Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 8,321, Aaron Deveny, N.C.
Page 1

Service NC
Contents Born in Penn.
Deveny, Aaron 
Number S.8.321
carded
Page 2

30518
Aaron Delong
Pathered in the State of Main
was a stept in the Compy commanded
by Captain of the Rept commanded
by Col Graham in the North the
line for 3 month Sentenant
6
Captain
scribed on the Roll of North Carolina
the rate of 160 Dollars - Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
---
---
Certificate of Pension issued the 28 day of March
and sent
Thos
G
Birchett Rutherfordon
Arrears to the 4th March 1836 $800.00
Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 Sept "
80.00
$80.00
Book
Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832
Recorded by DD Addison Clerk
Vol. 2 Page 37
o
Suspd letter to Page J.
13
Whimant June 6. 1840. Do to Hon
J. Graham June 8. 1840.
the Pensioner, Aug. 29, 1840
let 16 May 1842
to
James Robert
same Sep. 16. 1843
Letter to Nathan Leake 24th the
John Anders
29 Apl 1846
N
Dec 24
S
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State of North Carolina Rutherford County
On this 29th day of October 1834 personally appeared in open court before the Justices of the court of plus a quarter {illegible} now sitting Aron Diviny a resident of the United States in the county & state aforesaid aged 87 years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on the his oath makes the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed the 7th of June 1832 Sayeth that from date age and consiquent (sic. consequent) lapse of memory he cannot swear to the precise length of his service or the dates but but to the best of his recollection not bef than the period mentioned below and the dates and in the following years andfor which service I claim a pension Sayeth in the year 1772 he moved from York county state of Pennsylvania and settled on the frontiers of North Carolina Tyron now Rutherford county near where he now resides in the year 1775 I was elected and commissioned by ? illegible Wm Graham a ?illegible in Captain Robert Rawkins company of militia in the fall and winter we had several ?illegible parties after the Indians and through the year 1776 in the 1777 we was ordered to take charge of the forts in sumford county by ? William Graham we was kept moving to different places for the months I held and served as first ? during this tour soon after our return home Cap Rawkins left this county and an election for a captain was held I was elected and commissioned by ? Andrew Hampton this I think was in the year 1777. I was ordered by Captn Hampton to meet him at ? town on a certain day with all my company to support a gang of Tories that had embarked near that place we met on the day appointed when they found we was in ? of them they stalked us ? them and took a good many of them prisoners but we could not prove anything against them and they was released this was the company of Tories commanded by Capt -blank- who was shortly after ? and hanged. I was out on this river not bef than two weeks I think my next town was in the year 1780 I ? ? from Cap McDowell and & Hampton to raise my company and be at a certain place on the south fork of the Carawba on a given day but on the day we arrived at our place appointed the battle of Ramsours Mill was fought we was in a few hills of the place we was then put under the command of General Rutherford an was sent in pursuit of the Tories in all directions we drove them as we thought out of our reach I was out on this town 3 months not long after this time Ferguson was marching through our county and we gathered our men together in order to muster him near the head of Cane Creek I was informed by a runner in the morning before the battle that he was retreating back ? out myself to inform the Burke Troops but before I got to there {sic} encampment I was taken prisoner by three of Fergusons Spys and he kept me in confinement 13 or 14 days before he paroled me after the battle of Kings mountain I thought my parole was out and I was ordered to take the charge of the forts in Mumford's cove where I was stationed for 3 months ? the different forts
Page 4

served 3 months as Leutinant {sic} and 6 months a Captain and 13 or 14 day as a prisoner which is the term of service that I server {sic} in the Revolutionary War and for which I claim a pension I hereby relinquish every claim what ever to a pension except the present and declare that my name is not on the pension roll of the Agency of any state or teritory {sic} whatsoever 
Question 1st by the court: Where and in what year were you born : 
Answer: I was in York County Pennsylvania in the year 1747
Question 2: have you any ? of your age and if so wherer is it
Answer: I have it taken from the original list at home 
Question 3: Where were you living when calls into service where have you lived since the Revolutionary and where do you now live
Answer: I was living in Tryon now Rutherford county N Carolina where I have lived ever since
Question 4th: How were you called into service were you drafted did you ? inelligble 
Answer: I was a volunteer and served when and where I was directed by the commanding officers obeyed every order promptly
Question 5th : State the names of some of the regular officers who were with the troop where you served such Continental and Militia red guards you  can recollect and the General circumstances of your service 
Answer: I have given a full a detail of my services as my memory will justify I was under General Rutherford Cap Graham Hampton Porter McDowell
Question 6th: Did you ever receive a ?  and if so by whom was it signed and what has become of it 
Answer: I think that my first ? was signed by Cap Wm Graham I think I was ? Capt ? Andrew Hampton I do not recollect that they was signed by any other person but during the war I had my house and all things that was in it burnt by the Tories and amongst them all the papers I have relative to my service in the Revolutionary War 
Question 7th: State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighbors who can testify as to your character for veracity and good behavior your service as a soldier of the Revolutionary 
Answer: John Padgett John Logan ?
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
Page 5

State of North Carolina, Rutherford County;
On this 25th day of Nov 1856, personally
appeared before me , Wm. G. Moor, a Magistrate of Rutherford County
and State of No. Carolina.  Anne Diviney  aged
about 78 years, a resident of this County of
Rutherford & State aforesaid who being duly sworn
according to law upon her Oath says that she
is a daughter of Aaron Di[illegible] who was  a
pensioner on the Roll of the State of North Carolina
(a Revolutionary Pensioner)--she states that she
lived with her Father Aaron Diviney from her
infancy until his death.  She states that her
Father disposed of the proceeds of his Pension
as seemed good in his own sight--that
some of his children and grand children 
were dissatisfied, that it did not seem good
in the Pensioner to divide it out, that they
were angry on that account, and said that
they would take measures to stop the pension
and as I am informed my Nephew James
McFarland wrote to the Department that
his grand father Aron Diviney never was
in the service, she also states that she heard
her sister Margaret the mother of James [illegible]
--land thereafter  that this pension should be stopped
all because her father Aaron would not
divide out according to her died her childrens
notions.  She further states that she heard
her father say after his pension was stopped 
but ,that it would have been at the appearance
of degrading his daughter  Margaret, and
rather than do that he would do without it.
She now states that her father had ever been
a consistent member of the Presbyterian S[illegible]
Church as long as she [illegible] him, shewing
Page 6

by a walk and conversation the way
that they should walk, and by his example at
the family alter through life taught taught
them to acknowledge God in all their steps
and she adds if one or more of his children
has taken steps to stop his pension by representing
that their father Aaron Diviney was not
a Soldier and a patriot on the side of the
Colonies, they must have said it at the
expense of the truth, --she states that she heard
her mother and father both state a circumstance
of the Revolution in her fathers case-- a scouting
party of British Soldiers under Col.  Ferguson some
took her father Aaron Diviney prisoner in
the Comity (now of  [illegible] Dowell) together with 
several others, they put them under a guard.
Her mother followed and intreated Col. Ferguson
to release her husband, Ferguson gave him
a parole, made him swear that he would not
take up arms against Great Britain when Ferguson
was pursued.  some of them  paroled follow
Ferguson to Kings Mountain but her father did not,
but assumed his position of guarding the
Forts against the Indians, --she states she heard
her mother say that where she was pleading with
Ferguson for her husband that Ferguson remarked
that he would rather see twenty dead men than 
one woman in tears, she states that her mother said
she was sorry when she heard of the death of Ferguson
as he had treated her so kind.
(signature of Wm. G Mode Jr)   (Signature/mark  of Anne
Diviney
Page 7

Know all men by these presents:
That we, Elizabeth Stewart and Anne Diviney both 
residents of the County of Rutherford and State
of No, Carolina hath appointed and by these
presents constitute and appoint Rachel 
Water (our sister) our true and lawful
attorney to ask di______ and receive
from the Gov't of the United States any back
pension due us heirs of Aaron Diviney
who was a Pensioner on the Roll of the State
of North Carolina but whose pension has been
as we think and believe wrongfully kept
back by the Department, giving and granting 
unto our said Sister power to act in this case
to all intents as we might or could do if
personally present granting her power to 
examine all papers at Washington City or else
where pertaining to said claim also giving
her power to appoint one or more substitutes
in her place, Hereby ratifying and conferring 
all that our sister and attorney 
may lawfully do in the [illegible] or what
any attorney or attorneys appointed by her
to prosecute said claim may lawfully do
and revoking all former powers, granting
Page 8

her the right to ask and receive a certificate
for the amount due us, in her own
individual name.  In testimony of which
we have hereunto subscribed our names and
seals in presence of      (Elizabeth Stewart mark)
this 25 day of Nov. 1854  (Anne Diviney mark)
Patrick [illegible]
Winefred P Mode signature
This 25 day of Nov 1854 personally appeared
before me W. G. Mode a Justice of the Peace
within and for the County of Rutherford and
State of North Carolina.  Elizabeth Stewart and
Anne Diviney to me both well known and
acknowledged the foregoing power of attorney
to be their act and deed for the purposes there
in stated and I Certify that I believe them
to be directly interested in the claim afore-
named and I Certify they are both
highly credible persons. In testimony 
whereof I have subscribed my name and
office the day and year before written.
(signature of Wm' G. Mode, J.P.)
Page 9

Know all men  by these presents that I Rachel
Waters a resident of the County of Rutherford
and state of No. Carolina by the power vested in
me by my sister Elizabeth Stewart and  Anne
Diviney by a power of attorney bearing date
the 25th day of Nov. 1854 do constitute and 
appoint and by these presents do constitute and
appoint John Anderson of Burke County
my true and lawful Atty. to ask and d_____
and receive in his own name a Certificate
for any p______ due me as heir
of Aaron Diviney who was pensioner  of
the U. States also to receive a Certificate in
his name for the amount due my sister
Elizabeth Stewart and Anne Diviney and
receipt for the same. Hereby ratifying
all that my said Attorney may do as
I could or would do it personally present
and revoking all former powers made
by me in testimony of which I have 
hereunto subscribed my name and seal
this 25th day of Nov. 1854.   (Rachel Waters mark)
In presence of
[illegible ] Mcp[illegible] signature)
(Winefred P Mode. signature)
Page 10

This 25th day of Nov 1854 personally [illegible] before [illegible] a Magistrate of Rutherford County and State aforesaid Rachel Waters to me well known a resident of the County and State aforesaid and acknowledge the within power of attorney to be her act and deed for the purposes therein named and I certify I believe her to be directly interested in said claim and I certify that she is a credible person in [illegible] whereof I have subscribed my name and [illegible] this 25th  Nov 1854
Wm G. Mode, J.P.

State of North Carolina
I R. L. Gilkey clerk of the Court of Pleas & [illegible] Sessions for the County of Rutherford certify that W.G Mode before whom this foregoing acknowledging [illegible] were [illegible] was at this date of this same as acting Justices of the Peace for said County and [illegible] to qualified & his signature is [illegible].
Given under my hand and seal of office this 4th day of Dec AD 1854
R.L. Gilkey [illegible]
Page 11

E
OF
Haron
D
&
even
1
to
Ann Seven
Children ┃
I
Wife
1747
Sarah Devery wife of Aaron Devent ┃
Robert Deveny son to Aaron Born April
24
Margaret Do
very Born October ye 29. 1776
Ann Deveny Born June 17
Aaron Deveny Born January ye 17
1713
in Decay Born Novbr 1 1780
Rachel Canney Born
the
Mary Deveny Born March
the 1184
the
Sarah Deveny February
Heath Devens February 1888 ┃
Sarah Black Deving Born February 1794
Rosanah only one born of the 25
Aaron Sons born July that
Page 12

State of North Caroline
Rutherford County
At a Court
Pleas & Quarter Sessions
hand and held for said County on the
27th of Nov 1854, it was satisfactory proven
that the accompanying record of the ages
of Aar During and
family is a true
record taken from the Bible being
said James Dering a pensioner of the
States, and that the only surviving
children of said James Diviney and by
name as follows, Rachel Waters, Elizabeth
Stewart, Margaret McFarland, I am Love &
Sally Dunlop,
in
testimony of which I
A L Gilley Clerk
of said
Court
have hereunto set my name
and
5th
affixed my seal
of
Decr
of office this ┃
A.L. Gilkey
of
Page 13

July 3, 1937.

Copied by ILL
BA=J/ady
Aaron Deveny
S. 8321

J. V. DeVenny
Kings Mountain Baptist Association
Lawndale, North Carolina.

Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of Aaron Deveny, who served from North Carolina.

The data given herein were found in pension claim, S. 8321, based upon service of Aaron Deveny in that war.

Aaron Deveny was born April 16, 1747, in York County, Pennsylvania; the names of his parents ae not shown.

In 1772 he moved from York County, Pennsylvania, and settled in Tryon County (which was later Rutherford County), North Carolina.

He applied for pension October 29, 1834, at which time he was a resident of Rutherford County, North Carolina (in which county he had lived ever since 1772) and stated that in 1775 he was commissioned Lieutenant in Captain Robert Rankin's North Carolina Company by Colonel William Graham and served as such officer in 1775 and 1776 and 1777 about six months in all at various times in charge of the forts and in protecting the inhabitants against the enemy and was frequently out against Indians and Tories and in skirmishes with them, that in 1777 he was commissioned Captain by Colonel Andrew Hampton, was out against the Tories and in an engagement near Gilbert Town; that in 1780 he went with his company under orders of Colonels McDowell and Hampton against the Tories near the head of Cane Creek, was captured by Ferguson's  spies held about fourteen days, released on parole, and returned home and served three months in charge of the forts; he also stated that he served under Colonel Porter, but that particular part of the service is not designated.

His claim for pension was allowed.

He died March 16, 1842, in Rutherford County, North Carolina.
Page 14

Soldier married Sarah, born October 26, 1748, date and place
death shown.
of marriage and maiden name of wife not given, nor the date of her
They had the following children:
Robert
Margret or Margaret
Deveny born
Ann or Anne
Aaron
Jane
Rachel
Mary
Sarah
8
W
4
W
Elisbath of Elizabeth "
Sarah Black
Rosanah greyson
Aaron
8
April
October
June
January
November 19,
March
7,
1782.
May
July
14, 1773.
1774.
26,
1776.
26,
1778.
1780.
March
28, 1784.
February
34, 1786.
February
1, 1788
February
1, 1791.
25, 1798.
5, 1800.
29,
On November 25, 1854, the following children were living: Anne
Deveny, Rachel Waters, Elizabeth Stewart (or Steward) and Margaret
McFarland, all then of Rutherford County, North Carolina, Jane Love
and Sally Dunlap.
in 1840.
Soldier's grandson, James McFarland, son of Margaret McFarland,
was a resident of Duncans Creek, Rutherford County, North Carolina,
One A. D. McFarland was living in Sandy Plain, North Carolina,
in 1850, and one Patrick McFarland was in Rutherford County, North Carolina
, in 1854, no relationship stated.
Very truly yours,
A. D. HILLER,
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator.
Page 15

Honorable W. L. Nelson
225 House Office Building
Washington, D. C.

April 14, 1936.
BA-J/ILL
Philemon Hawkins
S. 6957

My dear Mr. Nelson:
     Reference is made to your letter in behalf of
Mrs. J. Frank Thompson of Columbia, Missouri, whose letter you enclosed.  Mrs. Thompson requests the records of Aaron Daviney 
and Philemon Hankins, Revolutionary War pensioners.
    Those records are furnished herewith.
 Very truly yours
 A. D. HILLER,
  Executive Assistant to the Administrator,
Page 16

VETERANS ADMINISTRATION
Washington
April 14, 1936.
BA-J/ady
S.8321
Aaron Deveny
Honorable W. L. Nelson
225 House Office Building
Washington, D. C.
My dear Mr. Nelson:
    The record of Aaron Deveny is given herein as found in the papers on file in pension claim, S.8321, based upon his service in the Revolutionary War.
    Aaron Deveny was born April 16, 1747, in York County, Pennsylvania.
    In 1772 he moved from York County, Pennsylvania, and settled in Tryon County, (which was later Rutherford County, North Carolina.
    He applied for pension October 29, 1834, at which time he was a resident of Rutherford County, North Carolina (in which county he had lived since 1772) and stated that in 1775 he was commissioned Lieutenant in Captain robert Rankin's North Carolina Company by Colonel  William Graham and served as such officer in 1775 and 1776 and 1777 about six months in all at various times in charge of the forts and in protecting the inhabitants against the enemy and was frequently out against Indians and Tories and in skirmishes with them;
that in 1777 he was commissioned captain by Colonel Andrew Hampton, was out against the Tories and in an engagement near Gilbert Town; that in 1780 he went with his company under orders of Colonels McDowell and Hampton against the Tories near the head of Cane Creek, was captured by Ferguson's spies, held about fourteen days, released on parole, but returned home and served three months in charge of the forts; he also stated that he
served under Colonel Porter, but that particular part of the service is not designated.
    His claim for pension was allowed.
    He died March 16, 1842, in Rutherford County, North Carolina
.
of
Page 17

and
Soldier married Sarah, born October 28, 1748, date
place of marriage and maiden name of wife not given,
no
is the date of her death shown
They had the following children:
Robert Deveny
Margret or Margaret Deveny
¶
Ann or Anne Deveny
Aaron Devony
N
Jane Deveny
¶
Rachel Deveny
Mary Deveny
Sarah Deveny
Mizbath or Elizabeth Deveny"
Sarah Black Deveny
Rosanah greyson Deveny
Aaron Deveny
W
born April
October
June
March
March
February
February
February
May
July
January
November
14,
39
28
25,
19
24,
1
1,
25
X
1773.
1774.
1778.
1778.
30.
782.
784.
1
786.
38.
1791.
800.
ing:
tew
on November 25, 1854 the following children were liv-
Anne Deveny, Rachel Waters, Elizabeth Stewart (or
ard), and Margaret McFarland, all then of Rutherford
County, North Carolina, Jane Love and Sally Dunlap.
Soldier's grandson, James McFarland, son of Margaret
McFarland was a resident of Duncan Creek, Rutherford
County, North Carolina, in 1840.
ford
Carol
One A. D. McFarland was living in Sandy Plain, North
lina, in 1850, and one Patrick McFarland was of Father
County, North Carolina, in 1854, no relationship stated.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant to the Administrator.
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Page 18


Rev. & 1812 Wars Section.
ADY
Rev. W. G. McFarland,
First Methodist Church,
Cherryville, North Carolina.
June 6, 1930.

Dear Sir:

    I advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 8321, it appears that Aaron Deveny was born April 16, 1747 in York County, Pennsylvania.
    In 1773 he moved from York County, Pennsylvania and settled in Tryon County, (which was later Rutherford County) North Carolina.
    He applied for pension October 29, 1834 at which time he was a resident of Rutherford County, North Carolina (in which county he had lived since 1772) and stated that in 1775 he was commissioned Lieutenant in Captain
Robert Rankin's North Carolina Company by Colonel William Graham and served as such officer in 1775 and 1776 and 1777 about six months in all at various times in charge
of the forts and in protecting the inhabitants against the enemy and was frequently out against Indians and Tories and in skirmishes with them, that in 1777 he was commissioned Captain by Colonel Andrew Hampton, was out
against the Tories and in an engagement near Gilbert Town;  that in 1780 he went with his company under orders of Colonels McDowell and Hampton against the Tories near the
head of Cane Creek, was captured by Ferguson's spies, held about fourteen days, released on parole, but returned home
and served three months in charge of the forts; he also stated that he served under Colonel Porter, but that particular part of the service is not designated.
    His claim for pension was allowed.
    He died March 16, 1842 in Rutherford County, North Carolina
.
Page 19

Soldier married Sarah, born October 28, 1748, date
and place of marriage and maiden name of wife not given,
nor is the date of her death shown.
They had the following children:
Robert Deveny
born
Margret or Margaret Deveny
Ann or Anne Deveny
Aaron Deveny
Jane Deveny
Rachel Deveny
Mary Deveny
Sarah Deveny
Eliabath or Elizabeth Deveny"
Sarah Black Deveny
Rosannah greyson Deveny
Aaron Deveny
April
October
June
January
November
March
March
February
May
July
February
February
14,
29,
26,
26,
19
7
28
24,
19
1,
25,
5,
1773.
1774.
1776.
1778.
1780.
1783.
1784.
1786.
1788.
1791.
1798.
1800.
On November 25, 1834 the following children were living
: Anne Deveny, Rachel Waters, Elizabeth Stewart (or
Steward), and Margaret McFarland, all then of Rutherford
County, North Carolina, Jane Love and Sally Dunlap.
Soldier's grandson, James McFarland, son of Margaret
McFarland was a resident of Duncans Creek, Rutherford
County, North Carolina in 1840.
One A. D. McFarland was living in Sandy Plain, North Carolina
in 1850, and one Patrick McFarland was of Rutherford
County, North Carolina in 1854, no relationship stated.
Very truly yours,
E. W. MORGAN,
Acting Commissioner.
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(back of typed letter)

It would seem that this soldier did render the honorable service that he claimed to have rendered and which he proved by those who served with him & as at the last in bureau letter of Dec. 22, 1854 to John [illegible] the quibble was a question of length of service, I omitted the statement that his name was dropped from the pension role.  
[initials}  MHF
June 6, 1930




1930
and
a
have
there
the
to John
to
1
refused
Page 21

J. W. SUTTLE Moderator
Shelby, N. C.

J. V. DeVENNY, Clerk
Lawndale, N. C.
Kings Mountain Baptist Association
42 Churches 12962 Members
June 18, 1937

Veterans Administration
Washington D.C.
Gentlemen:

    In making inquiries concerning the Revolutionary war services
of my great-great grandfather Aaron DeVenny (name DeVeny variations and spelled as above, De vinny, DeVany,) I was referred to your bureau.  Aaron Deveny was born in   Pennsylvania, migrated to what was then Tryon County, N.C. about 1772; served perhaps in militia, at different times and in different capacities during the period of the war, commissioned Lieutenant and Captain perhaps of militia. It would sum he received a pension
from the Government during the later years of his life, 1830-1844. What do the public records show as to his service and pension?
    Any information on the above points, or other data concerning said Aaron DeVenny or his relatives left in Pennsylvania would
be highly appreciated.  I think his father's name was Jenkins DeVenny and that he was born 
in or near York, Pennsylvania.
Very truly,
J. V. Devenny
Page 22


Cherryville, N.C.,
March 21, 1930.
Bureau of Pensions, Section American Revolution,
War Department, Washington, D. C.
Sirs:
    Information as desired by me about Captain Aaron Leveney (last name variously spelled Deviney, Deveny, Devinney, etc. ) who is listed in State Records of North Carolina, Clark, Volume 22, page 55 ff, as Lieutenant and Captain under heading " North Carolina Revolutionary Pensioners under acts of 1818 and 1832, as reported by secretary of state to Congress in 1835."
    I wish to know muster record, etc. of Captain Deveney, where and when mustered in and out, military ranks given, etc.
    I seek this information as family genealogical research. I have birth and death dates of Captain Deveney and his wife Sarah from tombstones in Rutherford County, North Carolina. I am seeking to find place and date of their marriage and maiden surname of wife Sarah Deveney. I am a great - great grandson of this couple and am seeking to join Sons American Revolution on Captain Deveney's record.
    So far as I know, unless in our secretary of state's office, there is no other record of Captain Deveney in state records of North Carolina. He appears often in records in registers and clerks offices of Rutherford County, North Carolina, where he appears first to have secured land about 1789.
    Captain Deveney was born in 1748, probably Pennsylvania, died in North Carolina in 1842, I expect his record to appear in Pennsylvania musters.
    I shall thank you for any communication you may be able to make me in this matter.
Respectfully yours,
W. G. McFarland (signature)
Rev. W. G. McFarland,
First Methodist Church
Cherryville, N.C.
Page 23

General Accounting
Office states by
telephone that last
payment was made
on Sept. 25, 1839 for
the period from
Mch, 4, to Sept. 4, 1839

MnHF
June 6--1930
Page 24

1920 June 6.
Hist to ┃
W. G. McFarland,
1936 Apr 14, Hist. to
Nelson for Mrs. J.
Thompson see
Philemon Hawkins
-
157. July 22. Hist to J. T. Dever
by for A.D.
Rev War
of
to
INVALID.
File No. 321
Maron Deveny
Capt Rev War
●
Act: June 7th
Index: -- Vol. A, Page
Arrangement of 1870.]
1832
93
Page 25

State of No. Carolina
Rutherford County

I,  M. O. Dickerson--
Clerk of the Superior Court of Saw for the
County of Rutherford Certify that a writ was
issued on the 2nd Monday after the 4th Monday of
September 1829 at this instance of Louis McCurry
against James McFarland a resident of this
County for Slander, damages laid at two
thousand dollars, said writ was returned to
this Court, the case carried forward
from term to term in said Court when it
was compromised by said James McFarland
signing an instrument of which the following
is a true copy of said instrument now on file
in this office.  Viz--North Carolina
                               Rutherford County
It is agreed that the suit in Rutherford Sup. Court,
Lewis McCurry vs. James McFarland be and
the same is hereby compromised:  James McFarland
agrees to certify and does hereby certify that he
never intended to charge the said Lewis McCurry
with perjury or subornation of perjury, nor does
he believe he was guilty of either.
Costs of suit setted by the  by the parties
themselves, April 28th 1804
Signed  James McFarland
             Lewis McCurry
Witness
A.M. Burton
in testimony whose of I hereunto set my
hand and affix the seal of said Court,
this 13th day of December 1856.
M. O. Dickerson C.S.C.
Page 26

Pension Office
Dec 22 1856
Sir
Without pretending to enter into the motives of
James McFarland for in his statements in
relation to the service of Aaron Deveny of NC,
or canvassing his moral character though I
must be allowed to say that the accident of
having been sued for Slander is not conclusive
against him as to determine me to [illegible]
[illegible] entirely what he might say under
oath, (the following is crossed out-- "especially since
that suit was compromised by his putting upon Record
an acknowledgement that he did not mean to say
that the plaintiff had perjured himself--"  end of crossed out section)
I am not satisfied that Deveny's name should
be restored to the pension roll, if the case
were before me for the first time, unpre--
judices by any statements against him,
Page 27

I should not allow it --[illegible] the testimony of his
witness, If I were to admit that he [illegible], at
all, the evidence [illegible] length of his service
is too indefinite to justify an allowance
with our  present knowledge of the char--
a[illegible] of militia [illegible]--the case can
not be allowed except [illegible] conclu--
sive proof of his service and the
length of it, Application  should be
made to the Comptroller of  NC
for seen evidence in his favor.

(signature of John Anderson)
Brindleton
NC
Page 28


Aug 29, 1840
James P. Edwards, Commissioner Pension
City of Washington
Aaro Deveny
N. C. 
24 Aug 1840
Gardensford (Ala)
Page 29

Rutherford County, N. C,  August 1st 1840
Sir,
I as a legal pensioner, am deprived of my
just rights by some underhanded and mysterious
proceedings, by some malicious person or persons
because I have filed my declaration in your
Office legally authenticated by good and respectable
testimony, and now am at a loss to know how
to proceed further you sir have wrote to my agent
that it has been represented to you that I did
not perform the services required to entitle me to pension
now sir there is not a man alive in all my acquaintanse
to testify to the services I have done for my 
country. Every one having dies and gone the way of
all the earth--which sir my adversary knows--
but sir it is strange to me that my declaration
supported by testamony and that too by a 
[illegible]  command{illegible] in united states services at
the same time and plan should be so little
regarded and (word covered ) unauthenticated representation
be the cause (word covered_) me being deprived of my right
by law of the land--. Now sir in the year of 1777
I entered into the services of my country as a private
soon became an ensign [ 2 illegible words] then Cptn
which office I filled when I was taken prisoner
by Ferguson two months before he was defeated at
Kings Mountain--I was paroled and immediately took
the command again regardless of the injunction upon me
but was not suffered to go to battle at Kings Mt.
I continued in office and active service in guarding
the frontiers from the scalping kife to the close
of the war. I commanded at two stations or forts under
Col. Ha[illegible] long since dead---I have suffered
many privations in the service of my country have
sustained great loss--at one time my house and
my all consumed in the flames by the Indians &
all that I ever got as a reward for all was a 20d
bill of pro[illegible] and many curses from the
Torys and Indians--but the grateful acknowledgement
Page 30

of mt country are ample awards for all
but sir I am now deprived of that and I can
find no remedy--. Now sir this is the first
communication to you and are also my dying words.
I do not expect to survive an answer to this
lines--I am now entered on my 94th year almost
helpless and pennyless.  O sir my heart bleeds at the
injustice i suffer from misrepresentations of some
of my own relations.
  (signature of Aaron Deveny)

Please sir send an answer to the above and
a copy of the representations of my adversary
with the signature to it.
A.D.

J.L. Edwards
Commissioner Pensions

Direct to  Gardners Ford
Page 31

State of North Carolina, Rutherford County,         On this 12th
day of Dec. 1854 personally appeared  before
of this County Court & Commissioner of Afidavits, in and for the
County of Rutherford & State aforesaid John
Anderson [illegible]  of any amt. of pension that
may be due the heirs of Aaron Diviney due
who was placed on the Pension list of Revolutionary
soldiers of the U. States, who being duly sworn
according to law, say that by a power of Atty.
he was permitted, and did, examine the dec--
laration of Aaron Diviney and and the affidavits
filed with said declaration, upon which he
was placed on the pension list, he further states that
he found among said papers two letters of which
the following is a true copy.  "March 19th 1839sir,  [illegible]
yours requesting one to take proof concerning Diviney pension
I am in the connection, he is my Grand Father
and it would seem sorry in the eyes of the world for one to
do it, I gave you the information in a [illegible] of papers--
ought not  to have done it although ot os correct he
never was in the service, I would rather he would get one
hundred pensions than for me to take the [illegible]
proof, he is 94 years old he has not been fit for to tra-
-nsact business this 15 years. he is persuaded to do anything,
a set about him to, no more but your obt [illegiblr]
    signed        (signature of James McFarland)
Page 32

Jany 30th 1840
Sir,
I take my pen to write you concerning Aaron Diveny
receiving a pension as Ca[t. in the revolutionary War.  There
is no person in this county that I can find of any 
standing but states that he never was in the service as
Captain or private, where the Hon. Saml P. Carson was
our Representative he tried to draw a pension as a
private several times for want of proof, he had  some
knowledge then of concance and had a property of two
or three thousand dollars, but since he began to draw
he has wasted nearly all his property, nearly  and fifteen
or sixteen hundred pension money--I do not believe
all he perseffers at this time would bring one thousand
dollars, there is no chance for him to prove service
if you want proof that he never was in the service
authorise some person and it can be had, and not
old women of no character,  Signed, James McFarland.
The [illegible] further says that instead of the
sentiments contained in the foregoing letters as to Aaron
Diviney not having been in the service of the United
States,  public opinion in the neighborhood is positively
the reverse, and the public opinion in the neighbor-
hood is to the reason of efforts having been made
by the Grandson of the old soldier in order to have
the payment of the pension stopped is [illegible] the
same as will be found in the deposition of
Anne Diviney herewith sent and the same and
certified by the Magistrate William G. Mode
Page 33

So far as we are permitted to know the reasons
of the Commissioner, for withholding the pensions in question
in what James McFarland says, but as there must
be other reasons that for consistent reasons of the 
Department we are not permitted to examine,  we 
conjecture they were furnished by his instrumentality and
we believe from the testimony of Anne Diviney
that said James McFarland prevailed upon
his Mother to do that, which no honorable person will
or can do if our surmise is correct that Margaret
McFarland has deposed that he Father was never in
service, then she or her Father have sworn falsely
if she has sworn the truth there has Wm. Graham
a Col. of the Revolution perjured himself, if she has
sworn thus, how could she know,--by the Family record
of Aaron Diviney herewith sent, we find Margaret
McFarland only two years old, at the time Col. Graham
saw her Father acting as Lieutenant in 1776 at
McFaddens Fort and at McGouchys Fort, guarding
said forts serving not less than six months, if Margaret
has sworn in substance  what her son James McFarland
has written, then has Winney Bradley perjured her
self, but at the time that Winney saw her father
at Mumfords Cove, acting in the capacity of Captain,
Margaret McFarland was only three or at the most four
years old, if Margaret has thus sworn, then has Wm.
Jones & William Dalton perjured themselves, can these
things be? as affiant has before said he does not
Page 34

know the ground Mr Edwards had before him that
caused him to stop the payment of the pension, but had
he known the character of the grandson James McFarland
as the present Commissioner will know what it was when
he read a certified copy of a libel filed in the superior
court of this county which said McFarland signed, it is
not likely but the payments would have been made as 
they became dire and the feelings of the old soldier
been spared the mortification of having been by
W. Edwards considered, are an imposter and a perjured man.
Had Commissioner Edwards reflected who
it was that was trying to disgrace Aaron Diviney methinks
he would have not interfered, tis so unnatural for 
an honest child to disgrace a parent voluntary, tis a
violation of the fifth  commandment, an honest child when
when compelled my have to disgrace a parent, but never
voluntary, the truth is that affiant has been spoken to upon
this subject by a number of the most distinguished persons of
this county who are entirely disinterested, and they all are
imprint with the belief that the motives that actuated
those who succeeded in getting the pension stopt were
unnatural and unhallowed motives, The character
of Col. Wm Graham and of Winney Bradley is herewith sent
affiant respectfully asks the Commissioner to say if he
is entitled to any share, the will be governed
by the opinion of W. Waldo---
(signature of John Anderson)
Page 35

Know all men by these presents that I Elizabeth Steward of the County of Rutherford and State of North Carolina daughter (& her) at Law of Aaron Deviney late Revolutionary Pensioner dec'd of said County, do hereby constitute & appoint George C. Ames Esqr of Washington City DC. my Agent & Attorney to prosecute the claim of the aforesaid Aaron Devenny for my amount of Revolutionary Pension that may be due on the account of his Revolutionary services, to file additional evidence or arguments, to examine all the papers on file in the Departments at Washington City or else where to receive a certificate of Pension, and to do all things pertaining to the record of said claim that I might or could do were I personally present, Hereby ratifying and confirming all
that my said atty may lawfully do in the (premises??)
Witness my hand and seal this 7th day of Aug't 1832.
Elizabeth Steward (her mark)
Signed and sealed in presence
Henry Hansen
J. H. Jones

State of North Carolina
Be it known that on this 7th day of August
1832. before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said County personally appeared Elizabeth Steward above named and acknowledged the foregoing peace of Attorney to be her act & deed.
I also certify that she is a daughter of Aaron Devenney as set forth above and a person of respectability.
    In witness of all which I have hereunto set my hand, the date last above mentioned
A. E. Patton, J.P.
Page 36

State of  North Carolina,
I,   W. S. Sudderth Clerk of the Court of
Pleas and Quarter Sessions for the County of
Burke and State of [illegible]  do hereby certify that
'A. E. Patton, Esquire, whose name appears to the
foregoing acknowledgement is an acting Justice
of the Peace as stated and that the foregoing 
signature purporting to be his is genuine

In testimony whereof I have hereunto
subscribed my name and affixed 
my seal of office, at office in
Morganton this 9 Aug. 1852,
W. S. Sudderth C.C.C
Page 37

State of North Carolina S.S.

I,  N. L. Gilkey Clerk
of the Court of Pleas and Quarters  Sessions for
the County of Rutherford certify that W. G.
Mode before whom this annexed affidavit
to wit this affidavit of Anna Deviney seated this
25th Nov. 1856 was made, was at the [illegible]
of the same as acting Justice of the
Peace for said County only commissioned
& qualified to his signature is genuine
Given under my hand and
seal of office this 4th day of
Oct AD 1856
(signature of N. L. Gilkey  C.O.C.)
Page 38

State of North Carolina
Rutherford County
Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions
Fall Term 1854

At a Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions, open
and held at the Court House in Rutherford to
this 27th day of Nov. 1854. Satisfactory evidence
was addressed in Court proving  that Aaron
Diveney a Revolutionary pensioner of the afore
said County and State died in Rutherford
County on the 16th day of March 1842.
In testimony whereof I
A,L. Gilkey Clerk of said Court certify
to the same and affix my
signature and seal of said
Court the day and year
above written,
A. L. Gilkey CC
Page 39

James Robert
Sep 11, 1843
Page 40

Pension Office
Sep 16 1843

Sir,
In answer to your letter
of the 19th of July last I refer 
you to mine addressed to you
on the 16th May 1842 from which
you will see that the deposition
of William F Whiteside
does not meet the difficulties
in the case of Aaron Delveny 
whose pension has been suspended.

James Roberts Esq.      no. 30.518
         [illegible]
        N, Carolina      Act 7  [illegible]
Page 41

State of North Carolina
Rutherford County
This came before me, John H. Alley one of the acting
Justices of said County, Jonathon Hampton [illegible]
being of the age of eighty eight year says that he was acquainted with
Aaron Deveney before & during the Revaluary (Revolutionary) war & that he
was a patriot & rendered service in defense of the country & so
will as can now recalled he was then a Lutant (lieutenant)
Sworn to & subscribed before this 4th day May 1842
(signature of Jonathon Hampton)
(signature of Alley J.D.)

State of North Carolina
Rutherford County
I George W Lozan clerk of the
Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for
said County certify that  J H Alley whose
signature appears to the above certificate is
an acting Justice of the Peace for said County
and was at the time of his signature hereto
of his acts as such are entitled  to full[illegible]
and [illegible].
In Testimony whereof than
hereunto affixed the seal of
said Court at Office and  subscribed
 my name this 4th
day of May 1843
(signature of  Geo,   Lozan)
Page 42

May 13, 1842
N.C.
Aaron

J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City, D.C.
Page 43

Swangstown No. Carolina
Cleavleand County  May 4th 1842

Sir
I now have before me a pension
Certificate in favour of Aaron Deveny of
the State of North Carolina, given at the war office
of the United States this twenty eighth day of March
one thousand eight hundred & thirty six. [illegible name]
Secretary of War, entitling the said Deveny to
receive one hundred & sixty dollars per annum
during his natural life:   having also before me
your letter of the 29th August, 1840 informing
Mr. Deveny that no further payment could
be made to him as a pensioner until he shall
have shown clearly by the testimony of credible
witnesses that he served as heretofor set forth--
after the lapse of so many years this will be
a hard matter to do;  I am unacquainted with Mr.
Devenys case, but the supposition is that the
discontinuance of his pension has been caused by
a malicious act of sum (some) unknown frind (friend) for 
Mr Deveny is a man of high repute, & herewith enclose
an affidavit to bee used in his case, the
former witnesses is dead but I learn it can bee shown
by proof that they were persons of good verasity--(veracity)
I am Respectfully yours,
(signatures of Mr. J. L. Edwards and James Roberts)
Page 44

Duplicate of previously transcribed letter.
Page 45

J. L. Edwards Esq.
Washington D.C. 
June 8, 1840
Aaron Devenny
N. C. Militia
Hon. J. [illegible]
Page 46

H of R
June 6th 1840

G. L. Edwards Esq.;
Sir,
Please inform me why the pension granted to Aaron
Deviney of Rutherford County NC
is withheld and detained from him.
His pension was granted to him and is
now expected at Fayattville NC.
Respectfully yours
James Graham
Page 47

John Whisnant
June 6, 1840
Initials [illegible]
Page 48

Pension Office
June 6 1840

Sir,
In reply to your letter of the
27th  with respecting the case of
Aaron Deveny, I have to inform you
that his pension has been stopped
because it has been represented to this
office that he did not perform the
service alleged in his declaration.

John Whisnant
Gardensford
N Carolina
Page 49

Hon Jas Graham,
Initials [illegible] 

Record[illegible] Page 78
Page 50

Pension Office
June 8, 1840

Sir, 
In reply to your letter of the
6th [illegible] relative to the case of Aaron
Deveny, I have the [illegible] to state that
his pension has been suspended in
consequence of a representation made to
the office that he did not perform the
service for which he was pensioned.

Hon Jas. Graham
H R
Page 51

Jas L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City

31 May 18, 1841
{Illegible} N. C.
Page 52

Rutherford N. C.
May 27th 1840

Dear sir:
I applied to the pension agency
at Fayettville in the State  as the
attorney of Aaron  Deviny of this
county for his money as a pensioner that
has been placed on your list and held his pay
regularly until the last instalement
and recvd  none whereupon the agent
Mr. Rusk presented me with a letter
from your office instructing him
not to pay Mr Deviney any more
until further orders from your office.
Therefore sir I wish an explanation.
He is [illegible] alive his character as a ma
has always stood firm and always
recognized as a Revolution soldier--he
Mr. Deviney believes there has been false
suggestions made by some of his relations
which he says wanted to keep his [illegible]
payments and did not succeed now if
that be the case or why I hope you
will inform me--if you have any
doubt about the old mans veracity.
Enquire at [illegible] Jas Graham--who is personally
acquainted with him this from yours

J P L Edwards                            John Whisnant         
Commissioner of Pensions                        atty. [illegible]
N.B.
Direct your letter to Garnerford Rutheford.
Page 53

Jas McFarland
Feb 13, 1840
initials [illegible]


Record 119  page 248
Page 54

War Dept
Pension Office
Feb 13 1840

Sir,
Your letter of the 30th ]illegible] to
the Secretary of Was in relation to
the case of Aaron Deveny has
been referred to this office.
His pension has been stopped, and
I have to request that you will be
pleased to obtain and send to this
office, as early as practicable,  [illegible]
to shew that he is not entitled to a
pension

James McFarland, Esq.
Duncan Creek
N. Carolina
Page 55

Swangstown, N. C.
July 20th 
July 7, 1841
N. C. 
Aaron Devany

J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington Cit
D.C.
Page 56

Swangstown No. Carolina
July 19th 1843

Dear sir,
I have procured an affidavit of William F. Whiteside to be used in
the case of Aaron Devaney, who was
placed on the pension list, but it is believed
through sum malitious (malicious) act, was discontinued
untill (until) he should shew (show) by disinterested testimony
that he served as set forth in his declaration--
now this seems hard for the presumption is that
Mr. Devaney was, and can be as well
recommended as any man perhaps in the state.  We
think the testimony should be as strong to have
the venerable old soldiers pension discontinued
as the law requires to have the grant of a pension
--we would like to know what was the proof
and who by that caused the discontinuance
if practiable (practical)----
I am very respectfully yours,
James Roberts

Mr. J. L. Edwards
Comm. of pensions
Washington City
C.C.
--
Page 57

Mr. R. W. Young, Esq
Washington City
Department of Commissioner 

Aaron Devaney
on the N. C. Roll
Pension under the Act of 1832
Page 58

[top line illegible except for  "25th 1830"]

Honorable  J. L. Edward Commissioner
of Pensions   [[illegible] you will explain to  above my
agent R W Young  Washington, D C
to examine the papers on file in your
office upon which a pension  was originally
granted to Aaron Devany yours 
respectfully
A J McFarland
Executer
H [  ]  Edward
Page 59

Aaron Deveny
N. C. 
30518

[illegible]
Jan 30th 

Hon. J. R. Poinsett Secretary 
War Department Washington City D. C.
Page 60

Duncans Creek
Rutherford Co.
Jan 30th 1840

Hon. sir;
take my pen to write you concerning
Aaron Deveney concerning a pension as Captain
in the Revolution War there is no person in
this county that I can find of any standing
but states he never was in the service
as Capt or private when the Hon S P Carson
was our Representative the [illegible] draw [illegible]
as a private several times for want of proof
he had some knowledge then of con[illegible]
and had a property worth 2 or 3 thousand
dolars but since he began to draw he has
wasted nearly all his property nearly and
of [illegible] or sixteen hundred pension money
do not believe all he perseffes at this time
would bring one thousand dolars there is
no chance for him to prove service if you
want proof that he never was in the service 
authorise some person and it can be had
and not old woman of no charactor
Jas McFarland
Page 61

Aaron Deveny
N. C. rolls
Aaron Deveny - Feb
North Carolina

[illegible]
March 19th 
M. Edwards Pension Agent
Washington City, D. C.
Page 62

March 19th 183?
Sir recved (received) your requesting to take
proof concerning Deveney pension I am with
connection he is my grand Father and
it would seem rong (wrong)  in the eye of the [illegible]
for me to do  I gave you the information
in a heat of passion & ought not to have done
it altho it is correct that he never was
in the service: would rather he would
get one hundred pensions then for one to
take the necesary  proof he is 95 years old he
has not been fit for to transact business this 15 years
he is [illegible] to do anything a set about him
persuaded him to [illegible] but your obedient
servant
Jas McFarland
Page 63

Feb 5, 1846
[illegible]
Aaron Deveny
Hon. J. L. Edwards
Court of Pensions
Present
Page 64

Washington Feb. 4th 1846

Sir
I enclose herewith the affidavit of Mr
William Watson of North Carolina relating to
the service of Aaron Deveny of N.C. who was
once placed upon the pension roll, but has since
been dropped therefrom as I am informed [illegible]
the malicious representating of some of his own
relations, whether this be true or not I am not
of course prepared to say. at all events I hope the
case will be reexamined with this additional
evidence & his name restored to the rolls. it is
thought this is the only evidence of the kind
that can now be produced as there is no more
of his companions in arms known to be living.
Your early examination will greatly [illegible]

Your obt. (obedient) Servant
Nathan Leake

Hon J.L. Edwards
Comm. of Pensions
Present
Page 65

William Watson
Affidavit
Page 66

North Carolina Rutherford County
this seeing personally appears before
me Thomas Jefferson one of the acting
Justices of this court of William
Watson and after being sworn
according to law seys as following
that he was well acquainted
with Aaron Deveney during the
Revolutionary War and that 
[illegible] Deveney serves as Captain, in Capt
Rawling Company and was taken
prisoner by Fergusons men and
kept under guard at Gilberttown.
a short time, and further states that
the said Deviney was called a true
patriot and that he has no reason
to doubt but he serves as stated
in his Declaration.  Sworned  to
and subscribed before me this the
9th day of Jan 1826
(signature of William Watson)
(signature of Thos. Jefferson J.P.)
Page 67

North Carolina Rutherford County
I do hereby certify that I have been well
acquainted with William Warson for many
years and know him to be a man of
undoubted truth, and that he has
been [illegible]ing elder in the Presbyterian
Church for fifty years and that he has
[illegible] sustained unblemished
[illegible]ter (character?)
Jan 9th A.D. 1826--- (signature of Tho. Jefferson J.P.)

State of North Carolina
Rutheford County
I, Geo. W. Lozan clerk of the court of Pleas and
Quarter Sessions for said County certify that Thomas
Jefferson whose name appears in the foregoing
instruments was an acting Justice of the Peace for
said County at the time of signing the same that
his signatures are genuine and his acts entitled
to full faith & credit. The testimony whereof I have
hereunto affixed the seal of said Court at
Office & subscribed my [illegible] this
23rd day 1826
(signature of G.W. Lozan)
Page 68

State of North Carolina
Rutherford County
Personally appeared before
me one of the acting Justices of the
Peace in and for said County William
F. Whiteside made after being sworn
deposeth and saith on his oath that
he was personally acquainted with Aaron
Deviney in the time of the Revolutionary war
and that he was a true patriot and in
the American service.  also that said
Deviney was a Captain and had command
of a Company and that since the war
he has frequently heard the active services
of Deviney spoken of boath by whigs
and Torys.
Sworn to and subscribed this day
of July--1843       (signature of Wm F Whiteside)
before
attest (signature of William Richardson JP)

North Carolina [illegible]
I Geo. W. Lozan Clerk of the Court
of Pleas and Quarter Sessions in and
for this County of Rutherford certify that
Wm Richardson whos name appears to his
foregoing affidavit was an acting Justice of
The Peace for said County at the time his 
name appears to have been subscribed thereto
In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed
the seal of said Court at Office this
13th day of July A.D. 1843
(signature of Geo. W. Lozan_
(signature of G W Airdens)
Page 69

L. P. Waldo, Esq.
Court of Pensions
Washington

Aaron Deveny
N. C. 1832
Page 70

Capt F.F.C. Triplett
Acts Comm of Pension
Page 71

Nathan Leake
29th April 1845
Page 72

Gen off-----
Apl. 29th 46

Sir
Your request to examine
the papers in certain cases cannot
be acceded to consistently with the
present rules of this office.  But your
inquiry in relation to any one will
be answered if such inquiry be accom-
panied by the authority to make it--.
This is necessary to protect the office
from the great labor which agents
at a distance might throw upon
it by merely furnishing to agents at
this place the names of all their
unsuccessful applications--This would
impose an intolerable bother upon
the office and therefore all claimants
are expected in employing new agents 
to furnish them with the previous correspondence

Nathan Leake Esq.
Present
Page 73

Washington  August 14. 1832

Sir
You will find herewith a Power of
Attorney in the case of Aaron Deviney to
admitted under the Act of 7 Mar 1932 of North
Carolina,
I wish the privilege of examining
the papers now on file.
 Very Respectfully
Your obt. Sevt. (obedient servant)
Geo C. Ames
Page 74

State of No. Carolina
Rutherford County
On this 29th day of
Nov 1854 personally appeared before me
Richard Whitesides a justice of the Peace within
and for the County of Rutherford and State
aforesaid Richard O. Ledbetter a resident of Mumford's
Cove in the County & State aforesaid who being
duly sworn according to law upon his Oath
says that he was in the life tie of Winnie
Bradley well acquainted with her, states
that she was a resident of Mumfords Cove
and that she and her family was as he also
says understood the first or amongst the first
settlers of that section of this state, states that
her character for truth, was of the highest
character, esteemed and estimable woman by
the community in which she lived, he states 
Winney Bradley has been dead some years 
and was a very old woman when she died,
he further states that he and family resided
in one of the buildings which had been
used as a fort in the Revolutionary War in
Mumsford Cove, that the stains of human
blood shed in there day. still remains on
that building or did when he occupied it
(signature of R. O. Ledbetter)

Sworn to and subscribed before
me, and I certify that I am well acquainted
with Rich. O. Ledbetter who makes the foregoing
affidavit and know him to be a credible man
and I further certify that the character of
given by him of Winney Bradley is the
true character she sustained whilst alive.
This 29th Nov 1854
(signature of [illegible] Whiteside)
Page 75

State of North Carolina ss
I, N.L. Gilkey clerk of 
the Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions for
the County of Rutherford certify that Richard
Whiteside before whom the foregoing affidavit
was made, were at the [illegible] of the
same an acting Justice of the Peace
for said County and commissioned and
qualified to his signature is genuine.
Given under my hand and
seal of office this 4th day of
Dec AD 1852
(signature of N.L. Gilkey)
Page 76

Brindleton Dec 15 1854

Sir, 
Herewith I said my declaration as Adm[illegible]
upon the Pension due the heirs of Aaron Diviney
which was stopt, think that the accompanying
evidence will induce the Com. to issue a certificate
for the amount, which has so long been with-
held from an honest man and soldier of the
Revolutionary war and from his heirs, by
a contemptable perjured set, from motive which
might have easily been seen by W. Edwards or the
clerk who examined the testimony sent for that 
purpose, had they reflected upon its source, believe
that the testimony herewith sent will form con-
viction of the impropriety of withholding it any
longer and issue a certificate for the amt. due.
Very Respectfully
your obt servt (obedient servant)
John Anderson
my address Brindleton No. Car.

S.P. Waldo Esq.
Court of Pensions

my
Page 77

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA,
Rutherford County.

By the Justices of the County Court of Pleas and
Quarter Sessions of the County of Rutherford.

It having been certified to us that Aaron Deviney
late of Rutherford County, is dead, and 
John Anderson
having made application to this Court for, and obtained
Administration upon the deceased's Estate; and
having also entered into bond and security, as the
law in such case provides, in the sum of
seven hundred dollars

These are therefore to Empower the said John Anderson
to enter into and upon, all the pension rights to claims
of the deceased, and the same into his possession take, wheresorver in the United States to be found, and an inventory thereof to exhibit according to law, and distribute as the law of the U. States in such case provides.

Witness, N. L. Gilkey Clerk of said Court, at office, the 11th
day of Dec 1854
(signature of N. L. Gilkey)
Page 78

Aaron Deviny
32.222

3 mo. Private  40
6 mo. Capt  120
160
Hon Ths F. Birchett
Rutherford, N.C.
Page 79

State of North Carolina
Rutherford County
I John Logan one of the Justices of the
Peace in and for the county aforesaid certify that
I am, and have for many years been acquainted with
William Jones whose affidavit is annexed, attesting the 
Revolutionary War service of Aaron Diveney and the affidavit
character in which he performed  it--and with Winny Bradley
of Montfort Co. whose affidavit annexed, showing the official
military service of said Aaron Devaney on the place of his
residence during the revolutionary war--and with Col William 
Graham whose affidavit is also annexed, showing an acquaintance
with and a knowledge of the military [illegible] and
official station of said Deveney during the Revolutionary
War--and with William Dalton whose affidavit is also
annexed showing his knowledge of the official station and
services (in part) record by said Aaron Deveney in 
line of the revolution-- and that they are each of
their regarded as persons of veracity, of a knowledge 
of Revolutionary matters, and on whose statements and
affidavits a full  reliance & confidence as to their worth 
may be given. I have myself from each life known
Capt. Devaney I hesitate not [illegible] he sustains a fair
character as a man of honesty & truth, and that among
the old people of the country he is always spoken of
as a genuine whig or libertyman in the days of
the Revolution---Done this 15th of March 1836
(signature of John Logan )
Page 80

State of North Carolina ss.
I, T F Birdett clerk of the court of Pleas and  Quarter
Sessions, certify that John Logan Esq. who has attested 
the affidavit of Aaron Devany, [illegible] to the truth of his
amended declaration--and who has also certified
the character & credibility of William Jones, Wm Dalton
Winney Bradley and Col. William Graham, whose affi-
davits are annexed, is an acting Justice of the
Peace in and for said County of Rutherford, and
that his official attentions as such, are entitled
to full faith and credit.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed
my seal of office and subscribed my name
at Rutherford this the 15th day of March 1836

T.F. Birdett clk (clerk)
of Rutherford County Court
Page 81

And the said court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation
of the matter and after putting the Interogatories presented by the War
Department that the above named applicant was a Officer and served
as he states and the said further testify, that ir appears to them that
John Padgett who has the proceeding Certificate is a [illegible] man
residing in the county of Rutherford and State of North Carolina and that
John Logan who has also signed the same is a [illegible] on the
same& is a credible person and that their statement is entitled to credits.
I Theo F Birchett clerk of this court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions
for this county of Rutherford and state of North Carolina as hereby
certify that the foregoing contains the Original proceedings in the
matter of the application of Aaron Diveney for a pension.
In testimony where of I have hereunto set my hand and seal
of Office this 10th day of November AD 1834
(signature of T. F. Birchett Clk)
Page 82

State of North Carolina
Rutherford County
Personally appeared before me this undersigned a Justice of the
Peace for said county William Dalton and after being duly sworn
according to law sayeth that he became with Aaron Diviney in
the year seventeen hundred and eighty that he
knows that he commanded a company at the time of the
Battle of Ramsours Mill and continued to command
a company and has the charge of two stations in [illegible]
Cove Rutherford County N. Carolina in the year 1781.  I at that
time belonged to the hose and he Diviny commanded
the Militia. I do not know anything about his having a
commission but I do remember he had the command
of a captain and exercised his authority sworn to and
submitted before me this 8th day of September
1834.
(signature of Martin Beam  and William Dalton)
Page 83

Deposition
yes
State of North Carolina
Rutherford County
Bess
this Bertut Clerk of the Court of Pleas and
Quarter Session and for the County of Rutherford
certify that William G. Thin Esq before whom the
within deposition is certified to have been made
by
William Treham Martin Pease by
before whom the annexed deposition of William
Dathon is certified to have been made.
John M. Grayson Esq before whom the annexed
deposition William Jones was made and
William Grant Esq before whom the annexed
deposition of Henry Bradley was made, all
relating to the Revolutionary Army Severers of
Aaron Dany, whose declaration & praying
pension is also annexed, were at days
of the date of their respective certificates
acting Justices of the Peace of said County
at stated, and the signatures by them
respectively made are believed to beganine
In astimony whereof I have hereunto set my
seal of Office I subscribed my name this
day of November AD 1834
J. F. Birchett Clk
Page 84

State of North Carolina
Rutherford County
Personally came Col. William Graham before me
William G. Brown one of the Justices of the Peace for said county after being duly sworn [illegible]
and says that he became acquainted
at with Aaron Diviney in the year 1776
at McFadden Fort and at McGauhey
Fort acting as a Lieutenant in Capt.
Rankins company guarding the said forts
the [illegible] Diviney served not less than six
months at the said Forts.
6th Sept 1834
Sworn to before
(signature of W.G. Brown)
(mark of William Graham)
Page 85

State of N. Carolina
Rutherford County
October 22nd 1834
This day appeared before me one of the acting
Justices of the Peace in to county Winney
Bradley and after being duly sworn doth
declare that she knew Aaron Deveny
of said county and state during the
Revolution to be station as a captain
with his men in Manfords Cove at
and remained there something like
two months in the year 1777 or eight
as near as I can recollect.

Attest
(illegible signature)       (Winnie Bradley mark)
Page 86

Mark
State of North Carolina
Rutherford County
Personally appeared before me the
undersigned a Justice of the peace
or said County & State aforesaid on and after being duly
Sworn according to law deposeth and sayeth that he was well ┃
acquainted with Capt Aaron doing the Revolutionary war
that he well remembers that he served a tower of 3 months
in Garding the Forters that he was stationed a part of the
time in comfords love with his men this he thinks
in
the early part of the year 1781 he also
Recollect at one time when he decently out on a Tower
the Tories Robed and burnt his House and all the
had I know he served as an officer from that time
to the end of the Revolutionary war Sworn to
and subscribed before me this
1834
25th day of August
J. Grayson
Jane
Page 87

See letters to Page & McFar
land Feb 13 1840 do, to God
Whisnant, June 1840 to to Hon
Graham
11
"
Pensioner Aug 28 1840 not
James Roberts May 16 1842
Same Sept 16 1843
Nathan Leake Apr 29 1846
John Anderson Dec 22, 1834
North
30518
Carolina
Aaron Devenyof

Rutherford in the play of N Carolin
who was a Lt. & Capt the
by Captain Raiskins of the Regt
by Col. Graham
commanded
commanded
in the No Carolina
line for 3 months Lieut,
C
1
Capt.
Inscribed on the Roll of North Carolina
the rate of 160 Dollars
Cents per
annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
1
Certificate of Pension issued the 28th day of March
Birchell
of
1836 and sent to no
Katherfordton N.C.
Arrears to the with of
Semi anl. allowance ending
Recorded by
Book
Rector
to
June
D. D. Addison
Vol. 6 ½ Page 51
E
Claim
. 1872
---
er
Page 88

Amended declaration of Aaron Devaney
He states as in his original declaration that in
the year 1775 he was commissioned a Lieutenant of Militia in
Capt Rankins Company by Col. Wm Graham. His commission was printed & bore the signature of the Governor whose name he thinks was Martin. In the autumn of the year 1776, acting under the same commission, my house was plundered and burned.  I saw the [illegible] after. In the year of 1777
upon Capt Rankins removed from the country I was selected
Captain of the Militia, & was commissioned in manuscript
by Col Andrew Hampton, he being then the highest authority,
there being no regular organization of civil government
within reach from which to this commissions. The war
being on the spot, between what was then called whigs and
tory, it was my lot to war against my neighbors and
received an almost constant service. This last commission
being considered of no value to me, has been lost for many
years. My service as Lieutenant was at Noah's fort &
Montford's Cove in Williams's & Grants stations, protecting their inhabitants from the indians who were then near us. 
lands from the Indians who were there near us, and the tories  who were amongst us. In this service my best recollection is, that I served about six months instead of three, commencing
in 1776 & running into 1777. In the spring of 1777, I was called on by Col Hampton to meet him with my company to
attack a band of tories, and on the night before the appointed
meeting the Tory Captain, Aquilla Hall with some of his band
came to my house & he attempted to hang me by putting a
rope about my neck which I resisted & he then exacted an oath of us to not leave home that night. After he left me I
went out & gave notice to the neighbors & went to Bunker
to McDowell for assistance. On the day following we went and pursued the tories as already stated. Capt Hall was 
afterwards taken & hanged a Kitts Creek. I was engaged
in this service about as before stated, three weeks.
In 1780 I was ordered with my command to Catawba
& failed a few miles to reach the battle at Ramsours'
Mill, but was in service before my return about three
months
Page 89

About the mouth of August of September Ferguson came through the Country, we were ordered out to meet and oppose him; the forces must man the head of [illegible] Creek and had a skirmish: I was on the ground
but had been taken prisoner by the British the same day, in the morning, as I was returning from Berks whether I had been to obtain assistance. I was detained some days and then parolled.  The Battle of Kings Mountain Come on and I afterwards considering my
parol discharged, went home & was ordered to take command of the stations in Bedfords Cove where I served a tour of three months. I served in the intervals of service here mentioned, many short tours of a few days or weeks but at this distance of time I am unable to state with sufficient precision either the date, the duration of the particular character
of the service to claim for it.  For the same reason it is impossible, most of the men of that day being dead, left the country, or (supernunciated) to show otherwise than I have done, by what authority I was commissioned, or how I conducted myself as a soldier and my service as lieutenant in 1776 & 1777 were of two tours of three months duration each in charge of the stations in Montfort Cove and McGaha's fort. As captain I served in 1780 a tour of three months in pursuit  of the tories after the affair at
(Ramsours), and in protection of the Country against them. Another tour of three months guarding & commanding the stations on the
Cove, and about two weeks as a prisoner--
Sworn to & subscribed before me
the 15th day of March 1836 Aaron Deveny
John Logan JP
Page 90

THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES
Form VAM-51-
12-5-41
BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD*
Division of Veterans' Administration Archives

Name Deveny, John Grade Private Line Pennsylvania 

WARRANT NUMBER  Acreage 100 Issued July 9,  1789 to  -- not shown 
Notacion "On file, not delivered"

The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 4 of "Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800" which are registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subsequent
dates. Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800.  Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in The National Archives.
Page 91

The National Archives
Form VAM-51
12-3-41
Bounty Land Warrant Record Card *
Division of Veterans' Administration Archives

Name Dever, Patrick  Grade Private Line Pennsylvania

Warrant Number  9314  Acreage  100 
 Issued  August 31, 1790 to D. Woodbridge assignee

The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 4 of "Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800" which are registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subsequent dates. Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800.  Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in The National Archives.