Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 32,221, Abel Dortch, Va.
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SERVICE NUMBER
Va. Dortch, Abel S. 32,221

CONTENTS
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State of Illinois} April Term of the Circuit
Franklin County} Court of said County
and State AD 1833
On this 1st day of April AD 1833 Personally
appeared in open Court before the Justice of the Supreme Court of the State of Illinois & presiding Judge of the Circuit Court of Franklin County State of Illinois, now sitting. Abel Dortch, a resident of said County and state of Illinois. aged seventy two years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath - make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7th 1832. That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated.
He was a drafted Militiaman, in the state of Virginia but whether he was, or such service, might be denominate him of the Virginia State Troops, he does not know. He lived at the time he was drafted in Mecklinburgh County Virginia 
He was drafted for five months, he thinks to the best of his recollection some time in the early part of the spring or last of the winter of the year 1779. the day and month he cannot now recollect. He was drafted, entered the service, and served his tour of five months under Capt Reuben Vaughn, in Col David Masons Regiment. he thinks commanded by Major General Lincoln. He travelled from Mecklinburgh county to Salisbury then to Campden then marched and joined the main army in South Carolina the particular place he does not distinctly recollect. He does
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not at this time recollect the names of any of the regular officers no farther then is above stated, He has no documentary evidence which would aid him in establishing his services. He states that he was not in any battle or engagement: that at the time of the Battle between Genl Lincoln army and the British on St, Johns' Island, he was sick, and unable to do service
He does not recollect that he served with any regular companies, or the names of any regular officers, more than is already stated. He recollects of no continental Regiment or company. He was discharged from the service on this tour of five months some time in July he thinks at Campden South Carolina. He further states, that after he returned home from this five months tour, he was again drafted in the same county & states at first, for three months, under Capt Charles Davis, the Regimental officers he does not recollect, except the name of Col Dick, who, as he understood, was a regular officer, he served as a private in Capt Davis's company of light Infantry, for three months. He states that Capt David's company marched from Mecklinburgh to Cabin Point where it joined the above named Rigment to the best of his recollection they then marched to, or near to Portsmouth Va. and remained there near three months: the British at that time had a possession of Portsmouth: at the end of his three months tour, he was discharged, at the Barracks, near Portsmouth
He recollects the names of no Regular officers, or Regiments or Companies, or any Continentals on this
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second tour, any farther than already stated
He further states that on his return, he was
again drafted for three months, but he does not recollect the time when he was drafted, but he states that it was in the same County and State as above stated This third draft was under Capt William Drumwright, Capt Drumwrights Company marched, alone to Little-York, where it joined the forces under Gen Washington. He was detached from his Company upon their arrival at Little-York, & put upon the Commissary's guard and did not join the Company any more. He
never got a written discharge from the service. that he now recollects of this last time, he did not he thinks, serve out the whole of his tour of three months, on account of the Capture of Lord Cornwallis. He knows of no person except Joseph Williams who can testify as to his services
That Joseph Williams and John P. Maddox citizens of the same county and state & neighbours can testify as to his character & general repute as a Revolutionary Soldier. He thinks there was a record of his age. but that it was burned to the best of his recollection. He lived in Mecklinburgh until he was 40 or 50 years old. He then moved to Tennessee, where he live 15 or 20 years. 
When he moved to Illinois, where he has lived ever since & still lives in Franklin County*
Abel Dorch x his mark
Subscribed & sworn to before
me The day & year aforesd
S M Hubbard Clk
We Joseph Williams and John P. Maddox residing the said Williams in the County of Jackson state of

*He hereby relinquishes any claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State
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Illinois. and the said John P. Maddox a Clergyman in the county of Franklin Hereby certify, that we are acquainted with Abel Dortch who has subscribed & sworn to the above declaration, that we believe him to be 72 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 John P Maddox
Sworn & subscribed the day &
year aforesaid Jos T Williams
Joseph Terry Williams residing now in Jackson County & state of Illinois states that he was in the service of the United States & personally knew the above named Abel Dotch: that said Dortch to his knowledge served one tour of five months: & believes from his knowledge of him & from circumstances & his statement of the service that he served as he states
Subscribed & sworn to Jos T Williams
in open Court the day
& year above
S M Hubbard Clk C.C.F.C
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 John P. Maddox who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman resident in the County of Franklin: and Joseph T. Williams who has also signed the same, is a resident in the County of Jackson, both in the state of Illinois are credible persons & that their statement is entitled to credit
I Simon M. Hubbard Clk of the circuit court of said county do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of

Abel Dorter
25107
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Date of death not on
A.B.

Illinois 19,921.
Abel Dortch
of Franklin Co. in the State of Ills.
who was a Private in the Co. commanded
by Captain Vaughn of the Rgt commanded
by Colo Mason in the Virginia
line for ten mos.

Inscribed on the Roll of Ills. -
at the rate of 33 Dollars 33 Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 25 day of Sept.
1833 and sent to Simon 
M. Hubbard, Frankfort, Ills.

Arrears to the 4th of Sept 1833 83.33
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Mar '34. 16.67
$100.=
{Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by Wm. R. Palmer, Clerk,
Book E Vol. 8 Page 56.
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State of Illinois} Personally appeared before me
Franklin County} the undersigned, a Justice of the peace in and for said County, Abel Dortch; 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 in the revolutionary war but according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades - (towit)
He served in the Revolutionary War as a private a tour of five Months - which service is proven by Joseph Terry Williams, under Capt Vaughn, Coln David Mason, commanded by Major Genl. Lincoln - He served another tour as a private of three Months under Capt Davis & Coln Dick - He was again drafted for a tour of three months but did not serve but two Months before he was discharged - he was likewise a private
For these two several tours - containing ten months - he now claims a pension and for none other - Abel Dortch x his mark
Sworn & subscribed before
me as such justice
In testimony whereof I have
hereunto set my hand and my seal
this 22st day of July 1833
Thos. M. Dorriss JP

State of Illinois
Franklin County} SS I S M Hubbard clerk of the county commissioners court of Franklin do hereby certify that Thos M. Dorriss, whose name is signed to the above affidavit is an acting justice of the peace & full faith and credit ought of right to be given to all his official acts.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed my seal of office
this 22d day of July 1833. S. M. Hubbard clk.
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Abel Dortch for a pension
In testimony whereof I have hereunto
set my hand and affixed the public
seal of my office done at Frankfort
this 22d day of July 1833.
S M Hubbard clk
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WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
30th May 1833

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. Those 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 Abel Dortch Frankford Co. Illinois
Period when the service was rendered.
drafted Spring -- 1779 until in June
drafted--
Duration of the claimant’s service. Years. Months. Days.
5 months
3 months
Rank of the claimant.
Private
Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served.
Captn. Vaughn
Col Mason
Gel Lincoln
Capt Davis -
Col Dick -
Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service.
72 years
Mecklingburgh Co - Virginia
Proof by which the declaration is supported.
Living witness for 3 mo - stated by the contendible & Traditional evidence

I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
JAMES L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
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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 wand 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 classes 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 claim- ing the benefit of this law its 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 } ss. 
County of 
On this ______ day of ______ personally appeared (a) before ___________ A.B. a resident (b) of ____________ in the county of __________ and State, Territory or District of ________ aged (c) _______ 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 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the army of the United States in the year (d) _______, with ________ and served in the _________ (e) regiment of the _________ 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 ________
 Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. _____________: A.B. 
[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 __________ of the Court of _____________ do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of __________ for a pension. 
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this ________ day of ________ &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 _______ and C.D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with , who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be 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 days 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. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit. 
I, __________ Clerk of the Court of _____________ do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of for a pension. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this _____ day of __________ &c. 
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge of 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
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3
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 if detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be ex-expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribed and be sworn to, one of the declarations also 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 now live? 
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.
 6. 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 has become 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 the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement to 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. -If 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 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 declaration must mention the period or periods of the war when he served. 
[e] Every continual 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, and _____ days, I served as a ________. For ______ months and _______ days, I served as a _______; 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 reconciling to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase [italicized] about three or four months, is to 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. } lst tour not specific
[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 it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public 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 not 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. 
[pointing finger icon] The notes from [a] t [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [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. } 1 2 2
John N Ashton
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Frankfort Ills July 22d. 1833

J L Edwards Esqr
Sir I herewith return the declaration
of Abel Dortch for a pension. Amended as per
the enclosed instructions of the department.
You will redily perceive the objections of the department are removed, both as to the private seal of the clerk & as to the want of stating a definite period of service in the last tour -
These are the only objections stated by the department. I consequently hope it may receive immediate attention -
yours respectfully
Martin. W. Dorriss
J. L. Edwards Esqr
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No. 25,107 19,921
Abel Dortch
Franklin Co
Illinois

adm 10. Months
$33.33.

66.66
16.67
83.33

Simon M Hubbard
Frankfort - Clk
Franklin Co
Illinois
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AW Rev. War Section.

Mar. 3, 1917.

Mrs. H. J. Walker,
Hotel Congress,
8" and Flower Sts.
Los Angeles, Cal.
Madam:
In reply to your letter of the 17" ultimo, you are advised that for the dates of last payments of the Revolutionary War pensioners, Archibald Daniel, S. 32204 and Abel Dortch, S. 32221, you should apply to the Auditor for the Interior Department, Washington, D.C. citing all of the following data.
Archibald Daniel, Ctf. No. 26151, issued Mar. 31, 1834, rate $20 per annum, to commence Mar. 4, 1831, Act of June 7, 1832, Illinois Agency.
Abel Dortch, Ctf. No. 19921, issued Sept. 25, 1833, rate $33.33 per annum, to commence Mar. 4, 1831, Act of June 7, 1832, Illinois Agency.
Very respectfully,
G M Saltzgaber
Commissioner.

See letter in Misc files W.
to the above person who signs both E. S. and H. J. and there in Mar. 1912 lived in Springfield Ills. she is collecting data for tombstones for Ills. penrs.
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32221
Revy INVALID.

File No. 32,221
Abel Dortch
Pri Rev War

Act: June 7" 32"
Index:-Vol. D, Page 112
[Arrangement of 1870.]

1917 Mar 8, Mrs. H. J. Walker advised to apply to Auditor for Interior for date of last payment AW
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HOME A-3729 MAIN 9400
STRICTLY MODERN ROOMS SINGLE AND EN SUITE PRIVATE TELEPHONES
GROUND FLOOR LOBBY BILLIARD HALL
CLOSE TO THE "STAR GARAGE"

Hotel Congress
A. M. CROW, PROP.
COR. EIGHTH AND FLOWER STS.
DEP'T OF THE INTERIOR
FEB 23 1917
TO BUR. PENSIONS
SECTY'S DESK MAILS & FILES
LOS ANGELES, CAL., Feb-17, 1917 191-
Dear Sir:-
Will you kindly give me the date of
last pension of Abel Dortch and Archibald Daniel both of whom were pensioned in Franklin county Illinois? Abel Dortch served from Virginia and Archibald Daniel from North Carolina.
I thank you for your courtesy.
Truly yours
Mrs. H. J. Walker.

U. S PENSON OFFICE. O
MAR 1 1917

U. S. PENSION OFFICE
FEB 23 1917