Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 363, Abraham Hankins, Va.
Page 1

(3-1776)

SERVICE Va
Hankins, Abraham
Sally
NUMBER W 363
CONTENTS [blank]
Page 2

7679
East Tennessee
====================
Abraham Hankins
Knox Co in the State of Tennessee
who was a private in the company commanded
by Captain Burr of the regt commanded
by Col Preston in the Virga Ma
line for 7 2/3 months from 1780
7 mos 20 [illegible]
====================
Inscribed on the Roll of East Tennessee
at the rate of 25 Dollars 55 Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
====================
Certificate of Pension issued the 3 {1 before 3 marked out] of May
1833 and sent to Wm B.
A. Ramsay, Knoxville
====================
Arrears to the 4th of March 1833 $ 51.10.
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sep 33 12.77
$63.87
{Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832.}

Recorded by Wm S. Allison Clerk,
Book E Vol. 7 Page 46
Page 3

3238 Knox
Tennessee
====================
Sally Hankins
widow of Abraham Hankins
who served in the Revolutionary
war, ^Va as a Private
====================
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 
25 Dollars 55
Cents per annum, to commence on 
the 4th day of March, 1848.
====================
Certificate of Pension issued the
20 day of Jany. '49
Wm Lyon [illegible]
Knoxville
Tenn.

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act
February 2, 1848, Page 291 Vol. 3
Page 4

State of Tennessee
Knox County 
County Court January sessions 1833
On this 9th day of January 1833 personally appeared
in open Court at a Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions
for the said County, being a Court of record, and now
sitting, Abraham Hankins a citizen of said County
aged 69 years, who having been duly sworn according
to law doth on his oath make the following
decleration [declaration] in order to obtain the provisions of an
act of Congress passed June 7th 1832  That he was
born in October 1763 in Frederick County Virginia
where he lived about eight or nine years, when he
moved to New river, now Montgomery County Virginia
where he continued to live the whole time of the Revolutionary
war, and afterwards untill sometime in the year
1787  that [struck through] applicant states that sometime in the fall
of 1780 as well as he now recollects he entered the army
of the united states as a substitute for Thomas Sperry
who had been drafted for a two months tour _ that 
he rendezvoused at Col. Cloyds in Montgomery Cty.
Va. and was enrolled as the substitute of the said
Thomas Sperry into a Company commanded by
Ensign Francis Charlton of Montgomery County  
applicant states that his company was put under
the command of some man as captain from about
Fort Chisel, whose name he does not now recollect _
Under the command of this said Captain and Ensign
applicant marched to a place called Cumptons station
on the head of Bluestone, one of the headwaters 
of Sandy river, here we remained guarding the said
station and ranging about untill the two months
for which his company had been called out, had
expired _ the same evening that the two months
expired, a certain Lieutenant William Davis
with about twenty men arrived at the said
station on his way to Guyandotte he requested
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as many of our men as saw proper to join him  
applicant states that he with eight or ten others
of those who were at the station, volunteered and
enrolled themselves under the command of the said
Lieutenant Davis, and marched with him to a 
place called Guyandotte on New river  applicant
states that the object of this expedition was to detect
some deserters which were understood to be concealed
somewhere in that part of the Country they ranged
about down the Sandy river, and kept continually
hunting about, and by some mistake in 
their guide and the weather being wet, they got lost
and were unable for some time to find their way
home applicant states that it was about six weeks
from the time he left the station under Davis before
he reached home, and that they did not succeed
in getting any of the deserters applicant states
that sometime in the latter part of the year 1780 or the
first part of the year 1781 his Father, Richard Hankins
was drafted in Montgomery County, Va. for a tour
of three months upon his unwillingness to go
and with the consent of the Col., applicant enrolled 
himself as the substitute for the said, Richard Hankins,
into a company commanded by Captain James Burns,
which company was attached to a Regiment commanded 
by Colonel Frank Preston applicant states that
his company and the others of his Regiment, 
rendezvoused at Fort Chisel where Col. Preston took the 
command   From Fort Chisel applicant marched
with his Regiment to the Moravian Towns, where we 
remained one or two weeks, and then marched
directly to Guilford Courthouse at Guilford Preston
made his headquarters for some time, but his men
were constantly out foraging and scouting, and
sometimes came in contact with Col. Washingtons
light horse, from whom Preston received his
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orders  Applicant states that in one of these scouts
he and his Regiment with some of Washingtons
light-horse came in contact with a company of
tories under Col. Pyles the Tories were for some
time under the impression that our men were a
part of Tarletons men, and conducted themselves
accordingly  Oweing [Owing] to the prevalence of this false impression
the Americans were enabled to contend so successfully with
their enemies that they were totally defeated and many 
of them killed not long after this engagement we met
the enemy again at New river where we had a skrimage [skirmish]
and were defeated applicant states that in this skirmish
his Captain, Burns was wounded in the hip _
after this we marched to Guilford and joined the main
body of the militia there this was before the battle there
applicant states that he and his regiment were engaged
in frequent scouts about Guilford before the battle was 
fought there shortly before that event applicants regiment,
which was horsemen, were ordered to send off their
horses and join the main army on foot, at Guilford 
applicant was sent off a few miles to take charge 
of some horses, and with some others was stationed
a few miles off at the time the battle of Guilford was 
fought after the battle the men came out after their
horses and after applicant and his Regiment had
marched a short distance up the Country they were 
all dismissed and returned home applicant states
that he was more than three months out in this campaign 
applicant states that before this last campaign
he volunteered and went out on a scouting party
under Captain Israel Parton, of Montgomery Cty.
and was in service three weeks at one time and at
another time was two weeks in service In these
scouts they were in pursuit of the tories who were 
very numerous in Mongomery County applicant
states that at no time was he incorporated with any
Page 7

of the continental army he recollects of seeing the
regular troops under Genls Greene and Morgan, encamped
near Guilford, but he never was with them so
as to know their officers or the number of their regiments  
Applicant states that he has served in the Revolutionary 
war two months as a substitute for Thomas Sperry, one
month and fifteen days as a volunteer in the same
campaign, five weeks as a volunteer in two different 
scouts, and three months as a substitute for his Father
Richard Hankins, and in every instance as a private 
making in all seven months and twenty days for
which he claims a pension  He states that he has no
record of his age but believes from the information
which he has from his family that he is as old as above
stated _ He states that individuals to whom he is known
in his neighbourhood [neighborhood], who can testify to his veracity and
his reputation for military services are, Edward Hankins,
Samuel Sharp, Wyatt Warwick and Eli Skeggs _ 
he states that he lived in Montgomery County Va. at the
commencement of the Revolutionary War, during its whole
continuance and afterwards untill [until] about the year 1787,
when he moved to Jefferson County Tennessee, where he lived
about eight years, when he moved to Knox County Tenn.
where he has continued to live ever since and now lives _
he states that he got written discharges as he beleives [believes]
for each of his campaigns, but he has long since lost them, 
and now has none of them, nor has he any documentary evidence
whatever of his services, nor does he know of any person,
except those who hereto certify, whose testimony he can procure
who can testify to his services he hereby relinquishes
every claim 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
Sworn to and Subscribed in open
Court this 9th January 1833     Abraham |his x mark| Hankins
Wm Swan, D.C.
Page 8

9988
Mrs Hankins
7 July 1838
Page 9

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of congress of the 
7th July 1838 entitled an act Granting half pay and 
pensions to certain widows 
State of Tennessee
Knox County
On this 7th day of July 1843 personally
appeared before the Subscriber a Justice of the peace Mrs
Sally Hankins a resident a resident of the County and 
State aforesaid aged 71. years who being first duly
Sworn according to law doth make ^on her oath the following declaration
in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the
act of Congress passed July 7th 1838 entitled an act Granting
half pay and pensions to certain widows" That she is the 
widow of Abraham Hankins who was a Soldier in the 
virginia militia in the war of the Revolution, that the
aforesaid Abraham Hankins drew a pension under 
the act of Congress of 7th June 1832 of $25,55 for his
Said Service
She further declares that she was married
to the Said Abraham Hankins on the 1st day of December 
Seventeen hundred and ninety one, That her husband 
the aforesaid Abraham Hankins died on the 9th December
1840 that She was not married to him prior to his leaving 
the Service, but the mariage took place previous to the
first of January Seventeen hundred and ninety four
viz:  at the time stated     Sally |her x mark| Hankins
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Sworn to and Subscribed on the day and year above
written before me a Justice of the peace for the County
aforesaid, and I further certify that the said
Mrs Sally Hankins is from bodily infirmity unable 
to attend Court.  In witness where of I have hereunto
set my hand this 7th July Eighteen hundred and
forty three    
Isaac Bayless
Justice of the peace

State of Tennessee
Knox County
August Term 1843 County Court
The declaration of Sally Hankins
certified on the 7 July by Isaac Bayless a Justice of
the peace for said county being submitted to the court
The said court doth approve his procedings and
acts in said case, and here by direct the clerk to 
endorse the approval on the papers

State of Tennessee
Knox County
I Moses M Swan clerk of the County Court of 
Knox County do hereby certify that the foregoing procedings on the original procedings had and approved of by the County Court of Knox County at its 
August Term 1843 relative to the declaration of Sally Hankins to obtain the 
benefit of acts of Congress relative to Revolutionary pensions
and I further certify that the aforesaid Isaac Bayless
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is and was an acting Justice of the peace for said
County duly commissioned and qualifyed according
to law, and that the signature perporting to 
be his is Genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto 
set my hand and affixed my seal of
office at office in Knoxville this 7th
day of August 1843
Moses M. Swan clk
Page 12

Abraham Hankins son of
Richard Hankins and Deborah
his wife was bornd January
the 20 day 1763
Sary Skaggs daughter of James
Skaggs and Susanny His wife
was bornd Febrewary
the 16 day 1772
Page 13

James Hankins son of Abraham
Hankins and Sary his wife was
was bornd August the 31 day 1792
Richard Hankins son of Abraham
Hankins and Sary his wife was
bornd January the 24 day 1794
David Hankins son of Abraham
Hankins and Sary his wife was
bornd December the 10 day 1795
Tillindy Hankins Daughter of Abraham
Hankins and Sary his wife was
bornd October the 23 day 1797
Page 14

No 22549
Abraham Hankins
Tenn
from 1780 private
7 months, 20 days.
$25.55/100
Wm R A Ramsay
Knoxville
Tennessee
Page 15

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
183

Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has
been examined, and the papers are herewith returned.  The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form.  On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed.  The notes and the regulations will shew 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, shewing the Service of Abraham Hankins Knox Co Tenn
[Column headings:  Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service:  Years, Months, Days. Rank of the claimant. Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served. Names and Rank of the General and Field officers. Battles in which the applicate was engaged. Country through which he marched. Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period. Evidence by which the declaration is supported.]

1780 Subst Vol. 2 [months]. Priv. Ensign Churlton. Col Cloyd. None. Va. Aged 69 Montgomery Co Virg'a. Living Witness
1780 Subst Vol. about 42 [days]. ". Lieut Davis. Blank. Blank. Blank. Blank.  Blank.
1780-1 Subst Vol. month then 3. Blank. Blank. Capt Burn. Col Preston. L K[illegible] Guilford. Va. Blank. Blank.
1780-1 Subst Vol. 21 [days]. --. Lorton. Blank. Blank. Blank. Blank. Blank.
1780-1 Subst Vol. 14 [days].  Served in all seven months, twenty Days

I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant, 
J. 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 and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c. Teamsters, Boatmen, &c.  Persons who served on board of Private Armed Vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service. 

Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
1.  The Regular Troops.
2.  The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.
3.  Persons employed in the Naval service.
4.  Indian Spies.

As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons, claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of the Record of the County where such applicant resides.  And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record. 

DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of County of } ss.
On this [blank] day of [blank] personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of [blank] in the county of {blank] and State, Territory or District of [blank] aged (c) [blank] years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provion [sic] made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832.  That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) [blank], with [blank] and served in the [blank] (e) regiment of the [blank] line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which  he was engaged, and the country through which he marched [graphic of hand pointing right] This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of [blank]
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.  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 [blank] of the Court of [blank] do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of [blank] for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this [blank] day of [blank] &c.
If, on examination of the proper record the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A.B., a Clergyman, residing in the [blank] and C.D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with [blank], who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be [blank] years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in  that opinion.  
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states.  And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B. who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman, resident in the [blank] and that C.D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the [blank] and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.  
I, [blank] Clerk of the Court of [blank] do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the applicacation [sic] of [blank] for a pension. 
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this [blank] day of [blank] &c. 
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power.  This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts,  which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his alleged service, as they are known at the Department.  A very full account of the services of each person
Page 17

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 of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected.  All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County, in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.  
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State Troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.  
1.  Where and in what year where 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, were 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?
6.  {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 [t]he answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons - one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion.  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 the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter. 

{Footnotes below]
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides.  If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.  
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period of periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had.  Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled.  In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades: -- For ______year _____months, 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 according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service.  The use of the phrase {in italics] about three of four months, is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable.  Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service.  This form of a declaration is highly objectionable.  It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.  
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if 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 Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
[in italics] Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.  
[in italics] 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.
[grahand pointing right] The notes from [a] to [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. }
[signature] Dyer Castor Exam Clerk
Page 18

Payments to be made
at Knoxville
by Robert King Esqr
Agent for paying Pensioners,
in the Agency of
E. Tennessee
Recorded in the Pension Office,
in Book E, Vol. 7
Page 46 by
Wm S Allison Clerk.
Page 19

WAR DEPARTMENT.
Revolutionary Claim.
I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United 
States of the 7th June, 1832, Abraham Hankins
of the Agency of East Tennessee
who was a Private in the army of
the Revolution
is entitled to receive Twenty five dollars and
fifty five cents per annum, during his natural life, commencing
of the 4th of March 1831, payable semi-annually on the 
4th of March, and 4th of September, in every year.
Given at the War Office of the United
States, this thirteenth day of
May one thousand
eight hundred and thirty-three
Lew Cass
Secretary of War.
Examined and 
Countersigned.}
J L Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 20

State of Tennessee Knox County
On this 17th day of October 1848 before me Thomas W.
Kearns a Justice of the Peace duly authorized by law
to administer oaths in and for said County personally
appeared Sally Heankins a resident of Knox County
aged seventy six years, who being first duly sworn, 
according to law, doth on her oath, make the following
declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the 
provision made by the act of Congress, passed on the
2nd February, 1848, granting pensions to widows of
persons who served during the Revolutionary war
That she is the widow of Abram Heankins who
was a private in the Virginia Militia and the
annual amount of the pension which she received
under the act of 17th June 1844 was twenty five
dollars and fifty five cents  She further declares
that she is still a widow
Sworn to and subscribed the
day and year above written before me
Thos W Kearns Justice of said County
Daniel Hankins     Sally |her x mark| Hankins

I certify that the above declarant Sally Heankins is
personally known to me and that she is the same 
individual as stated by her in the foregoing declaration
Thos W Kearns [illegible initials]
Justice of the Peace
Page 21

7371
State of Tennessee Knox County
I Geo. W. C. Cox, Clerk of the County
Court of the County and State aforesaid do hereby
certify that Thomas W Kearns is a Justice of the Peace
in and for said County duly commissioned and
qualifed that his commissioned was dated on
the 20 day of March 1848 and will expire on
the 20 day of March 1854 and that his signatures
to the within declaration and certificate
are genuine.  Given under my hand and the
seal of said County this 24th day of October
1848. 
Geo. W. C. Cox, clerk
Page 22

Ms Hankins
Page 23

Affidavit
State of Tennessee
Knox County} ss

On this 26th day of May 1845
personally appeared before this subscriber a Justice of the peace
Mr Elliot Grills a resident of the County and State aforesaid
aged Eighty four years who being first duly sworn according
to Law doth on his oath make the following affidavit that
he is well acquainted with Mrs Sally Hankins who resides
in this Knox County Tennessee and was also well acquainted
with her husband Abraham Hankins up to the day of his
death he further declares that he was living in the neighborhood
at the time the aforesaid marriage of Abraham 
Hankins and Sally Skags to[ok] place in Hankins County
Tennessee and from records of affiants own marriage
and the birth of his oldes [oldest] child the aforesaid marriage
took place between the 21 day of December 1790 and
the 12 of February 1792 Affiant is justified in the above
date from affiants records Affiant further declares that he
well recolects the murder of the Cavett family eight
miles below Knoxville in September 1793 at wich time
the aforesaid Abraham & Sally Hankins were living together
as man and wife Affiant is justified in the last
date from the fact that affiant lodged with the Cavett
family the night before the massacre
Elliott Grills
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written
before me a Justice of the peace for said county and I further
certify that I am well acquainted Elliott Grills and full
faith and credit is due his statements in witness whereof I have
hereunto set my hand this 26th May 1845
R. F. G. Fleming
Justice of the peace
Knox County
Page 24

State of Tennessee
Knox County} ss

I Geo. W. C. Cox, Clerk of the
County Court of Knox County do hereby certify that R
F G Fleming is and was a Justice of the peace for said 
County duly commissioned and qualified according to
law and that the signature purporting to be his is genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto
set my hand and affixed my
seal of office at Office in Knoxville
this 27th day of May 1845.
Geo. W. C. Cox, clerk

State of Tennesse
I Geo W C White Chairman
of the County Court of Knox County in the
State aforesaid herby certify that Geo W C Cox
whose name appears to the above certificate
was at the time of signing the same & now 
is Clerk of the County Court of said county &
that full faith and credit is due to all
his official acts as such and that said 
certificate is in due form of Law.  Given under
my hand [illegible] May 27th 1845.
Geo W White Chairman
of the County Court
of Knox County
Page 25

Aug. 1. 1845
Aug 1 1845
Sarah Hankins,
Re Jan 25 1845,
June 26th 45
Charge to Mr. Stow[text missing]
J L Edwards Esq
Comm of Pensions
Washington DC
Ms Hankins
Declaration
Page 26

Knoxville East Tennessee July 23 1845
Sir
I have complyed with your letter
of the 12th Jan
Yours with respect 
Jacob Newman

JL Edwards Esq
N B
Mrs Hankins has been
an applicant for a long
time.  I hope you will
not delay her Pension
J N
Page 27

Washington Nov 3rd 1845
Sir
I am requested by Mr Jacob Newman
of Tennesse [Tennessee], agent in the case of Mrs Sally
Hankins, to enquire after her case. he sent
on some time since her declaration under
the resolution of 23rd Jany 1845 from which he
has not heard, and is fearful it has not 
been duly recd or is mislaid. be so good
as to have the claim & reported to me, at
your early convenience & oblige
Very Respectfully
Your Obt [obedient] Servant
Nathan Leake
He also desires me to attend to the further
prosecution of Maphar Tipton's ^case who presented
his claim some years ago under act 
of June 1832 & still lives.  Yours &c
N. L.
Hon J. L. Edwards
Comm of Pensions
Page 28

Knoxville Oct 24 1848
Sir
Inclosed [enclosed] you will please find
the application of Gennant Campbell and
Sally Hankins for certificates under act
2d February 1848 which please forward to this
Office
Very Respectfully
Wm Lyon Esq [Esquire]
J L Edwards Esq
Washington City
D.C.
Page 29

In order to obtain the benefit of the resolution of Congress
of 23d January 1845
State of Tennessee
Knox County} ss

Whereas the Act of the 30th of April
1844 prohibited me from drawing a pension for the same
period during wich my husband was a pensioner I now
make the following statement under oath to obtain the benefit
of the resolution above mentioned I am the widow of Abraham
Hankins who was a soldier of the Virginia Militia in the
War of the Revolution That her husband the aforesaid Abraham
Hankins drew a pension at the rates of $25 55 per annum
and now askes for the amount due me from the 4th
day of March 1836 to the 4th day of March 1841 and
from the 4th day of March 1843 up to the presant
time July 22th 1845
Sally |her x mark| Hankins

sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above
written before me a justice of the peace for said County
and I further certify that I am well acquainted with
Mrs Sally Hankins and full faith and credit
is due to her statements In witness whereof I have
hereunto set my hand this 22th of July 1845
R. F. G. Fleming
Justice of the peace
Page 30

State of Tennessee
Knox County] ss

I Geo W. C. Cox, Clerk of the
County Court of Knox County do hereby certify that R. F. 
G. Fleming who has signed the foregoing is a Justice of 
the County of Knox and State of Tennessee and that 
the above is his signature
In testimony whereof I have hereunto
subscribed my name and affixed
my seal of Office this 23rd day July
1845 at Knoxville in the State of
Tennessee
Geo W. C. Cox, clerk
of Knox County Court
Page 31

State of Tennessee
Knox County}

I, Geo. W. C. Cox, clerk of the
County Court of Knox County
do hereby certify that Levi McCloud whose
name appears to the foregoing certificate is and
was an acting Justice of the Peace for said
County duly commissioned and qualified
according to Law and that the signature
purporting to be his is true and genuine
In testimony whereof I have
hereunto set my hand and 
affixed my seal of office at
office in Knoxville this 7th day
of August 1844.  
Geo. W. C. Cox, clerk

State of Tennessee
Knox County}

I Geo W White Chairman of the
County Court of Knox County hereby, certify, 
that Geo W C Cox whose name appears to the above
certificate was at the time of signing the same & now
is Clerk of the County Court of said County and that
full faith and credit is due to all his official
acts as such.  Given under my hand &c August
7th 1844
Geo W White Chairman
of the County Court
of Knox County
Page 32

State of Tennessee
Knox County}

This day personally appeared before
me Levi McCloud an acting Justice of the peace in and
for said County Eli Hankins and after being duly
Sworn according to law doth make the following declaration
that he is the son of Sally Hankins and that he
is well known to the said Sally Hankins having and
keeping a family record in her possession and
has been known to it from his earliest recollection
affiant further declairs that he seen the same 
record cut out and taken from the book in
which it was contained for the purpose as he 
was informed of aiding his mother the said Sally
in proof to obtain a pension under an act of
Congress 
Sworn to and subscribed this 5th day of
August 1844
Levi McCloud                           Eli Hankins

Justice of the peace for
Knox County

State of Tennessee
Knox County}

I certify that I am well acquainted 
with Eli Hankins and full faith and credit may
may be Given to his statements Given under my hand
and seal August 5th 1844
Levi McCloud {Seal}
Justice of the peace
Knox County
Page 33

7914
Mrs Hankins
Declaration
Page 34

Declaration

In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of the 3rd
of March 1843 granting one years pay and pension to
certain widows
State of Tennessee
Knox County} ss

On this 14th day of January 1845
personally appeared before the subscriber a justice of the peace Mrs
Sally Hankins a resident of the County and State aforesaid
aged Seventy three years who being first duly sworn according
to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order
to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress
passed March 3rd 1843 granting one years pay and
pension to certain widows  That she is the widow of Abraham
Hankins who was a soldier in the Virginia Militia in the war
of the Revolution that the aforesaid Abraham Hankins
drew a pension under the act of Congress of 7th June 1832
of $25.55 for his said services.  She further declares that she
was married to the said Abraham Hankins on the 1st day
of December Seventeen hundred and Ninty One near the
mouth of Mossy Creek now Jefferson County Tennessee
by the Rev Samuel McGee affiant is not certain
whether it was Jefferson County or Hankins She further
declares that the family record attached to her former
declaration was made in part shortly after the birth of
her affiants first Child That her husband this aforesaid
Abraham Hankins died on the 9th day of December 1840
that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service
but the marriage took place previous to the first of January
Seventeen hundred and Ninty four viz at the time above
stated.           
Sally |her x mark| Hankins
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written
Page 35

before me A Justice of the peace for the County aforesaid and
I further cirtify that the said Mrs Sally Hankins is from bodly
infirmity unable to attend Court In witness whereof I have herunto 
set my hand and seal this 14th day of January 1845
R.F.G. Fleming  {seal}
Justice of the peace
Knox County

State of Tennessee 
Knox County} ss

Term 1845 County Court
The declaration of Sally Hankins certified on the 14th day of February
1845 by R F G Fleming a justice of the peace for said County
being submitted to the Court the said Court doth approve his
procedings and acts in said case and I hereby direct the Clerk
to endorse the approval on the papers 
State of Tennessee
Knox County}

I Geo. W. C. Cox, Clerk of the
County Court of Knox County do hereby certify that the foregoing
procedings are the original procedings of the County Court had
and approved of by the same at its February term 1845
relative to the declaration of Sally Hankins to obtain the benefits
of the acts of Congress relative to Revolutionary pensions and
I further certify that the aforesaid R F G Fleming is and was a 
Justice of the peace for said County Duly commissioned and
qualified according to Law and that the signature purporting
to be his is genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my
hand and affixed my seal of office at Office
in Knoxville this 3rd day of March 1845
Geo W C Cox, clerk
Page 36

State of Tennessee
I Geo W White Chairman of
the County Court of Knox County in the state aforesaid,
hereby, certify, that Geo W C Cox whose name
appears to the foregoing certificate was at the time
of signing the same and now is clerk of the 
county court of said county, and that full
faith and credit is due to all his official
acts as such, and that said certificate is in
due form of Law.  Given under my hand [illegible]
May 27th 1845
Geo W White Chairman
of the County Court 
of Knox County
Page 37

No. 9988
Sally Hankins
widow of Abraham
Ten
act 7 July 1838 and
[illegible] Resolution of the 23rd
January 1845
[illegible] 7 mo 20 [illegible]
$25.55 per an
[illegible] acts 3 March 1843
and 17 June 1844
$25.55 per an
Jacob Newman
Knoxville Ten
Page 38

State of Tennessee
Grainger County}

This day personally appeared
before me John A. McKinney an acting of
the Peace for said County.  Mrs Elizabeth
Churchman a resident of said County 
& after being duly sworn according to law
doth make the following dictations (viz)
that as well as she can recollect something
about fifty years ago she was presant
& saw Abraham Hankins & sally
Hakins lawfully married and she has
been aquainted with said Abraham and 
Sally Hankins ever since their marrige
untill the death of the said Abraham
Hankins and that the said Sally Hankins
is now the Widow of said Abraham dcd
this state is to the best of her recollection
sworn to & subscribed
before me this 3rd day        
of June 1843
John A. McKinney
Justice of the Peace
for said County

Elizabeth |her x mark| Churchman

State of Tennessee
Grainger County}

I do certify that I am
acquainted with Mrs Elizabeth Churchman
who signed the above dictations and that
she resides in Grainger County and that
full faith and credit should be
given to her statements     
June 3rd 1843                                                            
John A. McKinney 
Justice of the Peace
for said County
Page 39

State of Tennessee
Grainger County}

This day personally appeared
before me John A. McKinney an acting Justice of
the Peace for said County Mrs Nancy
Ferguson a resident of said County and
after being duly sworn according to law
doth make the following dictation (viz)
that as well as can recollect about 
fifty two or three years ago she was
presant when Abraham Hankins and 
Sally Hankins was lawfully married
and she has been acquainted with said 
Abraham and Sally Hankins ever since 
their marriage untill the death of the said
Abraham Hankins and that the said
Sally Hankins is now the widow of the
said Abraham Hankins decd
this state is to the best of her recollection
sworn to and subscribed
before me the 3rd day of
June 1843
John A. McKinney
Justice of the Peace
for said County

Nancy |her x mark| Ferguson

State of Tennessee Grainer County 
I do certify that I am acquainted with
Mrs Nancy Ferguson that she is a resident 
of said County and that full faith and 
credit should be given to all her statements
this 3rd of June 1843

John A McKinney
Justice of the Peace
for said County
Page 40

State of Tennessee
Grainger County}

I Edward Tate Clerk of the County
Court for said County Do Certify
that John A. McKinney Esq whose
name appears to the written affidavits is here and was at
the time of the signing the same an acting Justice of the Peace in &
for said County and that his signature appears to be in his
own proper handwriting
Witness my hand and Seal of Office at Office
in Rutledge the 6th Day of November 1843
Edward Tate Clerk
Page 41

Knoxville East Tennessee Aug 6th 1844
Dear Sir
I inclose enclose] for additional proof of Mrs
Hankins wich [which] is her family record
James Webb
[illegible]
Jacob Newman
Page 42

Rogersville 26th April 1865

Dear Sir
I recd some time since aletter from you
requesting that I should make asearch in my office 
for the bond or license of the marriage of Abram Hankins,
in compliance with that request I have made diligent
search but can find nothing of the sort and have made acertificate of that fact.  Your request should have been
attended to at an earlier day but the press of business
in the office has been the cause of the delay which I
hope will asufficient apology for the supposed negligence.
The Marriage License & bonds have been very badly kept
since the formation of the County until afew years past
Respectfully
Jas M Hord

State of Tennessee
Hawkins County}
 
I Robert Johnson Clerk of
the County Court of said County do certify that I
have made diligent search in my office for the Marriage
License or bond of Abraham Hankins but can find
neither.
Witness my hand and seal office at office in
Rogersville this 26th day of April 1865
R Johnson Clk
By Jas M Hord Clk
Page 43

9690
Tennessee
Sally Hankins,
widow of Abraham Hankins,
who was a pensioner under the Act of 32,
and who died on the 9th: December, '40,
of Knox Coy in the State of Tenn,
who was a private in the compy: _
commanded by Captain Burr of the
Regt: _ commanded by Col. Preston in
the Virginia line for 7 mos: 20 days _
========================
Inscribed on the Roll of Knoxville,
at the rate of 25 Dollars 55 _
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day
of March, 1836.
========================
Certificate of Pension issued the 23d day of
Oct: 1845 and sent to J. Newman
Knoxville, Tenn.
==================== 
Total amount, $127.75
[Act July 7, 1838.]
& joint resolution of Jany '45.
Recorded by WM Stewart Clerk,
Book D Vol. 1 _ Page 347.
Page 44

9988
Sally Hankins
widow of
Abraham Hankins
Ten.
Set to Jacob Newman July 26th
Do_ Do. Oct: 28, '44
" J Newman Jul 12 1845.
Act 7 July 1838
Page 45

7371
Tennessee
==================== 
Sally Hankins,
widow of Abraham Hankins,
who was a private,
in the Virginia line
====================
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 
25 Dollars 55
Cents per annum, to commence on 
the 4th day of March, 1843.
====================
Certificate of Pension issued the
23 day of Oct: 45,
and sent to J. Newman,
Knoxville,
Tenn
====================
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
& 17 June '44
Recorded in Book A
Vol. 2 Page 192.
Page 46

363
Revy WIDOW, &c.
File No. 363
Salley Hankins
Widow
Abraham Hankins
Priv. Rev. War.
Act:  Feb 2, 1848.
Index:-- Vol. A, Page 300
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 47

State of Tennessee
Knox County}

I Edward Hankins a citizen of ^Jefferson [crossed out Grainger]
County Tennessee, aged near 67 years do hereby certify
that I am the Brother of Abraham Hankins who has
sworn to and subscribed the foregoing declaration, that
I have all my life lived near my said Brother, that I
recollect distinctly of his going a tour of duty in the
Revolutionary war as the substitute of Thomas Sperry
also of his going a three months tour as the substitute
of my Father Richard Hankins, and his going out
in several short scouting parties, being upwards of
two years younger than my said Brother, I cannot
recollect so distinctly the periods exactly of his services
but I have always heard him make statements of
his services corresponding with those made in the
above declaration_ I further certify that I have every 
reason to beleive that my said Brother is as old as he
represents himself, and that he is reputed and beleived
in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a 
soldier of the Revolution and I concur in that beleif_
I further certify that there is no resident clergyman in 
the neighbourhood where the above declarant resides
Sworn to and subscribed in 
open Court this 9th Jany 1833
Wm Swan [illegible]
Edward [his x mark] Hankins

State of Tennessee
Knox County}

I Samuel Sharp a citizen of said
County aged 76 years do hereby certify
that I have been acquainted with Abraham Hankins
who has sworn to and subscribed the foregoing declaration
from his infancy, and have lived in the same neighbourhood
with him the greater part of his life _ I certify
that I served with him in the same Regiment, but in
a different company, in the campaign to Guilford, and
from my own knowledge he did serve as he has stated in
that campaign, and from his uniform declarations
and the general reputation of his neighbourhood I
Page 48

have no doubt that he served as he states _ I beleive him to be
69 years old and he is respected and beleived in the neighbourhood
where he resides to have been a soldier of the
Revolution - I further certify that there is no resident
clergyman in the neighbourhood where declarant resides
Sworn to and subscribed this 9th Jany 1833 in open Court
Samuel Sharp
Wm Swan [illegible]

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 said court further certifies,
that it appears to them that Edward Hankins who has signed
the foregoing certificate is a resident of ^Jefferson [Grainger crossed out] County contiguous
to Knox County, and that they are both credible persons
and their statements are entitled to full credit
J. Anderson
John McMillan
Hu Brown
Judges of the Court of Pleas and Quarter
Sessions for Knox County _
I Charles McClung Clerk of the Court of
Pleas and Quarter Sessions for Knox County
do hereby certify that the foregoing contains
the original proceedings of the said court
in the matter of the application of Abraham
Hankins for a pension
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand
and seal of office at office this 9th day of January 1833
Chas McClung
By his [illegible]
Wm Swan
Page 49

Declaration

In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of March
3rd 1843 entitled an act granting one years pension to certain widows
State of Tennessee
Knox County } ss

On this 23rd day of October 1843 personally
appeared before the subscriber a Justice of the peace Mrs Sally
Hankins a resident of the County and State aforesaid aged
seventy one years who being first duly sworn according to Law doth
on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the 
benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed March
3rd 1843 entitled an act granting one years pay and pension to 
certain widows That she is the window Abraham Hankins who was
a Soldier in the Virginia Militia in the war of the Revolution
that the aforesaid Abraham ^Hankins drew a pension under the act of Congress
of 7th June 1832 of $25.55 for his said services
She further declairs that she was married to the said Abraham
Hankins on the 1st day of December 1791 That her husband
the aforesaid Abraham Hankins died on the 9th December 1840
that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service but
the marriage took place previous to the first of January 1794 viz
at the time above stated and that she is a widow at this
time
Sally [her x mark] Hankins
Page 50

Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before
me a Justice of the peace for the County aforesaid and I further
certify that the said Mrs Sally Hankins is from bodily infirmity
unable to attend Court In witness whereof I have hereunto set my
hand this 23rd day of October 1843.
I further certify that she is a widow at this time
Isaac Bayless
J. Peace

State of Tennessee
Knox County}

I Moses M Swan clerk of the county court of
of Knox County do
hereby certify that the ^foregoing proceeding an the original proceedings
had and approved of by the County Court of Knox
County at its November session 1843 relative to the
declaration of Sally Hankins to obtain the benefit of
acts of Congress relative to Revolutionary pensions --
And I do further certify that the aforesaid
Isaac Bayless is and was an acting Justice of
of the peace for said county duly commissioned  
and qualified according to Law and that the
signature purporting to be his is genuine 
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto
set my hand and affixed my seal of
office at office in Knoxville this 6th day
of November 1843 - 
Moses M Swan clerk