Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W 349, Bowlin Curtis, Continental Va.
Page 1

Service
Continental 
VA

Curtis, Bowlin
Mary

Number
W349
BL. Wt 2400-100
Page 2

[left side]
Reported 
Jany 16/49

[right side] 
3107.
Tennessee Jonesbo'
Mary Curtis
widow of Bowlin Curtis [handwritten]
who served in the Revolutionary Va war, as a Pri of Drugoons

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 100 dollars _ Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.

Certificate of Pension issued the 16 day of Jany 1849 and sent to 
Hon J.H. Crozier
Hofk

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 287 Vol. 3
Page 3

State of Tennessee} S.S.
Sullivan County}

On this 18th day of June 1844 personally appeared before the subscriber an acting Justice of the peace in and for said County John Smith aged 73 years who after being duly sworn according to law doth on his oath declare that the following statement relative to Bowlin Curtis, said to be a soldier of the war of the Revolution; and Mary his wife is true according to the best of his knowledge and recollection; to wit; That many years ago the aforesaid Bowlin and Mary Curtis came from the state of North Carolina; as he understood from them at the time; and lived on his farm as close neighbors Carter County state aforesaid. That he was personally accquatined with the aforesaid Bowlin and Mary Curtis who had two or three children when they came to the aforesaid farm; that they lived together as husband and wife all the time they staid in the neighborhood and believe them to be such, and that he never heard it doubted or contradicted. He further states that the aforesaid Bowlin and Mary Curtis with their children left that part of the county and moved back to the state of North Carolina as he understood afterwards where the aforesaid Bowlin Curtis died. That his wife the aforesaid Mary afterwards came back int the same neighborhood she formerly lived in and now resides not exceeding six miles from him on the Mattauga river in the
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County of Washington State of Lennessu and that she is still a widow. he further declares the aforesaid Mary Curtis now living on the Mattauga; is the identical woman that he formerly knew as the wife of the aforesaid Bowlin Curtis, said to be a soldier of the war of the Revolution. And that the following named persons are the children or the reputed children of the aforesaid Bowlin and Mary Curtis; to wit; John Curtis, William Curtis, Nathan Curtis and Mary Curtis now Mary Vest all of whom he believes are now living in the counties of Carter and Washington state aforesaid He further declares that in November next it will be fifty two years since he knew the aforesaid Mary as the wife of the aforesaid Bowlin Curtis. 

his
John X Smith
mark

Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and date before written and I further certify that I am personally acquainted with the aforesaid John Smith who is a resident of the county of Sullivan State of Tennessee. That he is a credible witness whose testimony is certified to the highest credit and as such full faith and credit should be given to his statements. In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand this the 18th day of June 1844.
Michael Weaver
Justice of Peace
Page 5

State of Tennessee} S.S.
Carter County}

At a Court held for Carter County State of Tennessee for May [crossed out] June term 1846, satisfactory evidence was addressed in Court, to prove that John Curtis; Nathan Curtis; William Curtis and Mary Curtis now Mart Vest, are the children and only heirs at law in [illegible] to Bowlin Curtis, who died in Rowan County, North Carolina in 1808. Late a Private of Dragoons in the Regiment Commanded by Col. Armand during the war of the Revolution. 
Satisfactory evidence was also addressed in Court to prove that the said John Curtis and Mary West are inhabitants of Carter County in the state of Tennessee, and that Nathan Curtis & William Curtis [words crossed out] inhabitants of Washington County State of Tennessee, [sentence crossed out].
Isaac Lipton Chairman

State of Tennessee Carter County} SS-
I James L Bradley Clerk of the County Court of Carter County in the State of Tennessee, do certify that the above evidence is taken from the records in my office
In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and affix my seal of office at Office in Elizabethton in the County and State aforesaid this 1st day of June 1846. (Interviewing of "Nathan Curtis" and [illegible] done before completing the papers) 
J. L. Bradley Clerk

State of Tennessee} SS.
Carter County}
The John Curtis, Nathan Curtis, WIlliam Curtis and Mary Curtis, now Mary Vest, heirs at law of Bowlin Curtis, who was a Private of Dragoons in Colonel
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Armands Corps during the war of the Revolution, and died in Rowan County, North Carolina in the year 1808, do upon oath testify and declare to the best of our knowledge and belief, that our father the said Bowlin Curtis deceased did enter the military service of the United States or Colonies in the war of the Revolution, for the term of during the war. That he entered said service in the State of Virginia, date of enlistment not known, and served as a Private of Dragoons under Colonel Armand in the Continental Line: and that he continued in the service aforesaid, not less than three year, and to the end of the war; We further declare that we have never received a warrant for the Bounty Land promised to our Father the said Bowlin Curtis deceased on the part on the United States, nor do we believe he ever received it, or transferred his claim to it in any manner whatever; therefore we claim the bounty Land promised to him on the part of the United States.
Attest
Henry King
Bowling Curtis
Son of John

his 
John X Curtis (Seal)
mark 

his 
Nathan X Curtis (Seal)
mark

his 
William X Curtis (Seal)
mark

her
Mary X Vest (Seal)
mark

Know all men by these presents, That we John Curtis, Nathan Curtis, William Curtis and Mary Vest aforesaid, do hereby constitute and appoint Blackston McDonnel of Greene County and State of Tennessee to be our true and lawful Attorney for my, and in our names, to demand and receive from the secretary of war of the United States, a warrant for the quantity of land due to us as aforesaid: and our said attorney
Page 7

is hereby fully authorised and empowered to constitute and appoint, if necessary, one or more substitutes or Attorney's under him for the special purposes above expressed.
Attest
Henry King
Bowling Curtis
Son of John

In testimony whereof, we hereunto set our hands and affix our seals, in the County of Carter, State of Tennessee this the 13th day of April 1846

his  
John X Curtis (Seal) 
mark  
 
his  
Nathan X Curtis (Seal) 
Mark 
 
his  
William X Curtis (Seal) 
Mark 
 
Her 
Mary X Vest (Seal) 
mark 

State of Tennessee} SS.
Carter County}
Be it known that on the 13th day of April 1846, personally appeared the above named John Curtis, Nathan Curtis, William Curtis and Mary Vest, subscribers to the foregoing declaration, and made oath to the same, and in my presence acknowledged the Power of Attorney thereto subjoined, to be their act and deed for the possession therein mentioned.

Given under my hand in the County of Carter, State of Tennessee the day and year last above mentioned. 
Henry Little  (seal)
Justice of the Peace

State of Tennessee) SS.
Carter County}

I James L Bradley clerk of the County Court in and for the County and State aforesaid, do hereby certify that Henry Little Esq. whose name appears above is now, and was, at the date of the foregoing acknowledgement
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of the foregoing [crossed out] Power of Attorney an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid, duly commissioned and qualified according to law, and that he is fully authorized to administer oaths and take acknowledgments & C in the County and State aforesaid. I also certify that the signature purporting to be his appears in his own proper handwriting and is genuine 

In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and affix my seal of office at office in Elizabethton in the County and State aforesaid this fourth [crossed out] first day of April 1846 [crossed out] May [crossed out] June 1846
I further certify that the erasures of the words "foregoing" "April 1846" was done before completing the papers. This the day and date above.
Ja' L Bradley Clerk

I further certify that owing to neglect, the foregoing proceedings was not presented to the court held for May Term 1846, and that the Erasures of "May fourth" & inserting of " June 1st" was done this day, it being June term 1846. 
Given under my hand this first day of June One thousand Eight hundred and forty six.
Ja' L. Bradley Clerk
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Declaration

In order to obtain the benefit of the Acts of Congress passed 7th 1838 and 3rd March 1843, Entitled an act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows 
State of Tennessee} s.s
Washington County}

On this twentieth day of June Eighteen hundred and fifty four personally appeared before the subscriber an Actin Justice of the peace in and for said county Mrs. Mary Curtis aged seventy three years a resident of the County and State aforesaid, 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 acts of Congress passed 7th July 1838 and 3rd March 184s entitled An Act granting half pay and pensions to certain Widows. That she is the widow of Bowlin Curtis who was a soldier of the Regular Army in the war of the Revolution. That he just served a tour of 6 or 7 mounts as a drafted soldier from the state of Virginia. The time he entered the service the names of his officers and when he came out of said service she does not know; that he afterwards enlisted as a regular soldier for five years on during the war, and that he served as such to the end of the war part of the time under the command of General Washington, that he was under the command of Washington at the battle of Brandywine where his brother Wyly Curtis was killed that he was also at the battle of Trenton under the same Commander. She also declares that the aforesaid Bowlin Curtis was afterwards transferred from the Northern Army to the Southern Army and that he was at the battle of Guilford and Eutaw Springs in the State of North and South Carolina under the command of General Greene and Colonel Armand, that he belonged t the horse or cavalry during part of the said five years service under the command
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of the aforesaid Colonel Armand and that he the aforesaid Bowlin Curtis served in the foot or infantry during part of the said service but she declares that she does not know the names of the other officers. She further declares that she was married to the aforesaid Bowling Curtis in the County of Shenadoah [Shenandoah] State of Virginia in the year 1787 but she cannot remember the month or day, but that it was sometime in the fall of said year, she further declares that she has no record of her marriage to the aforesaid Bowlin Curtis, nor does she know of any living witness by whom she could prove it. She further declares that her husband the aforesaid Bowlin Curtis died in Rowan County State of North Carolina near the Yadkin river in the fall of 1808; that she was not married to him before his leaving the service but the marriage took place previous to the year 1794 to wit; at the time above stated she further declares that she has no record or documentary evidence of her husbands military services and that she still remains a widow and that she has not been married since her husbands death. 
her 
Mary X Curtis
mark

Sworn to and subscribed before me this the day and date before written; and I further certify that I am personally acquainted with the aforesaid Mary Curtis who is a resident of the County and State aforesaid, that she is from the bodily infirmity unable to attend court. that the statements made in her declaration are entitled to credit. In testimony whereof I have presently set my hand this the 20th day of June 1844. 

James White
Justice of the peace
Page 11

State of Tennessee}
Washington County} 
County Court July Term 1844 the declaration of Mary Curtis certified on the 20th day of June 1844 by James White a Justice of the Peace for some County and the affidavit of George Taylor certified by Lawrence Bowers a Justice of the Peace for the County aforesaid, being submitted to the court the said court doth approve the proceedings and acts in the case and hereby direct the clerk to endorse the approval of the same. 
Henry C Stephenson
Chairman of the Court

State of Tennessee}
Washington County} S.S.
I W.H. Smith clerk of the County Court of said county do hereby certify that the foregoing proceedings had and approved of by the county court of Washinton County, at its July Term 1844 relative to the declaration of Mary Curtis to obtain the benefits of Acts of Congress relative to Revolutionary Pensions, And I further certify that the aforesaid James White and Lawrence Bowery are and were acting Justices of the Peace, at the time of signing said declaration and affidavit in and for said county, duly commissioned and qualified according to law and that the signatures purporting to be theirs are genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office at office in Jonesboro.
This 1st day of July 1844.
W. H. Smith Clerk
Page 12

State of Tennessee} s.s.
Carter County}

On the 20th day of June 1844 personally appeared before the subscriber an acting Justice of the peace in and for said county John Curtis a resident of the County and State aforesaid aged fifty six years who after being duly sworn according to law doth on his patch make the following declaration relative to his father Bowlin Curtis a soldier of the war of the Revolution, to wit, that the aforesaid Bowlin Curtis was the husband of Mary Curtis his mother, who is now making application to the government for land and money in account of her husbands services in the war of the revolution as declared that he always considered and believed and understood, that the aforesaid Bowlin and Mary Curtis his Father and Mother were lawfully married and that he and his brothers and sisters were the Legitimate children of the aforesaid Bowlin and Mary Curtis; and that he never knew it doubted or contradicted by any one. He further states that he often heard his father often [crossed out] converse about his military services in the war of the Revolution; that he heard him say that he, his father, the aforesaid Bowlin was drafted in the state of Virginia for six months service in the war of the Revolution but that he had served seven months instead of six; the names of his officers in that tour he does not recollect of hearing his father mention neither does he know the time or year he entered the service or left the same in the seven months tour. 
He further states that he heard his father say that after he came home from the seven months campaign, that a draft for soldiers came and that rather than submit to do many drafts he joined the regular army for five years or during the war enlistment; the names of all the Officers he heard his father talk about he does not now recollect, but he remembers distinctly of hearing his father say that he was under General Washington at the battles of Brandywine and Trenton and
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that he was under General Greene at the Battle of Guilford and Eutaw Springs; That after his father and Mother removed from the State of Virginia to North Carolina and when they left that state for Tennessee and while on the journey, he recollected of passing over the ground where his father said was fought the Battle of Guilford, in which the aforesaid Bowlin Curtis said he was engaged under the command of General Greene; he believes also that his father said his Colonel's name was Armand and that he, his father, had served part of the time in the horse of cavalry under Col Armand, and a part of the time in the foot, but it has been so long ago that he cannot recollect many of the names and circumstances which his father mentioned. [illegible, four lines are crossed out]. That he served to the end of the war or five years and seven months. he further states that his father and mother removed from the State of Virginia to the State of North Carolina and then into the State of Tennessee and lived near the Wattauga River in the County of Washington now Carter County; that his father the aforesaid Bowlin and Mary his wife and family removed back to the State of North Carolina and settled on the Yadkin, Rowan County; where his father died of fever and ague and other complaints about the year 108; that a short time thereafter his mother the aforesaid Mary Curtis with the family removed back to the State of Tennessee and settled in the same neighborhood where they formerly lived, where they all now reside except a deceased sister and that the aforesaid Mary Curtis still remains a widow in indigent circumstances. He further states that there is no record of his age, but from what his parents always told him he was fifty six years old on the 20th March 1844.
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He further declares that his father while living in the State of North Carolina went to Richmond in the State of Virginia in order to obtain some Land which he said was due him for his military services in the war of the Revolution, but that he failed to get it, and that his father said if he had his just dues from the Government he would have three hundred acres of land.
his 
John X Curtis
mark

Sworn to and subscribed before me this the day and date before written. And I further certify that I am personally acquainted with the aforesaid John Curtis who is a resident of the County of Carter and State of Tennessee and I further certify that he is a reputable witness whose testimony is entitled to the highest credit. Given under my hand this 20th day of June 1844.
Henry Little
Justice of the Peace for Carter County

State of Tennessee}
Carter County} 
I James L. Bradley clerk of the County Court of Carter County do hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with Henry Little who is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said county duly commissioned and qualified according to law and was such at the time fo signing the above certificate date of the 20th day of June 1844 And I further certify that the signature purporting to be his is genuine and that full faith and credit should be given to it as one of his official acts
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office at office in Elizabethton this 21st day of June 1844
James L Bradley Clk
of Carter County Court
Page 15

State of Tennessee} s.s.
Carter County}

I Thomas Gourley Chairman of the County Court of Carter County, do hereby certify that James L Bradley is an was the clerk of the said court at the time of signing the written certificate, to wit, on the 20th [illegible] that he was duly commissioned and qualified according to Law- and that the signature purporting to be his is genuine, and that full faith and credit should be given to it as one of his official acts. 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand this 20th day of June 1844
Thomas Gourley
Chairman of the County
Court of Carter County
Page 16

[Stamp]
Harrisonburg
Aug
30
Va.

[Stamp]
10

To B. McDaniel Esqr.
of 
Greenville 
Tennessee

Mail}
Page 17

Know all men by there presents that we Bowlen Curtise and John McDonald are held and firmly bound unto his excellency Edmund Randolph Esqr Governor of Virginia in the just and full sum of fifty pounds, current money; to which payment well and truly to be made, to the said Governor or his successors, we bind ourselves, our heirs, executors and administrators. Justly and severally [illegible] these presents. sealed with our seals and dated this 10th day of Novem 1889.

The condition of the above obligation is such, that whereas there is a marriage suddenly intended to be solemnized between the above bound Bowlin Curtise, and Mary Lee, now if there is no lawful cause to obstruct the said marriage, then the above obligation to be void, and of no effect; other were to [illegible] is full for [illegible] and venture sealed and delivered. 
as presence of ... }
his
Bowlin X Curtis {seal}
mark

his
Jno X McDonald {seal}
mark

State of Virginia, Rockingham County to wit
I Henry J Gambill clerk of the court of the said county, do hereby certify that the [forgoing; crossed out] foregoing is a true copy of the bond given by Bowlen Curtis on obtaining a secures to marry Mary Lee,   wherein bond is on file in my office, and I further certify that I can find no other record of said marriage in my said office, 
In testimony, whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of my said county this 28th day of August in the year 1845. and in the 70th year of the Country.
H. J. Gambill Clerk 
of Rockingham County Va.

Rockingham County to wit
I Peachey Harrison presiding Magistrate of the said county do hereby certify that Henry J. Gambill
Page 18

is the clerk of the said county and that his attestation is in due form, given under my hand and seal this 25th day of August 1845.

Peachey Harrison {seal}
Page 19

349 [Handwritten]
Revy WIDOW, &C.
_________

File No. 349
Mary Curtis
Widow
Bowlin Curtis
Priv Dragoons Rev. War.
________
Act: Feb 2, 1848.
Index:- Vol: A, Page 160

[Arrangement of 1870]
Page 20

No 7295 Mary Curtis Term W
Act 1843

The Pension papers of Mary Curtis, furnish satisfactory evidence to identify her deceased husband, Bowlin Curtis, as a soldier of Armands Legion 

17161
Mary Curtis 
Tenn.
Let to hon A. Johnson
July 23 44
Let to same sept 19 1844
to same Dec: 11, 1844.
Secy of War 10 Feby 45 
Ston A Johnson 22d Apl "45

Act July 7. 138
Page 21

7295
Tennessee
Let to Hon A Johnson Feb 29
1846

Mary Curtis
Widow of [typed] Bowlin Curtis [handwritten]
who was a [typed] private of Dragoons [handwritten]
in the [typed] Revolutionary War, [handwritten]
no 874
________

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of [typed] 100 [handwritten] Dollars [typed]
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843. [typed]
________
Certificate of Pension issued the [typed] 22d [handwritten] day of [typed] Sept. 1845 [handwritten] and sent to [typed] Hon. A. Johnson
Greenville, 
Tennessee. [handwritten]
________
[Act of March 3, 1843.] 
& 17 June, 1844. [handwritten]
Recorded in Book [typed] A [handwritten] Vol.[typed] 2 [handwritten] Page [typed] 190. [handwritten]
Page 22

9624. [underlined]

Tennessee
_________

Mary Curtis
widow of Bowlin Curtis, 
who was a pensioner under the Act of [blank]
and who died on the - of - 1808
of Washington in the State of Tenn:
who was a private dragoon in the [blank]
commanded by Captain [blank] of the 
[blank] commanded by [blank] in 
the Revolution line for 2 yrs. Dragoon
_________
Inscribed on the Roll of Jonesboro
at the rate of 100 Dollars
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March 1836. 
________
Certificate of Pension issued the 22nd day of Sept: 1845 and Sent to Hon A. Johnson, Greenville Tenn.
______
Total amount, $ 500.00
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by W M Stewart - Clerk, 
Book D Vol. 1- Page 343.
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Declaration 
In order to obtain the benefit of the acts of Congress of 2d February 1848 entitled an act making further provision for surviving widows and soldiers of the Revolution 

State of Tennessee}
Carter County} ss

On this 25th day of September 1848 personally appeared before me the undersigned a Justice of the Peace for said County and State of aforesaid Mrs. Mary Curtis a resident of Carter County Tennessee formerly of Washington County Tennessee afsd
Who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on her oath maketh [illegible] declaration In order to obtain the benefits of the provision mad by the acts of Congress passed in the 2d of February 1848 granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War That she is the widow of Bowlin Curtis who served as a private in the Continental Legion commanded by Gen Armond in the war of the Revolution She further declares that she [illegible] pensions under the following acts of Congress for services rendered by her husband the aforesaid Bowlin Curtis viz July 7th  1838 March 3th 1843 and June 17th 1844 fo $100 per annum she further declares that she is still a widow. 
her 
Mary X Curtis 
mark

Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before me a Justice of the peace in said county
Page 24

and I further certify that Mrs. Mary Curtis is the identical Mary Curtis who drew a pension for services rendered by her husband Bowlin Curtis int he war of the Revolution under the act of Congress of June 17th 1844
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand 
Jas W. Renfro
Justice of the Peace

State of Tennessee}
Carter County}

I James L Bradley clerk of the County Court of Carter OCunty do hereby certify that James W Renfro whose name appears to the certificate above is with and was at the dates thereof an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the county aforesaid duly commissioned and qualified according to Law and that the signature purporting to be his is genuine

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office at office in Elizabethton this 27th September 1848
Ja. L Bradley Clerk
By Jacob Cameron Dept Clerk
Page 25

Greenville Tennessee
July 1st 1846

Sir
Enclosed you will find the application of the heirs of Bowlin Curtis for the quantity of land due him from the U.S. at his death, on account of his services in Armands Corps during the war of the Revolution, all of which is done pursuant to your instructions of Oct. 15th 1845. 
You will see that I am the Attorney, I will thank you to send me the warrant as early as may be convenient, through Hon. Andrew Johnson M.C.

If anything else is necessary or my part as the Attorney, you can instruct me. 
Application has also been made to the state of Virginia for the bounty land due the heirs on the part of that state. 
I hope the warrant will be issued in such a way as to entitle the heirs to locate on any of the public lands in any state or territory.
I am with great respect 
Your obt. Svt. 
B. McDaniel

J.L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions 
Washington City

This letter and the papers accompanying it were sent to the offices by the Hon. 
Andrew Johnson
Page 26

Knoxville Oct 7th 1848

Dr Sir
I enclose Mr. Curtis declaration under the act 2d February 1848.

James WM Renfro
Col J L Edwards
Jacob Newman 
Attorney
Page 27

Bowlin Curtis 
N. 2400


Hon.  A Johnson
Ho. of Repts
Page 28

Greenville Tennessee
Sept. August [scratched out] 8th 1845

Sir-
Enclosed is the marriage bond of Bowlin Curtis and Mary Lee, which is the only thing required by you to establish the claim of Mrs. Curtis for a pension. 
Her declaration was made out in Washington County Tennessee, under the Act of July 7th  1838, in July or August 1844-

I hope these will be no difficulty now, in allowing her a pension; and I also hope that you will not require a Declaration under the act of 3d of March 1843, Mrs. Curtis is now living about 40 miles from this place, and about 15 from the Jonesboro Tennessee agency, at which place she wishes the payments to be made. I am her authorized agent, and you will please send the certificates under the acts of 7th July 1838 and 3d March 1843 to myself or Hon. A. Johnson Greenville, Tennessee. 
She stated in her Declaration that she was married to Bowlin Curtis in the fall of 1787 or "88. The bond shows that she was married in 1789- This discrepancy I hope will not vitiate her claim, as it is extremely difficult for an old ladyof 76 or 77 to remember the precise date of her marriage without a record. 
It is believed that there is 300 or more acers of land due in the case of this be the fact, you will confer a favor by sending to me the necessary forms and instructions to make out the claim- These are but four heirs to wit; John, Nathan, William, and Elizabeth

I am Very Respectfully
Page 29

your obt. servt.
B. McDaniel

Col. J.S. Edwards
Commissioner Pensions
Washington City 
D.C.

Greenville Tennessee 
Sept. 8th 1845

Col. J.L. Edwards

Mr. B. McDaniel has exhibited a paper to me in the case of Mrs. Mary Curtis, which shows that he is her authorized agent- Being well acquainted with him. I have no hesitation in saying, that if you transmit the certificates of Mrs. Curtis to him all will be right. 
With great respect 
I am your Obt Svt.
A. Johnson
Page 30

[left side-upside down]
Hon HM Wilkins
Secretary of War
Washington City
D.C.

[right side]
Janu 7 "45

Hon A. Johnson, 
on what day will the Sec. 
take up & decide the cases 
of Mrs. Curtis Mrs. Treadway
& Mrs. Mullen.

[illegible] 7,'45
Pension Office
Page 31

Pension Office
Jany 7th 1845

Sir,
I wish you to call upon the Commissioner of pension for the papers in the following applications for pensions, v.z. , the case of Mrs. Curtis - case of Mrs. Treadway and the case of Mrs. Mullen. I am of the opinion the cases have been made out in compliance with the spirit of the various laws granting pensions to widows of soldiers of the revolution. If it is not inconvenient, I would like to know what day the Secretary would take up these cases and to be granted the privilege of making some explanation respecting the cases.

I have the honor to be very
respectfully [illegible]

A. Johnson
Page 32

Decision of the forms of Pensions in the case of Mrs. Mary Curtis

The proof of the marriage should be by the record- It is not shown why this kind of record proof is not produced in this case until that appears a different kind of  proof (Not by affidavit) cannot properly be resorted to__
W.L. Macey
Page 33

(Copy)
Pension Office,
December 11. 1844.

Sir,
The affidavits of John and Nancy Smith, stating that Bowlin and Mary Curtis were considered to be man and wife as an ascertained perioud prior to January 1. 1794, have been examined and filed. Without intending to question the correctness of their statements, I have to state that they are not satisfactory. No affidavits, however strong, can be admitted to prove a marriage which took place in the State of Virginia, whereby law marriages are made matters of record, unless it be shown that the record has been destroyed. Mrs. Curtis in her declaration says she was married in Shenandoah County, Virginia, in the fall of 1787. The clerk of that County will furnish an official copy of the license, or marriage bond, or give a satisfactory reason for the non-production of such a paper. 
I have the honor to be yr.
(signed) J.L. Edwards

Hon. A. Johnson,
House of Representatives.
Page 34

Greenville October 21st 1844

Sir- yours of Sept. 19. 1844 relative to the case of Mrs. Mary Curtis of Washington County Ten. has been recvd by which I find the testimony of Mr and Mrs. Smith of Sullivan County Ten. is objected ot on the supposed ground that they can neither read nor write. that, therefore they are not reliable witnesses. The enclosed evidence I hope will set that matter right- You say "It surely must be in her (Mrs. Curtis) power, to obtain the testimony of the most respectable people among whom she lived before January 1794 to establish the fact."

The accompanying testimony shows that Mr. & Mrs. Smith are not only respectable but reliable witnesses.
It may be proper to stat that the county has been ransacked for old people who might have known Curtis & his wife prior to 1794, in the counties of Carter, Sullivan & Washington but without success Smith and his wife are the only persons that can now be found who knew them. Curtis lived on the Smith's farm and Mrs. Smith lived then, a close neighbor. This was before she was married to Smith, they must of course know how long it has been since. 
I have the honor to be 
your obt. svt. 
A. Johnson

J.L. Edwards}
Com. Pensions}


[writing up left side of paper]
If this claim should be allowed Mrs. Edwards will  please send to me at Greenville Ten. The certified payable at Jonesboro.
Page 35

State of Tennessee Sullivan County
October 10th 1844

Being called on to make a statement relative to the character of Mr. John Smith and Nancy his wife residents of the aforesaid County. I hereby make the following statement. 

I have known Mr. John Smith and his wife Nancy for the last 30 years, and have been intimately acquainted with Mr. Smith who lives about 6 miles from where I live in the County. I have always regarded Mr. Smith and his wife as upright honest people and would feel bound to believe any statement they would make either an oath or otherwise. I have seen the letter of J. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions dated Sept. 19th  1844 in which he says "that witness who can neither read nor write, cannot be relied upon to ascertain distant dates with the necessary accuracy" I can assure Mr. Edwards that Mr. and Mrs. Smith are reliable witnesses, From my knowledge of them I can safely say, that they are as reputable honest and upright as the best of Citizens in this or any other County and I also know that MR. Smith can read, and I have reasons to believe that he could write in his younger age.
A. McCellan
Far A. [illegible] [signature]
Page 36

1
State of Tennessee}
Sullivan County} ss. 

On this tenth day of October Eighteen hundred and forty four personally appeared before the subscriber an acting Justice of the peace in and for said County, John smith, a resident of the County and state aforesaid. aged 73 years who after being duly sworn according to Law, doth on his Oath declare that the following statement relative to himself and wife in the case of Mrs. Mary Curtis of Washington County Tennessee, widow of Bowlin Curtis is true according to the best of his knowledge and belief; to wit; I have seen a letter dated at "Pension Office September 19th 1844" Signed by J.L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions in which he says "that witnesses who can neither read nor write cannot be relied upon to ascertain distant dates with the necessary accuracy" and being called upon I hereby make this statement in explanation of the affidavits given by myself and my wife Nancy, in the case of Mrs. Mary Curtis widow of Bowlin Curtis of Washington County Tennessee for a pension. At the time I gave the Affidavit above refered [referred] to and after it was written and I was qualified to it by a Justice of the peace. I requested the person who wrote the Affidavit to write my name, which was done. I then make my mark. I can both read and write, and could once write a good plain hand, Just I am now old and inform, my eyesight has failed considerably, and my hand is unsteady when I attempt to write. In consequence of these things I now write a bad hand, and I was unwilling that my signature, badly executed should go before the Department. I therefore prefered  making my mark. In my younger dats I was a collecting officer in the County of Carter in this State and
Page 37

served in that capacity about four years
As to my wife Nancy, she is a good reader, but she cannot write, her memory is good and reliable.
John Smith

Sworn to and subscribed before me this day and date before written. And I further certify that Mr. John Smith is a resident of the COunty and state aforesaid with whom I am personally acquainted. That his character is good, and his evidence reliable. 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand the day and date before written. 
A Woods.
Justice of the Peace
for Sullivan County

State of Tennessee}
Sullivan County} s.s.

I A. Woods do herby certify that the above named John Smith subscribed his name to the foregoing Affidavit on the day & date above written that he is old and infirm, his hand trembles considerably, and that his eyesight has failed; this is the cuase of his signature being badly executed but I have known Mr. Smith upwards of 20 years and do hereby certify that he once could write a plain legible hand. Mr. Smith is a man of considerable property. As to his wife Nancy Smith I hereby certify that she is of good character and that her testimony is entitled to the highest credit Given under my hand this the tenth day
Page 38

of October 1844

A Woods Justice of the Peace 
for Sullivan County

State of Tennessee}
Sullivan County} s.s.

I Jacob T Messick Clerk of the County Court of Sullivan County do hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with A. Woods who is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly Commissioned and qualified according to Law and was such at the time of signing the foregoing certificates dated Oct. 10 1844. And I further certify that the signatures purporting to be his are genuine, and that full faith and credit should be given to the foregoing proceedings as his Official Acts. And I further verify that I am personally acquainted with Hon. A. McClellan former member of Congress whose signature appears on the certificate hereunto attached dated 10th Oct. 1844- that he is a Citizen of the aforesaid County of Sullivan of the highest respectability whose testimony is entitled to full faith and credit and that the signature purporting to be his is genuine. 
In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and affix my seal of Office at Office in Blountville this the fifteenth day of October 1844
Jacob T. Messick, Clerk CC
Page 39

State of Tennessee} 
Sullivan County} s.s.

I Benjamin L. Yoakley Chairman of the County Court of Sullivan County do hereby certify that Jacob T. Messick is and was the Clerk of the County Court of said court at the time of signing the foregoing certificate dated October fifteenth first duly commissioned and qualified according to Law, that the signature purporting to be his is genuine and that full faith and credit should be given to it as one of his official acts. 
Given under my hand in the aforesaid County of Sullivan this the seventeenth day of October 1844. 

Benjamin L. Yoakley
Chairman
Page 40

Greenville Ten. Sept 6th 1844

Sir- Your letter dated July 23d 1844 relative to the case of Mrs. Mary Curtis of Washington County Ten. was received in due time, and a reply forwarded to your office. Since that reply was made I have reflected much upon the subject and am fully convinced that these would be no impropriety in granting a pension to the widow of the old soldier, Curtis, upon the proof already a adduced. With this conviction, i propose to submit for your consideration the following remarks believing that in the final disposition of this case, a decision will be made in strict conformity with Law and Justice. 

It appears from your letter of 23d July last, that the services of Bowlin Curtis in the war of the Revolution are admitted. 
The only objection against her claim is that "The parol (evidence of her marriage) is not satisfactory as to the date which should be shown to be certainly before 1794."

Now I ask your serious attention to the following rules laid down in your letter of Aug 19th "44 in the case of Mary Ann Sexton of Greene County Ten. Keeping in view at the same time the case of Mrs. Curtis. After admitting the services of John Sexton, the decsd husband of Mary Ann; you say. 1st "But as the rules require the best attainable evidence, the alleged date of the marriage, should be established by a certified copy of the marriage bond." 2nd "When it is shown that such grade of proof is not extant, the depositions of respectable old neighbors may prove with the requisite certainty. That they were husband and wife at a designated date prior to January 1794."

As to the 1st rule quoted above, I have to say that proper exertions have been made to comply, by obtaining a certified copy of the marriage bond, but without success. It is not known whether-
Page 41

she (Mrs. Curtis) was married by license, or by the publication of Bans.
As to the 2nd rule, it has already been complied with by the "Deposition of respectable old neighbors," viz; Mr. and Mrs. Smith of Sullivan County Ten; showing that they were living together, as "husband and wife, at a designated day, prior to January 1794" and as such was recognized by Mr. and Mrs. Smith and others who knew them. And it is further shown, that at the time, or at at any other line afterwards. The legality of their marriage was not questioned- It appears to me that such proof as contained in Mr. and Mrs. Smith affidavits comes nearer proving the marriage, that the recorded births of the children, showing the birth to have taken place prior to 1794, and upon such proof, the pension to the widow is allowed generally. 

All the proof taken together establishes the fact that Bowlin and Mary Curtis was known and recognized as husband and wife from the year 1792, to the day of his death, in Rowan County N. Carolina, in the fall of 1808; a period of 16 years. The fact is also established by Mr. and Mrs. Smith, that at the time they knew Curtis and his wife, they had one or tow children, which shows that they must have been married several years previous to 1792. 

I flatter myself that you will reconsider the case Mrs. Curtis, and make such decision, as the Justice of the case demands, and forward an answer as soon as may be convenient. 
I have the honor to be your Obdt. Svt. 
A. Johnson
Page 42

State of Tennessee} 
Sullivan County} s.s. 

On this 18th day of June 1844 personally appeared before the subscriber an acting Justice of the peace in and for said County Mrs. Nancy Smith a resident of the County and state aforesaid aged sixty five years who after being duly sworn according to Law doth on her oath declare the following statement relative to Bowlin and Mary Curtis to be true according to the best of her knowledge and recollection; to wit; that she lived near the Wattauga river in the then county of Washington now Carter County state aforesaid when the aforesaid Bowlin and Mary Curtis came into the neighborhood and settle for the time being on the farm of Mr. John Smith that she was well acquainted with the aforesaid Bowlin and Mary Curtis who lived together as husband and wife so long as they lived in they lived in [scratched out] the neighborhood that she believed then they were man and wife that she has no reason now to doubt it nor did she ever hear it doubted or contradicted by any one, She further declares that the aforesaid Bowlin and Mary Curtis removed from the aforesaid farm of John Smith and went to North Carolina as she understood where according to report the aforesaid Bowlin Curtis died. That aforesaid Mary Curtis afterwards came back to Tennessee and now lives in the same neighborhood she lived when she first knew her. That she is the identical woman
Page 43

whom she knew as the wife of the aforesaid Bowlin Curtis and who as she understands is now making application for a pension
She further states that she believes it has been over fifty years since she first knew the aforesaid Mary Curtis as the wife of the aforesaid Bowlin Curtis. 
her
Nancy X Smith
mark

Sworn to and subscribed before me this the day and date before written. And I further certify that I am personally acquainted with the aforesaid Nancy Smith who is a resident of the County of Sullivan State of Tennessee that she is a credible witness whose testimony is entitled to the highest respect and as such full faith and credit should be given to her statements 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand this the 18th day of June 1844.


Michael Weaver
Justice of the Peace
Page 44

State of Tennessee}
Sullivan County}

I Jacob T Messick Clerk of of the County Court of said County do heareby [hereby] certify that I am personally aquainted with Michael Weavor who is an acting Justice of the peace in and for said County Dully Commissioned and qualifyid [qualified] acording [according] to Law and was such at the time of signing the sirtificates [certificates] attached to the affidavids [affidavits] of John and Nancy Smith of the 18th [illegible] I further certify that the signatures purporting to be his are genuine and that full faith and credit should be given to all his afficial [official] acts In testamoney [testimony] whereof I have hereunto set my hand affixed my seal of office at office in Blountville this 18th day of June 1844
Jacob T. Messick Clerk

State of Tennessee}
Sullivan County} 
I Benjamin L. Yoakley chairman of the County Court of Sullivan County do herby certify that Jacob T Messick is and was the Clerk of the County Court of Sullivan County at the time of signing the above certificate. That he was duly commissioned and qualified according to Law. and that the signature purporting to be his is genuine and that full faith and credit should be given this his official act. 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand this the 18th day of June 1844 
Benjamin Yoakley
Chairman
of the Court
Page 45

[illegible]
Mary Curtis
Ten:
Act 7 July '38.

Final settlements
Vol. 1 p. 17 #230.75 due 4 [illegible]  83

admd.
2 yrs Dragoon
$100.
also Acts 43 & 44
$100

Hon A Johnson
Greenville
Ten:
Page 46

State of Tennessee}s.s.
Washington County}

On this 19th day of June 1844 personally appeared before the subscriber an acting Justice of the peace is and for said county George Taylor of the county and state aforesaid aged 74 years, who after being duly sworn according to law doth on his oath declare that the following statement relative to Bowlin Curtis is true according to the best of his knowledge of recollection; to wit; that he was well acquainted with the aforesaid Bowlin Curtis in Rowan County, State of North Carolina, that he was at the house of the said Curtis on the night before the said Curtis died in the aforesaid County of Rowan; he further states that he did not see the aforesaid Curtis die nor was he at the burying, that he lived about two miles from the aforesaid Curtis in said County, that it was generally understood and believed by the neighborhood that the said Curtis did die and was buried in the aforesaid County. He further declares that the aforesaid Curtis died about the year 1807 or 1808, that he was also acquainted with his wife Molly alias Mary Curtis who he believes is the same woman that now lives on the Wattauga river in the county of Washington State aforesaid, that at the time he knew her in the aforesaid county of Rowan she was living with the aforesaid Bowlin Curtis as his wife, that he never knew it doubted or contradicted by any one, but that it was believed generally that they were husband and wife he has no doubt but she is the same woman that he understands is now making application for pension. He further declares that the aforesaid Bowlin Curtis often told him that he was in the war of the Revolution under command of Colonel Armand. 
George Taylor
Sworn to and subscribed before me this the day and
Page 47

and date before written and I further verify that I am personally acquainted with the aforesaid George Taylor that he is a resident of the County of Washington State of Tennessee that he is a credible witness whose testimony is entitled to the highest credit
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand this the 19th day of June 1844 
Lawrence Bowers
Justice of the Peace