Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 5,664, for Robert Rankin, North Carolina
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(3-1776)
Service
NC
Rankin, Robert
Mary              Number  W.5.664.

Born in N.C.
contents
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[Typed form with handwritten responses]
19109
West Tennessee
Robert Rankin
of McNairy Co in the State of Tennessee who was a pr of 2 & 6 in the company commanded by Captain Bell of the regt commanded by Colonel Caval in the N Carolina line for 
3  mo prog Cavalry
13- " -  "  "  Infantry

Inscribed on the Roll of W Tennessee at the rate of 62 Dollars 50 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 2 day of Augt 1833 and [illegible] 
Wm S Wisdom Purdy C [illegible]
Arrears to the 4th of March 125 00
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sept 31.25
$136.25
{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832}
Recorded by Danl Boyd Clerk,
Book E Vol 7 Page 94
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[Typed form with handwritten responses]

[illegible] Jackson
Mary Rankin 3977
widow of Robert Rankin NC who served in the Revolutionary war, as a priv: of Inf: & Cav:
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 62. Dollars 50 Cents per annum, to commence on the 3d February, 1853.

Certificate of Pension issued 4th day of April, 18[illegible] and sent to 
Maclin Cross d. July 11, 1854 Purdy Cler:

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 3, 1853 Page 185 Vol. A

(32)
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14.295
Robert Rankin
from 1776 private
of cav & infy 18 months

[illegible mark] pr cav 3 mo -$12.50
Pr. Inf 15- 50-
$62.50

Wm S Wisdom 
Purdy C[illegible]
Tenn
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[Typed form with handwritten responses]

14,295
Brief in the case of Robert Rankin [illegible]
of McNairy in the state of Tenn. (Act 7th June, 1832)

1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? a Court

2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?

3. How old is he? 73-

4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed.

Period|Duration of Service|Rank|Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served

16 June '76- to about 1 Oct 76| 3 months-15 days|private| Capt Bell-Col Caval -Genl Rutherford

March 80| 3months|private|Capt Moore- Col Pasely-Genl Caval

June 80 till after battle of Guilford C.H. March 81| #9 months|Minuteman| Capt Ross Maj Davald Capt Forbes

a short time after [illegible] peace was made|#|minute horseman|Capt McAdoo  Col Peacely

5. In what battles was he engaged?
Guilford C. House

6. Where did he reside when he entered the service?
Guilford Cy N.C.

7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls?
Tradition

8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect?
There is no public seal belonging to the court before which the declaration was made. The paper not authenticated properly

*Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
Wm. C. Easton Examining Clerk. 18 Feb. 1833
* he didn't state in the declaration how long he served in this tour}
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Declaration
In Order to obtain the Benefit of the act of Congress passed the 7th day of June 1832
State of Tennessee
McNairy County   On this the 20th day of May in the year of Our Lord One thousand eight hundred and thirty three Personally appeared in Open Court before the Honorable Circuit Court for McNairy County now setting Robert Rankin a resident of McNairy County in the State of Tennessee, aged Seventy four years who being first duly sworn according to Law doth On his Oath make the following Declaration, in Order to Obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed the 7th day of June 1832, That he was Born On the 29th day of May in the year of Our Lord 1759 in Guilford County State of North Carolina. And that he entered the service of the United States on the 16th day of June 1776 as a Draftsman, Under Captain Bell. Col Caval and General Rutherford, he was mustered into service on the said 16 day of June 1776 at Martinsville North Carolina, On the 7 or 8 day of July 1776. the Army took up their line of March, and went through Salisbury and crossed the Blue ridge at a place called Swanno Gap. then crossed Swanno River and marched directly on to the Cherokee Nation of Indians. at Big Piggeon River in the Nation we had a fight with the Indians, we killed a few and took some Prisoners burnt the Indian huts and destroyed their Corn. this was as he believes about the 20 day of August 1776. From thence we marched directly back to Guilford County near the same way that we marched out and the first day of October 1776 I was discharged, having gone out on a four months Tour, and my services not being required for the Balance of the time. I was discharged having served in this Campaign Three months and fourteen days. I received a Discharge from Captain Bell and had it for several years after the war, Not knowing it would ever be of any service to me I permitted it to be destroyed. I then remained at home in Guilford County until the 3 or 4 day of March 1780
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when I again entered the Service of the United States as a Volunteer under Captain Reden Moore Col Pasely and Genl Cavel & Rutherford in  Guilford County North Carolina, after the army was organized we marched directly to Salisbury from there to the Flat Rock in South Carolina. from there to Camden, then to a place called Munks Corner, hear we had a fight with the Brittish horse. Some of our men was killed and some taken Prisoners. I think this took place the last week in April or the first week in May in the year 1780. From hear we were Compelled to retreat before the Brittish Over the River Santee in South Carolina. Where we met with Col Blufords Regular Army. We joined him and the Brittish horse and infantry pursued us until we got  to Camden. hear Our regiment sepperated from Col Blufords army. Bluford marched to a placed called the Flatrock in South Carolina and was there defeated. We marched to Fayetteville North Carolina. Crossing the Adkin or Pedee river above the Cheraw hills when we arrived at Fayetteville we took some salt in waggons which was sent up to the mountains to keep from the enemy. I went with it up to the cross roads in Randolph County North Carolina where I was discharged, this was on the 3 or 4 day of June 1780 after I had served the full end and Term of three months out. the time I volunteered for, for this Tour I received a discharge from Captain Moore. but it is now lost or distroyed, After I received my discharge in Randolph County I returned home to Guilford County where I remained for a very short time. And about the first day of July 1789 I again entered the Service of the United States as a volunteer soldier under Captain Ross and Maj Devald to fight the Tories which was then rising in all quarters, so soon as I entered the service. we marched to a place called [illegible] Mill in Guilford County where we had a skirmish or Fight. from hear we marched from one place to an other all over the state of North Carolina for the purpose of keeping in check the Tories at length we joined General Greens Army not far from
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Guilford Courthouse, then the whole army Marched on to Martinsville. where we Faught the Battle of Guilford Courthouse North Carolina which was on the 15 day of March 1781. this Battle I was in and on that day I was commanded by Captain Forbis who was killed in the engagement. I was then discharged On the 16 day of March 1781 having served in this Tour Eight Months and Sixteen days- I received a discharge from my Captain but it is now lost Or destroyed, I then remained at home but a short time, when I again entered the Service of the United States as a volunteer Soldier as a Minute horse man under Captain McAdoo and Col Pasely, the month nor the day of the month, which I entered the service at this time I cannot Now Recolect, but I volunterred for the Term of Three Months, so soon as we were Organised. We Marched to Randolph. Moore of Montgommary Counties to keep the Tories in check. and Continued in Service until my time of three months was Out. I then recived a Discharge from Captain McAdoo, but it is now lost Or distroyed I resided in Guilford County North Carolina unitl the year 1830 when I moved to McNairy County Tennessee where I now reside. I know of no person by whom I can prove my services Parson John Gillaspee of McNairy has known me for sometime and can Testify as to my verasity and the Neighbourhoods belief of my Servises, and also his belief of my Servises. also William R. Wilson of McNairy County has known me for a number of years and can testify the belief of the neighbourhood in North Carolina as to my Servises also the belief of the people in the neighbourhood where I now reside as to my Servises in the Revolution and also he can testify as to my Honesty and verasity, that I have no Documentary evidence by whom I can prove my Servises by, I Hereby Relinquish every claim whatever to a Pension Or annuity except the present and Declare that my Name is Not On the Pension roll of any agency of any State, Robert Rankin
Sworn to  & Subscribed in Open Court the day and date above written
Maclin Cross Clerk of McNairy Circuit Court
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I John Gillaspie a Clergyman residing in McNairy County Tennessee do hereby Certify that I am well acquainted with Robert Rankin [illegible] who has subscribed and Sworn to the above Declaration. I believe him to be Seventy four years of age that he has always been reputed by his acquaintances to have been a Soldier of the Revolution and that I concur in that Opinion. Given under my hand. J[illegible] Gillaspie

Sworn to & Subscribed the day and year aforesaid
Maclin Cross Clerk of McNairy Circuit Court

I William. R. Wilson do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Robert Rankin [illegible] who has subscribed and sworn to the above Declaration. I believe him to be seventy four years of age and that he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood where he resided in North Carolina and also in the neighbourhood where he now resides to have been a Soldier of the Revolution and I do further Certify that it is Said and believed in North Carolina of the Country that said Robert Rankin was in the Army of the North Carolina Militia and in the Battle at Guilford and I concur in that Opinion. Given under my hand this 20 day of May 1833 
William R. Wilson
Sworn to & Subscribed the day and year aforesaid
Maclin Cross Clerk of McNairy Circuit Court 

And the said Court do hereby Declare their Opinion after the Investigation of the Matter and after [illegible] 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 him that Parson John Gillaspie who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman resident in McNairy County. And that William R, Wilson who
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has also signed the same is a Resident in McNairy County and is a Credable person And that their Statement is entitled to Credit given Under my hand and Seal the day and date above
Wm B. Turley
Judgs 10th Circuit State of Tennessee
I Maclin Cross clerk of the Circuit Court for McNairy County in the State of Tennessee do hereby Certify that the foregoing contains the Orginal proceeding in the matter of the Application of Robert Rankin for a Pension. In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of Office [illegible Seal] in the Town of Purdy this 20 day of May in the year of Our Lord 1833 & 57th year of the American Independance
Maclin Cross Clerk
of the Circuit Court for McNairy County, Ten
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Declaration of Mary Rankin In Order to Obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 3rd day of February 1853
State of Tennessee Sct
McNairy County On this the 12th day of July in the year 1853 Personally appeared before me Elijah Walker One of the Judges of the Circuit Court of the State of Tennessee, Mary Rankin a Resident of McNairy County in the State aforesaid Aged 75 years (who cannot from Old age appear in Open Court) who being duly Sworn According to Law, doth On her Oath make the following Declaration in Order to Obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the Act of Congress passed On the 3rd day of February 1853 that she is the Widow of Robert Rankin who was a revolutionary pensioner of the Unite States Under the Act of Congress passed 7th June 1832, that he resided in McNairy County at the time, And before his Death, and drew An Annual pension at Jackson  Tennessee of sixty two Dollars 50 cents She further Declares that she was married to the said Robert Rankin On the 22 day of November as well as she now remembers in the year 1803 that her husband the aforesaid Robert Rankin died On the 21st day of December 1840, that she was married to him at the time above stated, She further declares that she was a widow at the passage of the Act, and is Still a widow, And that she has never before made application for a pension
Mary [her X mark] Rankin

Sworn to and Subscribed On the day and year above written before me
E Walker [illegible handwritten seal]
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State of Tennessee 
McNairy County Ss
Be it known that on the 12th day of July 1853 Personally appeared before me Elijah Walker One of the Judges of the circuit court of the State of Tennessee Robert D Wilson and Maclin Cross two credible witnesses and made oath that Mary Rankin is the widow of Robert Rankin Deceased, that she is now a widow, and has remained a widow ever since the death of her said Husband who died in McNairy County Tennessee On the 21st day of December 1840
Sworn and Subscribed On the day and year above written before me
RD Wilson
Maclin Cross
E Walker Judge [Hand written seal]

State of Tennesse
McNairy County
I Lindsay Sanders Clerk of McNairy Circuit Court do here by certify that Elijah Walker whose genuine signature appears to the forgoing Certificate is and was at the time of signing the same Judge of the 14th Judical [illegible] [illegible] of the State of Tennessee duly elected Commissioned and qualified according to Law. And that his Certificate is in due form of Law. And that full faith and Credit are due all his official Acts as Such.

In testimony of which I here unto set my hand and official seal of office in Purdy this 29th day of August A.D. 1853.

[illegible seal] Lindsey Sanders Clerk
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State of Tennessee
McNairy County Ss
Be it known that On this the 27th day of August AD 1853 personally appeared before me the Undersigned and Acting Justice of the peace in and for the County and State aforesaid, duly authorized by Law to administer oaths. William R. Wilson & Lydia Wilson two crediable and Respectable Witnesses and made Oath that they and each of them were acquainted  with Robert Rankin and Mary Rankin, in Guilford County State of North Carolina that they were living in the neighborhood, at the time of this Marriage which took place on the 22nd day of November 1803. that said Robert Rankin and his wife Mary move from North Carolina to Tennessee a short time after your affiant moved from there, and settled in the same neighborhood, and they lived together as man and wife from the time it was said they were married until the Death of the said Robert Rankin.
William R Wilson
Lydia [her x mark] Wilson

Sworn to and Subscribed before me the day & date above
[illegible] son Sweat
Justice of the peace

State of Tennessee
McNairy County SS
I SA Sanders Clerk of McNairy County Court do here by certify that [illegible]son Sweat Esquire whose genuine Signature appears [illegible] the within affifidavit or declaration is and now 
at the time of signing the same an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, duly commissioned and qual
[illegible seal]
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fied [qualified] as the law requires, that he is [illegible] [illegible] law to administer  oaths for general purposes and that full faith and credit as due all his official acts as such In testimony of which I have [illegible] set my hand and affixed my official Seal at office in Purdy this the 31st day of August 1853
AA Sanders Clk
[illegible hand written seal] Sanders [illegible]
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Rev.&1812 Wars Section ADY
October 2, 1930.

Mrs. J.B. Connell,
32 Pleasant Avenue,
Montgomery, Alabama.

Dear Madam:

You are advised that it appears from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, W.5664, that Robert Rankin was born May 19, 1759 in Guilford County, North Carolina.

While a resident of Guilford County, North Carolina he enlisted and served as a private in the North Carolina troops as follows:

From June 16, 1776 in Captain Bell's Company, Colonel Caval's Regiment and was discharged October 1, 1776.

From March 3 or 4, 1780, three months in Captain Reden Moore's Comany, Colonel Pasley's Regiment.

From July 1, 1780, under Captains Ross and Forbes and Major Devald, was in the battle of Guilford and was discharged March 16, 1781.

He served three months in Captain McAdoo's Company, Colonel Pasley's Regiment, date not stated.

In 1830 he moved from Guilford County, North Carolina to McNairy County, Tennessee.

He was allowed pension on his application executed May 20, 1833 while a resident of McNairy County, Tennessee.

He died December 21, 1840 in McNairy County, Tennessee.
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Soldier married November 22, 1803 in Guilford County, North Carolina, Mary Moody.

She was allowed pension on her application executed July 12, 1853 while a resident of McNariy County, Tennessee, aged seventy-five years.

She died July 11, 1854.

It is not stated that they had children.

Very truly yours,

E. W. Morgan,
Acting Commissioner.
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[Typed form with hand written responses]

Revy Widow, &c.
File No. 5664
Mary Rankin 
Wid.
Robert Rankin
Pvt Rev: [illegible]
Act: Feby. 3/53
Index:-Vol. M, Page 148
[Arrangement of 1870]

[Hand written sideways on form]
1930 Oct. 2. Hist. to Mrs. J.B.Connell AKY
1933-July 15-Hist. copied by [illegible]
sent to Mrs. Beatrice Cole
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2/hrs: [illegible] 2 ref: [illegible] 21. [illegible abbreviation December]
[illegible signature]
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No 3144
Mary Rankin
Wid: of Robert ----------
Set: to M Cross: 14" Oct:/53
"      "   "    "        15 Feb: 54

Act 3rd February: 1853
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[Hand written sideways on paper]
Sept: [illegible]
Mary Rankin. Wid. of Robert.
McNairy, Co:
Tenn:

Act /53
$62.50/100 per an:
Com: Feby: 3.1853.

Revy
Macklin Cross
[illegible]

[Typed]
Department of the Interior,
Pension Office, Official Business
Commissioner
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30th March Pension Office.
$62.50 31 Mch. 1854.

Sir:
Please Certify the time to which the within named pensioner was paid, Or the date after death.

Very Respectfully,
S. Cole
For the Commissioner

[illegible, written sideways on paper]

Francis Burt, Esq.
[illegible] Auditor, [illegible]
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Robert Rankin, Act 1832, $62.50 per annum,
Died 21 Decr. 1840. Paid.

F. Burt 
Auditor
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Purdy 1st Sept 1853

Sir
I send you enclosed the Declaration of Mary Rankin for a pension Under the Act of 3rd February 1853

Yours Respecty

Maclin Cross
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[Typed form with hand written responses]
Brief in the case of. Mary Rankin, widow of Robert. 
McNairy County and State of Tenn:
act 3 d. Feby: 1853.

Claim, ("original," [illegible crossed through typed words]

Proof exhibited, (if original.)

Is is documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.

Husband was a pensioner under Act of 7th June. 1832.
Two witnesses testify, they witnessed the marriage & Two testify to general reputation of marriage & Cohabitation.
([crossed through words If for] increase.)

Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?

Maclin Cross, Esq.,
Purdy
Name and residence of Agent
Tenn:

S. C. Boynton,
Examining Clerk.
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14, 295
Robert Rankin
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[Typed form with hand written responses]

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of
Robert Rankin which require further proof or explanation.

1. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides?
Yes

II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides?
Yes

III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason  assigned for his not doing so? ~

IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served?
Yes

V. Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amout of pension he is entitled?
No

VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? Yes

VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? Yes

VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? Yes

IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? Yes

X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal?
No.
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[Typed form with hand written reponses]

2

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting is age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service?  Yes
 
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit  has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it?  ~

XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had?
Yes

XIV. If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service?
If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath,
certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses?  ~
Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct?  ~

XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service?  ~
-
XVI. Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct?  No

XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered?  Yes

EXPLANATORY NOTES.
*QUERE V. 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.
Page 28

3
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 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 shewn 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.
QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.
prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants 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.
QUERE XVI. 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 paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate. In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, 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.
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Additional Declaration of Mary Rankin in Order to Obtain the Benefit of the Act of Congress passed 3rd February 1853

State of Tennessee
McNairy County SS

On this 21 day of January in the year 1854 before the Subscribed a Justice of the peace Within and for the State and County aforesaid, duly authorized by the Laws of said State to administer Oaths, personally appeared Mary Rankin and made an additional Declaration in Order to Obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed 3rd February 1853. that she is the Widow of Robert Rankin Decd. who was a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States under the Act of Congress passed 7th June 1832, that her said husband Drew an Annual Pension at Jackson Tennessee, at the time and before his Death resided in McNairy County Tennessee, that he died in McNairy County at the time stated in her previous Declaration, that she has never intermarried but is now a widow and has been a widow ever since the Death of her Husband Robert Rankin, and that her Maiden name before her said Marriage was Mary Moody  She further states that she has no Record proof to prove her marriage. She was married in Guilford County North Carolina where she has applied for copys of the Marriage Lisence, but it cannot be had. 
Mary [her X mark] Rankin
Sworn to and Subscribed before me the day and date above 
Dollanson Sweat Justice of the Peace
Page 30

State of Tennessee
County of McNairy Ss

On this 3rd day of February in the year 1854 before the Subscriber a Justice of the peace in and for said County Personally appeared Maclin Cross & Joel McCann two credible and respectable witnesses, and made Oath in due form of Law that they and each of them have been Acquainted with Mary Rankin for the last twenty years, that she lived with Robert Rankin Decd. up to the time of his Death, as man and wife, that said Robert Rankin Died in McNairy County - and that said Mary Rankin the present applicant is reputed as his Widow, and that she is now a Widow, and was a Widow on the 3rd day of February 1853.
Maclin Cross
Joel McCann
Sworn and Subscribed before me On the day and date above-
S. D. Pace [hand written seal]
Justice of the Peace

Seal of Commissioner 
McNairy County
I A. A. Sanders Clerk of McNairy County Court do certify that D Allisson Sweat Esquire, whose  [illegible seal] commissioned signature appears signed to the [illegible] affidavit are and were at the time of signing the same acting Justice found in and for [illegible]  County
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aforesaid, duly Commissionned and sworn according to law, and are [illegible] [illegible] to administer oaths for general purposes and that full faith and credit are due all [illegible] offical acts as Such.
In testimony of which I have hereunto set my  hand and affixed my offical Seal of office this [illegible] [illegible[ day 1854
A.A. Sanders clk
Page 32

State of Tennessee
McNairy County Ss
Be it known that On this 2nd day of March in the year 185[illegible last #] came before me the undersigned an Acting Judge of the Peace in and for the State and County aforesaid duly authorized by the Laws of said State to administer Oaths, William S. Wisdom and Alfred Moore two credable and responsible persons and made Oath in due form of Law, that Mary Rankin, the [illegible] applicant for a Pension is the Widow of the Identical Robert Rankin who was a Revolutionary Pensioner of McNairy County Tennessee, Our acquaintance with them having commenced about Twenty years Since, and We having lived near them ever since
Wm S Wisdom
Alfred Moore

Sworn to and Subscribed before me the day and date first above Written,
S. D. Pace [illegible hand written seal]
Justice of the peace for McNairy Cty

State of Tennessee
McNairy County S.S.
[illegible seal]
I A. A, Sanders Clerk of McNairy County Court do hereby certify that S.D. Pace Esqr Whose genuine Signature appears Signed to the above affidavit in [illegible] at the time of Signing the Same was acting Justice of the peace
Page 33

Montgomery Ala.
Aug. 27/30

U.S. Pension Bureau for genealogical purposes please advise whether Robert Rankin ever drew pension for serving in American Revolution. He was a resident of Guilford County N.C. at that time later removing to Bethel Springs Tenn.

Respt.
Mrs J. B. Connell
32 Pleasant Ave
Montgomery Ala.

[US Postal Stamp Aug 30 1930 [illegible] Office]
Page 34

312 South 13th Street,
Fort Smith, Arkansas,
July 3rd, 1933.

Commissioner of Pensions,
Pension Office
Washington, D. C.

[illegible hand writing in right margin]

Dear Sir:-

I am desirous of information relative to establishing relationship with Robert Rankin of Guilford County, North Carolina.

I know that an ancestor of mine, Robert Rankin of Guilford County, North Carolina fought in the Revolutionary war as a waggoner, and served his time out. Can you give any information regarding Robert Rankin.

In the census of 1790 I find there is a Robert Rankin, senior and a Robert Rankin, junior of Guilford County, North Carolina I presume father and son.

I find in a D.A.R. lineage book a Robert Rankin of North Carolina, was placed on the pension roll of Gibson County, Tenn, at the age of 86, for service in the North Carolina Militia. This is probably the one I am inquiring about.

I shall appreciate any information you may be able to give me in establishing my relationship, I am,

Yours very truly,
Mrs. Beatrice Cole
[illegible seal]
Stamped envelope [illegible]
Page 35

[Stamp]
Received 10:30
Jul 5 1933
Mail Sub.Div.
Vets ADM [illegible]
66
Page 36

[Typed form with hand written responses]
[illegible] Division. 3-525.
Department of the Interior
Bureau of Pensions
Washington, D. C. ................, 19..........

In reply to your request of .........................., received ........................... for a statement of the military history of Robert Rankin a soldier of the Revolutionary War, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau.

Dates of Enlistment or Appointment.| Length of Service.| Rank.| Officers under whom Service was Rendered.| Captain.| Colonel.| State.

June 16, 1776 [illegible] N.C.
[illegible] Captain [illegible] Moore
July 1, 1780 [illegible] [illegible} & Forbis
[illegible] 3 mos. Captain McAdoo

Battles engaged in, Guilford
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Guilford, N.C.
Date of application for pension, May 20, 1833.
Residence at date of application, McNairy Co. Tenn
Age at date of application, b. May 29, 1759 in Guilford County, N.C.
Remarks: [illegible] Nov 22, 1833, Mary Moody. He died Dec 21, 1849 in McNairy Co. Tenn, and she was [illegible several words] executed July 12, 1853 while 75 yrs. [illegible] resident of McNairy Co., Tenn.

Very respectfully,
 Capt John Forbes, [illegible] Commissioner
6-2856
Page 37

[Typed form with hand written responses]
[illegible] Department of the Interior, Bureau of Pensions, Washington, D.C., Nov 6", 1912

J.S.C.
Wid File 5664
Rev. War.

Mrs. Samuel D. Cox,
2722 S. Hoover St., Los Angeles, Calif.

Madam:-
In reply to your request of 26' ulto, received 31" ulto,
for a statement of the military history of Robert Rankin, a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau.
Dates of enlistment or appointment.|
Length of Service.|
Rank.|
Officers under whom Service was Rendered.|
State.|

June 16, 1776 to Oct 1, 1776
Private, Captain Bell, Colonel Caval, State, N.C.

Mch 3 or4, 1780 to June 3 or 4, 1780
Captain Reden Moore, Colonel Pasley

July 1, 1780 to Mch 16, 1781
Captain Ross and Forbes, Maj Devald
[checkmark] 3 mos.  Captain McAdoo, Colonel Pasley
Battles engaged in, Guilford.
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Guilford Co. N.C.
Date of application for pension, May 20 1833. His clain was allowed.
Residence at date of application, McNairy Co. Tenn.
Age at date of application, born May 29, 1759 in Guilford Co., N.C.
Remarks: Soldier married Nov. 22, 1803 Mary Moody

Very respectfully, 
Commissioner.
6-2856
Page 38

July 15, 1933.

Mrs. Beatrice Cole
312 South 13th Street
Fort Smith, Arkansas.

BA-J/ILL
Robert Rankin-W.5864
Robert Rankin-S.4042

Dear Madam:

ROBERT RANKIN-W.5664. copied by [illegible]

The record of Robert Rankin is found in the papers on file in pension claim, W. 5664, based upon his service in the Revolutionary War.

Robert Rankin was born May 29, 1759 in Guilford County, North Carolina.

While a resident of Guilford County, North Carolina, he enlisted and served as a private in the North Carolina troops as follows: from June 16, 1776, in Captain Bell's company, Colonel Caval's regiment and was discharged October 1, 1776; form March 3 or 4, 1780, three months in Captain Reden Moore's company, Colonel Pasley's regiment: from July 1, 1780 under Captains Ross and Forbes and Major Devald, was in the battle of Guilford and was discharged March 16, 1781: he served three months in Captain McAdoo's company, Colonel Pasley's regiment, date not stated.

In 1830, the soldier moved from Guilford County, North Carolina to McNairy County, Tennessee.

He was allowed pension on his application executed May 20, 1833, at which time he resided in McNairy County, Tennessee.

He died December 21, 1840 in McNairy County, Tennessee,

Robert Rankin married November 22, 1803, in Guilford County, North Carolina, Mary Moody.

Mary Rankin, the soldier's widow, was allowed pension on her application executed July 12, 1853, at which time she resided in McNairy
Page 39

County, Tennessee: she was then seventy-five years of age, the date and place of her birth not stated.

Mary Rankin, the widow of the soldier, Robert Rankin, died July 11, 1854.

It is not stated that they had children.

ROBERT RANKIN-S. 4042
The data furnished herein are found in the papers on file in pension claim, S. 4042, based upon the service of Robert Rankin in the Revolutionary War.

Robert Rankin enlisted early in the Revolutionary War and served on various tours, amounting in all to more than fifteen months, until after the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown, under Captains Houston, Dickson, Crawford, Johnson, Bell and Huggins, and Colonels Locke and Davidson in the North Carolina troops: during the period of this service, he was in the "Snow Campaign" during which he assisted in taking prisoners at Cane Brake on the Reedy River, was in the battle of Ramsour's (Mills), in which his brother was killed by the Tories, the name of said brother not stated: he acted one month as captain guarding [illegible] on the Catawba River, and also served several months as a wagoner. The specific dates of enlistments and discharge from service are not stated.

He was allowed pension on his application executed September 7, 1832, at which time he resided in Gibson County, Tennessee. He gave his age then as eighty-four years, old style; the date and place of his birth and names of his parents are not shown.

There are no family data in this pension claim, other than the one to soldier's brother.

Very truly yours,
A.D. Hiller,
Assistant to Administrator.
Page 40

July 15, 1933.
Mrs. Beatrice Cole
312 South 13th Street
Fort Smith, Arkansas.

BA-J/ILL
Robert Rankin-W.5644
Robert Rankin-S.4042

Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter requesting information relative to Robert Rankin of Guilford County, North Carolina, a Revolutionary War soldier.

A search of the Revolutionary War records has been made and you are furnished herewith the records of two soldiers with that name, both pensioners of Tennessee.

Very truly yours,

A.D. Hiller,
Assistant to Administrator