 day of August 1837.
A B Lee (Seal)
Justice of the peace
Page 9

Charles Cornelius
Va
9630

Admit for 2 years as private $80~
Col. Taylor Va.

Major Henry S. Handy
Washington City
D.C.
Page 10

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
183

Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules and the subjoined notes you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will show what is necessary to be done. These points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: }). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.

A Statement, showing the Service of Charles Cornelius
Period when the service was rendered. enlisted; drafted
Duration of the claimant's service.
Years. Months. Days.
Rank of the claimant. Corporal
Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served.
Capt. M. Thomas, Capt. Porter; Capt. Bohannon
Names and Rank of the General and Field officers.
Maj. Roberts; Col. Frank Taylor
Battles in which the applicant was engaged.
Country through which he marched.
Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period.
70 years Culpeper Va.
Evidence by which the declaration is supported.

I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 11

2
REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c. Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of Private Armed Vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged
in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
1. The Regular Troops.
2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.
3. Persons employed in the Naval service.
4. Indian Spies.
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons, claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.

DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of
County of 
On this [blank] day of [blank] personally appeared (a) before A.B. a resident (b) of [blank] in the county of [blank] and State, Territory or District [blank] 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 provion made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) [blank] served with [blank] in the (e) [blank] regiment of the [blank] line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged,
and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of [blank]
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I [blank] of the Court of [blank] hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of
the application of [blank] for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this [blank] day of
[blank] &c.
If, on examination of the proper record the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the [blank] and C.D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with [blank] who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be
[blank] years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary
Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A.B. [blank] who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the [blank] and that C.D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the [blank] and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, [blank] Clerk of the Court of [blank] do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of [blank] for a pension.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal [blank] of office, this [blank] day of [blank] &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful
in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person
Page 12

will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County, in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
1. Where and in what year were you born?
2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?
3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you live now?
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?
5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.
{To a Soldier}
Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given
and what has become of it?
{To an officer]
Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what became of it?
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
The Court will see that he answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons -one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from
their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. One of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify, to the character and standing of other persons, giving such certificates.
The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct
proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.

[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c]The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:--For---year----months, as a [blank]. For [blank]  months and [blank] days, I served as a [blank]; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about four months, indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years
in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The clerk must affix his seal, and if no device or inscription by which it can to distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no pubic seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the case of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule [j] applies to continental troops only.
[k] This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases
[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration
Page 13

Rev and 1812 Wars Section

October 1. 1928
Rev. R.E. Cornelius
108 East First Street
Hominy, Oklahoma

Sir:-
I advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension Claim, S. 6775, it appears that Charles Cornelius was born in Culpeper County, Virginia, Date not stated.

While residing in said Culpeper county, he enlisted in the spring of the year :soon after Burgoyne's Troops were conveyed to the state of Virginia," and served as a corporal under Captains Mark Thomas, Thomas Porter and Colonel Francis Taylor with the Virginia troops;  and afterwards served as a private in Captain Bohannon's Company of Culpeper County Militia;  dates and length of service not given.

He was allowed pension on his application executed August 20. 1832, while a resident of Goochland County, Virginia, aged seventy years.

In 1835 he lived in Madison County, Tennessee and stated that his children resided there.  One Albert Cornelius testi-
Page 14

fied in 1835 in Madison County, Tennessee, relationship to soldier not mentioned.

In 1837 soldier was living in Pontotoc County, Mississippi and referred to children as "living about him."

Widow, Elizabeth, is referred to in 1846.  There are no further data as to family.

Respectfully,


Winfield Scott 
Commissioner
Page 15

J. Brockenbrough
Sept. 26 '35

Chs. Cornelius
Page 16

Extract of a letter from the Bank of Virginia, dated Sept. 24, 1835

"It appears from the information furnished this Bank by the Branch Bank of the United States at this place, that the pension of Charles Cornelius, a pensioner under the act of June 7, 1832, has been paid to the 4th September 1834."
Page 17

Denmark is in March 
was county which belongs to the new agency at Jackson
[initials illegible]

[illegible] transfer
April 2. 1835
Pension office.

transfer
April 2. 1855
Pension office
Denmark I [Indiana]
18 March 1835
Free [postage] 
Lewis Cass
Secretary of War
Washington City 

83.33
47.17
36.16
Page 18

Rec'd 2 Apl.

Denmark, Tennessee March 18, 1835

D. Sir,
By an act of Congress passed on the 7th June 1832 I became entitled to a pension from the U.S. government, since that time, until within a few months past, I have resided in the state of Virginia, and have drawn my pension semiannually at Richmond, it being made payable at the U.S. Branch Bank at that place.  You will find my name &c recorded in the pension office, in Book E Vol 5 page4.  I have therefore to request you to make the amt. of my pension payable at Nashville in this state, & your compliance will much oblige your humble servant.

Charles Cornelius

Lewis Cass
Secretary of War
Page 19

Charles Cornelius

War ??

Ansd Apl 2d '35
Page 20

19 June
Chas Cornelius
van
Elliot

[Vertical]
Pontota Mi}
June 2}
Free
J. L. Edwards Esq
Commissioner Pensions
Washington
D.C
Page 21

Pontotoc May 31st. 1837.
To J L Edwards Esq
Commisr [Commissioner] of Pensions
Sir,
Having made application to the Agent of
US for paying pension at Jackson Tennessee for the payment of the arrears due on my pension. my attorney in fact was informed that in pursuance of a new arrangement made
by the Pension Office, it was necessary to forward to that office a counter part of the power of Attorney and certificates, which I herewith enclose, and request that an order may be issued requiring the Agent at Jackson Tennessee to pay my pension already due or which may hereafter may occur.
I have enclosed the within papers in pursuance of the suggestion of the Agent at Jackson, though as I have already received a payment at that [office] I cannot perceive the necessity for an order from the Pension Office, but the agent at Jackson has refused to make the payment of the arrears due without such order, and I therefore request that it may be made as soon as possible
With much respect
Yr. [Your] obt [obedient] Svt [Servant]

Charles Cornelius
Page 22

FREE
Hone [Honorable] Joel R Poinsett
Secretary of War
Washington City

C. 275
July 25, 1829

July 26, 1839

L. C. 25

Pension Office
Page 23

Pontotoc, Miss, June 29 1839

Hone [Honorable] J. R. Poinsett
Secy of War
Washington City
Dear Sir

I am a pensioner and am very needy, in due distress for the amount due me from the Government and I have applied to
I have appraise to the pension agent of
Natchez and an answered that he has
no funds, I hope you will direct fund
to be placed at Natchez forthwith for
the payment of those war worn soldiers
who have spent the better portion of
their days in the service of their country
I am dear Sir
your friend & servant
Charles Cornelius
Page 24

FREE [postage]
[postmark] JACKSON TENN
SEP 8

J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pens [Pensions]
Washington

Sept 21

Mr. Evans
Page 25

Line 1: Pr.. Union 1 Bank Tea
Line 2: Jackson Sep. 51834
Line 3: Sirs
Line 3: Your favor of 25 ult. has been
Line 4: -just received- that mentioned, as being dated,
Line 5: 20 June last, has not been received.
Line 6: Charley Cornelius, a Pensioner under act of
Line 7: June 1832 at 80 [illegible-?dollar sign] per annum, has reaseved his
Line 8: pension up to 4 March 1834 _ I. had nut
Line 9: reciever, when I made this last names payment_been
Line 10: informed whithen aformer payment made by me
Line 11: to him Virg! from 4 March 1834 to 4 sept 1835,
Line 12: had been recognized by the Department, or not_
Line 13: but presumed it has been _ the [illegible] having
Line 14: been forwarded, sufficiently amended-
Line 15: :Very Respectfully
Line 16: Your Obt Serts
Line 17:Jno W Campbell Cs
Line18: (and sign) Pens. Dpt.
Line 19: J. L. Edwards Esg
Line 20: Comms. of Pensions
Page 26

FREE [postage]

[postmark] JACKSON TEN
SEP 9

J L Edwards
Com [Commisioner] pensions
Washington City

Sept 21
Mr [illegible]
Page 27

Pension Agency
PAID   10
J. L. Edwards Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
D. C.

Feb. 3 '46

Eliz [Elizabeth] Cornelius 

Miss [illegible] 43
Page 28

Pension Agency Jackson Miss
19 January 1846

J.L. Edwards Esq
Com [Commissioner] of Pensions

Sir

An application has been made to me to pay Elizabeth Cornelius widow of Charles Cornelius the balance of his pension from 4 March 1843 to 4 September 1843.  I have refused upon two grounds - 1st She has not or any one else
as shown to me taken out Letters of Administration upon his estate. 2nd There is no proof exhibited of the exact time of the Pensioners death -
I ask your instructions as to paying the pension with both or either of the above
requisition uncomplied with
An answer at your earliest leisure is most respectfully solicited
Your Obt. [Obedient] St [Servant]
D.C. Glenn
Pension Agent
Page 29

Rev. & 1812 wars Section.
September 21, 1938.
COPIED BY ADY

Mrs. Jane Pierce Jennings Wilson,
503 Richmond Trust Building,
Richmond, Virginia.

Madam:
MI advise you relative to Revolutionary War pension claim of Charles Cornelius (S.6775) that his widow never applied for pension in her own right,
In order to obtain date of last payment of pension of above named Charles Cornelius, the name of person paid and possibly the date of soldier's death, you should apply to the Records Division, General Accounting Office, Washington, D.C., citing the following data:
"Charles Cornelius, Certificate Number 12145, issued April 1, 1833, rate $80.00 per annum, commenced March 4, 1831, Act of June 7, 1832, Mississippi Agency (Jackson)
transferred from Virginia Agency."
Respectfully,

E. W. MORGAN,
Acting Commissioner.
Page 30

September 13, 1928.

Mrs. Jane Pierce Jennings Wilson,
P. O. Box 1612,
Richmond, Virginia.
Madam:
I advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 6775, it appears that Charles Cornelius was born in Culpeper County, Virginia, date not stated.
While residing in said Culpeper County, he enlisted in the spring of the year "soon after Burgoyne's Troops were conveyed to the state of Virginia" and served as a corporal under Captains Mark Thomas, Thomas Porter and
Colonel Francis Taylor with the Virginia Troops; and afterwards served as a private in Captain Bohannon's Company of Culpeper County Militia; dates and length of service not given.
He was allowed pension on his application executed August 20, 1832, while a resident of Goochland County, Virginia, aged seventy years.
In 1835 he lived in Madison County, Tennessee and stated that his children resided there. One Albert Cornelius testi-
Page 31

TE
fied in 1835 in Madison County, Tennessee, relationship to soldier not mentioned.
In 1837 soldier was living in Pontotoc County, Mississippi and referred to children as "living about him".
Widow, Elizabeth, is referred to in 1846. There are no further data as to family.

Respectfully,

WINFIELD SCOTT.
Commissioner.

COPIED BY ADY
Page 32

March 2, 1928

Honorable Jeff Busby
House of Representatives
Washington, D. C.

My dear Mr. Busby:
In response to your letter of the twenty-eighth
ultimo, in which you request the records of Revolutionary War soldiers, Charles Cornelius and Thomas Jennings, I have the honor to advise you that you are herewith furnished the histories of the only soldiers of those names, found on the Revolutionary War records of this Bureau.
From the papers in the Revolutionary War
pension claim S. 6775, it appears that Charles Cornelius was born in Culpeper County,  Virginia, date not stated.
While residing in said Culpeper County, he enlisted in the spring of the year "soon after Burgoyne's Troops were conveyed to the state of Virginia" and served as a corporal under Captains Mark Thomas, Thomas Porter and Colonel Francis Taylor with the Virginia Troops; and afterwards served as a private in Captain
Bohannon's Company of Culpeper County, Militia; dates and length of service not given.
He was allowed pension on his application executed August 20, 1832, while a resident of Goochland County, Virginia, aged seventy years.
In 1835, he lived in Madison County, Tennessee, and stated that his children resided there. One Albert Cornelius testified in 1835 in Madison County, Tennessee, relationship to soldier not mentioned.
In 1837, soldier was living in Pontotoc County,
Mississippi and referred to children as living about him".
Widow Elisabeth is referred to in 1846. There
are no further data as to family.
Page 33

JANE PIERCE JENNINGS WILSON
TREASURER
RESIDENCE 2201 HANOVER AVE.
PHONE: BOULEVARD 4335
JENNINGS FAMILY RECORD
503 RICHMOND TRUST BUILDING
RICHMOND, VIRGINIA, U. S. A.
ADDRESS MAIL. P. O. BOX 1612
CABLE ADDRESS CHALOEBER
September, 19, 1928
Bureau of Pensions
Department of Interior
Washington, D.C.
Gentlemen:
Rev. & 1812 War Section.
Rev. War Pension Claim S 6775
Gentlemen:
Charles Cornelius having drawn a pension from August 20, 1832 it would seem that the records would show the date of the last pension check paid to the said Charles Cornelius and possibly the date of his
death and place of residence at time of death.
On the death of Charles Cornelius was pension allowed to the widow? If so what is the date of the last payment and where?
Sincerely yours,
Mrs. Jane Pierce Jennings Wilson
Mrs. Jane Pierce Jennings Wilson
Page 34

Residence Phone: Boul. 4335
Office Phone: Ran. 2829
DR. DAVID G. WILSON
707 PROFESSIONAL BUILDING
RICHMOND, VIRGINIA
September, 11, 1928
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington, D.C.
Gentlemen:
In preparing the personal History of Charles Cornelius and his family I find sveral [sic] rwfences [sic] to his military service in the War of the Revolution but none of which seem to be quite complete.
The Virginia Files show that he was a pensioner in 1840 and included in the Census of that year as being at Mississippi.
The Adjutant Generals Office Records show that he was a soldier of the Virginia Line, and that on Dec. 16, 1783 the sum of 66L 17s. 1d.
was paid on his account to one French Strother.
May I ask you for a transcript of the records of Charles Cornelius as they appear in your files.
I am,
Sincerely yours,
Jane Pierce Jennings Wilson
Mrs. Jane Pierce Jennings Wilson
P. O. Box 1612
Richmond, Va.
PA
[stamp]
PENSION OFFICE 
U.S.
F SEP 12 1928
Page 35

JEFF BUSBY
4TH DIST. Mississippi
COMMITTEE:
PUBLIC BUILDINGS
AND GROUNDS
Congress of the United States
House of Representatives
Washington, D. C.
February 28, 1928.
Hon. Winfield Scott,
Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir:
I am very desirous of procuring all the information I possibly can in regard to some of my relatives who served in the Revolutionary War, especially pertaining to one THOMAS JENNINGS and one CHARLES CORNELIUS.
The War Department advises me that their
records show that one Thomas Jennings served in the Revolutionary War as a soldier of Virginia State Infantry, rank and organization not further indicated. His name appears on a record under the heading, "A List of State Soldiers and Seamen who have received Certificates for the balance of their full pay. Agreeable to Act of Assembly passed November Session 1781," which shows that
on November 20, 1783, the sum of £78 S O D 9 was drawn by one Mr. Booker.
The records also show that one Charles Cornelius served in the Revolutionary War as a soldier of Virginia Infantry, rank and organization not further indicated. His name appears on a record under the heading, " A list of Soldiers of the Virginia Line on Continental Establishment who have received Certificates for the balance of their full pay Agreeable to an Act of Assembly passed November Session 1781, which shows that on December 16, 1783, the sum of £66 S 17 D 1 was received by one French Strother.
I quote the above, thinking perhaps it may aid
you in searching your records for a trace of these men, which search I would like to have made, giving me anything they [sic] may reveal relative to these two names, as the War Department suggested I might possibly obtain some additional information from your office pertaining thereto.
Thanking you in advance for your action to
this request, I am
Sincerely yours
Jeff Busby
[stamp]
PENSION OFFICE
FEB 29 1928
U.S.
Page 36

Hominy, Okla., 12    10    27

Department of Interior,
Bureau of Pensions,
Revolutionary War Section,
Washington, D. C.

Dear sir,
I am trying to trace my family line. My great
grandfather, Charles Cornelius, fought in the Revolutionary War. I think that he married Elizabeth Jennings, 1794,  in Culpepper Co., Va., where her father lived at the time. He reared his family mostly at Hadensville, Goochland Co., Va. I feel sure he was of Virginia.
Please let me hear whether you have any data whatsoever of him. Thanking you, and trusting to hear from you soon,
I am 

Sincerely yours,
R E Cornelius
Pastor First Baptist Church
Hominy, Oklahoma.
Page 37

6775
Rev War
INVALID.

No. 6775
Charles Cornelius
Priv [Private] Rev. [Revolutionary] War

Act: June 7th 1732
Index: --Vol. 1st, Page 74
[Arrangement of 1870.]

1928 March 2 Hist. to Hon. Jeff Busby
1928 Sept 13 "   " Mrs. Jane P J Wilson avg
1928 Sept 21 Mrs. J. P. J. Wilson advised [illegible] to date of last payment etc MMV
1928 Oct 1- Hist. to Rev. R. E. Cornelius WVF
Page 38

Note on the transfer of
Charles Cornelius that
he will be transferred to
the Jackson Agency
Page 39

Charles Cornelius

Virginia
to 
Jackson Ten.
Page 40

Application for a transfer
State of Tennessee
County of Madison
SS
On this Seventh day of September 1835 before
me the Subscriber, a Justice of the peace for the said County of Madison personally appeared Charles Cornelius, who, on his oath, declares that he is the same person who formerly belonged to the company commanded by Captain Thomas Porter in
the Regiment commanded by Colonel Francis Taylor in the service of the United States; that his name was placed on the pension roll of the State of Virginia, from whence he has lately removed; that he now resides in the State of
Tennessee and County of Madison, where he intends to remain, and wishes his pension to be there payable in future. The following are his reasons for removing from the State of Virginia to Tennessee to wit: His children
were all leaving him and coming to Tennessee, and he preferred being near them, and in addition he lived upon a very sterile piece of land, and has been able to rent good land in
Tennessee. He was therefore prompted by affection and interest to remove
Charles Cornell
Sworn to and Subscribed before me the day and year aforesaid
Test MCDSM[illegible]

State of Tennessee
Madison County
SS
On the Seventh day of September 1835 also personally before me the Subscriber a Justice of the peace for said County Albert Cornelius, who on his oath declares that the above named Charles Cornelius is the identical person, named in an original certificate from the [illegible] department dated 1st of April 1833, and Numbered 12.145, as a pensioner for services rendered to the United States as a private in the army of the Revolution, at the rate of Eighty dollars a year during his natural life commencing on the 4th of March 1831
Page 41

and the identical person, enscribed on the pension Agency of the State of Virginia, where he lived at the time the said pension was granted to him, and until he removed to the State of Tennessee
Albert Cornelicy
Sworn and Subscribed before me the day and year aforesaid
Test MGDson JP

State of Tennessee
Madison County
The undersigned a Justice of the peace for
said County do hereby certify, that the above
and Albert Cornelius is a reputable citizen of said County, a man of veracity and entitled to full credit on his oath. Given under my hand this 7th day of September 1835

State of Tennessee
Madison County
SS5.
I Roderick McIver Clerk of the Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions for said County Certify
that William C Dew whose name appears attested to the foregoing affidavits and certificate is a Justice of the Peace duly qualified for said County and that his signatures where the same appears above are
genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto
set my hand and affixed my seal
of office. Done at office in Jackson
on this 7th day of September 1835
Rodk [Roderick]  McIver  Clerk
By Heystrange D.C.