Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 4625, James Akens, N.C.
Page 1

(3-1776)

SERVICE
N.C.

Akens, James
            Frances

NUMBER
W.4625.

CONTENTS
Page 2

Georgia 31863
James Akins
of Coweta Co. in the State of George
who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain (blank) of the Regt. commanded by Col Lock in the N.C. (Georgia crossed out) line for
6 months

Inscribed on the Roll of Georgia
at the rate of 20 Dollars - Cents per annum
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 13th day of July 1841 and sent Hon. W. C. Dawson, House of Representatives 

Arrears to the 4th of March 1841 $200.00
Semi=anl. allowance ending Sept 4th 10.00
Total $210.00
Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832.
Recorded by D. D. Addison Clerk,
Book E Vol. [illegible]
Page 85
Page 3

State of Georgia
Coweta County [squiggly brackets]

On this the 5 Day of September Eighteen Hundred and thirty two, personally appeared before me Samuel D. Echols, one of the judges of the Inferior Court, of Said State and county (the applicant not being able to attend conveniently in open court) James Akens, a resident of the county of Coweta and State aforesaid aged 9 years, who being first duly sworn according to Law, doth [letter X above], on his oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress Passed the 7th June 1832

That I entered the Service of the United States, under the following named Officers, and Served as herein stated, I entered the service in the company of Captain Brownfield in the fall of 1779 [underlined] and was discharged on the last of March 1780 the regiment to which my company was attached was commended by Col Locke, I do not at this time recollect the name of the Lieut Col But the Maj name was Wilson. I was repeatedly called out after [redacted[ I returned home from the first tour in severall [sic] detachments for a short time, in the Years of 1780 and 1781 but I do not at this time recollect the day and month that I entered & Left the Service we were generally called out for a short time and discharged my whole service during the revolution was about twelve months. I lived in Macklinburg [sic] County North Carolina when I first entered the service. I was a Volunteer, I never was in any battle, when the regiment was formed and
Page 4

Joined the main army the whole was commanded by Gen. Lincoln, he marched us from Macklenburg Co. A.C. through South Carolina near downtown to Charleston when a [redacted] detachment of the army, among which was the company that I belonged, was ordered to proceed to Perrysburg to be stationed there as a guard. I remained until I was dismissed. I knew no regular officer accept Gen Lincoln, neither do I know the continental regiments or company with which we served for while we were marching, we were encamped apart and I have no opportunity to find them out before we were ordered to Purysburg [sic]  I have no Documentary evidence that I can procure and I know of no person whose testimony I can procure, who can testify to my service  I hereby relinquish every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and and declare that my name is not on the pension roll of any [redacted] the agency of any state
Sworn to and Subscribed the day and year aforesaid
Test
[signed] Sam D Echols J H C C
[signed] James Akins

Answers to the Interrogatories propounded to the first interrogatory. He states that he was born in the year 173 [crossed out and ink blot] as well as he can now recollect to have heard his father say on the line between Maryland & Pennsylvania my father having moved to Macklinburg Co N. C. When I was so small that I do not myself recollect what state he lived in and I do not recollect that I ever hear him say. [line drawn to end of right margin]
Page 5

State of Georgia
Coweta County
[squiggly brackets]
Personally appeared before us Judges of said County Wm. Sprathing, John D. Hinton & Richard B Wooten. & Saml. D. Echols.
James Akens who being duly Sworn deposeth and Saith that by reason of old age and the consequent loss of memory he cannot swear positively 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
I served under Captain Brownfield the term of six months as a volunteer the Regiment under Colo. Lock. I served under Captain Hugh Parks six weeks as a volunteer and I served under Captain Charles Polk six weeks as a volunteer. I served under Captain Brownfield three months as a volunteer in all making twelve months and for such service I claim a pension. Sworn to and subscribed to before us this 2 day of September 1833
[signed] James Akens [thick and thin underline]
[signed] Wm Spratling JI C,C,C
[signed] Jno Hinton JICCC
[signed] Rich. B. Wooten J, I, C, C, C
[signed] Sam G Echols J I C. C C
I Richard W East Clerk of the Inferior Court of Coweta County State of Georgia certify that William Spratling, John D. Hinton & Richard B. Wootten [caret] Saml. D. Echols are Judges of this Inferir Court of Coweta County, and that full faith and credit ought to be given to their attestations as such 
Given under my hand and seal of office this 2nd Day of September 1833
[signed] RIchard W. East C. I. C.
[note there is a small attached square piece of paper attached, worn and crumpled]
Page 6

State of Georgia
Coweta County 
[squiggly brackets]
I Samuel D Echols one of the Judges of the Inferior court of said State and County, do hereby declare it to be my opinion, that after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogations prescribed by the war department, that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states. And I do further certify that John Houston and Henry Keller citizens residing in the county of Coweta & State aforesaid, (there being no Clergyman convenient acquainted with the applicant) are both credible person and that their statement is entitled to credit this the 6 day of September 1832

[signed] Saml. D. Echols [underlined heavy ink] J, I, C,C,C

I Richard W East Clerk of the Inferior [caret] court of Coweta County Georgia, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Samuel D. Echols in the matter of the application of James Akins for a pension, and that Samuel D Echols is one of the Judges of the Inferior court of the county & State aforesaid and that all due faith and credit ought to be attached to his attestations as such -
In testimony whereof, I have here unto set my hand and seal of office this the 10th day of September 1832

[signed] Richard . W. East. C.J.C.
[there is a square shaped looking paper lightly shadowed in the lower right hand bottom of document]
Page 7

To the 2nd Interrogation He states that he has no record of his age and that does not believe his father kep [sic] any

To the 3rd Int — He answers that he was living in Macklinburg County N.C. When he was called into service, and that he has lived since the revolution in Georgia and is now Living in Coweta County Georgia

TO the 4th Int — He answers that he was in every instance, when he went out a volunteer —

To the 5 Int — He states that [caret] he knew Gen Lincoln, and do not at this time [caret] recollect any other except the officers of his regiment already mentioned and Col Saunders who commanded another Regiment N. C. Militia, the circumstances of my service are such as I have stated —

To the 6th Int - He states that he never received a discharge

To the 7th Int. He refers to John Houston Esq & Henry Keller sworn to & Subscribed, the day and year aforesaid
[signed] Saml. D. Echols [underlined] J, I, C, C, C

[signed] James Akens [underlined]

We John Houston and Henry Keller residing in the county of Coweta and State of Georgia,, do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with James Akins, who has Subscribed and Sworn to the [caret] above declaration, that we believe him to be [redacted] 69 years of age, that he is respected and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the revolution, and that we concur in that opinion sworn to, and subscribed, the day & year aforesaid before

[signed] Saml. D. Echols [underlined] J, I, C, C, C
[signed] John Houston

[signed] Henry Keller
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James Akens

Georgia
N. 17820

Richd. W. East Clk.

Coweta Co. Ga.
Page 9

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
April 16th 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 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.
Period when the service was rendered.
Duration of the claimant's service.
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 applicant 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

Fall 1780; Till last of March, 1780: Private: Col. Lock, Maj. Wilson:  General Lincoln, blank, Through S. C. : 60, Mecklenburg Co. N.C.; Traditionary

Volunteered
was frequently called out in the years 1780 & 81: the whole 12 months: Private

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
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 (blank) 
On this (blank) day of (blank) personally appeared (a) before (blank) A.B. a resident (b) of (blank) in the county of (blank) and State, Territory or District of (blank) aged(c) Blank), 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) (blank) with (blank) and
served in the (blank) (e) regiment of the (blank) line, under the following named officers: (blank)
[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 [illegible]
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.
[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
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 records 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 note 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) 
subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be (blank) years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court]

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after
putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary
Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B.(blank) who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the (blank) and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the (blank) and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, (blank) Clerk of the Court of (blank) do hereby certify that the foregoing
contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of (blank) for a pension.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal
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
    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 of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted ; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his Case. The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia. 
1. Where and in what year were you born? 
2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it? 
3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you 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 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 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. 
----- 
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance. 
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule. 
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned. 
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served. 
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and 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 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 ____ and for such service I claim a pension." It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or 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 in 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 a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers. 

MODE OF AUTHENTICATING PAPERS. 
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate. 
PROOF OF SERVICE. 
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office. 
[k] The notes from [a] and [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 [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.
How long did the applicant serve?  The application
Page 12

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 Georgia  SS
Coweta County ⎬ On this the sixth 6th of
August 1844 personally
appeared before Andrew J Berry one
of the
Justices of
the Inferior court for the County and State aforesaid
Frances Akens a resident of said County and
State aged Eighty years, who being first duly
sworn according to Law, doth on her oath
make the following declaration, in order to
obtain the provision made by the act of Congress
passed the 7th July 1838. Entitled an act granting
half pay and pension
to certain widows-
That she is the widow of James Akens late of
the County of Coweta and State of Georgia, the
Identical person named in an original
certificate now in her possession and is hereunto
annexed. That the said James Akens was a
private and served in the war of the Revolution
and for proof of his services, she refers to the evidence
on which he drew his pension. And this deponent
further state that the said James Akens
died on the 12th day of April Eighteen hundred
and forty three (1843, in Coweta County Georgia
And this deponent further declares, that she
was married to the said James Akens on the 16
the
day of March, Seventeen hundred and ninety one
(1791) in Green County Georgia by Oliver Porter
Esquire, and that her husband died on the
day before mentioned - That she has no original
Documentary evidence in her possession, that their
Page 13

original family record having been distroyd
and that she knows of no person living who
could testify to their marriage. That she has
remained a widow ever since her husbands
death. That she was not married prior to
her husbands last service, but was married
prior to the 1st day of Jan 1794 viz at the
time before stated
her
Frances & Akens
Mark
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and
year above written before me a Justice of
the Inferior Court of Coweta County and
State of Georgia and I do further certify
that the word Court, that is enterlined
in the above affidavit was enterlined
before signed, In testimony whereof I have
hereunto set my hand, this 6th day of August
1844-
Andw. J. Berry J.J.C

State of Georgia
Coweta County ⎬ Personally appeared
before me Andrew J Berry
one of the Justices of the Inferior Court of
said State and County, Joseph Akens aged
Fifty years (50) who after being duly sworn
deposeth and says, that James Akens, his father
died on the 12th day of April 1843. leaving his
mother Frances Akens his widow and that she is still his widow residing in Coweta County Georgia
Joseph Akens
Sworn to and subscribed on the 6th day of August 1844 before
me, and I do certify that Joseph Akens is a creditable
person in testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand
Andw. J. Berry J.J.C.
Page 14

State of Georgia
Coweta County
the
Be it known that on
the sixth day of August 1844 before
me Andrew J Berry
one of the
Justices of the Inferior court in and for the County
and State aforesaid, personally appeared
Henry Keller aged forty years. (40, who
being first duly sworn according to law
doth on his oath make the following
statement. That he was acquainted with
James Akens late of the County of Coweta
and State of Georgia and that he died
some time in the year 1843. leaving Frances
Akens as widow and that they were always
reputed and believed in their neighbourhood
to have been legally married and he concurs in
that opinion, and that he has always
understood Frances Atkins was the only
wife the aforesaid James Akens ever had
and from the ages of their children, he
believes them to have been married at the
time by her stated and that she is still
his widow residing in Coweta County
Georgia where her husband died
Henry Keller
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and date
above written before me and I further
certify that Henry Keller is a reputable
person and a creditable witness. In testimony
of the same I have hereunto set my hand
this the 6th day of August 1844
And Berry J.J.C.
Page 15

7465.
---
Georgia
Frances Akens,
widow of James Akens,
who was a private,
in the Georgia line,
N.C [Georgia crossed through]
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of
20 Dollars
Cents per annum, to commence on
the [4th day of March, 1818. crossed through]12th
April, 1843-
Certificate of Pension issued the
15 - day of Decr 1845
and sent to H. A. Haralson
H. R.

Act of March 3, 1843,
& 17 June, 1844
Recorded in Book of A Vol. 2

Page 172.
Page 16


the time of my
William Akers the first son
of James Akins and Frances
his wife was born the 16
of April 1793
[partial words from a different page]
Page 17

State of Georgia
Heard County ⎬ Before me
Thomas Dent
a Justice of the peace in and for
said State and County - Personally
appeared William Akens. who after
being duly sworn, deposeth and saith
that he is a son of James Akens deceased

late a revolutionary pensioner of the United States, and Frances
Akens, the present applicant for a
pension, that I was born, agreeably,
to entry made in the family Bible, in
the hand writing of my father James
Akens, on the Sixteenth (16th day of
April, in the year Seventeen hundred
and ninety three (1793). The transcript
from the Bible, which will be hereunto
annexed, stating the time of my
birth, was taken from the family
record then in the possession of
my father James Akens, by myself
Sworn to and subscribed ⎬ William Mins
before me this 19th day of
August 1845
Thomas Dent J.P.
I do hereby certify that I am acquainted with
William Akens, the person that has
made, the above affidavit before me, that
he is a man of respectability and entitled
to full credit on his oath, this--
August 19th 1845 Thomas Dent J. P.
Page 18

Georgia
Heard County
I David M Smith Clerk
Head County of the Inferior Court in and
for said County Do hereby
Certify that Thomas Dent whose name
appears to the foregoing affidavit and
Certificate is an acting Justice of
the Peace in and for said County and
that full faith and credit should be
given to his attestation as such
Given under my hand and private
Seal there being no seal of office this the
19th day of August 1845
David M Smith, C.I.C.
Georgia
Heard County ⎬I John B Ghent an acting
 Justice of the Inferior Court
in and for said County do
hereby certify that David M Smith whose
name appears to the foregoing certificate
is acting as Clerk of the Inferior Court
of
in and for said County and that full
faith and credit should be given to
his attestation as such
Given under my hand and
Seal this 19th day of August 1845
J M Ghent J.I.C.
Page 19

City of Washington 5th Decr 1845
This will certify that I am acquainted with
William Aiken whose name appears to the
within affidavit and that he sustains the
character of a respectable man and that
I could have no reason to doubt any
fact stated by him on oath.
H A Haralson
Page 20


February 17, 1931
Rev. & 1812 Wars Section
AWF:MLB     our
Mrs. O. E. Lancaster
Shady Dale, Georgia
Dear Madam:
You are advised that it appears from the papers in the
Revolutionary War pension claim, W. 4625, that James Akens
was born in 1762 or 1763 on the line between Maryland and
Pennsylvania, and moved when young with his father, whose
name is not stated, to Mecklenburg County, North Carolina.
While residing in said Mecklenburg County, he enlisted
in the fall of 1778 or 1779, served six months as a private
in Captain Brownfield's company, Colonel Locke's North Carolina
regiment. He served six weeks in Captain Hugh Parks' company,
and six weeks in Captain Charles Polk's company, and in 1782
three months in Captain Brownfield's company.
He was allowed pension on his application executed
September 5, 1832, at which time he was living in Coweta County,
Georgia.
He died there April 12, 1843.
The soldier married March 16, 1791 in Greene County, Georgia,
Frances, whose maiden name is not shown.
She was allowed pension on her application executed August
6, 1844, while living in Coweta County, Georgia, and was aged
eighty years.
Their children are referred to but the following are the
only names stated:
Page 21

William, their first son, was born April 16, 1793, and
Joseph, who was aged fifty years in 1844.
Very truly yours
E. W. MORGAN
Acting Commissioner



"2"
Page 22

Hon W.
sent he
reture [partial page]
Adamson N.C.
his letter
aw
Revy WIDOW, &c.
File No. 4625

Frances Akens
Wid.
Jas Akens
Pri. [Ga crossed through] N. C. line


Act: Mch 3 [illegible] June 1794 [illegible]
Index: -- Vol. A, Page 7
[Arrangement of 1870.]
1907 Dec. 7
1
April 3. 1912-
To Dr. Mr. General, U. S. A.
for tombstone
1931 -Feb.  17 - Hist to Mrs. O. E.
Lancaster See her letter in
John Shew R 9443
awy
Page 23


Georgia
Revo
Act 7 June 1833

James Akins
Suspend
Letter to
Constant W. Buckley
Newman
11 Decr 1833
Georgia
16 April 1835
same. . 8th
April [illegible] H. T. Glascock
James Akens, of Coweta
County, Geo
Act 7 June 1832
Suspd see letter May 21
1840 to Hon. Sec. of War
let to Hon W. C. Dawson July 12 '41
Page 24

91.244
Frances Akens
Georgia
Let. to Jas. Wood Oct 24th '44
Let to Hon. H. A. Haralson Dec. 13. 1845
Page 25

91244
Frances Akens
Georgia

Let. to Jay Wood Oct. 24 44
Let. to Hon. H. A. Haralson
Dec.13. 1845

Act 7th July 1838
Page 26


Nov 3
App. for new cert.
James Akens
Geo.
[stamp illegible Oct 24 GA]
Mail
and
J.L. Edwards Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
D Columbia
Page 27

Newman Geo Octr 23rd 1834
J L Edwards Esq
Dear Sir Enclosed you
will receive James Akins application for
a new Pension Certificate as to his having
received one, he could only swear to his having
received it from your letter to me.
please forward the certificate to me as
soon as possible provided the papers
are properly attested if any thing
should be wrong it is for the want of
a form if it should be returned please
send me a form.
Respectfully yours
C. W. Buckley
Page 28

Nov 15. 1833
Pension Office
Geo.
[illegible]
Mail
free
The Hon. Lewis Cass
Washington City
District Columbia
Page 29

Newman Geo Novr 6th 1833
Hon
Lew Cap
Sir

Enclosed you have the papers of
James Akens for further consideration. The
declaration as made out is supposed to be
sufficient if not please let me know the
objection
Respectfully
Your obvt Sevt
Constant W Buckley
Hon Lew Cap
Washington
Dee
Page 30

10

March 17, 1846
[illegible line]
Frances Akens
[stamp only Mar 13 legible]
L Edwards Esq
Comm Pensions
Washington City
D. C
7.465
Page 31

Monroe Walton Co Ga March 12/46
sir
Enclosed I hand you the required proof in support
of the claim of Frances Aken widow of James Akin a
pensioner during his life time
should it prove satisfactory please enclose me the certificate of Pension
your humble serv't
John H Kilgore
Col J L Edwards
Page 32

H of R
Wm C. Dawson
J L Edwards Esq
Com of Pension
Washington City 
D. C. 
14 July 1841
[illegible]
Hon. W. C. Dawson
Jas. Aken
Page 33

H of R.
14 July 1841
Sir,
send me a certificate for the pension of James
Akens of Coweta Co. Geo. for the length of time, he had
served according to your letter to the Secretary of War 
bearing date 21 May 1840 -- Perhaps you may allow more
Most  respectfully
W. C. Dawson
Page 34

Newman Coweta Co. Ga
J L Edwards
Com Pen
Dear Sir
Enclosed you will receive
the Declarations of Mrs. Frances Akens
of Coweta County Georgia, for a Pension
she is the widow of the late James Akens
of this County a pensioner of the U.S.
while living please on the examination
of said papers inform Joseph Akens, her Son
the determination of the department
Yours Very
Respectfully
James S. Wood
AB Direct your letter to Mr. Joseph Akens
Willow Grove, Post off Coweta County Geo.
Page 35

James Akens
Ga
Act June 7, 1832
Allow 6 mo private 
No Ca Militia
Col Lock
$20 per ann
Hon W. C. Dawson
H Rep
Page 36

July 12, 1844
[illegible]
from
Wm. C. Dawson
H of R
James L. Edwards
Comr of
Washington City
D.C.

Hon. W. C. Dawson
HR
Page 37

Washington City-- H of R
10 July 1841 -
Sir
Be so kind as to inform me, if there are any
Papers in your offices of the kind referred to in the enclosed Letter-- Had the claim be allowed, Let me
hear from you-- Return M. Daniel's Letter
Most Respectfully
Wm C. Dawson
Page 38

Mrs. L. Copelands- [illegible]
Frances Aken
Coweta Co
Page 39

State of Georgia
55
Green County ⎬
Be it known that on this 10th day of
February 1844 personally appeared before me Jesse M. Wilson a Justice of the Peace in and for said County and
State Elizabeth Copeland a resident of said County and
State aforesaid aged Seventy eight years who being first
duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the
following statement that James Aken (who was a pensioner
of the United States at the rate of $20.00 per annum in
Coweta County Georgia) and Frances Aken was legally
married in Green County Georgia by Oliver Porter Esqr on
the 16th day of March Seventeen hundred and ninety one
And that she this deponent witnessed the marriage
ceremony
Elizabeth Copeland
mark
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and date above written
before me & I further Certify that Mrs. Elizabeth Copeland
is a respectable person and a creditable witness in testimony
whereof I have hereunto set my hand this 10th February 1844
Test John H Keegan
Jesse M. Wilson JP
Page 40

State of Georgia ⎬ SS
Green
County
Be it Known that on the 10th
day of February 1844 personally appeared before Jesse
M Wilson a Justice of the Peace in and for the County
and State aforesaid John H Ray a resident of said
County and State aged fifty eight years who after
being sworn according to law doth on his oath
make the following statement that he has been
acquainted with the aforesaid James Aken and
Frances Aken for the space of forty years or more
past that they have been living together as man
and wife from his first acquaintance and before
and even always reputed and believed in their
neighbourhood when they have formerly resided to
have been legally married and he concurs in that opinion
John H Rey
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and date above
written before me I further certify that Mr.
John H Ray is a respectable man and a
creditable witness In testimony whereof I have
hereunto set my hand this 10th July 1844
Attest
John H. Kilgen
Jesse M. Wilson JP
Page 41

State of Georgia
Greene County
office Court of Ordinary
I William L Strain Clerk
of the Inferior Court, when sitting for ordinary
purposes in & for said County & State, certify
that there is no record of Marriage License
to be found in my office of an older date
than of the 23rd of April 1806-
and that the
files of Marriage License in said office
are not of an order date than the 11th
day of November 1801 -
-
And I further certify that Jesse M
M Wilson is an acting Justice of
the Peace in & for said County and
that the foregoing signatures purporting
to be his are genuine.
Given under my hand & Seal
of office as Clerk aforesaid. This
the 22 day of February
1844
William L Strain
Clk. C. O. G. C
Page 42

Payment to be made
at Savannah Georgia
by James Marshall Esqr.
Agent for paying Pensioners in the Agency of
Georgia
Esqr
Recorded
in the Pension
Office, in Book Eol. 6
Page 85 by D.D. Addison
Clerk
Page 43

WAR DEPARTMENT.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.
I certify that in conformity with the law of the United States
of the 7th June, 1832, James Akens
of the Stated
Georgia
who was a Private in the war of the
Revolution
is entitled to receive Twenty
dollars and   cents
per annum, during his natural life, commencing
on the 4th of March, 1831, and 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 15th day of July
one thousand eight
hundred and forty-one
Jno. Bell
Secretary of War.
Examined and
Countersigned.}
J L Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 44

11244
Frances Akens
Georgia
Act July 7th 38
rejected
Act 43. & 44
[illegible]
6 mo pri
20 from
13 Apl. 43 the day of
her husband
Hon H. A. Haralson
H. R.
Page 45

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of
Congress of the 3d March 1843 Granting pensions
for one year to certain widows who have received
pension
is under the act of July 7th 1838-
State of Georgia ⎬ SS
Coweta County ⎬
On this 6th day of August
1844 personally appeared
before me Andrew J Berry one of the Justices
of the Inferior Court in and for the County and
State aforesaid Frances Athens a resident of
said County and State aged Eighty 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
on the 3d day 
of March 1843 granting pensions
to widows of persons who served during the
Revolutionary war That she is the widow of
James Akens who was a soldier in the war
of the Revolution in the South Carolina Militia
and was a pensioner of the United States
under the act of 7th June 1832 at the rate of
$20 per year in Coweta County Georgia-
That she was married to the said James
Akens on the 16th day of March 1791, That
he died on the 12th day of April 1843, leaving
her as his widow and that she is still his
Widow
her
Frances Akens
Mark
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and
year above written before me and I further
certify that Mrs. Frances Akens the above
declarant is personally known to me, I
testimony whereof I have hereunto set my
hand this 6th day of August 1844
Andw. J Berry JIC
Page 46

State of Georgia ⎬
Coweta County
---
J. James J Neely
Clerk of the Inferior
Court of the County of Coweta and State of
Georgia, do hereby certify, that Andrew J. 
Berry, the attesting witness to the foregoing
declarations and affidavits, is a Justice
of the said Court and that the foregoing
signatures purporting to be his is genuine
and that all due faith and credit
ought to be given to his attestations as
such
In testimony whereof I have hereunto
set my hand and seal of office, this 6th
day of August 1844
James G. Neely C.I.C.
Page 47

There has never been
any certificate
issued
Jas. Akens
of Coweta
Co. but there [illegible]
a duplicate [illegible]
was
[illegible] of a [illegible]
sending in Fayette Co. 

H W
Page 48

Application for a New Certificate
State of Georgia
County of Coweta s.s.

On the 23d day of October 1834 before
me the subscriber a Justice of the Peace for the said
County of Coweta personally appeared James
Akers who on his oath declares, that he is the same
person who formerly belonged to the
Company commanded by Captain Brownfield
in the regiment commanded by Colonel
Locke in the service of the United States
that his name was placed on the pension
roll of the State of Georgia, that he (agreeable
to the information received from the Commissioner
of pensions) received a certificate of that
fact under the Signature and seal of
the Secretary of War; which certificate was during some time of the present year 1834 lost by
mail while coming from the War Department
to this Deponent and then was never received by him, James Akens
Sworn and subscribed to before
me the day and year aforesaid 
Wm. [illegible] JP
---
State of Georgia ⎬ S.S.
County of Coweta 
On this 23d day of October 1834 before me
the subscriber a Justice of the Peace for the County
aforesaid personally appeared Willis Kilgore
who on his oath declares, that he well knows
James Akens to be the same person described
in the above affidavit
Sworn and subscribed to before me the day and year aforesaid

Willis Kilgore
Page 49

S.S.
State of Georgia
Coweta County ⎬
I William Nimmons a Justice of the Peace
in and for the County aforesaid do hereby
certify that Willis Kilgore abovenamed is a
man of veracity and ought to be credited
as such. Given under my hand and seal this
23rd day of October 1834 Wm. Nimmons J.P.
I Richard W East Clerk of the Inferior Court
of Coweta County, certify that William
Nimmons is a Magistrate as above, and
that the foregoing Signature purporting
to be his is genuine. In Testimony whereof
I have hereunto affixed my seal of Office
and subscribed my name this 23th day of
October in the year 1834
Richard W. East C.I.C.C.C.
Page 50

State of Georgia ⎬
Coweta County
 On this 5th day of November eighteen
hundred and thirty three personally
appeared before me Jno. D Hinton one of the Judges
of the Inferior Court of said State and County (the
applicant not being able to attend in open Court
on the account of bodily infirmity) James Akens a
resident of the County of Coweta and State aforesaid
10.
aged 70 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 the 7th June 1832
That I entered the service of the United States
under the following named officers and served as
herein stated. I entered the service in the company of
Captain Brownfield in October 1778 and was discharged
on the last of March 1779 the regiment to which my
company was attached was commanded by Col. Lock
the name of the Lieut. Col was James Rutherford the
Majors name was Wilson. I was repeatedly called [missing]
after I returned home from the first tour in small detachments, under
 Capt. Parks & Captain Polk
 for a short time in in the years 1781 and 1782
and said three months under Captain Brownfield in 1782
but I do not at this time recollect the day of the month that I entered and left the service we were generally
called out for a short time and discharged my whole
service during the revolution was twelve months-
I lived in Mecklenburg County North Carolina
when I first entered the service I was a volunteer
I never was in any battle. where the Regiment was formed and we joined the main army, the whole was commanded by Genl. Lincoln, we we were marched from
Charlotte Mecklenburg County, N. C. through Camden
in South Carolina, and to within ten miles of Charleston
in South Carolina, when a detachment of the army
among which was the company that I belonged was
ordered to proceed to Purrysburg on the Savannah
River, to be stationed attached to Genl. Lincoln's army
after which we were ordered out to guard the following
Page 51

Ferries Viz [illegible] Parachuckly and two sisters
when we were marched from the Two sisters to join
Genl. Nash there stationed on Brier Creek Georgia, but
before we arrived he was defeated in consequence of
which we returned to the two sisters, where we remained
a few weeks, when we were marched to the Black Swamp
where I was discharged by my Captain on the last of
March. I knew no regular officer except Genl. Lincoln
neither do I know the Continental regiments or company
with which we served, for while we were marching we
were encamped apart and I had no opportunity to
find them out before we were ordered to Purysburg
I have no documentary evidence that I can procure and
I know of no person whose testimony I can procure who
can testify to my service. I hereby relinquish every
claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the
present and declare that my name is not on pension
roll of the agency of any State. James Akens
---
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
Jno. D Hinton Justice of the inferior Court of Coweta County Ga.
Answers to the interrogatories propounded
To
the first Interrogatory he states that he was born in the
year 1762 as well as he can now recollect to have heard his Father say on the line between Maryland and
Pennsylvania. My Father having moved to Mecklenburg
County North Carolina, when I was so small that I do not myself recollect what State he lived in and
I do not recollect that I ever heard him say
To the 2nd Inty. He states that he has no record of his [missing]
and that he does not believe his Father kept any
To the 3rd. Int. He answers that he was living in Mecklenburg County
North Carolina when he was called into service and that
he has lived since the Revolution [illegible] forty years of the time in [illegible] Georgia [missing]
is now living in Coweta County Georgia
To the 4th Int. He answers that he was in every instance when
he went out a volunteer
Page 52

To the 5t Int. He states that he knew Genl. Lincoln and does not at this time recollect any other except the officers of
his regiment already mentioned and Col. Saunders
who commanded another regiment N. C. Militia the circumstances of my [crossed through] his service are such as I have related
To the 6th Int. He states that he never received a discharge
To the 7th Int. He refers to John Houston Esqr and William A. Spears
James Akins

Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
Jno. D Hinton Justice of the inferior
Court of Coweta County Georgia
We John Houston and William A. Spears residing in the
City of Coweta and State of Georgia do hereby certify
we are well acquainted with James Akens who
subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be 70 years of age that he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been
line of the Revolution and that
and
we concur in that opinion
John Houston
Wm H Spear
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
State of Georgia ⎬ I John D. Hinton one of the
Coweta County ⎬ Judges of the Inferior Court of said State
and County do hereby declare it to be my opinion that of 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 I do further certify that John
Houston and William A. Spear Citizens residing in the
County of Coweld and State aforesaid (there being no Clergyman convenient acquainted with the applicant) are both
credible persons and that there statement is entitled to
credit this the 5th day of November 1833
Jno. D. Hinton J.I.C.C.C.
Page 53

I Richard W East Clerk of the Inferior Court of
Coweta County Georgia do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said
John D Hinton in the matter of the application
of James Akins for a pension and that John
D. Hinton is one of the Judges of the Inferior Court of the County & State aforesaid and
faith
and credit ought to be attached to his attestations as such
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand
and seal of office this 10th day of November 1833
Richard W East
Page 54

State of Georgia Troup County Personally appeared me Johnson Wicks a Justice of the Peace of said state and county Elizabeth Fuller, who being duly sworn, deposeth and says, that she was well acquainted with James Akens in his life time and Frances Akens, his wife, (the present applicant for a pension,) that she knew them for the last forty years and that they were living together as man and wife and were so reputed and considered by their neighbours, and this deponent has no doubt but that they were lawfully married
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 30th July 1844
Johnson Wicks JP

Her
Elizabeth X Fuller
Mark

Georgia Troup County
 I John E. Gilespie Clerk of the Inferior Court for said county do certify that Johnson Wicks whose name appears to the forgoing certify affidavit as a [illegible] witness is an acting Magistrate in said county that his attestation as such is and ought to be intitled to full faith and credit and that it is in due form
Given under my hand and seal od office at La Grange this Thirty first day of July 1844
John E Gillespie [illegible]
Page 55

Georgia 
I Daniel Wase one of the Troup County Justices of the Inferior Court for said county, do certify that John E Gilespie whose name appears to [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] is Clerk of our Court and that full faith and [illegible] is and ought to be had in his [illegible] as such and [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] is in due form
Given under my hand and seal
July the 31th 1844
Daniel Wase