Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 31,062, Elisha Gibson, Va.
Page 1

(8-1776)

SERVICE
Va

Gibson, Elisha

NUMBER
S.31062

CONTENTS: [blank]
Page 2

26922

Kentucky.
Elisha Gibson
of Shelby Co in the State of Kentucky who was a private in the Comp commanded by Captain Terry of the Regt. commanded by Col. Davis in the Virginia line for 18 months. 

Increased from }
6 ms to 18 months }

$20 per annum 

Inscribed on the Roll of Kentucky at the sale of 60  Dollars [strikethrough] cents [/strikethrough] per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension ifsued [issued] the 17 day of Dec. 1841 & sent to W. H. Toss. Esq. Frankford, Kentucky.

| | |
|Arrears to the 4th of Sept 41 | 630.00 |
|Semi-annual allowance ending in 4 March 1842 |  30.00 |
| | 660.00 |

{Revolutionary Claim, }
{ Act June 7, 1832 }

Recorded by Theo L Moody Cleark
Book E.2, Vol. 7, Page 20

Agent notified Dec. 1841
Set the J M Bullock }
Jany 9 1843 }
Page 3

Declaration in order to obtain the transfer of the act of Congrefs [Congress] of the 7th of June 1832-

State of Kentucky County of Shelby

On this 24th day of May 1834 personally appeared before one Ja C Burnett a Justice of the Peace in & for the County of Shelby. Elisha Gibson, a resident of Shelby County and the State of Kentucky, aged 87 years, who being first duly sworn according to law and whose oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the transfer of the provision made by the Act of Congrefs pafed [passed] June 7 1832. He was drafted in the year 1780 for a tour of three months, a private in the militia of the Revolution he then resided in Halifax County Virginia and immediately marched to Salisbury North Carolina from there to [illegible].

That his declaration states that he cannot state the names of any of his officers that he served under this troop (except [Marn Rose]) for this reason he was immediately often entering the driver detached from his Company and compelled to serve the whole tour as a driver of of a troop of horses & wagons so that he seldom saw any of his officers. His service was rendered in South Carolina and after the Siege of 1796, Gen Green marched the army to the high hills of Santee. Where this declarant was discharged that in this year he was compelled to serve five months, which he did and faithfully served out as a drive of a team as aforesaid.

That in the year 1781, this declarant was again drafted in Halifax County Va for three months and entered the service as a private and served in Captain Fountain's Company of militia. The name of the Colonel not recalled. He marched immediately to Hillsborough S.C. then to Pee Dee River where they made a stand until the militia could be gathered together. This declarant states that he was in Gates' defeat and suffered great hardship, that after the army was mostly scattered Gen. Stephens took the command of the remnants of the army that was left and marched to Hillsborough S.C. then to Guilford Courthouse where he was discharged. That he was compelled to serve five months this tour. This declarant stated that he was honourably discharged from the aforesaid tours of duty in wrighting, which discharges has long since been lost.
Page 4

-that he was born in 1747 in Prince William County Virginia
-that he has a Record of his age in his house
-that he was living in Halifax County when called into service since that time he lived in North Carolina then in Virginia Pennsylvania County. and moved to Shelby KY where he since lives.
-that he was drafted both times.
-that by reasons of old age he can recollect but few of the officer. He well recalls Gnl Gates & Stephins & Green & Major Rose
-that he received discharged in wrighting but cannot recollect the name of the officers. That Guilford discharges have long , they have long since been lost.

[strikethrough] John Holland [/strikethrough] 

to hereby relinquish every claim whatever to a pension or an annuity except the present and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any agency in any State.

[signature: Elisha Gibson]

Sworn to and subscribed the day & dates aforesaid.

[signature: Ja C Burnett]

We John Holland a Clergyman residing in the County of Shelby & State of Kentucky and John Shepherd residing in same County, hereby certify that we were acquainted with Elisha Gibson who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be 87 years of age that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a Soldier of the Revolution and a man of veracity and that we concur in that opinion. Sworn & subscribed the day & year afores'd.

[Signature: John Holland]

[Signature: John Shepherd]

And I the said Ja C Burnett do hereby declare my opinion after investigation of the matter and after [puting] interrogatories provided by the war department that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier and served as he states and that the said Ja C Burnett further certifies that it appears to him that John Hollands who has signed the preceding certificate is a Clergyman Resident in the County of Shelby and that John Shepherd who has signed the same is a Resident in said County of
Page 5

Shelby and is a credible person and their statements are entitled to Credit. Also I further state that the said applicant for a person is unable by reason of age and infirmities to conveniently attend Court to make his declaration and that he has weighted about 4 months [-ed]  thinking he would perhaps be able - Given under my hand as Justice of the Peace day and date first prior written.

[Signature: Ja. C. Burnett]

State of Kentucky, Shelby County I James S Whitaker, Clerk of the County Court of Shelby County do certify that Ja C. Burnett is a Justice of the Peace in & for the County of Shelby and the signature pertaining to be his is Genuine. In Testimony I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 9t day of June 1834.

[Signature: Js S Whitaker, Clerk, Shelby County Court]

I Jones M Holland aged 79 so testify that I was in the army of the Revolution at time of Gates defeat and I know that Elisha Gibson (who has subscribed and sworn to the foregoing declaration) was then there in the army. I have since been intimately acquainted with him for about 40 years and have often heard him recall over his long services & suffering in the army of the Revolution. I further State that he said Gibson had all that time supported as good a character as any man in the State.

[Signature: Jonas M Holland]

I Ja C Burnett a Justice of the Peace in & for Shelby County
Page 6

do testify that Jonas M Holland subscribed and swore to the foregoing Certificate before me and that he is a credible person and his statement is entitled to credit. 

Given under my hand as Justice of the Peace this day & date first written.

[Signature: Ja C Burnett] 

[marginalia ] Admitted for six months. [/marginalia]
Page 7

07.186
Elisha Gibson
Shelby Co.
Kentucky

j
for - 1780
p- 6
$20.

Can only claim for 3 months [t---] without proof of that he served corps.

[Signature: George W Johnston
Shelby Co
Kentucky]
Page 8

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,

Sir: 

The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form.  On comparing these papers with the following rules and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must e removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will show what is necefsary [necessary] to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marjed in the margin with a brace, { thus: } ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them ; and you will, by comping with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.

A Statement, showing the Service of Elisha Gibson

[table]
| --- | --- | ---| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Period when the service was rendered | --- | Duration of the Claimant's Service. | --- | Rank of the claimant. | Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. | Age at present, and the place of abode when he entered the service. | Proof by which the declaration is supported |
| --- | Years | Months | Days | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 1777 | 3 |  |  | Pr. | Capt Terry, Col Davis | 86 , 60 | [Traditionary] |
| drafted 1780 | | 5 | | Pr. | none stated | | |
| drafted 1781 | | 5 | | Pr. | Cap Fonters, Col not recollected | | |
[/table]

I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 9

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, 
and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia" and "volunteers, all
persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who
were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to
Store Keepers, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are
also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged
in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.

Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
1. The Regular Troops.
2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.
3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.
4. Indian Spies.

As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming
the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, [mucicians] or privates, will, in the first
instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of
Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is
considered a Court of Record.

DECLARATION.
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, County of, or District of } ss.

On this [ blank ] day of [blank] personally appeared (a) befpre
A. B. a resident (b) of [ blank ] in the county of [blank] and State, Territory or District
of [blank] aged (c) [blank] years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the
following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed
June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) [blank], with [blank] and served in the [blank] (e) regiment of the [blank] line, under the following named officers:

Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served
under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the
town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged,
and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons
who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]

He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he
declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of
the Agency in the State of [blank].

Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. [blank] : A.B.

[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary
soldier, and served as he states.

I [blank] of the Court of [blank] do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of [blank] for a pension.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this day of [blank] & c.

If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be
found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.

Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia,
except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and
subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:

(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the [blank] and C. D. residing in (the same)
hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with [blank], who has
subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be [blank]
years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier
of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.

Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid.

[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after
putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary
Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A.B.
who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the
and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the
and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.

I, [blank] Clerk of the Court of do hereby certify that the foregoing
contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of [blank]
for a pension.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal
of office, this [blank] day of [blank] & c.

Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if
possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services
of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light
upon the transaction.

If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration, (l) and he will
also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful
in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his
Page 10

3
alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person
will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal
means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted
; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected
. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and
there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his
case.

The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of
service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State
troops of Virginia.

1. Where and in what year were you born?
2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?
where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute?
And if a substitute, for whom?
5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such
Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.

6.
{ To a Soldier. { Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given
, and what has become of it?
{ To an Officer { Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what

7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify
as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.

The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are
requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.

The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court,
without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons--one of whom should be
the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from
their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed
and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion.
If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character
and standing of other persons giving such certificates.

The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct
proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the
inquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.

Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before
required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper
county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform,
and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.

Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record,
or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper
Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a
Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is
his genuine signature.

No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before
the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the
declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure
, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period
of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the
opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.

--

[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.

[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.

[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.

[d] The declarant must mention the person or periods of the war when he served.

[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the
loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:

Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:--For---year----months, and days, I served as a months and - days, I served as a ; and for such service I claim a pension."

It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years
in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent any authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.

[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] Trust his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.

Mode of authenticating papers.

In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.

Proof of Service.

[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.

If the notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule [a] note [j] applies to continental troops only.

[k] This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases.

[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.

[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
Page 11

31062

INVALID

Reg

File No. 31062

Elisha GIbson

Pri. Rev War

Act: June 7th 32

Index : - Vol. 2, Page 154.
Page 12

Kentucky 2.6.922

Elisha Gibson
of Shelby, Co. in the State of Ky
who was a Pr. in the Cavalry commanded
by Captain Terry of the Regt commanded
by Col Davis in the [Va]
line for Militia

[unclear] P $20.00

Inscribed on the Roll of Ky
at the sale of 20 Dollars - Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension ifsued [issued] on the 10th day of July 
and Swl to 34 S W, Shelbyville. Ky.

Arrears to the 4th of Feb 3y 
Semi-anl allowance ending 4 Sep

60.00
10.00
-
70.00

{Revolutionary Claim,}
{Act June 7, 1832}

Recorded by J T Spargur, Clerk,
Book 6.2, Vol 7, Page 201

[ page break ]

See letter 226 & 35
to Pension, Shelbyville
Ky
let 28 June 4076
W J Graves
Page 13

Elisha Gibson
Kentucky 

-

Suspended

-

 See let, 12 May
1838 W. N. Todd

{Let 16 March 1841
(78 - W. J. Graves
(See ltr in Clin. N581 pf
(Lewis Robards

(Mrs Hannah)

Act 7 June 1832
Page 14

see letter 23 June 40
N W J Graves
let. 5 the 41 to do
and to John Painter
let. 29 Oct 41 W H
Todd
Page 15

The case of the widow of Benjamin Vancleave
dec{d} [deceased] will be investigated if you will designate
the State in which she resided at the time when
the pension was granted, [strike] to enable to, to find the papers [/strike]
Page 16

1828
to be filed
with a {d}

ow Jno

File #31.062
Page 17

Elisha Gibson - Pvt
Va. [unclear]

Kentucky

Ex{d} one of Book & Kay
Wed. Act June
Admitted [unclear], file no, 31, 062.
Page 18

34.465
Elisha Gibson
Kentucky

Elisha Gibson
on roll
W M Davis
Regt Capt Thos Thweatt
St [illegible] troop
for 1 year fin
14 February 1778
Page 19

Shelby County Kentucky

On the 24th day of April in the
year of our Lord 1838 personally
appeared before Mr Richd D Waters on
of the justices of the peace in and for s'd
county and by [unclear] of my office one of
the judges of the county court. Elisha 
Gibson who on his oath has made 
the following declaration in order to
obtain the benefit of the Act of Congrefs [Congress]
of the 7th of June 1832.

That on the [blank] day of March 
in the year of our lord 1777 he enlisted
as a regular soldier in Col. N Davis' & Nathaniel Terry's 
regiment in the Company commanded by which
regiment was arranged to and belonged to the Virginia
Continental Army - that his enlistment was for
three years. that according to
said enlistment he served out the full time
and is now very old aged ninety two years. that
he was in the following battles. -
the battles of Germantown and Monmouth
Page 20

that owing to the advanced age of himself
he is not able to state all things as they
should be, he further states that he knows of 
no one by whom he can prove his service except
a Hugh Davis of Princeton Va - and
he has lately learned that he was not alive - and
because he did not know of any one by whom
he could prove his services, heretofore he
has never been able to obtain a pension. He
hereby relinquishes all claim to a pension
of any agency in the United States, but the present.

[marginalia: his mark]

[Signature: Elisha Gibson]

State of Ky -
Shelby county -

I Richd D Waters a Justice of the Peace
in foresaid county do hereby certify
that Elisha Gibson came before me
and made solemn oath to the foregoing
declaration, in due form & subscripted
the same, I further certify that owing to
old age and infirmity of body, that he
Page 21

Could not -  [unclear] to the Court house of his
County maybp much to his injury.

Given under my hand This 24th day of 
April 1838

Rich D Waters JOCC

State of Kentucky
Shelby County Sct

I James S Whitaker Clerk of the
County Court for stated County do Certify that Richard D 
Waters is a Magistrate as above and that the
Signature purporting to be his is genuine. In 
testimony, which I have hereto subscribed
my name And [unclear] the Court of aforesaid
County this 26th day of April 1838.

Ja J Whitaker Clerk
Shelby County Court
Page 22

1062

Shelby County } Free
Sept 14 } Revolutionary Claim

The Hon ble [honorable] Richard Rush
Secretary of War

Mail } Washington City
Page 23

Shelbyville 13th September 1878

Hon 'ble [Honorable] Richard Rush,

I enclose you here with the affidavit
of Elisha Gibson, setting forth his
claim to compensation as a soldier
of the revolution; from the length of
time & the bad memory of the old man
I am uncertain whether his affidavit
is sufficiently full to entitle him to
draw any thing - if it should be
found that he is entitled to pay you
can addref [address] a letter to my
care ; informing him of the fact &
should there by any more coming to
him, he would prefer drawing it at
the [Service] branch Book of the
United States - if there is any informality
in the papers which I enclose to
you if you will return them to me
Page 24

& point out the Error. I will have hade it corrected
if possible.

Verry respectfully your
All humble servnt,

Geo W Johnston
Page 25

Oct 22

[Seal: Shelbyville]

on'ble {Honorable]

Ky.

Revolutionary Claim}

Free

Servis Class.

Secretary of War

Washington City
Page 26

State of Kentucky }
Shelby County }

To the Honourable Secretary
of War. [Dr] [Sir] I herewith transmit to
you again my Declaration for a Pension
together with the Testamony [testimony] attached
thereto, which I have not been able to
obtain until now. My claim is only
for my Regular Servises [services] as stated in my
Declaration. I hope my proof will be
considered sufficient. All of which is
Respectfully submitted,

[his mark]  Elisha Gibson

B You can direct any communication
to Ja C Burnett Esq

EG
Page 27

Gibson
Payments to be made
at [illegible] Ky

by Post A. F. I. B. R.

Agent for paying Pension=
er, in the Agency of Ky,

Recording in the Pension Of=
fice, in Book 6 Vol. 7
Page 90 by
J T Sparger Clerk
Page 28

WAR DEPARTMENT.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.

[marginalia: Cancelled] 
I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United 
States of the 7th June, 1832, Elisha Gibson
of the State of Kentucky
who was a Private during the Revolutionary War
is entitled to received twenty dollars and
[blank] cents per annum, during his natural life, com-
mencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi-
anually on the 4th of March, and 4th of September in 
every year.

Given at the War Office of the United
States, this 10th day of
July one thousand eight
hundred and thirty = four

Lew Caf [Cass]
Secretary of War.

Examined and}
Countersigned.} Geo Wm Crump Chf.B.
for and in behalf
of Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 29

Pension Office
October 29: 1841

Sir.

The additional testimony in support of the claim
of Elisha Gibson to an increase of pension has been ex-
amined and filed. The pension will be increased for one
year's service. Before a new pension certificate can be ifsued [issued]
the original should be sent to this office.

I am very respectfully
Your Obed. Sert.

J L Edwards

William H Todd Esqr.
of Kentucky
Present

(Our)
Page 30

Elisha Gibson
Kentucky

-

Pension increased
from six months to
18 months. #60 -
Capt Terry Col Davis
[regular].

Act 7 June 1832.
Page 31

June 23 1840

Mr E.
Gibson

JL Edwards Esq.
wm of pension

the W. J. Graves
W.K.
Page 32

Washington City
22 June 1840

Sir,

I herewith enclose you the papers
this day Wed in support of the claim of
Elisha Gibson to which I respectfully ask
your attention.

Respectfully

W J Graves

E L Edwards Es }
Com of Pension }
Page 33

Shelby County, Kentucky
29th May 1840

The undersigned Citizens of Shelby County being called
on to state their knowledge of the reputation of Elisha Gibson
as a Revolutionary Soldier, state that they know - nothing of his
Revolutionary Services, only by common reports, some of them will remember
when the Law, under which he applied for a pension paper, that
it was generally supposed that he could receive one.

I further state that we have been acquainted with Mr.
Gibson between Twenty five and Thirty years, and that he had
always since our acquaintance with him, maintained the char-
acter of an upright, honest man. & we feel no hesitation in
saying that we believe any statement he could make may be
relied on.

James Ballard
William Zolley
Jno Morton
Wm. McCormack
Page 34

May 11

N. Al

J L Edwards
Comr of Pensions
Present

W H Todd
Prest.
Page 35

Washington 11th May 38

Dear Sir,

I file heretowith the declaration 
of Elisha Gibson for a Pension-
I have heard for a number of years
of Mr. Gibson and a wonder expreped [expressed]
he did not - apply for a pension-
I think this the first time he has apl'd
for a pension, and as Capt Terry is swr'd,
 a pensioner residing in Ky. I refer to his
declaration as a witness in the
support of this claim.

I am his most,
Respectfully
Wm H Todd

To Comr of Pensions
Washington
Page 36

State of Kentucky
Shelby County Sct

On this 9th day of September 1833 personally appeared
in open Court before Justice of the County Court, now
siting. Elisha Gibson, a resident of the County of Shelby 
and state aforesaid aged 86 years. who being first duly sworn
according to law. Doth on his oath make the following
declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provisions of
the acts of Congrefs [Congress] pafed [passed] the 7th of June 1833.

That in the winter of 1776 & 7 this applicant was a citizen
of Halifax County State of Virginia, that in the winter aforesaid
he enlisted as a Regular Soldier in the war of the revolution
for three years an served in Captain Nathaniel
Terry's Company, which was arranged to the 14th Virginia
Regiment an Continental Establishment. that said Regiment was commanded by William Davis the Col Comd. The
Major was by the name of Carroll - the Lieutenant in the 
Company was by the name of William Pointer. this applicant
faithfully served all his three years for which he 
enlisted, and was discharged in the winter of 1779 or 81. from 
said Regiment by William Davis, the Col Comd. by a
writing, which writing has been
lost. this applicant was marched to the battleground at German
-town and got there just after the battle was over, but he
was in the battle at Monmouth in the State of New Jersey
that after the battle of Monmouth the Regiment to which
this applicant belonged marched to the white plains. from
thence to West Point. from West Point to North River into
Winter Quarters -

That in 1780 this applicant after he had returned home to
Halifax County State of Virginia, from the aforesaid enlistment
was drafted for three months as a private soldier of the war of
the Revolution, that he accordingly served his Tour as a driver
of a team of Horses and a waggon [wagon] in South Carolina and after
the Seige [siege] of 96 Gen Gates army was marched to the high hills of
Santee and there discharged. that he in this Tour was compelled
Page 37

-to remain in Service for five months which he did and
faithfully served out

That in the year 1781, this affiant was again drafted for
three months, that he entered the service. the month not recalled.
and served in Captain Fountains' Company, the name of the
[marginalia] he marched to Hillsborough N.C. then to Peedee River, when they made a stand until the [unclear] Guilford [/marginalia]

Col not recalled, he was in Gates defeat, and that after
the army was mostly scattered. Gen Stephens took the com'd
of the remnant that was left and marched us to Guilford
Courthouse N.C. where he was discharged, that he was compelled
to serve five months this tour, that from the aforesaid two last
tours, he was honorably discharged in writing, which he has
lost. this affiant states that for want of memory, because of
old age, he can recollect but few names of the officers during the two
militia tours of duty. this affiant states that he was born
in 1747 in King William County State of Virginia, that he has
in his house a record of his age - when he was called into
the service he lived in Halifax County Va, that since the revolution
he has lived in N. Carolina, from there to Kentucky
where he now lives, the first tour this affiant was a
regular as aforesaid, the two last was militia tours of duty under
drafts, that for all the Tours of duty, this affiant was discharged
by writing which he has lost - the tours of duty while in the
militia service was performed in South Carolina mostly, the last
Tour this affiant was in Gates defeat and suffered as much
hardship as any man now living, this affiant states that he
knows of no witness by whom he could prove his services nor
has he any record of his services. he hereby relinquishes all
claim whatever to a pension but the present and declares
his name is not on the Pension Roll of any agency in the
Union. Sworn to and subscribed the day and year first
written.

Elisha Gibson

We John Holland & Jonas M Holland, citizens of Shelby
County State of Kentucky hereby certify that we are well
acquainted with Elisha Gibson, who has subscribed and
sworn to the above declaration that we believe him
to be a person of 80 years of age, that he is respected
Page 38

and believed to have been a soldier of the Revolution
in the neighborhood where he now resides, and we concur
in that opinion. Sword to & subscribed the day & year
aforesaid.

Jonas M Holland
John Holland

And the said Court hereby certifies and declares it as
there opinion after [pr-ing] the Interrogatory. prescribed
by the war department. and after the investigation
of the matter, that the above named Elisha Gibson
was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states- and
the said Court further certifies that it appears to them
that John Holland & Jonas M Holland, who has
signed the certificate proceeding are residents of the County
of Shelby and State of Ky and that they are credible
persons and that their statements are entitled to credit.

Wm Shanks P.D.A.C.C.

I, James S Whitaker, clerk of the County
Court of Shelby County in the State of 
Kentucky, do hereby certify that the foregoing
contained the original proceedings of the said
court, in the matter of the application of
Elisha Gibson, for a Pension.

In testimony, whereof, I have hereunto set my hard seal of
Office this 13th day of September
Eighteen hundred and thirty
three -

Ja S Whitaker Clerk
Shelby County Court
Page 39

State of Kentucky }
Shelby County } Sct

Be it Remembered that on this Fifth day of
September in the year 1835 that William 
Cornwell a Citizen of Jefferson County
State of Kentucky about Seventy Four
years of age who was a soldier in the
Revolutionary War being firt duly
Sworn deposeth and saith that he was
well acquainted with Elisha Gibson
in the County of Shelby and State afore
-said and that he knew him in the army 
of the Revolution and that said Gibson
was Commanded by Capt. Nathaniel Terry 
and Attached to the Regt of the Virginia
line of the army under the Command
of Col William Davis; and that Said
Elisha Gibson was an Enlisted Soldier
for the term of three years and that
he the Said Gibson was discharged in the year 1779 at Meddle brook in the
State of New Jersey.

And further this deponant
saith not.

William Cornwell.

Shelby County }

Sworn to and subscribed this 5th day
of Sept 1835 before the undersigned as
Justice of the Peace in and for said

W Kinkade, J.P.S.C.
Page 40

State of Kentucky }
Shelby County Clerk }

I J Whitaker Clerk of the
County Court for the County afores-
aid do certify that Wm Kinkade and
James C Burnett whose names appears to their certificates
on this paper and acting Justices of the Peace in and for the 
County aforesaid duly commissioned and Sworn and full
forth and virtue are and ought to be given to all their
office and Shelbyville this 12th day of October 1836

Ja S Whitaker Clerk
Shelby County Court
by W H Wallace DC
Page 41

State of Kentucky }
Shelby County }

Be it Remembered that on
the 10th day of October 1835 before me
Ja C Burnett a Justice of the Peace Personally appear'd.
James Travis of Said County aged about 85 years who was a Revolutionary Soldiers and who being first duly
sworn, deposith and sayth that he has long been
acquainted with Elisha Gibson (who has signed the
foregoing declaration for a Pension) and that from
various conversations with said Gibson and hearing
him relate many circumstances and events that
took place in the army of the Revolution, that he said Travis 
well recollected, he knows that said Gibson was
there as no man could state minutely the
particulars that he has to him without being an Eye
witness to the same and further this deponant
states that said Gibson has always supposed
as good a character as any man in this State
and further this deponent sayth not.

James
J T Travis

Shelby County - the above Sworn to and
Subscribed before me this 10th day of October
1835. Given under my hand as Justice of
the Peace in & for said County.

Ja C Burnett J.P.C.C.
Page 42

1062

Revolutionary Claims.

Under the act, entitled "An act for the relief of certain surviving Officers and Soldiers
of the Army of the Revolution," approved 15th May 1828.

TREASURY DEPARTMENT.

17 Nov 1828.

The annexed paper, relating to the claim of Elisha Gibson
under the abovementioned act, is respectfully referred to the Secretary of War, with a request the he will be pleased to cause me to be informed whether it appears, by any
records in the War Department, that the claimant has received, or is entitled to receive,
the bounty in land granted by Congress for service in the Continental Line of the Army
of the Revolution.

R Rush.

The hon. the SECRETARY OF WAR.

War Department.

Bounty Land Office.

It does not appear from the records in this office
that Elisha Gibson as a private of the Virginia
Line has received or is entitled to receive
bounty land of the United States. Nor did a
five years entitlement entitle him to it.

Robert Taylor
19 Nov 1828.
Page 43

For the purpose of obtaining the benefit of an act
for the relief of certain surviving officers & soldiers
of the army of the revolution approved on the
15th of May 1828, I, Elisha Gibson of Shelbyville in the County of Shelby & State of Kentucky
do hereby declare that I enlisted in the Continental
Line of the Army of the revolution for &
during the term of five years. I continued in the service during that period at which
time I was private in the fourteenth Virginia
Regiment commanded by Colonel William Davis
in the company commanded by Captain Nathaniel
Terry and I also declare that I
afterwards received a certificate for the
Reward of Eighty Dollars to which I was
entitled under a resolve of Congrefs pafsed [Congress passed] the
15th of May 1778. & I further declare that
I was not on the 1th of March 1828 on the
Pension list of the United States.

Elisha Gibson.
Page 44

Kentucky Shelby County Sct

Before the undersigned a Justice of the peace
duly Empowered to administer Oaths in the
County of Shelby & state aforesaid personally
officiated this day James Travis & John
Gibson of the said county who did sumally
make oath that Elisha Gibson by whom the
foregoing declaration was subscribed is
generally respected & believed to have been a 
private in the army of the revolution
in manner as therein stated. Witness my hand
this 13th day of September one thousand
eight hundred & twenty eight.

Ja C Burnett
J.P.S.C.
Page 45

the peace & duly Empowered to Administer Oaths.

In Testimony whereof I 
have hereto set my hand
* affixed the seal of said
Court. this 13th day of
September 1828 & in the 
37 year of the Commonwealth.

All James S Whitaker
Shelby County COurt
Page 46

REVOLUTIONARY CLAIMS.

TREASURY DEPARTMENT.

Septe. 22 1828

Elisha Gibson, of Shelbyville, in the County of
Shelby, in the State of Kentucky, has applied to the Secretary 
of the Treasury for the benefits of the act, entitled "An Act for the Relief of certain surviving
officers and soldiers of the Revolution." approved the 15th of May, 1828. He states that he
enlisted in the Continental line of the army of the Revolution, for and during the war, and
continued until its termination, at which period he was a private in captain
[blank] company, in the [blank] regiment of the Virginia
line; and that he has received a certificate for the reward of eighty dollars, provided by the resolve
of the 15th of May, 1778; and further, that he was not on the 15th day of May, 1828, on the pension list of the United States, and that he has received as a pensioner since the 3d of
March, 1826, nothing.

The Third Auditor is requested to report how far the several statements are corroborated by
the records in his office.

By order of the Secretary,
A Dickins.

TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
THIRD AUDITOR'S OFFICE,
30t September 1828.

[strikethrough] It appears by the records in this office, that a certificate for the rewards of eighty dollars has been issued to [blank] in the [blank] [/strikethrough]

It further appears that Elisha Gibson is not now on the pension
list of any agency and has not been so since the 3d March
1827.

The name of Elisha Gibson cannot
be found among those of the Virginia line, to
whom certificates for the gratuity of Eighty
Dollars, were ifsued [issued] -

J Thompson
County Clk
Page 47

W J Graves

J L Edwards Esq
Com. of Pen
Washington

Apl 5 1841
hon'ble
Ken
Page 48

[Louisville] Ky
29. March 1841.

Sir,

Please inform John Painter at
Shelbyville Ky, whether there is any proof
or word in your office, or in the City of
Washington, where you work, showing
that Elisha Gibson of Shelby County Ky
is entitled to a pension as a revolutionary
soldier; and whether he has was made
application for a pension, & if so on what
his proof is insufficient. I should be
gratified also to have forwarded to me a
copy of your letter to Mr. Painter.

Very respectfully,
[Your Ob' Svt]
W J Graves

J L Edwards Esq
Wa City
Page 49

Shelbyville Ky, 15th Nov. 1842.

J.L. Edwards Esq 
Com{r} Pensions:

Sir,

Will you have the kindnef [kindness] to
cause one of your clerks to give me a statement of
such facts as appear upon the records of your Bureau
material to the obtention of pension in the two following cause - to writ-

Elisha Gibson a private in the
regular service for three years and a private in the militia in the Virginia line three months - the
proof as I understand has been taken and so far adjudicated
upon as to place him upon the List and
an allowance made him of $20 per year for his
services in the Militia and $40 per year and $420 back
pay for one year in the regular service, the last allowance was made in
1841; no allowance has been made for the other
two years of service in the regular army, this is now
claimed - and is the point to which your attention is desired. -

Benjamin Vancleave a private in
Capt. Blair Ballard's company, Col. John Allen's Regiment of Shelby County Ky was killed in the
battle of the River Raisin in 1812 - his widow is yet alive and an only child, a son. About 25 years
since an allowance was made, but never had
been drawn by the widow or anyone for his use-
she now stands in much need of it and the amt
would be very acceptable

I am very respectfully,
your ob{t} hum. svt.

J M Bullock
Page 50

The additional affidavit of Elisha Gibson taken
at his house in Shelby Ky on the 15th day of September
1841, deponent states he is now in or about the age
95 or 6 very infirm and unable to travel to the
courthouse, deponent states that he was a soldier in
Capt Terry's Co and in Col Wm Davis Regt as before stated
and that as well as deponent can recollect there
was no other man by the name of Gibson who
served in said Company. and he recollects that
the orderly Sergeant frequently called him on the role
Elijah & at other times Elisha Gibson, and that he said
Gibson always ; answered to the name of Gibson
whenever called, he prays that his case be taken up and
his pension allowed him.

Elisha Gibson

State of Ky }
Shelby County }

I Richard D Waters a magistrate in & for the County aforesaid duly qualified to act as such do
certify that Elisha Gibson made oath to the
above affidavit before me & further certify that
I have been acquainted with Mr Elisha Gibson for
sixteen years from character, and for several years
personally acquainted wit him, and I know him to
be a very reputable & direct man, and universally
reputed to have served as a soldier in the Revolution.
In testimony whereof I have hereto set my
name this 15th Sept 1841.

Richard D. Water J.P.S.C.
Page 51

The affidavit of William Cornwall a pensioner on
the Kentucky agency, of the New York Line.

Applicant being of lawful [unclear]. 82 years of
age. States that in the year 1777 at the County of
Dutchefs [Dutchess] State of New York, he saw Elish Gibson in
the service of the revolution, in Captain Nathaniel
Terry's Company & in Col Wm Davis Regiment of the
Virginia Line, that said Gibson continued to
serve until the spring of 1779 when said Gibson
was discharged and returned to the state of Virginia
and that h knew him well as said Gibson was
appointed very often to keep the camp & while I was
sending as a pilot under the quarter master general 
order I frequently saw him in camp, and I now
distantly recognize this man living in Shelby
County Ky to be the same Elisha Gibson, I have
been often in the neighborhood where Mr Gibson lives
and he is a very old man & bears universally
the reputation of having served as a soldier of
the Revolution, and the deponent further
states that the said Elisha Gibson received
his discharge at middle brook summerset
county New Jersey.

William Cornwell.

I Hezekiah Pound one of the Commonwealth
Justices for Jefferson Court to certify that the said
William Cornwall this day personally appeared
before me and made oath that the
above named affidavits is just and true
given under my hand this 16 day of
September 1847. 

Hezekiah Pound. J.P.S.C.
Page 52

Deposition of Mr S A Moore taken on the 15th of
Sept 1841 to be read as evidence in a pension case
on the behalf of Elisha Gibson, deponent states that
he has been acquainted with said Gibson for about
six years from character, and that I esteem said Gibson a man of fair character, and universally reputed
to have served as a soldier of the revolution. And dep{t}
believes him to have been a soldier as stated by him
further saith not.

S A Moore

State of Kentucky }
Shelby County } Sct

I Richard D Waters a justice of the peace in 
& for the county of Shelby aforesaid do certify
that Mr S D Moore who has subscribed the above
affidavit is well known to me, to be a man of
reputable character who made oath to the above
deposition, given under my hand this 15th Sept 1841.

Rich D Waters JP SC

Commonwealth of Kentucky
Executive Office

Frankfort - 20 September 1841.

I Robert D Letcher Governor of said Commonwealth do hereby certify that Richard 
D. Waters whose name is signed to the annex
and foregoing certificates _ and that Hezekiah
Pound, whose name is signed to the annexed
Certificate - were Justices of the peace as follows
to writ the said Richard D Waters a Justice of
the peace in Shelby County - and the said
Hezekiah Pound a Justice of the peace in the
Page 53

County of Jefferson - at the time of the writing
of said Certificates, and now are Justices of
the peace of said counties - duly commifsioned [commissioned]
qualified and acting as such, and by virtue
of said offices, fully authorized to take acknowledgement ,
administer oaths,
and to grant evidence thereof - that the
said certificates are in due form of law
and full faith and credit are and of right
out to be reposed in all their Official
acts, as well out of as in Courts of Justice.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and
caused the seal of the
Commonwealth to be
affixed at Frankfort on the
20th day of September in the
year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and 
forty one, & in the 50 year of the Commonwealth.

By the Governor
James Harlan
Secretary of State

R P Letcher
Page 54

Dec 13. 1841.

To the Commifioner [Commissioner] of Pensions
J L Edwards
Washington
City D.C.
Page 55

Frankfort Dec 4th 1841

Dear sir,

I herewith enclose the pension certificate
of Elisha Gibson of Ky together with your letter
giving him th eyears increase. As the older man is
advancing an early action would be acceptable to
all concerned.

Very respectfully yours,
Wm. H. Todd
Page 56

State of Indiana }
Putnam County}

Be it remembered that on
this 9th day of June 1840 personally came before
me the undersigned one of the magistrates
in and for said county William Cornwell
who having duly sworn deposith and saith
that he knows very well Elisha Gibson now of
Shelby County State of Kentucky that he stayed a
day or two at his house in the month of September 1839 that he knew him very well when in the
army of the revolution, that he said Gibson belonged to a regiment remembered the 14th of the Virginia
Line commanded by Col William David, and
served in the company commanded by Capt
Terry, that he found his acquaintance with
the said Gibson in the fall of 1778 while the aforesaid regiment stationed in the lower part of Dutchefs [Dutchess]
County State of New York at Robinson's farm in sight of
West-Point. The Regiment above named Marched from
the place above stated to Middle Brook in 
the State of New Jersey where he and Gibson continued until
some time in the Spring of 1779 when he was
discharged his term of service, having three
years, having expired, and further saith
not.

William Cornwell.

Subscribed and sworn to before me this 9th 
day of June 1810. Given under my hand
and seal.

John Cowgill J P 

State of Indiana }
Putnam County }

I Arthur Mc Gaughey Clerk of the Putnam
Circuit Court certify that John Cowgill whose name appears to the
above certificate is and was at the time of signing and sealing the same
Page 57

an acting Justice of the peace in and for the County of Putnam
in the State of Indiana and that I believe the foregoing Signature purporting 
to be his is genuine. Witnef my hand & the seal of said Court this 9th
day of June 1840.

A Mc Gaughy Clerk
Page 58

Shelby County Ky
29th May 1840

The undersigned, an applicant for a pension for services
as a Revolutionary Soldier states as the reason why he did 
not apply for one sooner that he moved from Hallifax [Halifax]
County, State of Virginia between thirty and forty years since
& that he did not know for a long time of any one on this side
of the Mountains by whom he could prove his services; Justice
William Cornell who lives in the State of Indiana & with
whom he was acquainted in the Army, but whom he had
not seen since his discharge therefrom, called at his house.

Cornell stated that pafsing [passing] through the settlement
on his return from Lexington where he had been to draw his
pension, he accidentally heard of the undersigned [man]
being their former acquaintance he had called to see him.

These are the "circumstances under which he acquired
a knowledge of there being a witnefs"

The Undersigned would further state he had
Cornell deposition taken & forwarded two or three years
since and has always supposed that it was on the  [jobs]
of the War department.

Subscribed in the presence
of Richard D Waters

Elisha Gibson

Commonwealth of Kentucky }
Shelby County } Sct.

This day personally appeared
the above named Elisha Gibson, before the subscribed a Justice 
of the peace in & for Shelby County and made oath that the
aforegoing reason & statement are true to best of knowledge
and belief.
Rich D Water J.P.S.C.
Page 59

State of Kentucky 
Shelby County Sct -

I James S Whitaker Clerk of
the County Court for said County do certify 
that Richard D Waters is a magistrate as
above
and the foregoing signature
purporting to be his is genuine. In testimony
whereof I hereto subscribe my
name and affix the seal of
said county this 15th day of
June 1840.

Ja S Whitaker Clerk
Shelby County Court
by W C Whitaker