Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S 32337, for Vachell Ijams, Maryland
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Md.                Ijams,Vachell              S 32337

N. C.
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[two pages]

26.359
c Alabama
Vachel Ijams dec. of [illegible] in the State of Alabama who was a [illegible] in the Company commanded by Captain [illegible] of the Regt. commanded by  [illegible] commanded by [illegible] in the North Carolina line for --

[Three illegible handwritten lines with the amount of $90.27 inscribed in those lines]

Inscribed on the Roll of Alabama at the rate of 90 Dollars [illegible] Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued 22 day of May and Sent to [illegible] Adley N. C.

Arrears to the [printed word exed out  and written words illegible]

$177.00
{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832}
Recorded by S. T. Sprague Clerk,
Book 6 Vol. 8 Page 46

[second page, hand written]

Joseph Ijams
Dec 14 1853
Same Jny 6 1834
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State of Alabama
Lauderdale County Court of Said County S.S.

Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7th 1832.

On this 2nd day of August 1832 personally appeared in open court being a court of record held in and for the County aforesaid and now sitting Vachel Ijams a resident of said County and State aged Seventy two or seventy three years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832. He entered the  service of the United States as a Soldier under the following named officers and served as herein after stated. About the last of September or beginning of October (the day is not recollected) 1775 he first entered the service under the Command of Captain Watkins in the flying Camp for ten weeks. He joined the Company in Anne Arundel County, Maryland and during his term of service he was in the Fort at Annapolis. About the 10th day of December 1776 he was discharged as well as he at his time Can remember; [crossed out word] he lost his discharge long ago and before he had any expectation that any movement would be made for revolutionary soldiers. He was in no engagement with the enemy during the term of said service. He enlisted voluntarily. In the month of August 1777 he again joined a volunteer company raised in Anne Arundel [word crossed out] Maryland, Commanded by Col. Doney in Genl. Smallwood Brigade and served three months therein. During the first part of the time he with the Company to which he belonged lay at Barrack in the City of Baltimore but a short time prior to the battle of Germantown he was marched to head quarters near the town last mentioned and was engaged in the battle which. After the engagement the army were marched to a place called White Marsh in Pennsylvania where the Company to which he belonged were discharged about the last of October 1777. but the discharge given was a general to the whole company. Which was never held by this deponent and he is therefore unable to say on what day his discharge was given
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he served in this town nearly three months perhaps a few days less, but to the best of his recollection he was paid for the term of three months. Again in the month of July 1781 he enlisted as a substitute in the Maryland Militia, Prince George County for five months; he cannot reccollect [sic] the name of the captain of the company, but he remembers Capt Linn received him at Anapolis [sic]. He was afterward put into a Company commanded by a Frenchman named La Vash, 4th Regiment of Maryland troops, commanded in his time by Majr. Oxborough. Col Adams he understood was the Commandant of the regiment but he never knew him. He served out his full time under this enlistment and received his discharge, which he gave to the Auditor of Public accounts of the State of Maryland as proof of his service in order to obtain his pay, since which he has never saw it, and cannot say whether it be in existence or not - During the five months tour last mentioned the company saw but little service, they remained principly in Annapolis but this aplicant [sic] was not all the time with his company, being taken with the Camp fever, he was returned to his father in Prince George County on a furlough where he remained till his health was restored. He was finally discharged on or about the 11th day of December 1781. - Some time after his discharge last mentioned he went to reside in Rowan County North Carolina, and in July 1782 he again enlisted as a substitute for the Class or Company of militia to which he then belonged in the County & State last mentioned. He enlisted in Capt Sharpes Company, of the 10th regiment commanded by Col. Sytes; the Company or class  he was a substitute for was command by Capt. Johnston
 
He was received at Sallesborough by Capt Nashbrough & placed in Capt Sharpes Company as a Sergeant, in which capacity he continued to serve till 5th day of July 1783. on which day he was furloughed till again called upon or finally discharged. he never was called up again nor finally discharged. The furlough was given about ten miles from Charleston So. Ca. During the time he served under Capt Sharpe, the Company was marched from Sallesborough to Artley mill and then to James island. Hence they were marched to the ten mile home as it was then called (being that distance from Charleston) when they were furloughed as before mentioned. During the last campaign this applicant was in no engagement with the enemy. - He was a Sergeant during the time he served & received or was entitled to receive 12 dollars per month. He further declares that on his furlough being
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obtained an aforesaid he returned to Rowan County State  of North C. where he continued to reside till the year 1823. He then moved to Tennessee where he remained till the fall of 1824. Then he came to the State of Alabama & settled in the County of Lauderdale aforesaid in which he has returned to ever since.

He perfectly remembers many of his fellow soldiers, but whether they are living or dead he has no knowledge, and his removal have taken from him the means of a certainsy [sic], whether they yet exist or if they do, their place of residence. Nor does he know of any person who has a knowledge of his service, but there are many he believes of his present neighbors as well as those who were neighbors to him in North Carolina if they be yet living who would swear they believe him to have been a revolutionary soldier; amonst [sic] his present neighbors he states the Revd. Kenny Garrard, Genl. John Coffee George Herndon and the Hon. John McKinly. - He has no documentary proof in his own posesion [sic] of his enlistment or service, but by a letter addressed to James H. Weakly Esq. Post master of Florence & herein inclosed [sic] from Wm. Hill Secretary of State of North Carolina, he is informed that his name is upon the rolls of his office, as belonging to Capt Sharpes company of the 10 Regt. 1782 for 18 months as Segt. but there is no other record of his entrance or discharge.  And here said deponent states that that he believes there is an error either in the letter of Mr Hill, or in the record of his office as to the name of the Capt of the company being Shape, as he distinctly recollects he was called Sharpe. He recollects the following officer as belonging or attached to the regiment to which this officer last belong viz. Majr. McGrew, Capt. Hall, Capt. Rhode as well as those before named.  He further declares that he before applied for a pension on account of his eighteen months enlistment and service, but he was unable to make the necessary proof of the disposal and application of his property during his residence in North Car. and consequently failed in obtaining it. And he hereby relinguishes [sic] all claims whatever to a pension or annuity except the present one he declares that his name is not on a pension roll of ant State or agency for any State.

And in reply to the interrogations put to him by the court here he on his oath declares. 1st he believes he was born in January 1759 or 1760 but which he does not know. 2nd A record was made of his age in a prayer book by his father in Anne Arundel County - Maryland, if it be in existence it is in amongst his relations there still
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but he has no knowledge whether it yet exists or no. 3rd.  he was living with his father in Anne Arundel County aforesaid when he first entered the service, and also when he joined the army the second & third time. At the time of his fourth and last enlistment he lived in Rowan County North Car.  After he finally left the army till the fall of 1823 he continued to 
 reside in said county of Rowan. At the time last mentioned he removed to Tennessee and remained in it about a year, and in the fall of 1824 he came to this State and county where he ever since resided. 4th. How he was called into service and every fact connected with with [sic] this interrogatory he has related in his declaration as above stated to which he respectfully requests a reference. 5th. In his first service he has no recollection of any officer of the  regular army except the Commander of the Artilery [sic] Company at Annapolis he states to the best of his recollection his name was Skinner. In the three months service he was acquainted with Capt. or Majr. Ben Brooks, Capt. Walkins [could be Watkins], Capt. Gaither and Capt. Williams of the Continental line, and he has mentioned others that he knew during his other services in his general declaration to which he now refers. He never received any discharges but two and  the reasons of his not being in posession [sic] of those are before given. He has also stated that the reasons of his not getting discharges upon the conclusion of his other services the discharges as well as he can at present recollect came from the legislature of Maryland. He held no commission, he was a Sergt. in his last engagement for 18 months, in his other engagements in the army he was a private only. - He has already  stated who are acquainted with him now, and who he supposes will & can testify as to the degree of veracity to be attached to his oath, and what they believe as to his being a revolutionary Soldier or not.

Sworn to under oath the day and year first above written.
In open court
[illegible] MN Garrard  [signed] clrk

Vachell Ijams [signed]

We Henry Garrard  a clergy man residing in the county of Lauderdale aforementioned 
John Coffee residing in the same hereby certify that we are acquainted with Vachel Ijams who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration. That we believe him to be seventy years of age or upward  That he has reputed and believe 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 this 2nd day of August 1832.    Henry Garrard [signed]

S C Posey [signed] Judge Cty Court Of Lauderdale Ala.

Jno Coffee [signed]
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and the said court do hereby declare this opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogation is prescribed by the War department that the above named applicant was a revolutionary Soldier and Served as he stated. 

And the court further certifies, that it appears to  it that Henry Garrard who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman, resident in the County of Lauderdale aforesaid, and that John Coffee who has also signed the Same, is a resident in the county of Lauderdale aforesaid, and is a credible person, and that this statement is entitled to credit.

[signed S.C. Posey Judge of the Court Cty of Lauderdale

State of Alabama
Lauderdale County
I William W Garrard Clerk of the County Court of  this county of Lauderdale  aforesaid do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of said Court in the matter of the application of Vachel Ijams for a pension.

In testimony where of I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office this Sixth day of July AD. 1832

[signed] W W Garrard (clerk)
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25.195
Vachel Ijams
Alabama

from 1776 pvt
Sergt. 21 mo. 15 days

Pr      10 mo. 10 days  $36.66
Sergt. 11 mo. 5     "       55.83
                                    $90.27

time of death 20 Feb. 1833
widow Martha Ijams.
Amt. due              $177.

[Signed]   Ha J.  McKinley [remainder of first name illegible]


                                     
[Signed} James H. Weakley Esq. [this signature is crossed through]
Florence [crossed through]
Alabama [crossed through]
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WAR DEPARTMENT.
Pension Office,

Sir
The evidence in a
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 compling  [sic] with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your
claim.

A Statement, showing the service of Vachel I James. decd.



Period when the
service will
rendered.

1776.
1777
1781
1782

Duration of the
claimant's service.
2. months 10. days
3 months
5 months
11. months 5 days

Rank of the claimant
priv
priv
priv
Serg

Names and rank of the Field officers
under whom he served.
Cap. Watkins
Cap Brogden
Col Dorsey.
 Col Adams
Cap. Sharpe
Col Sytes

Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service.
72 on 73years

Proof by which the declaration is supported.
Traditionary

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, mucicians [sic] or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION.
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss.
County of
On this    day of 
A B. a resident (b) of          in the county of       and State, Territory or District of       aged  (c)     years, who being duly sworn, according tol aw, 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 county and state where he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons
who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]

He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid                 A. B
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I                   of the Court of
do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of
the application of           for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this
day of                 & c.

If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:  

(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the
and C. D. residing in (the same)
hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with
                                           ,who has
subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be
years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after  putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary
Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A.B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the
and 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.
I                        Clerk of the Court of
do hereby certify that the foregoing
contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of
for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my
hand and seal of office, this day of          & c.

Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge 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
alleged 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, 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 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 inquiry 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 the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words.
"Personally appeared before me the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades: ___ For ___year ____months, and ____days, I served as a _____ For ____months and ____days, I served as a ____; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase 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 is
highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil
pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required. [h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must fix 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.
The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[k] This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration
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Florance   Alabama
November 28/53

Dear Sir I write for some information my Father Vachell Jones was a pensioner and died some
years since he left a widow who
lived some years after his death
and she died I wish to no [sic] wheather [sic]
she was entitled to a pention [sic] for
lifetime or not and if so if the
heirs can draw the pay and if they
can let me no [sic] how to proceede [sic]
and you will much oblige Ijamses
and be paid for nobell 

Joseph Ijams
Page 13

vachael Ijams to will

In the Name of God Amen I vachael Ijams of
the County of Lauderdale and State of Alabama being Sick and weak in body but of perfect mind and memory do make and ordain this my last will & testament in manor [sic] and form as follows to wit

Item 1st -- I Give unto my dearly beloved wife
--Martha Ijams my Land whereon I now live
it being undivided between Samuel C Ijams
and my Self the line runing [sic] as follows
beginning at a corner Stake, at Herrendon's
Blacksmith shop; and runing [sic] 65 poles on
the other Side of the Creek on the top of a
bluff thence along Herrendon's and Readers
line and thence along David Reeders line East
65 poles to the Corner of Section line and thence along Herrendons line 95 poles to the begining [sic] it containing Eighty acres more or less

I also Give to my wife Martha Ijams after
paying all my Just debts all my house hold
and kitchen furnature [sic] plantation tooles   [sic] and Stock of every kind and all things on the place to have -- I now leave during her natural life and then to dispose of as She may think proper
I also appoint my son Willson Ijams my Executor
Item 2 --I also gave unto my Son in law David
C McClarnaugh a Note I hold on him of Seventy
Page 14

Odd Dollars as his portion of my Estate
 he having no claims against my Estate

Item 3d-- I also [word struck through] gave unto my Son Joseph Ijams all notes and accounts I have against him as his portion

Item 4th --Also a Note on Burgess Ijams of forty Dollars as his portion

Item 5th I gave unto my Daughter Ann Ijams
twenty five Dollars

Item 6th I also Gave unto my daughter Elizabeth Herrindon ten Dollars

Item 7th I also Gave unto my daughter Peggy
Edwards ten dollars

I Gave the bay mar[e] In Joseph Ijams possession to his Son John D Ijams for the use
of the family while She may live

as above named I Constitute and appoint my son Willson Ijams my hole [sic] and Sole Exec. revoking all other will or wills whatsoever by  me or other

Signed Sealed and delivered in presents [sic] of us witness this 18th Feb 1833
R W. Claswell
Jas Strawn
Vachael James his X mark  Seal

-
It is my will and desire after the death of my
wife has all the Estate remaining Shall be equally divided between my Son Willson & Pearson with the exception of 50 fifty Dollars to my son [name appears to have been struck through]
Witness  R. W. Clauswill
               Jas Strawn
Vachael Ijams his X mark   Seal
Page 15


State of Alabama
Lauderdale County ⎬ Be it Known that before me John Carr a Justice of the peace in & for the County aforesaid personally appeared Martha Ijams and made oath in due form of law that she is the identical Martha Ijams named in an original Certificate in her pos-
session of which I certify the following is a true copy
             War Department
             Revolutionary Claim
I certify that Martha Ijams widow of Vachel Ijams and late of Lauderdale County in the State of Alabama who died on the 20th of February 1833 is entitled to receive the amount of pension which was due the said deceased at the time of his death from the 4th March 1831.
Payment to be made at Mobile, Ala and by Provident Br. State Bank agreably [sic] to the provisions of the act of the 7th June 1832 at the rate of ninety dollars and 27 cents per annum.
Given at the war office of the United States
one thousand eight hundred & thirty four.

Seal of War Office
Lew Cass
Secretary War

Examined & Counter Signed
J. L Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions

That the said Martha resides now in the County of Lauderdale
Page 16

aforesaid and has resided in the same for the space of Eight years last past
Sworn to & subscribed before me this 17th day of June 1834.
Martha (her mark) Ijams S.L.

John Carr [signature] Justice of Peace

Know all men by these presents that I Martha Ijams of the County of Lauderdale, State of Alabama, entitled to a pension from the United States do hereby constitute and appoint my son Wilson Ijams my true and lawful attorney
for me and in my name to receive from the  agent of the United States for paying pensions in Mobile in the State of Alabama
the Sum allowed to me according to the certificate of the Secretary of War countersigned by the Commissioner of Claims
of which a true copy is given on the foregoing page
Given under my hand & seal this 17th day
of June 1834

Martha (her mark) Ijams    Seal

Sealed and delivered ⎬
in presence of 
S. C. Jones
Wm Clement
-
State of Alabama 
Lauderdale County ⎬ 

Be it Known that on the 17th day of June 1834
before the July ending a justice of the peace in & for said county appeared Martha Ijams above named and acknowledged the foregoing power of attorney to be her act & deed
In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand the day & year last above mentioned

John Carr Justice of the peace
Page 17

No. 28
Martha Ijams for
Vachel Ijams decd. as $90.27 from 4 Mar1831
To Feby 1833 - 23 mo & 16 days
Lauderdale Cty        $177


Mobile, Ala.
4 Jn 1834
Box 2
C 2
Page 18

State of Alabama
Lauderdale County ⎬ Sel
Be it known that on this 17 day of June
1834 before the subscribed a Justice of the peace in afor said county
personally appeared Wilson Ijams the attorney named in the forgoing form and made oath that the same was not given him by reason of any sale transfer or mortgage of the pension therein authorized and to be received by him
[signed] Wilson Ijams.


Sworn to & subscribed the day
& year last above mentioned      

John Carr Justice of the peace

State of Alabama
Landerdale County ⎬ Sel. I William W. Garrard Clerk the County Court for the county afore
said do hereby certify that John Carr is a magistrate as above stated and that the foregoing signatures purporting to be
his are genuine
In testimony whereof I have here unto set my
hand and affixed my seal of office this 18th
day of June 1834
[signed] W. W. Garrard
Clerk of the County Court of
Lauderdale County.
Page 19

Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at Mobile

                           10th Dec. 1834.
Received of George S. Gaines, agent for paying Pensions, one Hundred & Seventy seven Dollars-----Cents, being for 23 16/30
months pension due to Martha Ijams
from the fourth day of March 1831, to the twentieth day of February 1833
for which I have signed duplicate receipts.

[signed] Wilson Ijams

Dolls. 177 00/100
Page 20

The State of Alabama Lauderdale County 
Orphans Court 10th February 1834-- this
day came in open court (the same being
a court of record) Samuel Harwell & Richard W
Clauswell who being duly sworn deposes
that Rachael Ijams Sole of said County died
on the 20th day of February 1833. that said 
witnesses being respectable & bring satisfactory proof to this court; that said Ijams died at that time;  which is ordering to be certified accordingly

The State of Alabama Lauderdale County LS
William W Garrard clerk of the County Court
of said county do certify that the foregoing
is correctly copied from the minutes of said
Court In Testimony where I have hereunto
Set my hand and the Seale [sic] of said County at my office in Florence this 11th day of
March 1834   
          W. W. Garrard
 
The State of Alabama
Lauderdale County

Sidney C Posey Judge of the of the County Court of Said County do certify that William W Garrard whose certificate apears [sic] above is Clerk of the County Court of said County duly commissioned and qualified as such and that due faith and credit should be give to all his official acts In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affix my seal this 19 day of April 1834

S.C. Posey  LS
Page 21

Rev. and 1812
Wars Section
AWF
December 16, 1930

Hon. R. A. Green
House of Representatives

My dear Mr. Green:

Reference is made to your letter of December 11, inclosing one from M. H. McClamroch of Ocala, Florida, requesting information relative to Revolutionary War soldiers.

You are advised that this bureau is unable to
furnish the history of a soldier of the Revolution, unless a claim for pension or bounty land has been made to the United States on account of his services.

A search of the records fails to show claims on file on account of the services of any soldier with surname McClamrockh, all spellings of that surname searched.
You are herewith furnished the history of the only soldier named Vachel Ijams that is found on the Revolutionary War records of this bureau.

From the papers in the pension claim, S. 32337, it appears that Vachell Ijams was born in January 1759 or 1760, place not given.

While living, with his father, whose name is not shown, in Ann Arundel County, Maryland, he enlisted, October 1, 1776 and served as a private in Captain Watkins' Company of the
Flying Camp and was discharged December 10, 1776.

He enlisted in August 1777, served about three months
Page 22

private in Captain Brogden's Company, Colonel Dorsey's Maryland Regiment and was in the battle of Germantown.

While a resident of Prince George County, Maryland, where his father then lived, he enlisted in July 1781 in the Maryland Militia, but was transferred to Captain LeVasche's Company under Major Roxbury of the Fourth Maryland Regiment, served about five months and was discharged December
11, 1781.
11, 1781. [sic]

He then moved to Rowan County, North Carolina, and enlisted in July 1782, served as sergeant in Captain Sharpe's Company,
Tenth North Carolina Regiment and was discharged  July 5, 1783.

He lived in Rowan County, North Carolina until 1823.

He was allowed pension on his application executed August 2, 1832 at which time he was living in Lauderdal County, Alabama.

He died February 20, 1833 in said Lauderdale County.

The soldier married about 1791 in North Carolina, Martha, her maiden name and age are not given. She died in 1823.

In 1833, the following children were referred to: William, Joseph, who was living in Florence, Alabama in 1853; Pearson; Ann Ijams; Elizabeth Herrindon; and Peggy Edwards.

The following names also appear: John D. Ijams, the son of Joseph Burgess Ijams, no relationship shown; and the soldier's son-in-law, David C. McClamaugh, whose wife's
name is not given.

Mr. H. McClamroch's letter is returned herewith.

Very truly yours,
E. W. MORGAN
Acting Commissioner.
Page 23

[This letter is dog-eared in the upper left hand corner obscuring some writing. Hand written on this letter is the following]

When...file this apl. hist. I found 2 John & Thos. Iams or Iiams also of Maryland wh. I think really the same people [illegible] not spelled Ijams, so included detail I could say as I did, the only soldier's named Ijams etc

[Written on the left side of the letter with Vachell Ijams named underlined] is

soldier signed this & son Jos. signed this way

[Written on the right hand side of this letter is the following]

Miss Wilson spell this as in [illegible] She also Q'l C'd this sec. for me. Said not use Captain Johnston at all.

[written initials at top] MMHF



War Section

August 30,1926

Miss Grace Burgess
Corinth, Miss.

Madam:

I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim S 32337 it appears that Vachell Ijams was born in January 1759 or 1760.

While living with his father, whose name is not given, in Ann Arundel County, Maryland, he enlisted about October 1, 1776, served as a private in Captain Watkins' Company of the Flying Camp and was discharged December 10, 1776.

He enlisted in August 1777, served about three months as a private in Captain Brogdan's Company, Colonel Dorsey's Maryland Regiment and was in the battle of Germantown.

While a resident of Prince George County, Maryland, where his father then lived, he enlisted in July 1781 in the Maryland Militia but was transferred to Captain La Vasche's Company under Major Roxbury of the Fourth Maryland Regiment, served five months ans was discharged December 11, 1781.

He then moved to Rowan County, North Carolina, enlisted




.
Page 24


in July 1782, served as Sergeant in Captain Sharpe's Company, Tenth North Carolina Regiment and was discharged
July 5, 1783.

He lived in Rowan County, North Carolina until 1823; in 1824 moved from Tennessee to Lauderdale County, Alabama
where he applied for pension August 2, 1832. The claim was allowed. He died February 20, 1833 in Lauderdale County, Alabama. 

Soldier married in North Carolina about 1791, Martha, her age and maiden name not given. She died in 1838.

In 1833 the following children were referred to: Willson, Joseph (who was living in Florence Alabama in 1853), Pearson, Ann Ijams, Elizabeth Herrindon and Peggy Edwards.

Also, the following appears, John D. Ijams, son of Joseph, Burgess Ijams relationship not stated), and soldier's son-in-law David C. McclClamaugh, whose wife's name is not
given.

The above noted is the only soldier surnamed Ijams found on the Revolutionary War reccords of this Bureau.

Respectfully,
 WINFIELD SCOTT
Commissioner.

[hand written in various spot on this letter were the following notations]

1. Capt. Lytle not of [illegible] 10th N.C.

2. Think July 6 by clerk at end of declaration is an error.

3. Afraid to use Banjed G. Ijams as it was partially erased. [referring to children]

4. It was issued [the claim] to widow in 1834 

5. no other application on file for him, he says he applied before

6. This [illegible] because the inquirer was named Burgess Ijams hist. was sent as he was a Md sol. near when he died.
Page 25

A. G. 201
Ijams, Vachel
( 12 - 8 - 30 ) ORD
                        (COPY )
                 WAR DEPARTMENT
        THE ADJUTANT GENERAL'S OFFICE
                    WASHINGTON


A.G. 201                                         CHB
Ijams, Vachel
(12-8-30)  ORD

December 10, 1930

Honorable R. A. Green,
House of Representatives.


My dear Mr. Green:

I have your letter of December 8, 1930, with which you inclosed [sic] a copy of one from Mr. N. H. McClamroch, 508 E. Broadway, Ocala, Florida, who desires the Revolutionary War record of any McClamroch or MacClamroch; also of one Vachel Ijams.

The surname McClamroch or MacClamroch has not been found as of any organization in service during the Revolutionary War, nor has the name Vachel Ijams  been found as of any organization in service during that war.

However, the collection of Revolutionary War records in this Department is far from complete, and it is suggested that the desired information can possibly be obtained from the Commissioner of Pensions, this city, or from
the authorities of the State from which the men entered the service.

                         Very respectfully,

                               D. H. Bridges
                              Major General,
                          The Adjutant General.
Page 26

Hon. E. W. Morgan,
Commissioner of Pensions,
Veterans Administration,
Washington, D.C.

Dear Mr. Morgan:

You will find inclosed (sic) herewith copy of letter just received from Mr. M. H. McClamroch of Ocala, Florida, and also copy of letter just received from the War Department, same are self-explanatory.

I shall appreciate any information you can give me or Mr. McClamroch.

Sincerely yours,


R. A. Green
Member of Congress

RAG/S


date stamped Dec 12, 1930
Page 27

Corinth, Miss., 
July 12th, 1926.

United States Pension Board,
Washington, D. C.


Gentlemen:

I have been told that the Revolutionary records are kept in your offices and I wish to ask that you kindly let me know if the name of Ijams is on file.

In Baltimore there is a monument erected to the defenders of Maryland during  the Revolutionary War and the name of Henry Ijams is among them.  If you have anything on record concerning Henry Ijams or any other Ijams I would appreciate it very much if you would send me the facts.  If this work is not carried on through your department will you please refer me to the right department?

Thanking you and awaiting your advices, 

Yours very truly,
Mrs. Grace Binges

date stamped Pension Office July 14 1926
Page 28

32 337

Revy INVALID

File No.   32.337

Vachel Ijams

Pri  Rev War

Act:  June 7th 32

Index:  --  Vol. 2, Page 202

[ Arrangement of 1870. }


1926 - Aug 30 - Hist. to Miss Grace Burgess  MMNS

1930 Dec 16  Hist to Hon. R.A. Green for H. M
McClamroch, atty
Page 29

Florance Alabama
Dec 24 / 53

Dear Sir in answer to your inquiry as to when Vachell Ijams was married (illegible) (illegible)

Vachell Ijames died in 1833 and his widow Martha Ijams died in 1838 and they was married in North Carolina some time about the year 1791 and they lived together as man and wife untill (sic)  he died.  Any information on the subject will be thank fully received for if there is any thing concerning I would like to no (know) how to comence (sic) to get it your answer to this. Will much oblige yours 

Joseph Ijams
Page 30

date stamp illegible
Vachel Ijams

P. Waldo
Pension Commissioner
Washington City
Pension Office
Page 31

To The Pention (sic) office
Washington City

Vachel Ijams
Ala'a 1832
Page 32

Washington  January 15, 1834

Sir

The enclosed papers were forwarded to me & are those to which the Certificate of William Hill, Esquire Secretary of State of North Carolina applies; & which I enclosed to you some time since

I hope the papers will now be found in our favor.

Very Respectfully
Your Obt Ser
J McKinley
Page 33

State of North Carolina
Secretary of States Office
I William Hill Secretary of State in and for the State aforesaid do certify that it appears fro the muster rolls of the Continental line of this State in the Revolutionary War that Vachel Jimes [sic] a Sergt. In Capt. Sharpe’s Company of the 10th Regiment enlisted in 1782 for the term of 18 months and that nothing more is said of him on said rolls. 
Given under my hand this 4th Dec 1833
/s/ W. Hill
Page 34

Washington  May 19  1834

Sir

Inclosed (sic) I send the direct proof of the death of Vachel Ijams required by you.
The production of letters of administration, would in a court of law, be deemed sufficient evidence of the death of the intestate.

These have been furnished long since; & the representatives, poor & penniless as they are, have since been put to the additional trouble & expense of proving the death in another form.

What further trouble, expense & delay is in store for them?

Very Respectfully
Your Obt Serv


J. McKinley
Page 35

Joseph Ijams
Jany 6 / 34
Page 36

92
Pension Office
Jany 6 1854

Sir
In reply to your enquiry I have to inform you that nothing is due the children of Vachel Ijames of Ala. He received all he was entitled to under the Act of June 7, 1832 and his widow having died before the 16th of August 1862, no claim can be  asserted in her right.

Joseph Ijames Esq
Florence
Ala.
Page 37

War Department
Pension Office 20th Sep. 1883

Sir

In consequence of the decease of Mr. Ijams, it is necessary that it be certified to this office, by the Court of the County duly authenticated by the Clerk thereof, the time of his death, and who are the legal heirs and representatives of said Ijams.

And as he refers to a Certificate received by you, from William Hill, Esq. Secretary of State of North Carolina, it is herefor that said certificate accompany the papers as he cannot be allowed but 11 months and 5 days for his last tour of service. 

I am Sir
Very Respectfully
Your Ob. See. 
J. L. Edwards

James A Weakley Esq.
Florence
Alabama
Page 38

  90.27
45.13 1/2
30.09
  7.52
  3.76

179.79
Page 39

Washington Dec 14 1833

Sir

The inclosed (sic) certificate has been forwarded to me by the Secretary of State of North Carolina at the request of a son of Vachel Ijams, who is I presume an applicant for a pension.  If it applies to an application of that kind now pending you will oblige me by informing me whether it is sufficient

Very Respectfully
Your Obt Sevt
J. McKinley
Page 40

Recorded in the Pension Office in Book C Vol 8 Page 40 - by John S. Sprague
Clerk
Page 41

War Department
Revolutionary Claim

I certify that Martha Ijams widow of Vachel Ijams resident of Lauderdale County in the State of Alabama who died on the 20th of January 1833; that be  receive the amount of pension  that was due to said deceased at the time of his death, (illegible) 12th March 1831.

Payment to be sent at Mobile Alabama by [illegible] [illegible]  State Bank, agreed (illegible) of the Act 7th June 1832; at the rate of Ninety Dollars and Twenty seven Cents per annum.

Given at the War Office of the United States; 
this 22nd  day of May one thousand eight hundred and thirty four

Lew Cass [signed]
Secretary War

Examined and  }
Subscribed  }

J L Edwards [signed]
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 42

The State of Alabama  Lauderdale County and as the March term of our Orphans Court for Said County the following proceedings were had in words and figures following to wit.

A paper, proporting to be the last will and testament of Vachell Ijames [sic] deceased was produced and proven in open Court by the oathes of Richard M Clauswell and Joseph Strawer the Subscribing witnesses there being but two Subscribing witness is to Said will the Same is ordered to probate & is Established as fair as relates to personal Estate & Null as to the real estate.  In Said will Willson Ijames was appointed Executor, the said Willson entered into bond and security was qualified and took upon himself the Executor of said will accordingly

And then afterwards to wit the following   Letter Issued.

The State of Alabama  by the County Court of Lauderdale County whereas the last will and testament of Vachael Ijames was duly proven on the 25 day of March 1833 and in Said will Willson Ijames appointed Executor of Said will and the Said Willson having given bond and Security and to him the oath required by law therefore that the will of Vachael Ijames may be well and truly administered by these presents grant and Carried to the Said Willson Ijames the administration of all and singular
Page 43

the Goods and Chattel rights and Credits whatsoever belong to Said Vachael Ijames at the time of his death according to the true intent and meaning of said will hereby requiring Said Willson Ijames to file in the Clerks office of Said Court within three months from the date hereof an inventory of Said Good and Chattell rights and credits and to render a full account of his Said administration within three Callender (sic) months and wherever thereto leagaly (legally) required
Witness William W Garrand Clerk of Said Court 
Issued the 25 day of March 1833

W W Garrand

The State of Alabama Lauderdale County
I William W Garrard Clerk of the County Court of said County do certify that the forgoing pages contains as true and perfect transcript of the will of Vachel Ijams Deceased and of the proceedings of the Orphans Court of said County in admiting (sic) the same to probate.
Also a correct copy of the letters Testimentary (sic) Issued to Wilson Ijams, on said Estate or Will.  That said Willson IJams is the executor of Said last will & testament duly qualified as such.  In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said county at my Office in Florence this 29th
Page 44

day of November 1833

WW Garrard, Clk

The State of Alabama  }
Lauderdale County     }  I Sidney C Posey presiding Judge of the County Courts of said County do certify that William W. Garrard whose Official Signature is annexed to the foregoing Certificate is and was at the time of signing the same, the Clerk of said County Court, and that his attestation aforesaid is under form of law.  
Given under my hand and sent this 29th day of November 1833.

S C Posey  LS