Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 6085, for John Smith, Virginia
Page 1


SERVICE
N.C.
Va.
Smith, John
Frances
NUMBER
W.6085—
B.L.Wt.9531–160–55

CONTENTS

[illegible] 1754 in Cumberland Co., Va.
then lived in Granville Co. N.C. & Henry Co. Va. [illegible] Co. Ky [illegible]
Died Nov. 3, 1848 in Taylor Co. Ky.
Page 2

Kentucky 13772
John Smith

of Adair Co. in the State of Kentucky
who was a private in the company commanded
by Captain Farrow of the regiment commanded
by Col. Leith in the North Carolina
line for 2 years.

Inscribed on the Roll of Kentucky
at the rate of 80 Dollars — Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 17 day of June
1833 and sent to Hon.
C. Tompkins, Glasgow, Ky.

Arrears to the 4th of March 			160 s
Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Sept 	40 c
						$200s
			{ Revolutionary Claim, }
			{ Act June 7, 1832. }

Recorded by Daniel Boyd, Clerk
Book E Vol. 7 Page 7
Page 3

73.800

Act Mar 3/55
Apl. 16/55

Frances Smith wid.
John Smith (Priv.)

Revolutionary Pension
Widow files her pension
under Act. 3rd Feb. 1853
No. 531.

[illegible]
Boynton

Private
N.C. Line

Ad. 160 acres Nov. 1855
[illegible]
[illegible] 

Vol 8, page 148

S.A. Spencer
Greensburg
K.Y.

[illegible handwriting scribbled vertically on page
]
Page 4

[written vertically]
[illegible] Jewitt Jan 28/58
Page 5

John Smith
5.13.16
from 1776 private
[illegible]  yrs. $80

P–218.

Jan 26. 33
Hon C. Tompkins
Glasgow. Ky.
Page 6

BRIEF in the case of John Smith
County of Adair in the State of Kentucky
(Act 7th June, 1832.)

1.	Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Court
2.	If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?
	[Blank]
3.	How old is he? 77
4.	State his service, as directed in the form annexed.

Period	Duration of Service	Rank	Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served
Vol. In 1776




Sub. Vol.

	Years,  Months,  Days
                 9



                 3

                 3

         not stated	As a
Private Ensign 



Private

     “

     “	Gen.
Capt. J. Farrow, Col. Archibald Lytle, Major Donahoe

Lieut. D. Ramsey, Genl. Greene
Lieut. D. Ramsey, Genl. Greene
Capt. T. Bush, Col. Washington

Served largely upwards of two years.
5.	In what battles was he engaged? Whitesills Mills, Guilford Ct. House, Yorktown
6.	Where did he reside when he entered the service? [illegible], Cty., N.C.
7.	Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary 	evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? Traditionary
8.	Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect?
	Correct

I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentions. 

not stated		Orderly		Capt. G. Harrison, Gen. Green
			Sergeant
-6-			Quartermaster		Capt. H. Crity, Col. Holt Richardson,
						Gen. Lawson

“served largely upwards of two years.”	Wm. Lawson		Examining Clerk
Page 7

State of Kentucky}
Adair County       }Sct.

	On this 3rd day of September 1832 personally appeared in Open Court before Benjamin Morrise, Judge of the Circuit Court of Adair County now sitting. John Smith, a resident of the County and State aforesaid, aged 77 years, who being duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June the 7th 1832.
	That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated.
	That as well as he can now recollect, in the year 1776, that he volunteered in Granville County, North Carolina, under the command of Captain John Turner, and Lieutenant Henderson (he thinks) and Ensign Francis Stanback, and Col. Moore was to have had the command, but from some cause the command was taken by Col. Archibald Litle who was then Col. in the regular service of the United States the [illegible] was by the name of Donahoe. This tour was nine months and called the [illegible] [illegible] [illegible], during which full period he served. He states that they were marched from Granville County, North Carolina over Dan River in the State of Virginia to Petersburg where they remained for some time & from thence they were marched back to North Carolina in Moore's Creek, where they remained some time, at which place furloughs were offered and accepted by all the Company except himself—on condition that they should return in the Spring and serve out the remainder of their time. This applicant refused to accept a furlough and was then placed in the regular army to serve out the remainder of his time and acted as Ensign without a commission—and from thence was marched to Halifax town in North Carolina where he was taken sick a few…
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…weeks before the nine months expired and the remainder of his time was served out by his brother William Smith. He was in no engagement and no battle was fought during that time.
The applicant removed about this time from North Carolina to Henry County in Virginia. He states that he again entered the service in Henry County, Virginia, under the command of Lieutenant Daniel Reamey for Three Months. He marched from Henry County, Virginia, to Hillsborough, North Carolina, a short time before [illegible] defeat and was there [illegible] until he [illegible]  General Greene’s Army, a short time after Gate’s defeat his time of service being about to expire, he then joined as a substitute for the term of three months in the place of [illegible] [illegible], and then obtained a furlough from Genl. Greene in order to take home, and property he had got for substituting for said [illegible] and joined the army again [illegible] Hillsborough and the trading ford on the Yadkin River and from thence was marched up to the Shallow ford on said Yadkin where there was a small engagement with Captain Lewis's Company and the Tories, in which the Tories were defeated. They gained the place of [illegible] just at the close of the engagement. From thence [illegible] was marched to [illegible] lower where [illegible] [illegible] discharged having served out the term of three months and returned home—
He states a short time after his return home he again entered the service in Henry County, Virginia, under the command of Captain Thomas Bush, as a volunteer in a horse company for three months from Henry County VA.,  marched into North Carolina and joined Col. Washington, mounted infantry at Haw River N.C., and was reconnoitering through that country for some time, during which time they had a small engagement with a small party of Col. Tarlton's infantry at [illegible sentence] …from there was marched to Whitesill's Mill on the Reedy fork where Washington and Lee's Infantry met. Where they had a battle with Col. Tarlton and  Wallis in which after a considerable fire on both sides, they were compelled to retreat having...
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…to contend with the whole British army, in which several lives were lost and a number of prisoners taken by the British at which time and place they were discharged by Col. Washington and sent home—nothing more of importance having transpired during that tour.
	He states that after being at home a short time he substituted for three months in the place of Thomas Dula at the request of Captain George Hariston under whom he substituted, he [illegible] this applicant that he should have the orderly [illegible] place. Joshua Rensfro being Lieutenant and Jesse Corn Ensign from Henry County, Va. They marched to Guilford County, North Carolina, on a forced march where he fell in with Genl. Green’s army just at the commencement of the battle of Guilford and was in that engagement under the retreat of Genl. Green. After the battle was over leave was given on both sides to bury their dead and from thence the British took up the line of march toward Ramsey’s Mill on Deep River, our army in pursuit of them and was several times in sight of them before they reached [illegible] Mill and after they had passed over the bridge across Deep River at said Mill the British cut down the bridge and prevented any further pursuit and after remaining three several days or more, then marched and joined Lee’s infantry on Cape Fear River where they were discharged by [illegible]  [illegible] Lee and permitted to go home.
	He states that he remained at home until the British came in Virginia on James River, that he then entered the service for three months in Henry County, Va. under the command of Captain Herman Crity and Lieutenant Thomas Nunn and from there was marched to the lower part of Virginia crossing James River at Cobham in a French vessel and joined the army at that place under the command of Col. Holt Richardson; from there he was marched crossing Pamunkey River at Ruffin’s Ferry to Johnsons Old field. He thinks in Henry County, Va. and from there was marched to...
Page 10

…[illegible] [illegible] [illegible] and recrossed the Pamunkey River and marched to near Williamsburg, at which time he was engaged as a Regimental Quarter Master and remained there in that capacity until his three months tour expired and was still continued in that capacity by General Lawson until the surrender of Cornwallis at the siege of York, being something like [illegible] [illegible] months. He further states that he was out several short tours in the [illegible]  of Dan River against the Tories which is not included in the foregoing Declaration and states that the full period of service in which he was engaged was largely upwards of two years.

When and in what year were you born?
I was born in the year 1754 the 5th day of January in Cumberland County and State of Virginia.

Have you any record of your age and if so where is it?
Answer: I have none except a copy taken from the Register of my Grandfather.

Where were you living when called into service, where have you lived since the Revolutionary War and where do you now live? Ans:
I lived in Granville County, North Carolina at [illegible], was called into service first & then removed into Henry County, Va. and remained there until many years after the close of the war and from thence removed into Adair County Kentucky at which place I am now living.

How were you called into service, were you drafted or did you volunteer or were you substitute and if a substitute for whom. Ans: as before stated in the declaration.

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 service. Ans: I cannot state more in detail than is heretofore stated in this declaration.

Did you ever receive a discharge from the service and if so by whom was it given and what has become of it. Ans: I received a discharge from…
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…Captain Turner. I received a discharge from Lieutenant Daniel Reamey. I received a discharge from Col. Paisley. I received a discharge from Captain Bush. I received a discharge from Capt. George Hariston. I received a discharge from Genl. Lawson at the siege of York, all of which are burned by having my dwelling house burnt—long ago before I removed to the State of Kentucky.
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 service as a soldier of the Revolution. Answer:
John Cesarey, John McAlexander, Moses Smith & Joseph Alexander, & clergyman Lewis Ellison or any other persons in this neighborhood.

He hereby relinquishes every claim what [illegible] to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state.

								John Smith

We Lewis Ellison, [illegible] Dillingham, clergyman residing in Cumberland County and State of Kentucky & John McAlexander & Joseph Alexander residents of said County and State hereby certify that we are well acquainted with John Smith who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be 77 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 to and subscribed this 21st day of August 1832.

								Lewis Ellison
								Vachel Dillingham
								John McAlexander

Sworn to & subscribed before me this the day & year aforesaid
								Reubin Alexander J.P.
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State of Kentucky
Adair County Sct.

We, James Cox, residents of Adair County & State aforesaid, and Moses Smith & Joseph Alexander residents of the county & state aforesaid hereby certify that we are well acquainted with John Smith who has subscribed & sworn to the within Declaration; that we believe him to be 77 years old, that he is reputed & believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution and that we concur in that opinion; and the said Moses Smith further certifies that he saw the said John Smith in one at the Battle of Guilford, the other at the [illegible] pond on the [illegible] campaigns in the revolutionary war.

Given under our hands this the [illegible]  Sept. 1832.

								Moses Smith
								    his mark
								Jos Alexander
								James Cox

Sworn to & subscribed the day & year aforesaid
And the said court do hereby declare its opinion, after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states. And the court further certifies that it appears to it that Moses Smith & James Cox who have signed the preceding certificate are residents of Adair County, and that Joseph Alexander who has likewise signed his name thereto is a resident of Cumberland County, and that they are all creditable persons and that their statements are entitled to credit.
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Kentucky Adair County & Circuit Set.
	I, William Caldwell, clerk of the circuit court for said county of Adair, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of John Smith for a pension.
	In testimony whereof I have set my hand and seal of my office this 8th day of September in the year 1832.
								Wm. Caldwell
[Left margin note, written vertically]
John Smith
Declaration
Page 14

State of Kentucky, Green County

Amongst the Records of Marriages & Bonds now on file in the Clerk’s office of the County Court for said county is the following [illegible].

"Know all men by these presents, that we John Smith and David Bailey are held and firmly bound unto the Commonwealth of Kentucky in the sum of £50, the payment of which well and truly to be made to the said Commonwealth we bind ourselves and our heirs the jointly and severally firmly by these presents, sealed with our seals and dated this 22nd day of July 1817. The condition of this above obligation is such that whereas the said John Smith is about to obtain a license for a marriage intended between himself and Frances Smith, now if there be no lawful cause to obstruct said marriage, then the above obligation to be void, else remain in full force."

								John Smith (seal)
								David Bailey (seal)
Attest: H. S. Emerson, [illegible] C
								A copy test: Robert Marshall, Clk

State of Kentucky}
Green County      } Sct
I, Robert Marshall, Clerk and Keeper of the Records of the County Court in and for said county, state above mentioned, certify that the foregoing is a true and correct transcript of the Record of the Marriage Bond of John Smith for his marriage with Frances Smith and that there is no return by the clergyman given under my hand and seal of office this 17 March 1853.

								Robert Marshall, Clk
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73800
Bounty Land Claim
       	of
Frances Smith
Widow of John Smith
Revolutionary Widow

Act 3rd March 1855

Presented by
S. A. Spencer of
Greensburg, Ky

Frances Smith [signed at bottom of the page]
Page 16

State of Kentucky Green County Sct.

On this 17th day of March 1855 personally appeared before me the undersigned a Justice of the peace in and for said county, Frances Smith, aged 60 years, a resident near the line dividing the county aforesaid and that of Taylor County, she in the latter county, and being duly sworn according to law doth on her oath declare that she is the widow of John Smith dec’d who was a soldier of the Revolutionary War and was a Pensioner and who as a soldier of said war drew his Pension at the rate of $80 per annum up to the time he died. He died many years ago in this said county and leaving her the said Frances his widow who is still a widow and has never intermarried since her said husband died. She states that as the widow of said John Smith she made her application for a Pension under the act of February 3, 1853, and a certificate was granted her by the Commissioner of Pensions and she was placed upon the Pension list at the rate of $80 per annum and she is now drawing her said Pension at the agency at Louisville, Kentucky. The certificate granted to her as aforesaid is now in her possession and bears date at the Department of the Interior the 28th day of May 1853, and is No. 531. She states that the facts above mentioned in regard to the death of said John Smith and her marriage with him and of his being a Pensioner are now on file in the Pension Office at Washington which she refers to as evidence for her in this application. She has never heretofore applied for or received any bounty land of said...
Page 17

service as the widow of said John Smith dec’d or otherwise nor did her said husband in his lifetime ever apply for or receive any. —
	She makes this declaration in order to obtain the bounty land to which she may be entitled under the act of Congress passed the 3rd day of March 1855 giving Bounty land to the soldiers and their widows of the War of 1812 and widows of Revolutionary soldiers [illegible] and she respectfully requests the Commissioner of Pensions to issue to her whatever amount of bounty land which she may be entitled to under said act.
								         her
Attest. George Haselwood 					Frances Smith 
								       Mark

Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year last above mentioned, and I certify that said Frances Smith is personally known to me. She is the widow of John Smith who was a Revolutionary Pensioner who is dead. She is still a widow and has never intermarried since the said John Smith died. She is the identical Frances Smith who [illegible] [illegible] of the services of said John and as his widow is now drawing a pension at the rate stated by her in her foregoing declaration. I further certify that I am not interested in the claim of said Frances Smith for bounty land or pension money.

								John Bloyd JP
Page 18

State of Kentucky County of Green Sct.

We, S.A. Spencer & Whitfield J. Smith, residents of said county certify and declare upon our oath that we are well acquainted with Frances Smith who has [illegible] and sworn to the foregoing declaration for bounty land. She is the widow of John Smith deceased. We know the fact that said John Smith was a Pensioner of the United States, that he died several years ago leaving her the said Frances Smith his widow who is still a widow and we know the fact that she is the identical Frances Smith who lived with said John Smith as his wife & who now claims by him as his wife, and that they were at all times [illegible] [illegible] and received by all to whom they were known as man and wife, and we further state that she is the identical Frances Smith who [illegible] [illegible] of the services of said John Smith as a soldier of the Revolution and as his widow applied for his pension under the act of July 3, 1853 and is now drawing her said Pension at the rate stated by her and we further state that we have no interest in her said claim for bounty land.
								S.A. Spencer (seal)
								W.J. Smith (seal)
The foregoing declarations and affidavit was sworn to and subscribed by the said S.A. Spencer & W.J. Smith on the [illegible] day of April 1855 and I certify that I know the said affiants to be credible persons, that the claimant is the person she represents herself to be and that I have no interest in this claim.
								Jon A. Adair, J.P.C.
Page 19

State of Kentucky County of Green SS

I Robert Marshall Clerk of the County Court in and for said county certify that John Bloyd and John A. Adair whose genuine signatures appear to the foregoing certificate are now and were at the dates and times of signing their names thereto Justices of the peace in and for said county duly commissioned and sworn and that full faith and credit is due to all their official acts as such in testimony whereof.
		I have hereunto set my hand and 
		affixed the seal of said County Court
		this 7th day of April 1855 at 
		Greensburg Kentucky

				Robert Marshall Clk
Page 20

Frances Smith
    widow of
John Smith [illegible]

Revolutionary Claim
Act of July 3, 1853

S. A. Spencer
of Greensburg Ky
Atty —
Page 21

State of Kentucky} 
Green County      } Sct

	On this 16th day of March 1853 personally appeared Mrs. Frances Smith before me the undersigned, the presiding Judge of the said Green County Court, who being 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 3rd of February 1853. That she is the widow of John Smith, [illegible] who was a Revolutionary Soldier and Pensioner, and drew a pension from the United States at the rate of eighty dollars per annum, which he drew semi-annually at the Pension Agency at Louisville Kentucky. That after the death of her said husband John Smith, she as his widow drew the portion of pension which was due from the date of his last draw to the time he died. She refers to the declaration & papers filed by her said husband with the Pension Agent at Washington for his services and for the allowance or rate of pension which he drew. She states that she was married to the said John Smith in the County of Green and State of Kentucky on the 22nd day of July 1817, that her said husband died in the County of Taylor & State aforesaid (Kentucky) on the 3rd day of November 1848. That she was married to him at the time above stated. She further swears that she was a widow at the passage of the said act and has not been intermarried since the death of her said husband John Smith and is still a widow. Her said husband resided for many years in the County of Green & States aforesaid, until the making of the new County of Taylor, in which he was included. She states that she has never made application for a pension heretofore and that she has never heretofore made application for a pension and now makes her application under the said Act of February 3, 1853. She states that her name before her said marriage was…
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…Frances Smith. She was married to her said husband John Smith by the Rev. John Chandler, a Baptist Minister. She states further that from age and bodily infirmity she is unable to travel out any distance and is unable to attend court for the purpose of making this her declaration in court. She will file herewith a certified copy of the record of her said marriage if to be procured. (She resides some distance from the court house.)
								}  Frances Smith [her mark]

Sworn to and subscribed   }
before me this day & year }
first above written and I    }
certify that the above named Frances Smith is the widow of John Smith dec’d, who was a Revolutionary Pensioner and who died in Taylor County as stated by her. That she is a widow and was a widow at the passage of the Act of 3rd of February 1853. & has not been intermarried since the death of said John Smith dec’d. I certify that she is a person of credibility & truth and that from age & bodily infirmity she is not able to attend court for the purpose of making her declaration in court—being in delicate health & quite feeble & infirm. I further certify that I have no interest in the claim of said Francis Smith a pension and am not engaged in the prosecution thereof. The erasures of the two words above was done before this said declaration was signed.

								}  Thomas R. Barnett
Thomas R. Barnett P.J.G.C.C.
Page 23

State of Kentucky } 
Green County       } Sct
On this 11 day of March 1853, personally appeared Stokely Smith and Maryetta B. Smith before the undersigned Presiding Judge of the County Court in and for this county aforesaid, and being duly sworn according to law, doth on their oaths state that they were well acquainted with John Smith in his lifetime and also with his wife, now his widow Frances Smith. That said John Smith was a Revolutionary Pensioner and drew a pension from the Government of the United States at the rate of eighty dollars per annum. That he is dead and died on the 3rd day of November 1848, and left the said Frances Smith his widow who is still a widow and she has never intermarried since the death of said John Smith her husband. That said Frances Smith above named is the identical Frances Smith who was married to the said John Smith in Green County Ky on the 22nd day of July 1817, and is now the surviving widow of said John Smith. That the name of said Frances Smith before her said marriage was Frances Smith. That she is in feeble health & unable to attend court for the purpose of making her declarations in court. And that they have no interest in the claim of said Frances Smith for a pension they [illegible…] 
John & Frances Smith married  }				Stokely Smith
Sworn to and subscribed before}				Margaret B. Smith
me this day & year last above   }
written and I certify that the said Stokely Smith & Margaret B. Smith are credible witnesses.
								Thomas R. Barnett PJGCC
Page 24

State of Kentucky Green County Sct
I Robert Marshall Clerk of the County Court in and for the county aforesaid certify that Thomas R. Barnett is the Presiding Judge of the County Court holden in and for said county, duly commissioned and sworn that his commission is dated the 20th of May 1851 and continues for the term of four years and until his successor is duly elected and qualified, and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said County Court this 17th day of March 1853 at Greensburg, Kentucky.
								Robert Marshall Clk
Page 25

Rev. WIDOW, &c.

File No. 6085
Frances Smith
      Wid.
John Smith
Pvt. Rev. War
Act: July 29, 1848 & July 3, 1853
Index — Vol. Mo. Page 219

[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 26

No. 73805

ACT OF MARCH 3, 1855.

Received Apr. 16th, 18 [illegible] —

John Smith — Deceased Pensioner
	S.C. Line
	Rev. War

953/_160–55—
Page 27

9531

160 Acres
Page 28

App. of Frances  

     No 702  

Smith widow of  

John Smith  

Ky: 32
13772  

Act 3 Feby 1853  
$80.00 Per Annum
 
Commencing Feby 3, 1853.  

Reorg:

S. A. Spencer  
Greensburg  
Ky:

[written vertically]
Department of the Interior
Pension Office, Official Business
Page 29

Brief in the case of Frances Smith, widow of John,
Green County and State of Kentucky
Act 3rd February, 1853.
________________________________________
Claim, (“original,” “for increase [crossed out]:”)

Proof exhibited, (if original.)

Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Husband was a pensioner under the act of 7th June, 1832. Marriage proven by parole evidence certified to be credible, & [illegible] [illegible] evidence.
________________________________________
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
[Blank]
________________________________________
S. A. Spencer Esq.
Greensburg, Ky.
Name and residence of Agent

S. A. Boynton
Examining Clerk.
Page 30

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those
answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of
John Smith, which require further proof or explanation.
________________________________________
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? Yes

II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? Yes
III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so?
[Blank]

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

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

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

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

VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? Yes

IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? Yes

X. Is the Clerk’s seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? Yes
Page 31

2

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age, and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? Yes

XII. If the clergyman’s affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it?
[Blank]

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

XIV. If the applicant has produced a witness or witnesses as to his service, has the magistrate who administered the oath certified that he, she, or they are persons of credibility?
Has the official character and signature of the magistrate been certified by the proper officer under his seal of office?
[Blank]

XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant’s service?
[Blank]

XVI. Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? No

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

________________________________________
EXPLANATORY NOTES.

QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
“Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades: For ____ year ____ months and ____ days, I served as a ______; For ____ months and ____ days, I served as a ______; and for such service I claim a pension.”
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3

	It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which the 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.

QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.
	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.

QUERE XVI. Mode of authenticating papers.
	In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticated the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the end 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.
Page 33

By way of Amendment to his original declaration to fulfill the requisition of the War Department. The Declarant states that he has no documentary evidence; that he knows of no living witness now in the State of Kentucky or elsewhere by whom he can prove his service [illegible sentence]… The applicant further states that he resides in the extreme end of Adair County adjoining Cumberland, about 25 miles from Columbia the seat of justice of Adair County, and that no justice of the peace of said County lives near him, and that in consequence of extreme old age and infirmity he is unable to go to Columbia or to any Justice of the Peace in Adair where his original declaration was made.
								John Smith

We Joseph Alexander & [illegible] Alexander certify that we are well acquainted with the situation of John Smith and that we believe that he is unable to attend the Court at Columbia which is about 25 miles from his residence; that he is very feeble and infirm. Given under our hands this 9th day of April 1833
								Jos Alexander
								John M. Alexander
Page 34

Cumberland County Sct.

	Personally appeared before me the undersigned a Justice of the Peace in & for the County aforesaid John Smith, who being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that by reason of old age, and 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 in the following grades: For [illegible] years & six months as a private in the militia service. I served: For 6 months as ensign noncommissioned, for which I claim a pension.

								Reuben Alexander, J.P.C.C.
[Vertically written on the page]
[illegible] per
[illegible] 2 yr.
$80

[illegible] C. Tompkins
Burkesville
Ky


Cumberland County, Sct.

	The undersigned, a Justice of the Peace in & for the County aforesaid, states that Joseph Alexander & [illegible] Alexander who have subscribed and sworn to the certificate attached to the amendment in relation to the infirmities of John Smith are residents of the aforesaid County; that they are credible persons. Given under my hand this [illegible] of April 1833.

								Reuben Alexander, J.P.C.C.
Page 35

Cumberland County Sct

	This day personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace in & for the County [aforesaid?], John Smith & made oath that the statements made in the foregoing amendments are true.

	Given under my hand this 9th day of April 1833
								Reubin Alexander J.P.C.C.

	Kentucky Cumberland County [illegible]
I, Milton King, Clerk of the County Court for said County, hereby certify, that Reubin Alexander, whose signatures are subscribed to the foregoing certificates or affidavits, is a Justice of the Peace in & for said County, duly commissioned and qualified, that his acts are entitled to credit, and his signatures are genuine.

								Given under my hand and seal of 									office in Burkesville, this 28th of 									May 1833
										M. King
Page 36

[Postmark stamp]
GREENBURGH
       MAR
         19
        KY

free
FREE

To The Hon Commissioner of Pensions
	Washington City
			D.C.
Page 37

State of Kentucky
				Greensburg, Green County
						March 17, 1853

To the Hon. Comr. of Pensions

       Sir
	I here enclose the Declaration and Claim of Mrs. Frances Smith the widow of John Smith a Revolutionary soldier and pensioner. He drew in his lifetime a pension at the rate of Eighty Dollars per an. If her declaration is made out in conformity to the rules please send me her certificate as early as convenient & oblige
								Yours humble
									Servant,
								S. A. Spencer
Page 38

THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES  		Division of Veterans’ Administration Archives
Form VAM–51
12–5–41		BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD

Name: Smith, John  Grade: Private  Line: Pennsylvania

Warrant Number: 10356  Acreage: 100  Issued: December 7, 1790
					    To not shown
________________________________________
The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 4 of "Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800" which are registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subsequent dates. Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800. Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in The National Archives.
Page 39

THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES  		Division of Veterans’ Administration Archives
Form VAM–51
12–5–41		BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD

Name: Smith, John  Grade: Private  Line: Pennsylvania

Warrant Number: 10356  Acreage: 100  Issued: December 7, 1791
					    To Alexander William Foster, assignee
________________________________________
The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 4 of "Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800" which are registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subsequent dates. Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800. Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in The National Archives.
Page 40



THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES  		Division of Veterans’ Administration Archives
Form VAM–51
12–5–41		BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD

Name: Smith, John  Grade: Private  Line: Pennsylvania

Warrant Number: 10393  Acreage: 100  Issued: July 5, 1797
					    To James De Baufre, assignee
________________________________________
The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 4 of "Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800" which are registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subsequent dates. Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800. Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in The National Archives.
Page 41

THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES  		Division of Veterans’ Administration Archives
Form VAM–51
12–5–41		BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD

Name: Smith, John  Grade: Private  Line: Pennsylvania

Warrant Number: 10401  Acreage: 100  Issued: December 24, 179? ([illegible])
					    To not shown
________________________________________
The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 4 of "Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800" which are registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subsequent dates. Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800. Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in The National Archives.
Page 42

THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES  		Division of Veterans’ Administration Archives
Form VAM–51
12–5–41		BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD

Name: Smith, John  Grade: Private  Line: Pennsylvania

Warrant Number: 10421  Acreage: 100  Issued: September 12, 1789
					To not shown
________________________________________
The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 4 of "Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800" which are registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subsequent dates. Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800. Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in The National Archives.
Page 43

THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES  		Division of Veterans’ Administration Archives
Form VAM–51
12–5–41		BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD

Name: Smith, John  Grade: Private  Line: Pennsylvania

Warrant Number: 10441  Acreage: 100  Issued: February 17, 179? ([illegible])
					    To John Snell, assignee
________________________________________
The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 4 of "Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800" which are registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subsequent dates. Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800. Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in The National Archives.
Page 44

THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES  		Division of Veterans’ Administration Archives
Form VAM–51
12–5–41		BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD

Name: Smith, John  Grade: Private  Line: Pennsylvania

Warrant Number: 10463  Acreage: 100  Issued: September 24, 179? ([illegible])
					    To George Walton, assignee
________________________________________
The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 4 of "Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800" which are registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subsequent dates. Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800. Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in The National Archives.
Page 45

THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES  		Division of Veterans’ Administration Archives
Form VAM–51
12–5–41		BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD

Name: Smith, John  Grade: Private  Line: Pennsylvania

Warrant Number: 10470  Acreage: 100  Issued: January 18, 1800
					    To Peter Eyster, assignee
________________________________________
The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 4 of "Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800" which are registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subsequent dates. Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800. Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in The National Archives