Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 14921, Ambrose Armstrong, Va.
Page 1

(3 - 1776)

SERVICE  
Va.

Armstrong, Ambrose

NUMBER
S. 14921

carded

CONTENTS
Page 2

Kentucky 7212

Ambrose Armstrong
of Fayette Co
in the State of Kentucky
who was a private in the company commanded
by Captain Davenport of the Regt commanded
by Col Porterfield in the Kentucky Va
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 15th day of March
1836 and sent to Leslie
Comb Esqr Lexington KY

Arrears to the 4th of March 1833 160.00
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sept  40.00
$200.00

Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832.

Recorded by Daniel Boyd Clerk
Book 6  Vol. 7  Page 1


Date of death not on A.B.
Page 3

11043
Page 4

Declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of
the act of Congress of the 7th of June 1832
State of Kentucky
Fayette County Sct
On this 24 day of Sept 1832
personally appeared in open court, before
me Thomas M. Hickey Circuit Judge for said
County, Ambrose Armstrong a resident of
said County State aged Seventy two years past
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 7 1832. That he enlisted in the
army of the United States in the year
about three years before Lord
Cornwaliis was taken with O. P. Davenport
as Capt Col Ponterfield commanding
the State of Virginia garrison at Old
Williamsburg and served three years
in said Regiment - including a
short time he was a prisoner, having been
taken by the British, while guarding
some country Military Stores, at Woodsons
Mills on South prong of James
River, about 20 miles above the point
of forks of said river - [illegilbe] enchanged
in July of the same year that said
Lord Cornwallis was taken-
Page 5

He was on the Glocester Line under
Majr Baytop or some such name, when
Cornwallis was taken at York-
He was living in Essex County Virginia
when he enlisted & marched from there
to Old Williamsburg-
He obtained a discharge & sold it
to Frank Graves of the same Regt to
enable him to draw his land. He
has been living in this county more than
thirty years -

He hereby relinquishes every claim
whatever to a pension or an annuity
except the present, & he declares that his
name is not on the pension roll
of any agency in any State -
Sworn to & subscribed the day
& year aforesaid
Ambrose his X mark Armstrong
Page 6

And the said Court do hereby declare
its opinion that the above named
applicant was a Revolutionary
Soldier served as he states-
J. M. Hickey

I Thomas Bodley Clerk said Fayette
Circuit Court do hereby certify that
the foregoing contains the Original
proceedings of the said Court, in the
matter of the application of Ambrose
Armstrong for a pension
In testimony whereof I 
have hereunto set my hand and seal
of office this 24th day of Sept
1832
Tho. Bodley  CHCC
Page 7

No. 11.043
Ambrose Armstrong
Fayette County
Kentucky
Fro 1776 private
3 year
$80
look at Va State
Roll
on Roll
Leslie Comb
Lexington
Kentucky
Page 8

BRIEF in the case of Ambrose Armstrong of Fayette County in the State of Kentucky (Act 7th June, 1832.)
1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge?  A Court.
2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?
3.  How old is he?  72
4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed.
(table with columnar headings)

Period.
Enlist?  In 17

Duration of SErvice.
Years, 
3

Months, 

Days.

Rank.
As a private

Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.
Gen. Capt. Davenport, Col. Porterfield

5. In what battles was he engaged?
6. Where did he reside when he entered the service?  Essen Co. Va.
7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, By incidental evidence, or by the rolls?
8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so in what respect? Correct
*Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
Dyer Castor, Examining Clerk.
Page 9

January 16, 1935.
BA-J/ILL  OW
Ambrose Armstrong
S. 14921
Mrs. Robert Hougham
251 East South Street
Franklin, Indiana.
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letters in which you request the Revolutionary War records of Ambrose Armstrong, Michael Barnett, William Kirkpatrick, Daniel Johnson, Abraham Dale, Jonathan Harlow and Brice Harlow, to aid you in the compilation of a list of Revolutionary War soldiers who were buried in John County, Indiana, to be used by your state Chapter, D.A.R.
It is regretted that it has not been possible to comply with each request in full, relative to Revolutionary War soldiers. Because of the great demand for Revolutionary War data and the limited clerical force available for furnishing such information, a series of investigations and reports which requires such an amount of time and research cannot be made for one person or organization.
The record of Ambrose Armstrong, cited by you as a pensioner while a resident of Fayette County, Kentucky, in 1833, is given herein as found in pension claim, S. 14921, based upon service in the Revolutionary War. This will aid you in part.
Ambrose Armstrong, while a resident of Essex County, Virginia, enlisted ^exact date not given ("about three years before Lord Cornwallis was taken,"  crossed out) served as private in Captain Opie Davenport's company, Colonel Porterfield's Virginia regiment at Old Williamsburg, Virginia, was taken prisoner by the British while guarding military stores at Woodson's Mill on the south fork of the James River, was held a short time, was exchanged in July 1781, was in the battle of Yorktown under Major Baytop and was ^there discharged, length of service nearly three years. 
next time
He was allowed pension on his application executed September
Page 10

24, 1832, at which time he resided in Fayette County, Kentucky. He had resided in that state for more than thirty years. Ambrose Armstrong as then past seventy-two years of age; the date and place of his birth and names of his parents are not shown. 

There are no data whatever relative to the family of this

Very truly yours,
A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant to the Administrator.
Page 11

1935 - Jan. 16 - Hist. to Mrs. Robert Hougham.
1492
Ill.

Reohan

14.981
INVALID.
File No. 14.921
Ambrose Armstrong
Priv. Rev. War

Act June 7th 1832
Index: -- Vol. 1 Page 11
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 12

(stamp) LEXINGTON KY. SEP. 28
Oct. 1
Genl. Lewis Cass
Washington D.C.
Rev. Pen. Off.
p
11,043
Kentucky
Page 13

Lexington 24 Sept. 1832
Sir,
I enclose you the pension application of Ambrose Armstrong
Please enclose his certificate under cover to me -
Y M. O. S.
Leslie Con[illegible]
Honbl. Scty of War
Page 14

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Ambrose Armstrong - which require further proof of explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides?
II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides?
III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so?
IV> Has the declarant mentioned the period or period of the war when he served?
V. *Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amout (amount) of pension he is entitled?
VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations?
VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832?
VIII. Has the Court given their opinion?
IX> Has the Clerk given his certificate?
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?
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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?
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it?
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had?
XIV. *If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service? If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, certified to th credibility of the witness or witnesses? Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct?
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service?
XVI. ** Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct?
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered?
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 each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state they service two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours; the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must in every case be clearly shewn under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit. 
*QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.
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 claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
**QUERE XVI. Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
(hand pointing right) In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, has no public seal of office, the certificate of a member of congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Page 17

INDIANA STATE TEACHERS' ASSOCIATION
205 Hotel Lincoln
Indianapolis
Robert B. Hougham, President
Franklin, Indiana
Superintendent
John County Schools
Jan 11-1935
(stamp) RECEIVED JAN 14, 1935
MAIL SUB-CIV [illegible]
(numbers 1-12 around the circumference with an arrow pointing to 2)
Veteran's Bureau
Washing D.C.
Dear Sir-
Several weeks ago, or about the first of December I wrote a letter regarding some records & as yet have received no answer.
I think I inquired about records for Abraham Dale - Ambrose Armstrong, Michael Barnett.
I also with to inquire about William Kirkpatrick who was born in Pennsylvania & died 1832 - He had seven sons and seven daughters & I am anxious to have the list of these children if he has a pension record.
thanking you in advance for an answer to my other letter & for the above-
This Ambrose Armstrong died 1841 - & is buried in Johnson Co. & we ^In D.A.R. wish to mark his grave.
Yours truly-
Mrs. Robert B. Hougham
Page 18

(emblem) DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION
Indiana Daughters of the American Revolution
Miss Bonnie Farwell, State regent
1107 S. Center St., Terre Haute, Indiana 
National defense through Patriotic Education
Mrs. Robert Hougham, Chairman
251 E. South St. 
Franklin, Indiana
(stamp) RECEIVED DEC 18 1984 MAIL SUB-DIV. READER 6 VETS. ADM.  (numbers 1-12 around the circumference with an arrow pointing to 10:30)
December 10-1934
Pension Dep't.
Washington D.C.
Dear Sir:-
Do you have a pension record in your office for "Daniel Johnson"?  "Daniel Johnson" was born 1763 in Maryland and died in Scott Co., Indiana 1847. He married Elizabeth Mosley, born 1798 in Scott Co. Kentucky and she died 1860 in Scott Co. Indiana. They probably were married in Scott Co., Ky around 1816-18. 
The War Dep't sent me the following record from their office:- "Daniel Johnson" served as a Private in the 1st VA. Reg't in Cap't./ Edmund B. Dickinson's Co., which was designated as Capt. Alexander Cummins Co and commanded by Col. Isaac Read, Lieut. Col. John Green & Col. James Hendricks. Date of service not shown, but his name was borne in the pay rolls from May to Sept. 1777 & Nov. to Dec- 1777. It is also shown in June 7, 1783 and Apr 12, 1785 he rec'd certificates for pay due him.
If you have a pension claim for Daniel Johnson I will appreciate receiving same at your earliest convenience.
Yours truly
Mrs. Robert B. Hougham.
Page 19

(emblem) DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION
Indiana Daughters of the American Revolution
Miss Bonnie Farwell, State regent
1107 S. Center St., Terre Haute, Indiana
National defense through Patriotic Education
Mrs. Robert Hougham, Chairman
251 E. South St.
Franklin, Indiana
(stamp) RECEIVED DEC 7 1934 [illegible] (numbers 1-12 around the circumference with an arrow pointing to 4)
December 5-1934
Bureau of Pensions
Washington D.C.
We are compiling a list of Revolutionary Soldiers buried in Johnson County for our State D.A.R.  As I made a list of all burials in John County Cemeteries several years ago in the form of a book, I made also, a list of Revolutionary soldiers in as far as I knew, they were soldiers.
One "lone" grave ^on a fork in the Blue River Township attracted my attention - "Ambrose Armstrong" D. Nov. 16, 1841 age 82 years. This would make him born 1759. I immediately that he could have been a soldier.
Recently I found this reference in Indiana State Library - Page 138 Kentucky S. A. R. Ambrose Armstrong of Fayette Co Ky, placed on pension roll Mar 15, 1833 age 74 years - which would also make him born in 1759 - Will you please send me this pension record so I may check if it is one & the same man? So many Kentucky soldiers came up to Indiana and if this man buried in Johnson Co, in a private form ^was a Rev. Soldier, we wish to mark his grave with a soldier marker & also have his name listed in our Indiana Rev. Soldier book-
Would you also include "Michael Barnett" pension record - I think he served 3 yrs in Va line & was possibly from Shenandoah Co. Va.
Thanking you in advance for this information
Yours truly
Mrs. Robert B. Hougham
Page 20

INDIANA STATE TEACHERS' ASSOCIATION
205 HOTEL LINCOLN
INDIANAPOLIS
ROBERT b. HOUGHAM, PRESIDENT
FRANKLIN, INDIANA
SUPERINTENDENT
JOHNSON COUNTY SCHOOLS
(stamp) REC'D DEC 4 1934 MAIL SUB-DIV. VETS ADM. READER #4 (numbers 1-12 around the circumference with an arrow pointing to 4)
Franklin Ind
Dec 3- 1934
Pension Dep't-
Washington D.C.
Dear Sir:-
Do you have a pension Record for "Abraham Dale" Woodford Co, Ky 1818 & if as, May I have a copy?
Also is there a record of Jonathan Harlow b Chester Co Pa 1755 & died 1841 Mercer Co Pa - enlisted 1777 in Cap't More's Co - at Valley Forge- I wish to identify a Brice Harlow. If you have this record I would also appreciate a copy of same. 
Thanking you in advance - 
I am
Yours truly
Mrs. Robert B. Hougham
251 E. Senth St
Franklin Ind -
Page 21

(emblem) DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION
Indiana Daughters of the American Revolution
Miss Bonnie Farwell, State regent
1107 S. Center St., Terre Haute, Indiana
National defense through Patriotic Education
Mrs. Robert Hougham, Chairman
251 E. South St.
Franklin, Indiana
Nov. 16-1934
Bureau of Pensions 
Washington D.C.
Dear Sir:-
Do you have listed among Revolutionary Soldiers the following?
"Ambrose Armstrong" B. 1759 - D. Nov. 16, 1841 in Indiana - 
who was placed on the the roll in 1833."
"William Kirkpatrick" D July 26- 1817 - & settled Fayette Co. Ky.
If so, I would be pleased to have all information concerning them.
Yours truly
Mrs. Robert B. Hougham
(stamp) RECEIVED NOV 19 1934 MAIL SUB DIV READER 14 VETS ADM (numbers 1-12 around the circumference with an arrow pointing to 4)