Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 4666, George Earnest, Va.
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SERVICE Va. | Earnest, George / Katharine | NUMBER W. 4666
CONTENTS
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[Page 1]

[illegible] R. War
George Conway of Winchester in the State of Va who was a pri in the - commanded by Captain ________of the reg commanded by [illegible] in the -- line for nine [illegible]
 ___________________
Inscribed on the roll of Georgia at the rate of [illegible] Dollars 55 Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued 14th day of Septr and sent to Wm B Ecter
[illegible] Ga
______________________
Arrears to the 4th of Sept 1848      57.29
Semi-anl. allowance ending [illegible] 
 $164.64
{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by [illegible] Clerk,
Book E Vol. C Page 89.

[Page 2]
Paid at the Treasury under the Act of the 6th April 1838 from 4 Sept 1837 to the 4 March 1838. Agt. notified 21st Decr 1838
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Reference
H A Haralson
Same Aug. 23/68

Georgia 7737
Catharine Earnest
widow of George Earnest
Pent
who was a Private
in the Rev. Va
husband died 3rd, Dec 1840
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 34 Dollars 88 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 22nd day of May 1846, and sent to
Hon. H. A. Haralson
House of Reps
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book [illegible] June 1844
Vol. 2 Page 173.
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State of Georgia
Meriwether County.   Sec.

On this sixth day of May 1835, personally appeared in open court before the Inferior or County Court, now sitting, George Earnest, a resident of said county & state age seventy years & upwards 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.
1st.  That he was born on the 20th, May, 1762, in Hanover County, Virginia, his age was recorded in a family Book there left with his mother, & not now to be commanded, principally raised there, removed from there to Georgia, date not recollected, shortly after the Revolutionary War & settles in Wilkes County, removed thence to Jefferson county where he lived four years, removed thence to Clark County where lived upwards of twenty five years, & removed thence to this county last October, his present neighbors are Charles Garrett & Jepthah V Smith.
1st Service - He entered service at the age of sixteen years as a private soldier in the Militia Infantry in the State of Virginia, under state authority rendezvoused at Hannover Court House.  His Captain was John Anderson-illegible- major, Pleasant Colonel, Lieutenant Saml Elbert & Nelson General. This (was) in May 1778. Was in this service three months, marched thence to Williamsburg, where was stationed & discharged by General Nelson, without any written discharge, August 1778.
2nd Service - Entered as a private soldier in Infantry in the Spring
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sometime of the year 1779 under call of the State for Military rendezvous at -illegible- Town, Hanover County, Virginia, his captain John Hanley, major & Colonel were Kirk Jack, Nelson general & lieutenant named -illegible- Earnest.
Entered & served 3 months. Marched to York Town where was stationed six weeks. Marched then to or near Hampton where remained six weeks, there was discharged by General Nelson without any written discharge, in the summer sometime of the year 1779.

3rd.  Service - Entered as a private soldier in the infantry under State authority on call of military under Thomas Richardson, Captain, Major Hampton, Colonel Pleasant, Nelson, General & Edward Cook, Lieutenant.   Rendezvoused at Hanover Court House,
this he thinks was in the year 1781.   Marched to the  Meadow Bridge on Chickahominy Swamp, Hanover County.  Marched then to Richmond, following Arnold the Traitor, to the place on James River called Shirley Island. Staid there one month, marched then to Four Mile Creek below Richmond. Remained there one month, & whilst there attacked a ship belonging to the British  which was injured materially but not captured.  Not one man wounded.  Marched then into Richmond where was disbanded  after the retreat of  Arnold, without any written discharge by General Nelson, this service 3 months.

4th. Service - Entered as a private in the Infantry as a Volunteer under State Authority under Captain Woodson (a fair life man), Lieutenant Roberts, Hampton, Major, no Colonel, rendezvoused at Hanover Court House, Virginia, this he thinks was 1781 in the summer of the year.  Served in this tour 22 days. Marched to Hampton, marched then to or near Richmond, retreating from Cornwallis' advance, discharged by
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Genl. Nelson in Hanover County without any written discharge.

5th. Service - Entered as a private soldier in Infantry under State authority as a guard of prisoners captured in Cornwallis' surrender.
His Captain (was) Lipscomb, his Lieutenant -illegible- .
Rendezvoused at Hanover Court House where said prisoners were taken in (chains?) and were guarded to Massanutten, Virginia, and there delivered in October or November, 1781.  
Was discharged at Massanutten from this service without any written discharge by Captain Lipscomb. This service actually (lasting) 22 days. 

Summary of service
             1st.   3 months
             2nd.  3 ditto
             3rd.   3 ditto
             4th.    22 days
             5th.    22 days

He hereby relinquished every claim whatever to a Pension of annuity except the present & declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State.  And that he knows of no person by whom to prove his services as here put forth, & that he has no original documentary evidence to present in
proof or corroboration of the same, all Revolutionary vouchers which he once had, having long since, been lost.

Sworn to in open Court, now sitting the day of & year aforesaid, as he further swears that he is unacquainted with any Clergyman in the County by whom to prove his Revolutionary reputation.           George Earnest
W.B. Ector,  J.I.C.
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We, Reuben Williams & Walton B. Harris, both citying(?) and residing in the County of Meriwether, State of Georgia, hereby certify that we are well acquainted & have been for upward of fifteen years, with George Earnest, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration. That we believe him to be seventy years and upward of age. That he is reputed & believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution, & that we concur in that opinion.   And we do further certify & swear that said applicant has recently removed to this County & that no resident Clergyman that we know of, or believe in the court, is probably acquainted with his Revolutionary reputation.   
Sworn and subscribed this day & year aforesaid.  
Walton B. Harris
Reuben Willams  [his X mark]
W.B. Ector, J.I.C.

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter & after putting the Interrogations presented 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 Walton B. Harris & Reuben Williams who have subscribed the proceeding Certificate are  -illegible- & persons as they represent, & are credible persons & their statement is titled to credit. 
W.B. Ector  J.I.C.
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Declaration of Catharine Earnest, 
widow of George Earnest
State of Georgia
Meriwether County 

       On this the twenty ninth day of July in the year eighteen hundred and forty five, personally appeared before GW Chatfield, a Justice of the Inferior Court of the County of Meriwether, Catharine Earnest, a resident of said County and State of Georgia, age about eighty seven or eight 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 provisions made by the Act of Congress passed July 7th, 1838, entitled "An act granting half pay & pensions to certain widows". That she is the widow of George Earnest, who was a soldier in the war of the Revolution and for evidence of the same and the services by the said George Earnest, the Commissions of Pensions in reference to the documents and evidence now on file in the proper office at Washington City, when which a pension was granted and duly paid to the said George Earnest in his life time.  She further declares that she was married to the said George Earnest on the day and year specified in the certificate on evidence of Marriage in the case of Catharine Earnest, now of (on)file at Washington City that her husband, the aforesaid George Earnest,
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died on the thirty first day of December, in the year eighteen hundred & forty.  She further declares that she was not married prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first day of January 1794 (viz) at the time in this evidence of marriage, before referred to, specified (viz) in the year peace was made on or about that time.  And she further declares that she was never after, married to any other person, but is now the widow of George Earnest, who was a soldier in the War of the Revolution, and drew his pension as such, up to the last of the year 1840, as will appear from the records of the pension office, or wherever said records may be kept. 
Katherine Earnest

Sworn to & subscribed before me this the twenty ninth day of July, 1845.
Geo. W. Chatfield, JIC (Justice of the Inferior Court)

Georgia
Meriwether County
I do hereby certify that the above declaration of Catharine Earnest was made before me in consequence of bodily infirmity which prevents her appearing in court, she being unable to leave her home. 
This 29th July 1845
G.W.Chatfield   JIC
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[illegible]
22 Mar
[illegible mark on right side of page]

Mrs Catharine Earnest
Widow of George Earnest dec.
Meriwether County
Ga

mail [squiggly line]
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Know all men by these presents that we George Earnest and Wm White Genl. are held firmly bound unto Benjamin Harrison Esq our persent Governor or his successors in the just sum of Fifty pounds current money of Virginia, to the which payment well and truly to be made; we bind ourselves our heirs and admrs and assign firmly by these presents, sealed with our seal and dated this ______ day of April
The condition of the above obligation is such, that whereas there is a marriage suddenly intended to be solemnized between George Earnest and Catharine White Daughter of Col Wm White now if there be no Lawfull cause to obstruct the said Marriage; then this obligation is void or else to remain in full force and directive.
George Earnest {Sl}
Wm White {Sl}
Signed sealed and Delivd
in presence of
J. Poindexter

State of Virginia
Louisa County, to wit
I John Hunter Clerk of the County Court of said County in said state, do hereby certify that the above is a true Copy of a Marriage Bond filed in the clerks office of said Court, with the exception of the date, which is expressed in the said bond in fair legible figures, as follows: "Twenty sixth 26th day of April Seventeen hundred and eighty two 1782."
I John Hunter, above named, depose and say, that I hold the office of Clerk of the County Court in the County and State aforesaid, and that the above is a true Copy of said marriage Bond, with the exception above named, as certified by me.
John Hunter Clerk of the County Court of Louisa County

Sworn - before me,
John T Quarles Justice of the Peace.

I John Hunter Clerk of the County Court of the County of Louisa in the state of Virginia, do hereby certify that John T Quarles 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 20th day of November, in the year 1844.
John Hunter clerk of the Court of Louisa County.
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Dear Madam You can enclose me a #1 note in a letter directed to Louisa Courthouse Va which will [illegible]; for the foregoing business which is proposed in conformity with the directions of the pension department.  Respectfully John Hunter
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No 25141
George Earnest
[illegible]
Georgia
claim as a pension
[illegible] mo 114 days
not authent?
$37.88
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WAR DEPARTMENT, Pension Office, June 3 1833  Sir:  the evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned.  The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form.  On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed; before a pension can be allowed.  The notes and the regulations will show what is necessary to be done.  Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: } ).  You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.  Georgia A Statement, showing the Service of George Earnest [illegible] Co.  Period when the service was received May 1778 [illegible] 79 81 DC June 81 service not less than| Duration of the claimant's service Years| Months 3 3 3 10| Days 22 22 14| Rank of the claimant. Private| Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served.  Capt Anderson Col Pleasant Col Dick Capt Richards Col Pleasant Capt Woodson Genl Nelson Capt Lipscomb| Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service 70 years[illegible] Virginia| Proof by which the declaration is supported. Traditional Evidence-stated credibility by the Courts-- I am, respectfully, Your obedient servant, J. L. EDWARDS, Commissioner of Pensions.
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[page] 2

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832
The following 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. 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, mucicians 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.
States, Territory, or District of County of } 88
On this day of personally appeared (a) before
A. B. a resident (b) of in the county of and State, Territory or District of years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) with and served in the
(e) regiment of the line, under the following named officers:
(Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers; the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged,
and the country through which he marched.     [Pointing hand] This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and per
sons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
And then will follow the certificate of the Court.
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary
soldier, and served as he states.
of the Court of
do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of
the application of
for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this
day of
A.
If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be
found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia.
except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and
subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the
and C. D. residing in (the same)
hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with
who has
subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be
years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier
of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid.
And then will follow the certificate of the Court.
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after
putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary
Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B.
who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the
and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the
and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
,
Clerk of the Court of
do hereby certify that the foregoing
contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of
for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal
of office, this
day of
&c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge 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
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3
service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person 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 a 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 (in) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
1. Where and in what year were you born?
2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?
3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute?
And if a substitute, for whom?
5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services. 
6. [ To a Soldier] Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it?
[To an Officer] Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement 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. 
[fine print] 
[illegible] the infirmity; in where the declarant to the there to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for may be mention attention the persons of war when he served. than the one under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the that which he served, in language to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the he should amend his declaration by making it in the following word
of the Peace, who being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason sent to the tenth of his service; but, according to the hand of his
new and in the following grades:--For---year----months, and hands; and at such service I claim a pension. to the period for which each applicant served, and the parish rank he held, as the law the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the other for Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years the name of the officers, and the particulars respecting their service. This form of declaration is her what officers the applicant served; the duration of such term of engagement; the honored with a red corps called into service by competent enterprise, he was an employed many evil Take the report
The Court always open. They are the real, or if he has not theater care and one of the certifier can accompany the Date of authenticating papers. and wanton in the same sheet of paper when on thereof narrow ribbon, the end of which mine either to present any improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service. where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses of the theme of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well
any longer. The magistrate who may harvester the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses and the official signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office can only
at the cases of Militia men, Volunteers, or state Troops. The proof required by rule is role applies to continental troops only. 
the traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
The answers to the interpretation and [illegible] be written and sent to the War Department with the declaration.
John N Ashton
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(illegible) War Section

(illegible)

(illegible)
(illegible)

William:

In response to your letter of the (illegible) June, you are advised that from the papers in the pension claim, (illegible), it appears that Geroge Earnest was born in Hanover Co. Va. May 30, 1763, and married Katherine daughter of William (illegible), their marriage bond (illegible) April 16 1782, in Louisa Co. Va. He died Dec 31, 1840.
He and his (illegible) were allowed pension while living in Meriwether Co. Ga. on account of his service of ten months and fourteen days as a private in the Va Militia War of Revolution.

Very respectfully,
Signature

Handwriting illegible
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12102,
Aug 6, 1845
Cath Earnest
Aug 7, 1838
of
=
J. L. Edwards Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
D.C.
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(illegible) Ville Georgia 31st July 1845

Sir,

Enclosed I (illegible) you Katarine Earnest, Declaration for Pension, you will discover in her declaration that for she (illegible)
to pension office to the declaration of George Earnest for the purpose of showing his service JC George Earnest's Declaration was made and filed by W.  B. Ector, now deceased, who understood how this application of the Widow of George Earnest should have been made- I also enclose you a copy of the letter forwarded to Dr. Ector in his life time for the purpose of referring you to the proper office for the certificate of marriage of George Earnest & Katahrine Earnest his widow and applicant for Pension (illegible). 
I am (illegible) Respectfully yours
Levi M. Adams
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Gerogia Merriwither County

This is to certify that the declaration of Catherine Earnest for pension taken before Geroge W Chatfield one of the (illegible) Justices of the Superior Court of the said County has been submitted to and approved by us, and that satisfactory evidence has been submitted to us that Geroge Earnest the husband of the said Cathrine Earnest died on the thirty first day of December Eighteen hundred and forty. Given under our hands and seals this seventh day of May eighteen hundred & forty six.

Signatures & seals
Myron Elliz PPC 
Abner Durham
Arthur Reeves
GG  (illegible)

Attest
William L Lawson
(illegible)
Merriwither County
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Washington DC 17th May 1846
Sir,
I have the honor herewith to return to you
the application of Catharine Earnest for a
pension together with the additional evidence
required by you at our last interview as the evidence now furnished is complete
according to the requirements of the Office.  you will please send me the certificate as soon as practicable & much obliged
Very respectfully yours 
H. A. Haralson
J. L. Edwards
Comn of Pensions
Washington D.C.
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Luthersville Georgia March 12, 38 To the pension agent: Dear Sir I take this [illegible] of bring to acertain [ascertain] wither the Claim of Catherine Easrnest Widow of George Earnest [illegible] a revolutionar.  Pensioner was tred [tried] for in 183 [illegible] was a man by the name of Knight that got a person claiming to [illegible] the Claime [Claim] and he wrote it was all wright [right] and he wold [would] atend [attend] to the business.  Soon it was applied for by Elisha Earnest & his [illegible] I think wrote for by D C Gresham and if it has bin [been]obtained let me kno [know] and if not me kno [know] wither it can be obtained or not pleas [please] writ the particlar [particulars] my adress [address] if answerd [answered] in a short time will b [be] Grantvill [Grantville] and not Soon Carrollton Georgia Yours with Respect H G Earnest
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(copy) Pension Office April 2nd 1845 Sir The evidence of marriage in the case of Catharine Ernest has been examined and filed.  Enclosed is a form under the act of July of 1838 for your guidance in asserting the claim.  The regulations annexed to the form, should be strictly complied with.  I am, respectfully, Your Obt Servant Signed, J L Edwards
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No 11757
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Georgia
Meriwether County 
Davis U Gresham clerk
??????? of the ????? County
and for said County and State Certify
that George W Chatfield whose name appears
to the within and foregoing declaration and
Certificate is an acting Justice of the Superior
Court and in and for said County (the same being a Court of record) [Underlined] and that full faith and credit should be given to his deliberations  as Judge
Given under my hand and Seal of
Office and done at Office this Thirty first day of July Eighteen Hundred  and forty five
Davis U Gresham Clerk
???? County  Meriwether County Georgia
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(illegible) 14th (illegible) 184?

Sir

Will you please furnish me with and answer to the enclosed letter from  Levi M Adams  (illegible) one of my (illegible).

Please look into the claim of Mrs. Earnest & if it can be done under the law & (illegible) (illegible) you allow it & send me the (illegible) papers.
With great respect
  H A Haralson

Hon. J L Edwards
(illegible)
(illegible)
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8
c/o Hon. _____ A. _____son
Washington City
D.C.
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Greenville 7th Febry. 1846

Dear Sir,

I (illegible) three months ago (illegible) to the Commissioner of Pensions a claim of Mrs. Catharine Earnest of this County. Mrs. Earnest is the widow of George Earnest a Revolutionary Soldier who was on the pension roll for several years before his death. All the proofs and papers relating to said claim was sent on with the application. Mrs. Earnest is very old & must soon die and if something is not done soon the kindness of the government will do her no good. Will you be so good as to look into the case and ascertain the difficulty if any. I am not apprised that there is any difficulty at all, she is just entitled the provisions of the pension laws, I have no doubt. Will you let me hear from you on the subject at your convenience.

I am yours truly,
L M Adams
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[illegible]

W B. Eaton
Greenville
Geo:
Page 30

Georgia Meriwether County.} I, Adam W. Hussey, clerk of the Superior County Court in aforesaid County do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of George Earnest for a pension. --In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office this 6th May 1833. --Edward W Hussey Clk.
Page 31

Greenville, Meriwether Coty, Ga.  12th Augt. 1833.--Sir, I herewith forward you in return the Declaration of George Earnest, amended, which I hope your early attention to, I flatter myself with your approval of it.  Our Couty Seal apparatly [apparently] being new may not be exactly formal under your requisitions, but I am not aware that any thing material in it can be lacking, & it will all I hope move satisfactory.  Resptfy g e, W. B. Ector J. > Edwards, Esq, Comm. Pensions, Washington City.
Page 32

Treasury Department, Second Comptroller's Office, December 11th, 1838 Sir:  Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," George Earnest,----a Pensioner on the Roll of the Savannah, Geo. Agency, at the rate of Thirty Four Dollars and Eighty eight Cents per annum, under the law of the 7th June, 1832, has been paid at this Department, from the 20th, of Sept. 1837-to the 20th March, 1838.  Respectfully yours, Albion K. Parris Comptroller To the Commissioner of Pensions, Present.
Page 33

11737 Catharine Ernest Ala a Act July 7th 38 [illegible] husband died 31st December 1840 J.L. Edwards, Esq.[illegible Comm. of Pensions, Washington City D.C.
Page 34

Enfanla, Mo, 24 Jany 1848.
Sir,
Accompanying this you will receive enclosed a Certificate proving the marriage of Geo. Earnest & Catharine Earnest. George Earnest was a Revolutionary Pensioner of the U.S. present in Meriwether Court, Georgia, & died I think about 1849. the widow did [illegible] him up to the time of his death, when his Certificate was made [illegible] of [illegible] in same file.
The widow wishes to be enrolled on the Pension Roll, & [illegible] she was his [illegible] & entitled. Will you please to [illegible] her pension to entitled her claim- before 1st [illegible]. If a [illegible] of his name is necessary will you please to send me a Copy of her husbands service, which you will so and originally sent out by me, copy of the Declaration - [illegible] any act the [illegible] necessary adopted in the particular Land [illegible] case.
I am [illegible] in the accompanying marriage [illegible] adoption of meeting the further application for widow Pension.
Their [illegible] & send to me in address and I have [illegible] & Mrs Earnest of which I witness, or for satisfaction to the H. Mr. Stephens, H.R. - Residing the same distance from Mrs. Earnest direction of any advise or papers to be [illegible] delay my service to her, & her time is now precious.
Resptf, ys W. B. Ector
Page 35

Free.
To the Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City,
D.C.
Mail}
Page 36

Eafaula , Ala. 5 April '45

Sir,

About two months ago perhaps I wrote ypou a letter as the friend & agent of Catharine Earnest of Meriwether County, Georgia, claiming a pension as the widow of George Earnest, deceased who was a Revolutionary (illegible) on the Gerigia Roll. In that letter & also (illegible) on the certificate of the Clerk of the Court of the County in Virginia where the parties are married  (illegible) in 1783, andn the certificate shows officially, authenticating the fact. And requesting your (illegible) & (illegible) me whether that should be satisfactory to the (illegible) and supposed probable or what other proof if any would (illegible) to be supplied showing Catharine Earnest the true widow of George Eranest and to authorize her being placed on the Pension Roll of widows of deceased Revolutionary Soldiers- Ref to this time of (illegible) no answers from you in return.

The copy of Mrs. Earnest & her (illegible) residence from me, besides her writing, will suggest to you an early attention to her claim. I enclose you  herewith a letter received by me yesterday which is the (illegible) one lately reviewed by me from the subject of her pension, written byher on (illegible) Co Earnest with whom she lives & which will show you her grant suspended & anxiety, (illegible) of the (illegible) to me.

Please inform me fully about the claim
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& if allowed & intend, as I have supposed probable, please send me the certificate in her favour, addressed to this place. --If the last Congress changed & relaxed the Law in regard to the proof of marriage of "widows" entitling them to Pension without necessarily proving marriage by record, or surviving witness, please send the Law to me with the construction & instructions of your Department thereon.  I have heard that this has been done. -- Your earliest convivence & answer to this will oblige Resptfy. yr. obt. servt. W. B. Ector  To the Commissioner of Pensions, Washington City, D.C.
Page 38

12 1/2
To Wiley B. Ector
Eufaula
Ala

From
E C Earnest

[Stamp]
GREENVILLE
APR
1
GA
Page 39

[illegible]

Doctor Ector dear Sir I sent you a few more
lines as I have send you several [illegible] and
havent never got [illegible] answer from
I resend the [illegible] from Court of a County
Virginia state the [illegible] of my to be [illegible]
I sent out to you in a [illegible] then [illegible]
for you to send me the wrong [illegible] matter
have any anser [illegible] there sent you another
[illegible] to [illegible] if you had got 
you then [illegible] of record sent they I have you will
my [illegible][illegible] that is a [illegible] liveing [illegible]
[illegible] cents sent my mother would that
the mercy was [illegible] for [illegible]$. 13? wear the
drawn of [illegible] pension [illegible] she's [illegible] that record
wanted to [illegible] with but 5'  [illegible] you to Be
a start [illegible] and not your bisness
[illegible] to [illegible] to Be as [illegible] as you can
[illegible] is doing you will [illegible] me
your servnt E C Earnest
my rev tho sent has [illegible] to you
This 1 the of [illegible] 1845
[illegible] sent the [illegible] letters to Co [illegible]
Page 40

W.B.--The original certificate given George Earnest was returned to your office on his death, his widow drew the money & was paid up to the time as usual all of which you will see on file with you, & as attended to for her by me. -- W.B.E.
Page 41

May 31 '45

[illegible]

[illegible] of Pensions
Washington City

[illegible]

Geo Earnest
Page 42

Va. Earnest, George W. 4666
Katharine
Page 43

From
[illegible]
Aug [illegible]
Pension Commission
Washington City
D. C.
Page 44

Holley Georgia Aug  10 [illegible] 

To the Pension Commissioner
In reply to inquiry ? ? 
an ? to said of the 12 of March
stating to that of the petition of Catherine
Earnest we get[?] that marriage ? by
the Hon H. A. Haralson
But this thing that I was inquiring of is
an ? of p? witch  ? get her
had the certificate of marriage and ?
to him in the year ?? 
from the ? agent Notary 
May was unconscious of petition
for Mrs. Earnest and I
waited for him to what he was 
going to do but I ? not hear from 
him. and I want to know the 
nature of this case.
Your Hb
H G Earnest
My ? as Holley Gen
Page 45

act 43 8638
act 44 540

No 11.737
Catharine Earnest
widow of George
Ga
act 7 July 1838

adm. 10 mo 14 days/in
of 34.55 per annum

Commencing 1st May and ending 4 March 1841.

A March 3 March 1843
and 17 June 1844
$34.85 per ann

Hon. H A Haralson
Indianapolis
Page 46

11. 757
Catharine Ernest
Ala.
Suspended
Let. to W. B. Ector April 2 1845
L.M. Adams May 31: 45
Levi M Adams April 18 : 45
[ ? ] to Jane & to Hon. H. A. Haralson 27 April 1846.
Acy July 7th 38
Page 47

10026

Georgia
Catharine Earnest,
Widow of George Earnest,
who was a pensioner under the Act of ~ and who died on the 31st Decr 1840 of Meriwether in the State of Georgia who was a Private in the Compy commanded by Captain - of the Regt commanded by - in the Revo for 10 mo 16 days

Inscribed on the Roll of Georgia
at the rate of 34 Dollars 58 Cents per annum, to commence on the 1st, Jany, 1848

Certificate of Pension issued the 22nd day of May, 1846 and sent to Hon. H A Haralson.

[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by Tho Lumpkin, Clerk,
Bok F Vol. 1 Page 319

Reported
Page 48

Thomasville, Ga.,
June 28 1922

Commissioner of Pensions

Dear Sir:

Will you please give me some information about two Ga. soldiers of the Revolution? They were WIlliams and George Earnes. Iam particulary anxious to find out to whom they were married and names of children and any dates connected with them.
I shall appreciate very much any information at all you can give me. Do you know from what county they came?

Thanking you in
Page 49

advance, I am 
yours truly
Julia Earnest Speight

Mrs. Frank Speight
Thomasville Ga
Page 50

Let to H G Earnest Apr. 6, 1858, states ineffect that Catharime Earnest received a pension of $34.88 cents per annum for ser. of her husband Geo. Earnest in the Rev. War. that she was pensioner  (illegible) the acts of Mch 3, 1843 & June 17 1844, which pen- (illegible) whose acts began May 22, 1846. that she was pensioned also  (illegible) (illegible) act for July 7, 1838, that M Knight does (illegible) appears to have had any connection with the claim.
_______________
Same person informed in letter dates aug 23, (illegible)
Page 51

1858, that no increase of allowance was ever granted in this case.

Signature
Page 52

[Page 1]
Revy WIDOW, &c.
File No. 4666
[ilegible]
Pvt. 8 mos
Act: [illegible]
Index-Vil A, Page 206.
[Arrangement of 1870.]

[Page 2]
1922 Aug 23 Data to
Mrs F. Speight mm
Page 53

Amendatory Declaration of Geroge Earnest 
of Meriwether County Georgia

Georgia 
Meriwether County

On this (illegible) of August 1833, personally appeared before me B Ector, Justice of the Infirm Court in & for said county, George Earnest a resident of said county & State, age (illegible) years appeared who being first duty sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following Amendatory Declaration to his original Declaration of 6th May 1833 in order to obtain the benefit of the pension made by the Act of Congress passed June 7th 1832.

Ans to 1th Inter. ?? in original Declaration 
---- 2nd ------- ditto----
----3rd-------- In fulfilling the Interrogatory & 
amending first  service as detailed in original Declaration he (illegible) that when called into service he was living in Hanover County Virginia this interrogatory otherwise fully answered in original. 
Ans to 4th interrog- In all his services as detailed in original Declaration ,1st, 2nd 3rd 4th & 5th. (illegible) he was a Volunteer (illegible) private serving when (illegible) was made by the state of Virginia (illegible) publick emergencies: when he entered each service he was living in Hanover County Virginia-
Page 54

August 5th. [illegible]. ___ [illegible] cannot [illegible] anything material to a [illegible] for once, thinks however that there service [illegible] in 1781 or 3. service in original Declaration [illegible] shortly after Christmas of 1780. [illegible punctuation] At the time he was stationed at Williamsburg [illegible] in 1st. Service in original Declaration there was a Capt [illegible] of [illegible] there destination for the South [illegible] brigand [illegible] — Whilst serving in 3rd. Service in [illegible] at four mile creek below Richmond saw the Marquis [illegible] [illegible], who was principal in commissioning then, and who left there with main Army for the up country operating as were the [illegible] of Lord Cornwallis. 

And to [illegible] [illegible] — Answered fully in original Declaration ——— 7th. ——- In my original Declaration stated two of my neighboring Charles Garrett Lfefthah U. Smith “who can [emphasis] testify as to my character for veracity & their belief of my services as a soldier of the Revolution. Matton P Harris & Reuben Mille and two other “acquaintances & neighbors have [emphasis] done so. ____

During all the time he was employed as detailes in his original Declaration this as amends he was not engaged in any civil pursuit; was in the field marching or in garrison as his particular services in their [their] history imply; & that in all said services he served with an [illegible] Corps  called into service by State authority. —  

[illegible flourish]  Although his memory is pretty good
Page 55

for his age, yet he cannot be exact in some matters of so long a time past, & which he never expected to be ?? to be minute of precise or especially as to exact dates he therefore claims the indulgence of the Government to add the affidavit allowed for "old age loss of memory" which he herewith ??

Personally appeared before me the undersigned, Justice of the Inferior Court, as aforesaid, George Earnest, as aforesaid who being duly sworn, deposeth & saith, that, by reason of old age & the consequent loss of memory, he can not sweat positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the period mentioned below, & in the following grades:  For ten months & fourteen days, I served as a Private; & for such service I claim a pension.
Sworn & subscribed the day & year aforesaid
George Earnest

W.B.Ector, J.I.C.

As the said Justice of the Inferior or County Court does hereby declare it as his opinion, after the investigation of the matter & after putting the Interrogatories presented by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a soldier of the Revolution & served as he states.

W.B. Ector J.I.C.

Georgia Meriwether County
I Edward W. Hussay, Clerk of the Inferior or County Court in & for said county do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings on the Amendatory Declaration
Page 56

of George Earnest for a Pension, as sworn before and certified by W.B. Ector, one of the Justices of our Inferior or County Court, & whom I hereby certify to be such.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office this second day of Augt. 1833

Edward W Hussey
Clk.