Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 5,687, for Daniel Reeves, South Carolina
Page 1

(3 - 1776)
SERVICE S. C.
Reeves or Reaves, Daniel
Eleanor
NUMBER W. 5687

CONTENTS
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State of Tennessee 
Maury County 
Jasper Reeves a citizen of the County & State aforesaid made oath before us Joseph Hendon & James Black two of the acting Justices of the peace of said County That some time during the revolutionary  war that Daniel Reeves who is now a citizen of Davidson County & State aforesaid, but was at that
time a Citizen of the State of S. Carolina served more than twelve month in the U. States army against 
Great Britain, that he recollects distinctly, that he came home on furlow; & was there a short space of time & being related to sd Daniel Reeves (to wit) Cousins & his Father & Sd Daniels residing near to each other & consequently were in each others company frequently enables him to recollect the time better, than he would otherwise have done, That when sd Daniel was at home on furlow he was in the garb of a soldier & the connexion & all he heard speak of his absence said sd Daniel was in the service of his County & further this deponent says not. January 21st 1819-
Jasper X Reeves his mark
Sworn to and subscribed before us the day & year last above stated
Jos Herndon JP
James Black JP
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State of Tennessee Macon County, 
I Joseph B Porter Clerk of the Court of pleas and quarter sessions for said County do certify that the within named Joseph Herndon and James Black Esquires whose signatures appear within are now and were at the time of signing the same acting Justices of the peace in and for sd County & full faith
credit is and of right ought to be given to all the official acts as such In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name & affixed the of my office at office this 21 day of Jany 1849
Joseph B Porter
---
Exhibit "B"

State of Tennessee Maury County
I, James L Sanford Presiding Justice of of the Court Pleas & quarter Sessions for the County aforesaid do certify that Joseph Porter whose name is subscribed to the above Certificate is & was the he time of his Signing the same acting Clerk to said County Court & his certificate is in due form of Law. and full faith & credit should be given to all his official acts as such, given under my Hand & Seal this 22 day of January 1819
James T. Langford Presiding Justice
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District of West Tennessee
Daniel Reeves a citizen of Davidson County in the State of Tennessee, aged sixty five, came before me & made oath that he enlisted into the service of the United States as a soldier, in the revolutionary war, under the command of Captain Eli Cashaw he believes in the third South Carolina Regt commanded by Col Thompson that he served about fourteen months, that he enlisted for fifteen months, that he enlisted about a month after the establishment of the Reg. therefore was discharged with the others at the end of their time but that he has long since lost or mislaid his discharge that he served his time
faithfully, he believes that troops he belonged to were called the Rangers. that he is old and infirm, being possessed of very little property

Exhibit "A"
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State of Alabama Lauderdale County
On this day to wit 4th day of November 1846 personally appeared Jesse Reeves a resident of the County of Lauderdale and State of Alabama before me John McCorkle one of the acting Justices of the Peace in and for the county aforesaid and made oath in due form of law that he is about eighty one years of age having been born in 1766 and was ten years old in 1776 at the time of the Declaration of Independence. This Deponent recollects after the act of 1818 was passed giving the first pensions to the regular Soldiers of the Revolution That he made a statement or affidavit before Esqr Herndon in favour of his Cousin Daniel Reeves then a resident of the County of Davidson near Masonville who was trying to be placed on the Pension roll. This affidavit as well as now recollected
contained the following Statement that the said Daniel Reeves enlisted in the regular service of South Carolina for a period not now recollected but thinks it was twelve months eighteen months or the time might not have been mentioned in the affidavit. It was however the usual period of enlistment of that state and during his enlistment he came home on furlow and stayed some time wearing his uniform coat a blue faced with White US, on the buttons and stayed until his furlow was nearly out and then returned and served out his time and was honourably discharged deponent never saw him from time he was on furlow until discharged. This is what deponent recollects he stated in his first affidavit but he might have stated other particulars as it has been upwards of twenty years ago.

But this Deponent recollects very well that no questions was asked him in regard to the volunteer or militia service of Daniel Reeves the Judge telling them none but the regular service was necessary, and after the declaration was drawn up by a Lawyer by the name of Egnew he told Daniel Reeves that he must swear that he could not live comfortably without the aid of Government which Reeves said he could not do because he had some property so the matter was dropped since when deponent had not heard what was done, further deponent was also never asked any thing about
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about the marriage of the said Daniel And now at this day being further asked and interrogated Deposeth and says. That the service in the regular line was performed in the year 1779 or 1780 and during the spring of 1780 the said Daniel Reeves came home on his furlow as above stated. He had before his enlistment engaged himself to marry Ellenor Guthrie and this Deponent believes this was the main cause of his return on furlow Ellenor Guthrie was an Orphan girl and was raised by her near relation Mr. Land who lived a close neighbor and the said Daniel Reeves and Ellinor Guthrie were married at the house of Land and on next day took dinner at the house of this Deponents father because the said Daniel did not like his step mother the second wife of his father who also lived not far off. This same cause of dislike made Daniel Reeves have his wife at the house of this Deponents father after his furlow above & when I was nearly out while he went and served out the balance of his time and thinks that after this he was at the siege of Charlestown he is certain of his being then but will not say whether before or after the Marriage bur believes is certain the longest period there was after the marriage as he never come and until he had served out his time from these circumstances and particularly Daniel Reeves leaving his wife at his fathers during the time of the balance of service and the militia tours he afterwards served, this Deponent has a perfect knowledge and recollections
of these transactions. He recollects his saying during the Siege of Charleston the British would throw dogs heads over to them instead of bomb shells

And this Deponent being further asked and interrogated Deposeth and says that after Daniel Reeves was discharged from his tour of regular served and had come home some time and lived at his Deponent fathers with his wife. He served two militia tour of three months each one under Capt Steel and the other under Captain Land one of these was as a volunteer
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the other was as a drafted militia both these tours were served in the latter part of 1780 and 1st of 1781 and the reason was the British had during this time Marched up and invaded the whole country and it was safer to be out in the army than at home on account of British and Tories, and the reason of these tours was as he heard Reeves say at the time was that as he was a married man he could come home oftener but if he was not and he had his house he would rather be a regular soldier as they were better treated fed and clothed

He also served one other tour of three months and does not recollect the Captains name at this time, Thus he believes the said Daniel Served about twelve or eighteen months in the regular service part of which was after his Marriage with Ellenor his wife and three Militia tours of three months each after the Regular service in all about two years

This Deponent will state some of the most remarkable circumstances these were the battle of Camden and Sumpters defeat the latter was fought within three miles of this Deponents fathers and this deponent was there next day or day after and saw the dead and the wounded the latter out of their senses and crawling about, there were a great many dead horses and the wagons were cut to pieces with axes and destroyed in that manner Daniel Reeves was out in the service at that time under Sumpter and he thinks but cannot positively say and this deponent does not recollect whether he got any of his wound in this battle or not so it was however he was wounded in two places one a cut with a sword and the other a ball piercing his side and coming out again neither of which done him Material injury. Daniel Reeves died in Davidson County and this affiant lived in Maury County and
afterwards moved to Alabama where he now lives He knows a great many more circumstances about
the Revolution and could relate then having been an eye witness to many of them but is advised
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the same is not material affiant is blessed at this time with a good memory a sound constitution and can ride to mill and do his other riding in the neighbourhood and has a tolerable history of the Reeves family
[signed] Jessee Reeves
Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year first above mentioned
John Moore
Justice of the Peace

State of Alabama Lauderdale County
I John McCorkle one of the acting Justices of the Peace in and for the State and County aforesaid do hereby certify I am well acquainted with Jesse Reeves and have been for the last fifteen years that he is a man of good Character and a man of truth and veracity and that full credit should be given to his statements and I have heard him frequently talk about the Revolution war and as such have no hesitation in believing the foregoing statements to be true I also know him to be of good memory and now fully able to go about and transact his his business

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this 4th day of November 1846
John McCorkle Justice of the Peace

The State of Alabama
Lauderdale County
I Wiley Hawkins Clerk of the County Court of the County & State aforesaid hereby certify that John McCorkle whose signature appears to the foregoing affidavit of Jesse Reeves & to the above certificate is now & was at the time of subscribing to the same an acting Justice of the peace in & for said County aforesaid, duly commissioned & qualified and that full faith & credit is due to his official acts and that the foregoing signatures purporting to be his are genuine. Given under my hand & seal of office at Florence the 5th day of November A D 1846
W T Hawkins Clerk Laud. Co. Ct
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5098
Tennessee
Eleanor Reeves deceased widow of Daniel Reeves died on the 28 of August 1824 of Davidson in the State of Tennessee who was a private in the cavalry commanded by Captain Cahaw of the 3rd regiment infantry Co. commanded by Col Thompson in the South Carolina line for 14 mos Cavalry 3 mos. infantry

Inscribed on the Roll of Tennessee at the rate of 80 Dollars 60 cents per annum, to commence on the Fourth day of March, 1831 and ending 22 April 1838.

Certificate of Pension issued the 13 day of January 1853 and sent to W E Jones Tenn Present

Arrears to the 4th of
Semiannual allowance ending

Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the --

Recorded by Van Wyck Clerk
Book D. Vol. 2  Page 416
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V3313
Elenor Reeves
Tennessee

Act 4 July 36
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State of Tennessee
Davidson County
On this 3d day of February in the year 1838 personally appeared before me Jonathan Garrett one of the acting Justices of the peace in and for the County of Davidson aforesaid Elenor Reeves a Resident of Davidson County and State of Tennessee aged seventy eight year in next month who 
being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Provision made by the act of Congress passed July 4th 1836. That she is the widow of Daniel Reeves who was a soldier of the Revolution and served his first tour of service was in the third South Carolina Regiment commanded by Col Thomson his captains name was Eli Cashaw and served 14 months under an enlistment.

This Declarant would here refer to an affidavit drawn by a Justice of the peace at Nashville in order to obtain his Pension under the act of Congress 1818 but which was never signed by her husband nor sworn upon the ground and for the reason that he was then possessed of more property that was contemplated, by the then Pension laws - marked Exhibit A" and prays may be taken as part of her declaration and proof

She would further refer to the proof taken in Maury County and duly authenticated from Peter Reeves who it appears was well acquainted with the time of the service and recollects his Service all which is contained in said affidavit marked Exhibit "B". and May be taken as part of this declaration
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[two sheets]
and proof this proof marked and herewith annexed bearing date 21st January 1819 was considered sufficient to enable her husband to obtain his Pension but after he came to consider that he was possessed of more property than was allowed to soldiers to possess he abandoned the idea of
attaining his Pension. He was at the battle of Sullivans Island near Charleston after this he entered the served in -- and was at the battle of Camden and was wound in the body - he served this tour 3 months. He entered the same again as a Militia and was drafted for a tour of -- months. He served in the company commanded by ---- he was at the battle of ---- and there received a wound in the arm by a cut of a sword he entered the same again and served as a drafted militiaman for the term of ---- but this affiant cannot recollect the names of [illegible] officers and must rely on other proof.
This affiant has the record of her children and those, of her husband and herself kept in the family
Bible which is here annexed marked Exhibit "C" and prays may be taken as part of this Declaration as proof

She further declares that she was married to the said David Reeves on the 17th day of March 1779 and that her husband said Daniel Reeves died on the 28th day of August 1824 and that she the said Eleanor Reeves has remained [start second page] a widow ever since that period as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed
[signed] Elenor X Reeves her mark
Sworn to and subscribed before me this day and year first above written
J R Garrett
Justice of the Peace for Davidson County

State of Tennessee
Davidson County ⎬
Jonathan R Garret one of the acting Justices of the Peace in and for said County hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Elenor Reeves who has this day appeared before me and made oath to the foregoing Declaration That she is a woman of truth and that full faith and credit are due to her statements I further certify that she is now very old and helpless and from sickness old age and bodily infirmity she cannot appear in open court to make this Declaration and I hereby certify the same
Given under my hand and seal this 3rd February 1838
J R Garrett ℗
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State of Tennessee
Davidson County
I, Jonathan Garrett one of the acting Justices of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid do hereby certify that the annexed Record of the ages of Daniel Reeves and Eleanor his wife and their children was taken from the family Bible in my presence and attached to this declaration and that I believe the same to be genuine

Given under my hand and seal this 3d February 1838
 J R Garrett

State of Tennessee
Davidson County ⎬ 
On this day personally appeared Ormond A Simpkins before me Jonathan Garrett one of the acting Justices of the Peace in and for said County and made oath that he has been acquainted with Daniel Reeves for the space of thirty years past that he was a Soldier of the Revolution and served
both as a regular soldier, and a Militia man so reputed in the neighborhood and he has heard him say that he was married during the first service or enlistment in 1779 when at home on furlow. In 1819 Judge McNary made out his declaration and when the said Daniel Reeves was informed that he must swear that he was not able to live without the assistance of a Pension he could not cause he was then possessed of property the said Daniel Reeves was wounded in the War of the Revolution in the side, and on the arm.
[signed] O.A. Simpkins
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 4th day of February 1838
J. R. Garrett
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State of Tennessee
Smith County 
On this day personally appeared William Reeves before me Alfred Bains one of the acting Justices of the peace in and for said County aged Seventy years of age who being duly sworn according to law makes oath that his Brother Daniel Reeves was about fifteen years older than himself that he entered the services of the United States under the command of Captain Eli Cashaw in the 3d South Carolina Regiment and continued to serve for the space of fourteen months This Deponent cannot recollect but very little of the circumstances during the time his Brother was out, believes the Battle of Camden or Gates defeat was fought during the time. It was after this a little he cannot say whether it was when Genl Sumpter was defeated or some other battle that soon followed but this Deponent distinctly recollects of his Brother coming home wounded from one of the above mentioned battle he was shot through the Abdomen and the bullet was cut out near the naval he was also chopped on his arms with a sword and was in that situation taken prisoner but was left in the neighbourhood as this Affiant's father lived at that time above Camden about [illegible] miles who was taken at Sumpter's defeat. This affiant Recollects of his Brother being cured at home. This Brother was married to his present widow Eleanor Reeves some years before this and he thinks had one child the affiant recollects the Marriage, they were married legally at the time she mentions on the 11th day of Mar
1779 This Deponent further States that
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his Brothers widow lives at this time about Sixty miles from him and has not seen her in three years she must however be very old and infirm. His Brother Served fourteen months and was regularly discharged but cannot say what became of it, and further this Deponent is advised it is not material to state .
[signed] William Reeves
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 30th day of March 1838
A Bains J.P. for Smith County 

State of Tennessee
Smith County
I, John S. Burnett clerk of the County Court of said Smith County do hereby certify that A.L. Bains before whom the foregoing affidavit of William Reeves was made was at the time the same purports to bear date and now is one of the acting Justices of the Peace in and for said County of Smith duly commissioned and qualified as the law directs

in testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand and affixed my seal of office at office this 14th day of Apl 1838 & 62d year of our independence
John I Bennett Clerk
of Smith County Court
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State of Tennessee Smith County
I, John J Bennett Clerk of Smith County Court hereby Certify that William Reeves whose affidavit is hereto appended is a Citizen of Smith County and that am well acquainted with him and that he is a man of Good Character and standing, and that full faith and credit are due to his statements . Given under this 14 day of April 1838
John J Bennett Clk
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State of Tennessee
Davidson County
On this day personally appeared Thomas Hickman aged 75 years a resident of the County and State aforesaid before me Jonathan H Garrett one of the acting Justices of the peace in and for said County and made oath in due form of law that he has been acquainted with Daniel Reeves in his life time for the last forty years past. They lived close neighbors most of that time and were intimately acquainted, they had frequent conversations about the War of the Revolution and from these conversations, which were frequent say from 1796 the time he moved to this County until his death he understood from him that he had served more than one tour at least had been in the service a considerable time and thinks he heard him say in the [illegible] but cannot say but it is possible he may have been in the regular troop. This affiant recollects that when he was out in 1780 say at the time of Gen Sumpters Defeat that the said Daniel Reeves was out in the service but was in a different division of  the army he belonged to the South Carolina troops and this affiant was in the North Carolina troops this affiant cannot particularly State the names of the officers under whom he served nor the particulars of his service but has no hesitation in believing him a solder of the Revolution and served a considerable time. believes part of it must have been with General Marion
[signed] Tho Hickman
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 4th day of February 1838
R Garrett J P
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State of Tennessee
Davidson County
I, Jonathan R. Garret one of the acting Justice of the peace in and for said County do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Thomas Hickman and Orman A Simpkins that they are men of respectability and truth and that full faith and credit are due and of Right ought to be given to their statements and I hereby certify the same Given under my hand and seal the 4th day of February 1838
J. R. Garrett

State of Tennessee, Davidson County
I, Smith Criddle Clerk of the county court of said Davidson County hereby certify the Jonathan R Garrett whose name is signed to the foregoing certificates is now and was at the time of signing the same an acting Justice of peace in & for the County & state aforesaid duly commissioned & qualified, & as such full faith & credit are due & ought to given to his official acts
-
In testimony whereof I hereunto subscribe my name & affix the seal of said court at office in Nashville this 9th day of April 1838.
Smith Criddle
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State of Tennessee
Davidson County
On this 6th day of May 1881 personally appeared before the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, Aquila Price, Administrator of Elenor Reeves deceased, who on his oath make the following Declaration, in order to obtain the amount of Pension due the said Elenor Reeves deceased, in her life time under the 3rd Section of the Act of Congress of July 4th 1836, and which is due to her surviving children and only heirs, to wit, Ann Price, (wife of Declarant), Nancy Simpkins, Sarah Cheper, and Elenor Davis who are the only surviving children of decedent. That said Elenor Reeves was the Widow of Daniel Reeves, late of Davidson County, Tennessee, a Revolutionary soldier, and made application for a Pension previous to her death under the Act of Congress aforesaid, declarant has been intimately acquainted with the said Daniel Reeves and his wife Elenor ever since the year 1814 and from that time afterwards frequently heard the said Elenor relate the trials and hardships they both suffered, during the War of the Revolution, Declarant states from said information which he believes to be true, that the said Daniel Reeves was an enlisted Soldier, and served for nearly two years, but would here refer as to length of time to the record or original declaration made by the said Daniel Reeves in his life time under Act of 18 March 1818, and now on file with the original paper in the Pension Office at Washington, Declarant states that he has frequently heard him relate that after his enlistment, and return home, that is to say about the year 1780 he and the said Elenor were married, and that living at that time in South Carolina
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in the most dangerous part, being near the seat of War, he could remain at home but very little after his marriage but volunteered, or was drafted, (he can not now tell which) and served several tours of service, each of three months, all of which he is informed and believes, has been furnished in her original papers and to which he now refers, and which he prays may be taken as a part of this Declaration, Declarant further states that their marriage agreeable to the original family record kept in their bible, and the ages of their children, he has often seen and has no doubt whatever is correct, as it showed the ages of his children, and Declarants Wife, and was frequently in his possession is also now on file with the original papers, and that their marriage took place long before the last term of service; that the reason the said Daniel Reeves did not include his militia service in his original Declaration, was, that he was told at that time, that no militia service was necessary to be stated under Act of 18 March 1818, and that the regular service was all that was necessary to be stated; that said marriage agreeable to his recollection took place in the spring of 1780 and the militia service was performed after that time, which is fully proven in the original papers, and to which he here refers

That his wife Ellenor had to shift from one relation's to another while her husband, the said Daniel was out in the military service of his Country, as it was safer to be in the Army than at home, and this he has frequently heard him relate in his life time, and a great many particulars which he is advised are not material to mention, Declarant further states that he always understood, that the said Daniel, so soon as the War was concluded, and before my arrangement had been made or was expected to be made, for the payment of the soldiers, as it was then said they had fought for liberty, and obtained such, and expected nothing else, he and the said Ellenor removed to the State of Georgia, and there
lived till they came to Tennessee, and that he never applied for an

received
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received any pay or other compensation for his military services as a regular or militiaman, which accounts satisfactorily as Declarant believes for the omission of his name, being not found in the Comptrollers Office of South Carolina, in the settlement of accounts with other soldiers of the Revolution; That said claim to a Pension is just and lawful he has no doubt, and that it appears from one of the Reports, with others, that Mr. Edwards Commissioner of Pension was satisfied of his military services and was willing to allow a Pension to said Ellenor under act of July 7th 1838 (see letter of that date) but was refused by her Attorney A Fergusson: That said Ellenor Reeves died to
the best of his recollection on the 22d day of April 1838, and that the said Daniel Reeves died on the 28th day of August 1824, that said Ellenor did not again marry, but remained the Widow of the said Daniel Reeves, to the day of her death,
[signed] Aquila Price [illegible] seal of Ellenor Reeves
Sworn to & subscribed the day & year above written, Before me
Josiah Ferris JP

I hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with Aquila Price the declarant mentioned, that he is a person of veracity and the statements made by him are entitled to full faith and credit
Josiah Ferris JP

State of Tennessee
Davidson County
I, F R Cheatham Clerk of the County Court of said County do hereby certify that Josiah Ferris whose genuine signature is signed above is now & was at the time of signing the same an acting Justice of the peace in the said County  duly elected commissioned & qualified as such and affixed the said of said Court of Office in Nashville This 7th day of May 1851
F R Cheatham Clerk
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Danuel Reeves the son of John Reeves and Nancy his wife was born October the 10th day 1754
-----
Elener Reeves the wife of Danuel Reeves in March in the year of our Lord 1760
-----
James Reeves the Son of Danuel Reeves and Elender his wife was born October the 10th day 1788
-----
Danuel Reeves the Son of Danuel Reeves and Elender his wife was born March the 2 day 1781
-----
William Reeves the the Son of Danuel Reeves and Elender his wife was born May the 25th day 1783
-----
Elijah Reeves the Son of Danuel Reeves and Elender his wife was born February 20th day 1786
-----
Elisha Reeves the Son of Danuel Reeves and Elender his wife was born August 20th day 1788
-----
Sally Reeves the daughter of Danuel Reeves and Elender his wife was born May the 15th day 1791
-----
Nancy Reeves the daughter of Danuel Reeves and Elender his wife was born February 27 day in the year of our Lord 1794
-----
Elendar Reeves the daughter of Danuel Reeves was was born November the 6th day 1796
-----
Sannah Reeves the Daughter of Danuel Reeves was born July the 21dt day 1797
Page 23

State of Tennefsee Davidson County Court May Term 1851.

In the matter of the administration of the Estate of Eleanor Reeves decd. 

It appearing to the satisfaction of the Court that Daniel Reeves, who was a Soldier in the Revolutionary war died leaving his widow Ellenor Reeves who has since died, but who remained unmarried after the death of her husband up to the time of her death, And it further appearing to the Court, that there are four surviving children and heirs of the said Ellenor + Daniel Reeves decd. to wit - Ann Price, Nancy Simpkins, Sarah Chefser and Elener Davis, And application being made by Acquila Price to have letters of administration granted him, on the estate of the said Ellenor Reeves, for the purpose of securing and receiving for the said heirs, back pension due them as heirs of said Ellenor + Daniel Reeves decd. It is therefore ordered by the Court that the said A Price have letters of Administrative granted him on the Estate of the said Ellenor Reeves decd. Whereupon the said Acquilla Price in Court here gave bond in the sum of six Hundred dollars with W D Simpkins security and qualified according to law.

State of Tennefsee}
Davidson County} I, F R Cheatham Clerk of the County Court of said County do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true + perfect transcript from the records of the proceedings of said Count on application of Acquilla Price to have letters of Administration granted him on the Estate of Ellenor Reeves decd.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at office in Nashville, this 7th day of May 1851
G R Cheatham Clerk
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[writing very faint]
Revy WIDOW, &c.
File No. [illegible]
Eleanor Reeves widow of Daniel Reeves
Pvt. S.C. Line

Act: July 4 36
Index: -- Vol. A, Page 154
[Arrangement of 1870.}
Page 25

Elinor Reeves of Davidson Tennessee
(12 )
suspended
See let 19th July 1838 to A. Fergusson
do, 14 aug 1838
do. 27 March 1839
do 26 April 1839
to do: 11 July 1842
to do. 23 Augt 1842
"  " June 18451846
"  "  Dec 21, 1846

Act 4 July 1836

[right side, sideways]
Let to Hon E. W. Ewing July 29 '46
same Jany 13 '47 
Hist to L McGreevy Feb 23 '47
to Hon E. W. Ewing March 3 '47
 "  same May 25 1847
Let to Hon E. W. Ewing Dec 21 '49
 "  W. E. Jones Jan 11, 1852
Page 26

Brief in the case of Eleanor Reeves, of Daniel County and State of Tennessee,
act 4 July 1836.

Claim, (original, or for increase
Proof exhibited, (if original

Is it documentary, or traditionary or supported by rolls?  If either state the substance
Evidence of service: Record & parole
 Evidence  of Marriage; Family register, showing the births of the children.
(If for increase)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Kirby
Examining Clerk.

Name and residence of Agent
W. E. Jones of Ten  Present
Page 27

Carthage Tennessee
25th June 1842
Dear Sir
Inclosed you will find the amended affidavit of Conrad Coon in support of the claim of Ellinor Reeves widow of Daniel Reeves deceased for a Pension under act of 4th July 1836 The statement made by him two or three years since was not particular in giving dates I was confident therefore that he possessed more information about it and on my calling on him I found he had a personal knowledge of the most material facts to wit the service and the date of the same he is positive that the said Reeves in service after the battle of the Cowpens in 1781 and he says it was in the Summer of that year he had frequent conversation with him while in actual service agreeable to the family record furnished you under 4th July 1836 her first born child was born in October 1781 so that the date of the last Service was after the marriage. Add to this the traditionary history of the family that there
were two children born who are not living before the oldest living one in 1781
Page 28

and you have the period of marriage fixed at least three years previous to 1781. I think also William Reeves stated that the last service was done a considerable time after the marriage now two witnesses are certainly sufficient to prove a State of facts I think William Reeves and Conrad Coon agree in their statements

I hope you will allow the claim without delay as there are other witness living at a considerable distance that can prove the same facts I hope you will not cause the heirs to be at my further expense but allow what is due them, I have no hesitation in saying the claim is a genuine claim and if I have taken the right view of it the testimony furnished will upon read prove to be conclusive I hope therefore to receive the certificate as soon as possible
Respectfully A Ferguson


PS see your letter of 26th April 1839 stating that if the marriage could be clearly proved to have
taken place previous to the last service the claim would be allowed according to act of 4th July 1836 which is now done conclusively as I believe

James L Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 29

Carthage 23 January 1850
Dear Sir,
Yours of the 4th instant in regard to the case of Ellenor Reeves is before me at which I am not at  all surprised. If you had been as often disappointed as I have been by the unjust decision of J L Edwards Commissioner of Pension you would not be disappointed only when a decision in your favor was made. In this case I discover that Mr. Edwards has written out as usual a one sided report of the case and submitted the same to Mr. Ewing and thus the proof filed to substantiate the validity or legality of the claim having been omitted by Mr. Edwards and not mentioned at all and the only testimony referred to being erroneously stated by him. Mr. Ewing for lack of some one acquainted with the case to explain could not do otherwise but "affirm, the decision. To show how Mr. Edwards or his Clerks have misstated the evidence 1. He States that or at least makes her State that the battle of Camden was fought in April 1780 how all history shows that the battle of Camden or  Gates defeat was fought on 11th of August 1780 by this misstatement Mr. Edwards thinks he gains one clear point to wit
that Mrs. Reeves could not have been married to her husband 10th April 1780 because he was
Page 30

then engaged in battle and could not be at Home as a bridegroom. Now the truth is the bible
record shows that Daniel Reeves was married to his wife Ellenor as before stated 10th April 1780 and consequently the proof is full on this point that he was engaged in August following at the battle of Camden - Conrad Coon and Jesse Reeves two respectable witnesses State these facts they was present and had a personal knowledge of them. Mr. Edwards avoid stating any thing about the date of the marriage in the bible record and mentions a second or the son whose record of age is in 1781 but says he must have been illegitimate. Now he makes this bold assertion when the record itself and the several Witness show how the oldest son was put in the wrong place instead of being set down as
the first born so much their for this misstatement which if I am correct and I speak from a knowledge of the case, ought to be satisfactory to Mr. Edwards and he should forthwith correct his decision

Mr. Edwards Calls upon the old the decayed & helpless relics of the Revolution whose memory
cannot recollect but few circumstances and those only of a nature that could not be forgotten such as her marriage and the birth of a child the only circumstances that Old women can or ever will talk about. I say he call on her to recollect 70 years ago and State [illegible]
Page 31

the date of her husband services the Captains and officers he served under (as though he had been in service herself) while the proof show that she was at home under the protection of her friends while her husband was fighting the battles of his country verily he is the attorney for the Government and every excuse but shows how determined  he is to have the money set apart for that purpose at the expense of honest and Just Claimants. I could point out the last of his statements were I certain he would listen to them I contend from his own letter that her statements in regard to her marriage
goes to her credit when explained by the proof and the bible record, Mr. Edward has been informed that the record of the Comptroller General of South Carolina afford no evidence that Daniel Reeves
ever settled his balance for service as I have made search and the cause was that he moved at the close of the war to Georgia Consequently he never applied for any balance of pay not knowing that
Such was due him. I have this information and I do not know whether it is so Stated in the proof or not "decline" according to a compromise Mr. Ewing must allow the whole or none. Several agents
have proposed to have this claim allowed on
Page 32

the present proof I suppose they have examined the case. Mr. Edwards has been in the habit of allowing New Agents and attorneys to come forward and assume the control of cases of this kind after long and labored services have been performed by others and thus I have often been deprived not only of the value of my services but of the money laid out and expended for the claimants. You will be pleased to request Mr. Edwards to consider the claim as under your immediate controls and
that he is not to allow any other agent to come in and obtain possession of the claim without your permission. You may submit this letter to him if you see proper and if he will correct his statement
let him do so, if not I will take such a course as I feel authorized to do all of which I will advise you
Respectfully
A Fergusson

Honble Andrew Ewing Esq
House of Reps
Washington
Page 33

Eleanor Reeves Dcd wid of Danl
Tenn:
Act 4 July 1836

14 Mo pri Cavalry $70
3 " " Infy 10
$80
per An: to 22 Apl 1838 when she died

payable to Aquilla Price Admr for the benefit of Ann Price, Nancy Simpkins, Sarah Chesser & Eleanor Davis, only surviving children

Cert to Wm E. Jones of Tenn Present
Page 34

Carthage Tennessee
11th April 1839
Sir,
In answer to your letter of 27th ultimo, informing me that the claim of Mrs. Elenor Reeves could not be allowed on account that the proof was not sufficient that the Witness's testimony did not agree with the declaration of the claimants husband. I have to inform you that a brother of his lives in Alabama who I am informed knows perhaps all about the period of Marriage as well as the services. I have further to inform you that Mrs. Reeves died a short time after making her declaration in 1836, and I will take your advice on the course to pursue, I will yet try to establish the claim under act of 4th
July - 36 but if you think that impossible under any circumstances. Then you will be good enough to direct me what kind of Declaration her heirs must make to obtain the benefits the act of July 7th - 38 but if you will have the case open I will yet by one more. Please inform me which course would be right
Respectfully
A Fergusson

J.L. Edwards Esq Commissioner &c
Page 35

Carthage Tennessee
26th December 1838
Sir,
Inclosed you will find the affidavit of Mr. Coon a Pensioner in support of the claim of Ellenor Reeves Widow of Daniel Reeves of Davidson County. I am in hopes the proof is now compleat as to the service and I think as to the period of Marriage. I have to inform you that the friends of the Widows
Oakley - Turney - Smith - Christian and others in this County and Mrs. Nancy Bandy and Catharine Bradley of Sumner County are loud in their complaints against me on account of the very great
delay in establishing their claims I have therefore to request of you as early a decision as possible on account of the very unpleasant situation in which I am placed. I have not received the first letter from you since those claims have been complete as to proof

Please accept the assurances of my continued esteem and respect
A Fergusson

James Edwards Esqr 
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
Page 36

[envelope]
Aug 22 1842
Tenn 
Eleanor Reeves

Free
Hon J.L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
Page 37

Carthage Tennessee
28 July 1842
Sir
Your letter of the 11th instant is just received informing me that the claim of Mrs. Ellenor Reeves
widow of Daniel Reeves deceased could not be allowed because her husband's declaration, under act of March 18th 1818 and the witness to the service did mention any other service other than that in the regular service. And that proof by witnesses of his service after the marriage is not sufficient
unless Documentary or record evidence be exhibited.

In prosecuting this claim for the heirs of Mrs. Reeves. I wish to call your attention to what I believe to be a wrong construction of the laws in this case. First the act of March 18th 1818 as well as I recollect had no reference to militia Service consequently no militia service was admissible under that act and of course was not given in in the applicant or the witness which accounts to my mind most satisfactorily why no evidence of Militia service was spoken of in their testimony. Secondly you reject a witness who had a personal knowledge of the service and ask for record proof when it is well known
that but little record proof of any exist of the Militia service of the United States and that the Pension law of 1832 June 7th has special reference to militia service and that
Page 38

that too provable by witness or in want of witness by traditionary or common report supported by public opinion my recollection is if I am not mistaken that the Witness's William Reeves brother to Daniel Reeves and old Mr. Coon both testify to the militia Service of the husband of the applicant after the Marriage took place and this is [illegible] as the record of the births of her children
abundantly show. The act of 4th July 1836 has reference as I understand it to those whose husband
served in the revolution contemplated by the act of 7th June 1832, as well as previous acts allowing pensions therefore I insist that parole proof is admissible to prove all kind of service under the last mentioned act

We have proved a fact by two witnesses which although sufficient in a court of Justice (when not contracted by record or other sufficient circumstances), to establish and fac yet it is rejected on
the ground that a witness or Witnesses, although not asked, did not speak of it in a previous occasion

I must think therefore that your decision in this case however Laudable the same may be to guard against frauds and impositions in other cases yet is and ought to be to be susceptible of alteration and to be reviewed on a more careful and thorough investigation and with a view of obtaining such an alteration in your decision. I respectfully ask you to reconsider the claim and lay these reasons, should you deem it
Page 39

Material) before the Honorable the Secretary of War in order that Justice may be done the claimant
and those in like cases situated. In the absence of all record or documentary evidence in support of the Revolutionary services of the few applicant in the Western States in the rules are that no parole proof can be admitted then the Pension law is of no use here as all the records are in the older State and even there cannot be procured in regard to militia Service

I once more respectfully call your attention to the reasons I have here endeavored though in a very imperfect manner to offer and let me know your opinion as it will be useless to go any further with this the claim to a pension in all most all the cases of the opinion prevails as expressed in your letter of the 11th instant

with great respect I am Service
A. Ferguson

James L Edwards Esqr
Commissioner of Pension
Washington
Page 40

Carthage Tennessee
14th April 1838
Dear Sir
Inclosed are the papers relative to the claim of Elenor Reeves Widow of Daniel Reeves, Deceased
It is one of those plain cases that do not often occur in the investigation of Widows claims to a pension. The declaration made by her husband in 1819 is also appended, and the affidavit written by Judge McNairy (as some say) for Mr. Reeves to take is on the same paper but when Daniel Reeves understood that he had to make affidavit that he could not live without the assistance of Government or that he was possessed of by little property he could not do as he at that time was in easy circumstances therefore the matter was dropped until after his death at which time his creditors took most of his estate to pay his debt and now his widow is needy of something. Should it be important to prove Judge McNairy's hand Wright you can easily refer the same to Mr. Grundy or Bell who I have no doubt will recognize the same should it be Judge McNairy's but as I consider that as unimportant
you be particular in noticing a mistake in the record taken from the family bible in which the 3d son
is placed first by mistake as the old Lady says When his name should have been placed in 1784
the second son is the oldest and you will see by the record was born in 1781 which brings the
record of all the rest of the children correct and corresponds with the statements made by her and others about the period of her marriage
Page 41

I have therefore no hesitation in recommending it as a genuine claim so far as the circumstances have
come to my knowledge and I believe, I understand them pretty well the character of the witness Mr.
Daniel Reeves Stands unimpeached and Thomas Hickman is well known to Mssrs. Grundy and Bell

The certificate of the Justice of the peace before whom the affidavit was taken forgot to give his certificate as to his credibility but I have got Mr. Burnett the clerk to give a certificate which I hope will do as the Magistrate live some distance off

I hope you will have no difficulty in passing upon the claim as soon as practicable and place her on the roll of  Pensioners

Very Respectfully
A. Ferguson

James L Edwards Esqr
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
Page 42

Washington Feby 28th 1847
Dear Sir
A week or two since, I left with you a brief of Mr. A Ferguson in the case of Ellinor Reeves applicant for a Pension with a request that you would reconsider your decision & in case your conclusion should be still adverse, that you should inform me of that fact & that you would allow an appeal to the Secretary of War. Please inform me what you have done & whether the paper have been sent to the Secretary

yrs with Respect
E H Ewing

J.L. Edwards Esqr
Comm &c
Page 43

Feb 9 1847
Record of Ellenor Reeves

Hon. E. H. Ewing
H. R.
Page 44

J.L. Edward Esqr
In the case of Eleanor Reeves, now before you, if you should not allow the claim, upon a review of
your previous decision rejecting it, with the aid of the argument of Mr A Ferguson now submitted  you will please allow an appeal to the Secretary at War & send the papers to him for his decision, & upon so doing inform me of that fact
E H Ewing
Page 45

Comptroller's Office
Columbia So. Cal
July 25th 1851

Judge Jos Bryner
Dear Sir,
Having been called on by Wm E Jones Esqr of Tennefsee to furnish you with information as to what time the 3d Regiment on the Continental Establishment were raised, &c., I cannot better comply than by referring you to "American Archives Fourth services vol. 2d, pages, 953 & 954 - Again Am: Archives, fourth vol. 4th Series, second Provincial Congrefs So. Ca., pages 40 & 49 - see also 5th vol. 4th series page 579 - 6th vol. 4th series, 1715th page - 2d Vol. 4th series page 1899 - Vol 6th pages 1183 - '4'5 - & page 1129 - The name of Danl Rivers does not appear among our militia Records so far as I have been able to find.
Very respectfully
Yr obt sevt
James A Black
Dep Cp
Page 46

Pension Office,
May 25, 1847.

Sir,
The case of Mrs. Eleanor Reeves, to which the enclosed letter of the Hon. E H Ewing alludes, was submitted for you decision thereon, on the 23d of February last. Your action has not yet been made known to this office, and hence the reference of the Hon. Mr. E's letter to the Department this morning.
I have the honor to be
Very respectfully,
Your obt Servant,
J L Edwards

Hon. W L Marcy
Secretary of War
Page 47

Nashville May 17th 1847
J.L. Edwards Esq Commr &c
Sir,
I am this day reminded by Mr. A ferguson of Carthage Tenn of the case of Ellinor Reeves which was before you for a pension. At his request I took an appeal from your decision to the Secretary at War & you informed me that you had sent up the paper. As neither I nor Mr. Ferguson have as yet heard any thing from the appeal, I request that you will inform me what has been done in the case, or if you cannot that you ill have this letter transmitted to the war office, that I may hear directly from the Secretary
Yrsr with Respect
Edwin H Ewing
Page 48

Carthage Tennefsee
9th December 1849

Sir
Permit me to call your attention to the claim of Ellenor Reeves widow of Daniel Reeves decd of Davidson County for a pension. This claim as you will find from Mr Edwards reports as Commifsioner of Pensions has been pending in his office Since February 1838. With the original paper was filed her declaration Setting forth her husbands Services and also his own declaration made during his lifetime Setting forth his Services in the War of the Revolution but owing to his having property prevented him from getting a pension under acts of 1818 and 1823. Mrs Reeves application was made under act 4th July 1836 and the record of marriage as well as ages of her children taken out of their family bible and duly Sworn to be the genuine hand write of Daniel Reeves in his lifetime Show their marriage to have taken place as well as I recolect "10th April 1780" The proof is ample and Sufficient to show also that he Served as he States and that the marriage took place about that time. And afterwards the Said Daniel Reeves was out in the Service of the United States which entitles her to a Pension under the above act. In a report made Subsequently Mr Edwards States to me in a letter that a claim might be allowed under act 7th July 1838 Thus
Page 49

admitting the evidence of service as "Satisfactory, for
a Pension under the last [illegible] act; but I felt
bound as the attorney of Mrs Reeves to reject this
compromise and insisted on the claim under the July 
1886 which would allow her pension to commence six
years sooner than the latter The affidavits of
Conrad Coon an old Revolutionary Pensioner of Davidson
County was retaken and that of Thomas Hickman
your old acquantance also Jessee Reeves of Alabama
now about Ninety years of age these men stated
positively as to the services of Daniel is and his
marriage but Mr Edwards in his last report to
me says that all this is not "satisfactory", although
Conrad Coon a fellow Soldier Thomas Hickman an
old acquantance Jessee Reeves a  Cousin all
have been duly certified to be men of credibility
agreeable to the rules of the Department yet Mr.
Edward says they are not satisfactory. Now
agreable to Mr. Edwards own showing under our
act these witnesses would be or their evidence
would be satisfactory but in the other case the same would not the only difference is the one
act give the Pension to the widows to commen-
1881 and the latter in 1836. I insist that the
evidence is as strong in one case as the other and
that the period of Marriage 10th April 1780 proved by
Conrad Coon Thomas Hickman and Jesse Reeves
must be conclusive beyond all doubt taken in [illegible]
with the marriage record furnishes  and Reeves having [illegible] the marriage with her By reference to my
Page 50

files of letters of 13th January 1847 while your Brother Edwin H Ewing was in Congrefs I directed him to bring the case before Mr Edwards for a reexamination and if he did not allow it take an appeal to the Secretary of War. Under date of 3d March 1847 your Brother writes me that Mr Edwards refused to "reverse, his decision and that agreable to (my) his request had Sent up the papers to the Secratary of War and that the Secratary would give these papers his attention
On the 17th May 1847 your Brother writes me from Nashville after his return that Mr Edwards had not informed him as yet what had been done
On the 2d June following I received a letter from your Brother Stating that Mr Edwards had informed him that "Mrs Reeves case was Still before the Secratary of War which letter of Mr Edwards was "dated 25th May 1847" I have this Stated letter and dates having the originals before me. No further information has even been received by me and I infer nothing further was ever done. It is therefore for Mr Edwards to inform us what has been done in the matter to have the original papers forthcoming ready for your inspection. I am informed Mr Ewing Secratary of the Interior has more liberally construed the various Pension laws and I look to him for a favorable decision in this case if laid before him and I Stand Pledged to Suport what is contained in this letter. A case better Sustained by proof has hareby been set by me and heated with So much apparant neglect Mr Edward

[Sidways in left margin: 
* Under act of 4th July 1836 widows were entitled if the husband Served after the marriage This Reeves done as it clearly proved by widow
Page 51

Edwards ought in all reason to revere his decision and
allow the claim on the proof furnished and I do
contend and insist under the act of Congress and the
rules adopted by himself for the goverment of his
official acts. I fear I have thus trespassed upon
your time by my informal narrative. Be pleased thereof
to being the whole matter before the commissioner
and if he refuses to allow the Claim take an
appeal imediately to the Secretary of the Interior
and ask his decision without delay you will
Please let this letter accompany any other you may
write to the Commissioner of Pensions or the
Secretary of the Interior most of the costs
are here stated
Respectfully
A. Fergusson 

Honble Andrew Ewing Esqr
House of Rep.  Washington City
Page 52

Carthage Tenn May 12 47
A. Fergusson

Ask reversal of decision on Ellenor Reeves
pension claim,

War Secretary May 22/47
Pension Office
D. C
Page 53

Carthage Tennessee
12th May 1847
Dear Sir
The letter of the Hon E H Ewing member of Congress from this District dated 3d March at
Washington is now before me in which he States that Mr. J L Edwards Esq Commissioner of Pensions having refused to revere his decision in the case of Ellenor Reeves for a Pension.

That agreeable to my request Mr. Edwards had promised to send up the papers and memorandum and other Document by way of appeal to you the Honbl. the Secretary of War for your decision. Having waited until now without hearing any thing relative thereto I deem it my duty in behalf of the
claimant to renew the application for a reversal of Mr. Edwards decision or an affirmation of the same. Being so confident of the Justice of the claim and having proved the marriage as well as Services by three disinterested witnesses who had a knowledge of the facts I feel warranted in asking a reversal of Mr. Edwards decision. Be pleased to have before you my memorandum or brief of the case which I furnished Mr. Ewing when you investigate the claim. This is the first appeal I ever took in a case of this kind and I have attended to great many. The brief refers to the papers and proof and I trust are to be found with them please attend to the same as soon as convenient

Respectfully A. Fergusson

Honbl Secretary of War
Page 54

Washington Jany 1st 1847
J.L. Edward Esq Comm
Dear Sir
Adam Ferguson of
Smith County Tenn, writes me that he has furnished you with
additional proof in the case of Elliner Reeves widow of Daniel Reeves of Davidson County Tenn. & request that you would inform
me whether any thing is still lacking & if not that you would send me the certificate
 your attention to this matter will
much oblige
in with Respect
Edwin H Ewing
Page 55


Pension Office
July 11. 1842
Sir

The amended affidavit of Conrad Coon
in support of the claim of Mrs Eleanor Reeves, widow of Daniel Reeves, dec has been examined and filed. In the statement
made by the claimants husband under the act of March 18. 1818, and by the witness to the same, no mention is made of any other service than that as an enlisted soldier, which
was before the period of the claimant's marriage. The testimony of a witness now exhibited as to the service after the marriage, is not sufficient. unless some record evidence of the alleged service as a militia man be produced a pension cannot be allowed under the act of July 4, 1836. A claim may be made under the act of July 7. 1838
I am respectfully
Your Obet Svt 
J L Edwards
80 
40 
18  
he died 1824 (illegible)
Act April 22d 1838

Fergusson Esq
Carthage
Tennessee
Page 56

(Copy)
Department of the Interior
January 4th, 1858,
Sir,
I herewith return the papers in the case of Eleanor Reeves, and have to inform you that your report of the 21 ultime, has been affirmed

I am, very respectfully
your obt Servant
(Signed) T. Ewing Secretary

James L. Edwards, Esq,
Commissioner of Pensions,
Page 57

Washington City
May 16. 1851
J.E. Heath Esqr
Comr of Pensions

Sir
I have the honour to submit herewith the declaration of A. Price Admr home of Elias Reeves dec'd asking for a Pension under the act of 4th July 1836. I ask respectfully that I may be permitted to examine the papers on file in support of the claim of Mrs. Reeves
Very respectfully
Your Obt Sert
Joseph Bryan
Page 58

Carthage Tennessee
14th November 1846 
Dear Sir
Inclosed you will find the Deposition or affidavit of Jesse Reeves Sen. in favour the Claim of Ellenor Reeves widow of Daniel Reeves you will recollect by reference to some of your letters to me that you expressed an opinion that a Pension might be allowed her under act of July 1838, but this I declined as I knew she was strictly entitled under act of July 4th 1836. I have travelled to Alabama and procured the testimony above mentioned. You will also be pleased to recollect that the marriage was proven before by the Bible record and the testimony of two witnesses I now introduce a third who speaks for himself and from his good memory and knowledge of the fact is entitled to every species of credit

I trust you will be satisfied now as a Court of Chancery would not require such rigid proof in any
case. Be pleased to allow the claim and if necessary inform me whether I must procure the power of attorney of the Administrator or the heirs to Authorize me to receive the Pension certificate from you or whether you will forward it to me as usual. My object in this is to secure my travelling and other expenses which I cannot do for nothing Be pleased to act on the claim without delay

Respectfully
A Fergusson

James L Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
Page 59

11
Case of Ellenor Reeves claiming a Pension
Her husband Daniel Reeves made a declaration about the year 1820 or days time not recollected under act of March 1818 and after making his declaration setting forth that he served as a regular soldier in the South Carolina line he found be owned too much property to be admitted as a Pensioner therefore he could not take the oath. The declaration was down up by Mr Egnew an attorney with whom you were perhaps acquanted (see Jesse Reeve affidavit lately furnished ) at the same time of making the Declaration Jesse Reeves a cousin made an affidavit before Esqr Herndon of Columbia Stating the facts of the regular service. Both these papers remained in possession of the widow Ellena Reeves after the death ┃
of her husband and in 1838 the filed her Declaration for a Pension under act of July 4th 1838 annexing  i these papers as proof together with the Bible record kept in the handwriting of her husband showing
the date of her marriage and the ages of her children her marriage was 10th April 1780 (see the papers) William Reeves another Cousin equal in age or old enought to have a knowledge of all the fact testified to the regular service and the Militia Service part of which took place after the Marriage. By a letter of Mr Edwards the claim was not allowed and further proof required
The second  affidavit of Conrad Coon an old Pensioner was obtained stating very full and satisfactory all the services and the date of the
Marriage. Showing the service to have taken place after the Marriage On the 11th July 1842 Mr Edwards with the following letter
(Copy) "The amended affidavit of Conrad Coon in support of the Claim of Mrs Ellenor Reeves widow of Daniel Keeves deceased has been examined and filed in the statement made by the Claimants husband under act of
March 1818 and by the witness to the service no mention is made of any other service than that as an enlisted soldier which was before the period of the claimant marriage. The testamony of a Witness now exhibited as
to the service after the Marriage is not sufficient unless some record  evidence of the alledged service as a militia man be produced a Pension cannot be allowed under the act of July 4th 1836 a claim may be made under act of July 7th 1838,
Mr Edwards having taken the evidence as true in order to exclude any Militia service, he must take it as true also that the regular service
was performed. This is the rule of law as well as Equity if you make use of the evidence in your favour you must also take as far as
Page 60

against you Then agreable to me Edwards own showing he admit the
regular service but exclude the Militia Service. The Period of Marriage is also fixed by record evidence under the rule of the Department. This all being accomplished the claim remains until last year suspended
Some time in November I travelled to Alabama found Jessee Reeves a man of extra ordinary memory eighty years of age and upwards able to ride to mill and do all other business about his little farm a full statement is made by him his character fully certified to for veracity and
truth by those who knew him in conformity with Mr Edwards own rules. H Reeves mentions the affidavit made by him and its contents more than twenty years ago and recollect what he then stated which shows his powers of mind, all of this is furnished Mr Edwards
On the 21st December 1846 Mr Edwards writes that the evidence of Jesse Reeves is not satisfactory because his affidavit furnished in 1839 does not mention the marriage to have taken place during the time the husband came home on furlough and such ommision then is taken as inclusive to overthrow the balance of his explanations and Statement. I am very sure Mr Edwards is here mistaken as to dates or it may be an error by one of his  clerks. There was no affidavit made by Jesse Reeves in 1839 but he made his affidavit when Daniel Reeves the husband made his declaration 20 years age as before stated and that was furnished. It was William Reeves that made his statement in 1839 or thereabouts
By what rule of Chancery or law Mr Edward can set aside an affidavit duly certified because it happens to give a full description of
transaction which they not hapen twenty years ago to mention of in one particular it cannot for my life see the Justice of it
Quere did Mr Egnew the attorney who drew up his affidavit twenty years a say 25 years ago know that an act of Congress would be
passed placing the widows of Revolutionary soldiers on the Pension roll, did he know it was necessary to mention the period of
Marriage was there any thing under act of 1818 to be stated about the marriage of a Soldier. Emphatically every one would say
there was not The witness instead of being discredit is greatly sustained he was not asked 20 years ago anything about the marriage
nor was asked anything about the militia serve nothing but the regular service would entitle a soldier to a pension at that Period consequently hardly any draftsman ever thought to mention it Mr Edward Should have allowed this claim long ago. There are three respectable witnesses proving the fact alledged in Mrs Reeves declaration and a denial of the statement is a violation of all law and Justice
Page 61

The witnefs instead of being discredited is greatly Sustained he was not asked 20 years ago anything about the marriage nor was asked anything about the militia Service - nothing but the regular Service would entitle a soldier to a Pension at that Period, consequently hardly any draftsman was thought to mention it.
Mr Edwards should have allowed this claim long ago. There are three reputable witnefses proving the facts alledged in Mrs. Reeves declaration and a denial of their Statement is a violation of all law and Justice
With all due respect to Mr Edwards as a publick officer I think he should review this case and allow it without further trouble
We have no records or documentary evidences here in the western States as they have in the eastern States. Mrs Reeves cannot refer to the payment made by South Carolina from the fact of their moving away to Georgia soon after the Revolution without Settlement as many Soldiers did. Therefore it is unsafe to exclude a Soldier because his accounts were not Settled and indents ifsued. Mr Edwards himself was about to exclude a claim from North Carolina although the Comptroller had furnished the record where the Soldier was paid from the Books in his office Declaring to me when I was at Washington in June 1845 that no reliance ought to be placed in Such records as to lenth of Service
Mr Ewing will Please See the papers and compare this statement with the facts contained in them and insist upon having the Same allowed under act of July 4th 1836
Respectfully
A Fergusson

N B Mr Edwards admits in his letter above quatee "that a claim may be made under act of 7th July 1838 why not under act of 4th July 1836 why because it takes more money, Qeree where is the Justice of this
Msp AF
Page 62

State of Tennessee
Davidson County
On this day personally appeared Conrad Coon aged eighty seven before me Thomas W Sherron one of the acting Justices of the peace in and for said County and made oath in due form of law that since making his affidavit some two or three years past in relation to the service of Daniel Reeves and his Marriage with Ellen his wife he has recollected some things perhaps that was omitted at the time he made his Statement particularly as to dates this was owing to his having but a few minutes to reflect on transactions that took place so long as the war of the Revolution

This affiant now states that he well recollects that Daniel Reeves served a considerable time as a regular Soldier he became acquainted with him in service saw him in the State of Georgia he was at the battle of Savanah had been at the battle of Camden Eutaw and Sullivans Island. At the time of the battle of the Cowpens this affiant recollects, Daniel Reeves and others were stationed a while at Charlotte Court House and on the Congaree in this tour of service affiant thinks Daniel Reeves served under a wide a Captain Laing or some other volunteer Captain whose name is not now recollected. But they were marched over into North Caroline decently after the battle of Cowpens in 1781 in order to join the Army of Green but on hearing that the British had been roughly handled at Guilford and had retired toward the sea board the companies in which this affiant and Daniel & Reeves served in were recalled to the South again during these trips affiant had frequent conversation with Samuel Reeves and he, Reeves, told affiant that he was married and seemed to be uneasy about how affiant does not know how long he had been married does not know whether Reeves was married before his first tours was in the regular service or not, Reeves in the early part of
the war went to Florida this affiant was out at the same time when they served at Savanah, it was under General Williamson but this affiant served himself under General Moultrie part of the time from the above facts and what Reeves stated to affiant his marriage must have taken place during the war and previous to the service in 1781. There were other Captains under which Reeves might have served under Captain Gooding he was one and [illegible] was another after the Revolution affiant not see Reeves until 40 years since so that all the above took place in service affiant saw Reeves in actual service before the battle of the Cowpens and after which was in 1781 Reeves was called to the South Georgia in the Summer of that year the weather was hot
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when they were ordered there the service of Reeves must have been more than two years but as affiant was not with him all the time the affiant cannot state how long nor the particulars but is
indeed to believe that he served in the regular served fifteen months he understood this from men in service at the time with Reeve The balance of Reeves Service was in the Volunteer Militia either of North Carolina South Carolina or Georgia Reeves stated to affiant the danger of his remaining at home and that it was safe to be in the army than in the country where he lived when affiant knew
These facts affiant has had confirmed by conversations with Reeves in Tennessee before his death.
affiant is therefore satisfied he, Reeves, was married prior to the time he last saw him in service in Seventeen hundred and eighty one and the battle of the Cowpens fixes the date as Reeves was in actual service afterward
[signed Conrad X Coon his mark
Sworn to and subscriber before me this 4th day of June 1842
Attest
Tho. W. Shearon Justice of the Peace 

State of Tennessee
Davidson County ⎬
I, Tho. Shearon one of the acting Justice of the peace in and for the County aforesaid hereby certify that I am partially acquainted with Conrad Coon who has made the foregoing affidavit before me
that he lives about six or seven miles from me and from my acquaintance with him I believe him
to be a man of truth and veracity and that full faith and credit are due his statements
In testimony whereof I have hereunto Set my hand and affixed my seal this 26th day of June 1842
To W Shearon-
Justice of the Peace
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State of Tennessee Davidson County
I Robert B Castleman Clerk of the County Court of said County certify that Thomas W. Shearon whose 
name is signed to the within affidavit is & was at the time of signing the same an acting Justice of the Peace in for said County duly elected and qualified & that his signature thereto is genuine. Given under my hand & the seal of said Court at office in Nashville this 27th June 1842
R. B. Castleman
Clerk of said Court
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State of Tennessee
Davidson County 
On this 15th day of December 1858 personally appeared before me William J Drake one of the acting Justices of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid Conrad Coon and made oath in due form of law that he is now about Eighty three years old and of Pensioner of the United States that he was well acquainted with Daniel Reeves before and after his marriage with Elenor his wife and that Daniel Reeves was out in a tour of Service in the Regiment Commanded by Col Thompson and serve the Period of Six months some time in the year 1779. This affiant states that said Reeves thereafter having served the tour above mentioned enlisted for fifteen months as a Regular and was out at the same time of the battle of Camden or Gates defeat and served out the fifteen months tour but this affiant does not now recollect the names of his officers or the Regiment he was in
[signed] Conrad X Coon his mark
Sworn to and Subscribed before me the day and date above written
Wm M Drake JP

State of Tennessee Davidson County
I, Smith Criddle clerk of the County Court of said County do hereby certify that William I Drake Esquire whose name is signed to the above certificate is now & was at the time of signing the same, an acting Justice of the peace in & for the County & State aforesaid duly commissioned & qualified, and as such full faith
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faith & credit are due ought to be given to his official acts

In testimony whereof I hereunto subscribe my name & affix the seal of said court at office in Nashville this 18th day of December 1838.
Smith Criddle