Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 7691, for Benajah Nordyke, Georgia
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Ga. Nordyke, Benajah R7691
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State of Kentucky
County of Rockcastle
On the 15th day of November 1852 personally, appeared before me the undersigned, an acting Justice of the peace in and for the county and Stat above mentioned: Benajah-Nordyke aged 87 years a resident of the county of Lincoln and state aforsaid, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath [illegible]be to the following acceleration in order to attain the benefit of the provisions made by the act of Congress passed June 7th-1832 or such acts as will govern the case.
That he entered the service of the united states in the war of the Revolution. Under the following named office and lived as herein state while he was a resident of the county of Wilks in the state of Georgia. In the year 1779-1780 1781-1782. A volunteer soldier and served in all at different periods the war of 18 months. that from laps of memory and old age he may mistake in the exact name of some of his officers. that he since used Capt Phillips of led Phillips or Phelps Bryant was also under Col Wilter Dawnes was under Capt Dunn & Capt Haggans or
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Higgins was under Capt Hier, was also in Col. Feros Regment during said service was in the engagement at the Battle of Kettle Creek was at the engagement at the Siege of Augusta at the time Col. Brown a British Officer was beseiged by Col Lee, the name of some of his companions in arms was Isaac Stuart, James Phillips, Granivere Stuart. Daniel McKay was a Drum Major Capt Isaiah Dunn was Killed at the Battle of Kettle creek that after serving out the full tirmus for which he volunteered was honorably discharged at Phillips Forest in Georgia that his discharge has long since been lost so [strikethrough] cannot be found.
that he was he makes his declaration in Rockcastle County it is more convenient for him and from old age and infirmity is not well able to attend court it being some ten miles distant to the court house from his residence in Lincoln County Ky the reason he has not before applied for a pension that he thought every man ought to labor for his livery. While he was able that Freedom was Sufficient pay for him while he could work and now he has grown old; has concluded to avail himself of the benefit of the pension Laws that he has never before applied
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for a pension that his name is on no persons list and known of no living witness who served with him by which he can prove his service and must respectfully request the department of the US. to the Rolls on file in said department for his name being listed under the different offices companies under whom he served- and to the work herto amassed and that he is the [illegible] man that served as before stated- all of which is herewith submitted. Benajah x [his mark] Nordyke
Sworn to and subscribed before me by making his mark after the same mark was and explained to him. The day and year above written I do certify that Benajah Nordyke whose name is attached to the forgoing declaration is personally known to me to be reputable and his oath is [illegible] to full faith and credit-that no man stands more fair than he does for a man of truth and morality and has been from his earliest aspiration reported to have served in the war of the Revolution and that from old age and local infirmity is [illegibile] able to attend court and is more convenient to swear to his declaration in Rockcastle County in Lincoln Ky where he lives- and I [illegible] him to be on the age [illegible] that was in [illegible]
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the was made before the execution of the same
-
Tolbert Bowman
State of Kentucky
County of Rockcastle
Milton J. Mills
Clerk of the County
Court of the County of Rockcastle and
State aforesaid do certify that the dice
ration hereto annexed aforesaid. of Benajah
Nordyke whose genuine signature is therto
attached by making his mark was on this day
he
established  in open court together with the
deposition of Nathan Smith
& Moses. Foley and appeared to the satisfaction of said court that said
Benajah nordyke  service and he states in the war of the Revolution her to answered and was
approved by the county Court  aftersaid was ordered  to her before to the communication of Pirmons I do Certify that Tolbut barvman whose genes into signature appears to the forgoing affidavits and is as at this time of signing the same as acting Justice of the Peace
duly commission and sword for the county and  State afersaw and that all his official  acts as such is entitled to full faith and credit
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and that the county court aforesaid is a
Court of Record
-
In testimony where I have
hereunto affixed the seal of
said County Court and subscribed my name Clerk of said event the 24 day of January 1853
Mag Miller  Clk
Rockett County Court
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Kentucky Rockmonth County Court set
January Term 1853
-
Ordered that the Declaration of Benajah
Nordyke of the County of Lincoln and State of
Kentucky for a Revolution bearing 15th day of Nov1852. was on this day produced in open Court
together with the Deposition of Nathan Smith
and Moses Foly and approved and ordered  to
be certified to the Commissioner of Pensions of Tennessee at Washington City
Copy Att 
Mag Miller
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Kentucky Rockarth County Court 
May Tenn 1853
Ordered that the Declaration of Benajah
Nordyke of the County of Lincoln and State
afor bearing date 15th day of November 1852
was on this day again exhibited in open together 
with the depositions thereto attached
and approved
and the Court being satisfied
that said Nordyke served as he states it is
Ordered to be certified to the Hon Commission
of Pension at Washington City
 A Copy
All
Mag  Miller Clerk
Rockarth County Court
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State of Kentucky 
County of Livingston 
Be it known that on the day of December
1852 personally. appeared before an
acting Justice of the peace in and for
the County and State above mentioned
Moses - Foley. Aged 73 years, a resident
of the County and State aforesaid who
is a Clergyman of the Gospel and
Known to me to be reputable-- who being
first duly sworn according to Law doth
declar on his oath on a petition of
Benajah Nordyke of the County,
Lincoln and State aforesaid to the department
of the United States at Wash-
---
ington City for a pension due on account
of Services rendered by him in the war of
the Revolution-
Deponant States upon his oath that 
he was well acquainted with the above named Behajah Nordyke while he was a resident of the state of Virginia and 
have known him well for the last
Fifty years, and now resides, a neighbor 
to him in Lincoln County Kentucky and
States that the said Benajah Nordyke
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has been reputed in the neighborhood
where  he  lend to have served in the
War of of the Revolution - the fact
is doubted by none that swore his deponent has no doubt of the facts that
he was a soldier as aforesaid, and
have himd verry many old people
who profesed to know said Nordyke
during the Revolutionary-style
against Great Britton, that he had served
as stated - and States on
his Oath that said Nordyke is
Verry
pious religious old man and
has no doubt he is of the age state
87 years, deponents understand has
always been that said Nordyke did 
his Revolutionary service in the State of
Georgia, and sworn, that he is a
disintested witness-
Moses Foley
depont
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Sworn to and Subscribed the day and year above written, I do certify that I am well acquainted with Moses Foley. whose genuine signature is attached to the foregoing deposition.. and the same was Signed by him before ^me,. and that he is a reputable preacher of the gospel and his oath is entitled to full faith and credit. and I have the most Reliable confidence his statements are true. and that he is of the age stated. all erasurs interliniations tho was made before the execution of the same
Sworn under my hand this 20th. Decbr. 1852

S/H. W. Farris JP
Lincoln Co Kentucky


Kentucky Lincoln County Sct:
I, Champe Carter clerk of Lincoln County Court, do certify, that H. W. Farris, before whom the foregoing Deposition of Moses Foley was taken, is now, and was, at the time of taking the same, an active Justice of the Peace within & fore the County & State aforesaid, duly elected, commissioned and qualified according to Law. that the signature purporting to be his is genuine, and that full faith and credit are due to all such his official acts. In testimony whereof, I have
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hereto subscribed my name and affixed the Seal of our said court at the clerk's office, in Stanford this 25th day of December A. D. 1852, and in the 61st year of the Commonwealth.

S/Champe Carter Clerk
Lincoln County Court.
[flourish]
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State of Kentucky }
County of Rockcastle }
Be it known. that on the 13th day of December 1852 personally appeared before me a Justice of the peace in and for the county and state above mentioned. Elizabeth Pitts. aged 62 years a resident of the county of Lincoln and State aforesaid. and known to me. to be reputable who being first duly sworn, according to law doth on her oath. state on a petition of Benajah Nordyke- of the county of Lincoln and state aforesaid. to the department of the united states at Washington City for a Pension on account of his services in the war of the Revolution.

Deponent Swore. that she lives a neighbor to the above named Benajah Nordyke. for many years. in the state of Virginia= and has known him well for the last 55 years. indeed ever since his most earnest recollection and still lives a neighbor to him in their county of Lincoln & state of Ky. and declares on her oath. that the siad Nordyke. has always Been reputed. and Believed to have served in the war of the revolution= never doubted and deponent has often heard him reherse over
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his trials. and difficulties. he incountered, while he was a soldier = the state of Georgia in the war of the Revolution. and deponent from her knowledge. of the case. by hearing others. spoke of said Nordykes service in said war-^as well as from self has the most reliable confidence. that he served as stated-. and that the said Nordyke. is a man of fine moral character-. and is much beloved and respected by all that know him= and has often heard him say. many years since he thought it [illegible] for soldiers to draw pensions. that liberty. was full pay- for him while he could work= and that so long as he was able to labor for support he would not call upon the government for assistance. on account of his service. in the war of the Revolution deponent swears that the believes the said Nordyke. to be 87 years of age- and that she is disinterested witness
S/Elizabeth Pitts
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Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year above written. I do further certify- that Elizabeth Pitts whose genuine Signature appears. to the foregoing deposition is personally known to me to be reputable and that her oath is entitled to full faith and credit. and that she is a Lady of fine reputation. and I believe her to be of the age stated. erasurs interlineated tho was made before the execution of the same.
S/Tolbert Bowman JP
Rockcastle Co. Ky.


State of Kentucky }
Rockcastle County }
I Milton. I. Miller clerk of the county court for the county aforsd. do certify that Tolbert Bowman whose genuine signature appears to the foregoing certificate is and was at the time of signing the same an acting Justice of the peace within and for the county and state aforesd. duly commissioned and sworn according to Law and that his official acts are entitled to full credit

In Testimony of which I have hereunto Subscribed my hand and affixed the seal of of sd. court the 21st day of January 1853

S/Mn Miller Clk
Rockcastle County Court
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State of Kentucky }
County of Rockcastle }
Be it known- that on the 15 day of Nov 1852 personally appeared before the undersigned an acting Justice of the peace in and for the county and state above mentioned. Nathan Smith aged 60 years a resident of the county of Lincoln and state aforesaid who being first duly sworn according to law ^and known to me to be reputable doth state on his oath on a petition of Benajah Nordyke a resident of the county of Lincoln and state afrdsd. to the department of the united states for a pension. on account of services he rendered in the war of the Revolution against Great Britton deponent swears that he has been well acquainted with the above named B. Nordyke. for the last 40 years. and a neighbor to him in the county of Washington in the state of Virginia. untill he moved to Lincoln Ct Ky where he now lives. and still remains a neighbor with him and has been deponent understands. that the said Benajah Nordyke was a revolutionary soldier ever since his first acquaintance. which has never been doubted by any person and was always since his first acquaintance with him. been acknowledged by all that new [sic; knew] him. that he had been a soldier and took part in that
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memorable struggle. in the army of the Revolution. deponent swears that his information has always been the said Benajah Nordyke did the service in the state of ^Georgia in the army of the Revolution and states on his oath that the Said Benajah Nordyke is a worthy old Gentleman. of good moral character. and stands as fair for a man of truth as any person does in his parts. a good religious pious old man. and that he believes hi to be of the age stated. 87 years old. and has the most reliable confidence he served as stated in his acclination in the army of the Revolution. and swears that he is a disinterested witness-
S/Nathan Smith


Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year above mentioned. and I certify that Nathan Sith whose genuine signature appears to the foregoing deposition. is personally known to me to be reputable- and that his oath is entitled to full faith and credit. and that I believe him to be of the age stated & that all interlicaties tho was made before the indication of the same. and that he is a disinterested witness - 
S/Tolbert Bowman JP
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State of Kentucky }
County of Rockcastle }
I Milton J. Miller Clerk of the county court in and for the county aforesaid do certify that Tolbert Bowman whose genuine signature appears to the foregoing affidavit is an was at the time of signing the same an acting Justice of the peace in and for the county afrsd duly commissioned and qualified & that all his official acts as such is entitled to full faith and credit. also that the county court afsd. is a court of Record-

In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed the seal of said office and subscribed my name clerk of said court the [illegible] 1st July 1853-
S/Mg Miller Clk
Rockcastle county court
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[this whole paragraph is struck through]
Mt Vernon Rockcastle Co Ky
June 8th 1853
Mr Jno T Neal, of Washington City will take charge of these papers and use them. Remit Certificate when alowed [sic]
S/Alfred Smith



Chas. C. Tucker.
Atty.
Present.
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Crab Orchard Ky
November 7th 1857

Hon J B Floyd

Dear Sir
Believing you are disposed to assist by advice and influence those who served their country in achieving our independence - I take the liberty of addressing you a few lines in behalf of an old Revolutioner.

I dislike to trouble you, knowing that your duties are arduous, and your time important, yet being a native of the same county from which you hail (Washington Va) and the applicant having lived there the greater portion of his life, we can think of no one so capable of advising in
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the case as yourself, or who feels a livelier interest in our Revolutionary fathers.

Mr Benajah Nordyke, (of whom I write,) was often advised by his friends to make application for a pension, but neglected doing so. He served his country for his country's good, and felt and said that so long as he was able to work, or earn a living he wont ask nothing of his country. But now that he is reduced to want (having had his earnings of many years destroyed by a fire) is frail and almost blind, and feels greatly dependant upon his friends he is constrained to try if anything can be obtained. But there is an. obstacle, (and it is of that that he appeals
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to you.) He knows of no living witness by whom he can prove his service. He entered the service in Georgia, and it is said that the roll of the companies were destroyed when the state capital was burned.

He was born the 1st May 1766. Entered the service at 15 years of age in Wilkes county Georgia in 1781, and served in the Militia upwards of 18 months in all, during the years 1781-2 & 3. He was under Capt Zachary Phillips, (afterwards Col Phillips,) of Col Joel Phillips regiment; also under Col Wm Downs, Capt Josiah Dunn and Capt Cainwive of the same regiment, and was in Col Fews regiment at the battle of Kettle creek (Geo,) and
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was at the siege of Augusta. Mr Nordyke lived in Washington county Va, for many years, removed to Ky in 1837- is the father of Abrum Nordyke Esq. of Russell. He is personally known to many of the citizens ^of said county and few even stand higher in point of honor or veracity.

He would refer you to Rev Jas King Bristol Tenn. Col John Preston Gov David Campbell, Firmin Preston, Jus W Stevens &c.

Also to the Hon A C Talbot, M, C elect from this the 4th Dis' in Ky.

Very respectfully yours &c.
S/Jas W. Grant
(Grandson of B Nordyke & son of H [illegible] Grant. [illegible] Va)

Respectfully referred to the Hon: Secy. of the Interior.
War Dept.
Nov. 14/57
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[illegible] 19. July 15
Free

Benajah Nordyke
Ky [illegible] 1832

Honl. Commissioner of Pensions
Washington DC
City

mail

[struck through]
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No. 38.578
Benajah Nordyke Ky

C. C. Tucker Augt 24/53
James W Grant,
Nov. 20, 1857
Alfred Smith, Mch.15/58

7691

Act June 7. 1832
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Department of the Interior.
OFFICIAL BUSINESS.

CHIEF CLERK.

Benajah Nordyke
Ky [illegible] 1832

Andsn

Comn. of Pensions

Presents.

Lit fr War Dept
C.C. In Dept.
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["Acts of July 14, 1862, and March 3, 1873." crossed out]

[stamped REJECTED]

7691
P.O. Benijah Nordyke
Service: _____________

Enlisted: _____________, 18__
Discharged: __________________, 18__

Application filed: ______________, 18__

Alleges: ___________________
Re-enlisted: ___________________

Attorney: ____________________
P.O. ________________________

___________Recognized. ___________Contract.
______Cert. of Dis.   Searched for ______, 18__
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Honl- Commissioner of Pensions.
Washington D C

Mt Vernon  Rockcastle
Co    Ky. - 14' Feby 1858

Dear Sir
In June 1853 - I remitted to Chr C Tucker Esqr then of Washington. the Declaration of Benajah Nordyke for a pension under act 7th June 1832: the Application was made from Kentucky. I have hird [sic; heard?] but little about the claim for 2 or 3 years. - his name is not to be found on the Georgia revolutionary record where he served in the revolution but every name or nearly so he refered [sic] his officers - and soldiers who served with him appears upon the record. I was also informed that the Capatal [sic] of Georgia was ^moved many years ago. & the records for revolutionary service was mostly or many lost and and many of the record scattered over the streets== probably some of the service rendered by Georgia Soldiers may have been returned to South Carolina. is that so, if it is. I will write those and have a search made for his name. he is yet alive and is much esteemed by his neighbors &c. - please examine the case and send me the result of the examination

I am dear sir
Truly yours &c.
S/Alfred Smith
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J. W. Grant.
Crab Orchard  Ky
November 7. 1857
[check mark & underline]


claiming a pension for Benajah Nordyke.

___________________
Respectfully referred to the Commissioner of of Pensions.
Dept. Int. Nov. 16/57. } 
Moses Kelly
Chf. Clk.
__________________

Rec'd 16. Nov: '57
WW. Rhett
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Washington D.C.   June 11. 53.

Hon Loren P. Waldo
Commissioner of Pensions.

Sir.
I send herewith the claim of Benajah Nordyke of Rockcastle Co Kentucky for a pension under the Act of June 7. 1832.

An early examination of the claim is respectfully requested.

Very respectfully
Your Obt Servt. [obedient servant]
S/Chas.C. Tucker.-
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Milledgeville Ga.   Decr. 23d. 1852

Dear Sir, 
Yours of the, 16th, ultimo, was duly reced., and I made a diligent search for the name of Benajah Nordyke as having served in the Revolutionary war in the Georgia line: but have not been able to find his name on Record.

I find, I believe, all the other names refered [sic] to, in your letter as having borne some part in that Service, & I doubt not, the Mr Nordyke was in the service as he says. These matters were very loosely attended to for a long time after the close of the war, & were not reduced to Record for several years; & it is to be feared some of the papers were lost, as the Seat of Government was removed once or twice in the time. And at one time since it has been established at its present location, a fire occured [sic] which caused the Records, papers &c., to be taken out, in a very hurried manner, & Scattered on the ground over the Publick [sic] Square~
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I will however, institute an enquiry, through some friends, in the county of Wilkes, & perhaps it may lead to the discovery of some of Mr Nordykes associates in army in order that his Services may be established by living testimony: which it seems would have to be done, even though, there was evidence on record of his having served &c. ~

So soon as I can get an answer from Wilkes, I will apprise you of the result-

Respectfully &c
S/N. C. Barrett


Alfred Smith Esqr. }
Mt. Vernon  }
Ky }