Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 15305, Richard Ballew, N.C.
Page 1

SERVICE
N.C,

Ballew, Richard


NUMBER
S. 15305
Page 2

25.617
Kentucky
Richard Ballew
Knox Co in the State of Kentucky
was a pr. Inf. 1 Cav. in the Compy. commanded
by Captain Russ of the regt. commanded
by Col-----in the N.C. mil.
time for 8 mo. 26 days of 1779

Inscribed on the Roll of Kentucky
at the rate of 34 Dollars  30  Cents per annum
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 14 day of Feb.
1824  and sent to Franks
Ballinger,  Barborville Ken

Arrears to the 4th of Sept 1833               $85.75
Semi=annl, allowance ending 4 Mar 36     17.15
                                                 Total         $102.90

Recorded by Wm. Allison   Clerk
Book E   Vol.  7  Page 36
Page 5

Declaration

In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress
passed June the 7th  1832

State of Kentucky
Knox County sct
On this 26th day of November 1833 personally
appeared in open court before John Patten, Richardson
Adams and Joseph Pritchard Justices of the Knox
County Court now sitting Richard Ballen a resident
of Poplar Creek, Knox County, Kentucky, aged 70
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 act of Congress passed June the
7th 1832.
That he was drafted for a Tour of three months
In Burk County North Carolina when he then resided
in the spring of 1779 under the following named officers
George Walker Capt,. Peter Russ Lieut. name of ensign
not remembered--- that he rendezvoused at Burk
court house---thence he marched up to south fork
of the Catawba river to Davis's Station---he was then
posted with his company until he served out the three
months---I do not know whether I recd. a written discharge
or not for this service---I think I did not, but if I did
it has been lost.-- This service was after the Indians and Tories
have taken a station on the north fork of Catawba, and it
was to Protect Davis Station and the inhabitants there
abouts that this draft was made--- I was discharged
in the summer of 1779.
After the above service, I returned to Burk when
I lived and joined the company  of Capt. Thomas Kennedy
now of Garrard County Kentucky about 90 miles from
Page 6

my present place of residence--I had not been at
home long before the news came that the Indians and
Tories had killed Davison & McGonigle with their families
Col. Joseph McDowell raised one hundred volunteers
to persue them that he was one of the 100--Harry 
Highland was Capt. Samuel Sorrel was Lieut. I believe
this was in the latter part of the summer of 1779 as well
as I remember and for a three months tour--he again
rendezvoused at Burk Court house---thence he marched
up the south fork of Catawba passing Davi's Station
where he had been previously forted for three months
to the head of Catawba-- thence on the to Savannah and
crossed it above when Buncom Court house now stands
thence to the old Cowtowns-- when we had a
battles with the Indians.  In the heat of this engagement
under an order to charge my horse ran against an old peach tree--or rather in passing through the forks of
the peach tree my ankle was twisted out of place, which 
has rendered me a cripple to this day.--that they defeated the Indians killed several and took rewards of 30 prisoners
my wound rendered me unfit for further service during
this Tour though he continued with the Company until
their return to Burk and was then discharged-- I received
no written discharge for this service--when he volunteered for this Tour his horse was valued, as was the
horses of the rest of the men, and the were told if they
lost their horses in the Tour the Government would pay
for them.
I next volunteered in the spring of 1780 in Burk County
to go against the Tories under Capt. Manny--Edmund Feirs was my Capt .  We marched to Pleasant Gardens and then joined Col. Cleaveland--thence down the  Catawba to Lovelady shoals , not far below we had a skirmish with the Tories under Capt Murray.  In this
skirmish Capt.
Page 7

Cleavaland was wounded--my Father myself and
another man took Capt. Cleavland after he was wounded
in a  canoe and carried him down the Catawba about 3 
miles and left him at a whigs home named--[illegible]
Sewas left him to guard Capt Cleaveland until he got able
to travel-- he states from old age and the consequent loss
of memory he can not remember how long he served during
this Tour but from the best of his knowledge he did not
serve less than one month.
After the Tour above related the Tories under the
same Capt. John Murray called at my fathers house
and wantonly killed several of his cattle and sheep, and
even cut open the feather beds, emptyed  the feathers in
the yard, cut the  bed cords all to pieces and took away
my Fathers rifle-- thence Murray marched to form
his Brethren under Ferguson. In Sept 1780 I volunteered
to go against the Tories--again Edmund Fear was
my Capt. , Jo. McDowell was Col.  thence we marched for
Kings mountain and then had a battle with the Tories
under Ferguson.  I was not immediately in the engagement
my company having been ordered to go to a particular part
missed it way and we did not get back until the Tories
had stacked their army--one of my country men John
McFall, who served under Ferguson, was hung in my
sight with several men, by order of our Colonel.
We brought the Prisoners taken at Kings mountain through
Burk--then I was discharged--from old age and consequent
loss of memory I cannot state precisely how long I served
in this Tour but from the best of my recollection not
less than six weeks-- I recd. no written discharge for this
service.
Shortly after this I volunteered under Capt. Harry
Highland-- Col. Jo. McDowell-- I think this was in Nov.
Page 8

1780 to go against the Brittish under
Dunlap-- We had a battle of Cain Creek in Burk
County-- Hemphill was killed and John Criswell
wounded both in our company--we got whiped-- I 
served in this Tour not less than 2 weeks.
In March 1781 I was drafted for a three months
Tour in Burk County--Harry Highland was Capt. Samuel
[illegible] Lieut, Edmund [illegible] issued our rations for
us each day Charles McDowell Genl.  we all rendezvoused
above Davis;s Station and it was then we
collected our Beaves, flour, Pack horses &c--we
understood  Genl. Rutherford was to join us with
more troops when we crossed the lookout mountain .
We marched down for the big Valey Towns on the mobile
River [crossed out-----] [illegible] we marched then and in
about 15 miles of the place as I understood we took on
Indian prisoners-- from him we learned that the Indians
and some Tories were embodied in large numbers
waiting and expecting our arrival.  Genl, Rutherford was
too weak to fight the enemy directed a [illegible]
In this Tour we burnt some Indian huts cut
down their corn and done them all the injury we
could, I firmly believe I served at least 4 months
in this Tour, though by the term of the draft I was only
bound to serve 3 months, If I recd. any written discharge
for this service it has slipt my memory--when our
retreat we had to kill and eat our horses to save us
from starvation.  I was discharged in August or 
Sept from this Tour
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension
or annuity except the present and declares that
Page 9

his name is not on the pension Roll of the agency of any State.

Answer to
1st  I was born in Buckingham County Virginia in the year 1763
2nd  I have no record of my age but my father has often told me
         I was just termed of 16 when I was first drafted
3rd   I was living in Burk County North Carolina when I was called 
         into the service.  Thence I moved after the revolution to 
         Greenville County, thence to Knox County where I have lived
          for 30 years.
4th   I was twice drafter for 3 months.  My other services was as a
         volunteer and all as a private.
5th  I never served with any Continental officers or Regiments.
6th  I am not certain that I ever recd. a written discharge.  If I ever
        did they have long since been lost and I do not know who
         signed them.
7th  Pierce Daut Hamblin, Joshua Lye, Benajer Harp James lee, &
        Joseph Peace  I doubt not if present would testify to my 
         character for veracity and their belief of my services as a 
         soldier of the revolution

Sworn to and subscribed the day and year above written
(  mark of Richard Ballew)

I Peter Ballew of the county of Whitley and state of Kentucky
resident on Poplar creek about one mile from my brother
Richard Ballew's-- Poplar creek being the dividing line between 
Knox and Whitley Counties --state upon my oath that I lived in
my fathers home with Richard Ballew the above applicant,
county of Burk
Page 10

and state of North Carolina and lived close neighbors
to him ever since --I am some years younger (6) than my
brother Richard and was never called into the service,--I 
have heard the statement of Richard read.  I had heard
him tell the same story so often from the time of the performance
of the several Tours; down to the present day.--that I knew it
almost as well as himself.  I know of my own knowledge,  that
he served the several Tours stated by him, or at least left
home with the troops-- and returned with them--I can not
say, like him, the lenth of some of the Tours-- but I had 
supposed and now believe that in the whole he served longer
than the time stated by him.  I state that I have always
understood from my brother that he got his ankle put out
of place in making a charge upon the enemy at the battle of
the [illegible]  as he has related it.--and I have from in
substance the same from the troops that were in that battle
with him.  I know he was a good while confined with it after
his return, and that he has been a cripple ever since at
least he is not able to get about without difficulty
himself, and as I understand from him it grows worse as he
grows older.  I know Col. J. McDowell--Genl. Charles McDowell--
Col, Cleaveland--Capt Fears,  Capt. Walker, Peter Russ, [illegible]
Harry Highland-- I know the Tory-- Capt. John Man[smudge] and
as to what happened at my Fathers, I know it to be as stated by
my brother,  I believe my brother is 70 years of age.
(signature of Peter Ballew)

And the said court do hereby declare their opinion
after the investigation of the matter and after putting the
interrogatories prescribed by the was department that the
above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier and
served as he states-- And the court further certifies that
Peter Bellew who has signed the preceeding certificate
is a credible man and his statements entitled to credit--
the court further certifies that it appears to them
Page 11

that the above applicant, is very poor, old, and lame and
that it would be very inconvenient for him to travel to
Rock[illegible] or Garrard County to get the evidence of
Jacob Grindstaff or Thomas Kennedy.
(signature of John Patten)Jp
(signature of Richardson Adams) JP
(signature of Joseph P[illegible] JP

I James F. Ballinger clerk of the Knox County Court
do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original
proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application 
of Richard Ballew for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and
affixed my seal of office this 25th Nov. 1833.
(signature of James F Ballinger)
Clerk of the Knox County Court
By
Gaualin Mershon acting Deputy

Barbourville
26th Nov. 1833

Hon. J. L., Edwards
You will perceive that the applicant is an invalid.
If he can be brought under the act for the relief of invalid
Soldiers, and you will be kind enough to apprise me of
it, the most undoubted proof by incurring a little [illegible]
can be procured of his having [illegible] the disability in the manner pointed out by him--the old soldier knows of one 
living witness who was with him in the engagement as the distance of about 70 miles from his place of residence.
Very respectfully
Your obt. Sevt.
Frank Bellinger
Page 12

17th Jan. 1834
State of Kentucky
January Term Knox County Court

We William Tumer residing in Harlan County
Kentucky and Joseph Pritchard Esq. residing in Knox 
hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Richard
Ballew who has subscribed and sworn to the above 
statement that we believe him to be 72 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 day and year above states 
(signature of William Tumer)
(signature of Joseph Pritchard)

and the said court do hereby declare their opinion that the said Richard Ballew was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states and the court testifies that it appears
to them that William Tumer of Harlan
County Kentucky and Joseph Pritchard Esq.
of Knox county Kentucky are credible persons and
their statements entitled to credit, we further certify that
it appears to us that there is no clergyman residing in
the neighbouorhood of the above applicant which is
upwards of 20 miles distant.

I James F. Ballinger clerk of the court of Knox County 
do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original
proceedings of the said court at its January Term 1834 in
the matter of the application of Richard Ballew for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set
my hand and seal of office this 27th Jan. 1834
(signature of James F. Ballinger)  Clk
Page 13

No. 28.787
Richard Ballew
Kentucky.

k.
for 1779 pr can
& Inf. 8mo. 26days

Pr Inf 3 mo           $10.
Pr. cav 5- 26 da     24.30
                  Total    $34.30
Page 19

15305
INVALID.

File No.  15.305
Richard Ballew
Pri  Rev  War

Act: June 7th  32
Index:  Vol.  1,  Page 24
Page 20

TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
SECOND COMPTROLLER'S OFFICE.
March 1st, 1843.

Sir:
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1938, entitled "An Act
directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners,
and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United
States," and the 3d section of the Act of August 23, 1842, extending
the time within which pensioners may receive their pensions from the
pension agents, Richard Ballew,
a Pensioner of the Roll of the Kentucky
Agency, at the rate of Thirty four Dollars
and 30 Cents per annum, under the law of the 7th June
1832, has been paid at this Department, from the
4th Sept. 1840. to the 4th Sept. 1841.
Respectfully, yours,
Albion K. Parris
Comptroller.


To the Commissioner of Pensions,
Present.
Page 21

TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
Second Comptroller's Office,
February 16th, 1841.

Sir:
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An
act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain
Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury
of the United States,"  Richard Ballew,
a Pensioner of the Roll of the Kentucky Agency, at
the rate of thirty four Dollars and 30 Cents
per annum, under the law of the 7th June 1832, has
been paid at this Department, from the 4th Sept. 1839,
to the 4th March 1840.
Respectfully yours,
Albion K. Parris
Comptroller.

To the Commissioner of Pensions,
Present.
Page 22

Barbourville
28th Jan. 1834

Hon'l J. L. Edward
I perceive from your figures, that if the 
papers are now in conformity with the rule of
the department, that Rich'd. Ballew will draw
for 12 mo.   26 days.
A mistake of my own as to your rules caused
the omission for which the papers were returned.
I will take some time to prepare his case as an
invalid, and even if he should succeed, as the increase
of his pay will be in proportion to the rate of his disability
and as he is still and always has been able to walk, the 
increase would be scarcly worth the trouble of preperation.
James Hall who was recently put on the pension 
roll from Harlan County Kentucky is an invalid--he
knows of no living person by whom he can prove the 
[illegible] of receiving his [illegible]-- he drew a pension from the State of North Carolina under their act for the relief of invalid Revolutionary soldiers for upwards of 21 years at the rate of 5 pounds starting per year.  If the certificate of the secritary of state for N. Carolina to the above facts would be considered sufficient to establish them, the other necessary proof can be made here--acknowledging  a duly [illegible] the favours heretofore [illegible] I must still ask information
Page 23

upon the point suggested
Very respectfully
Your obdt. Serv.
Frank Ballinger




Honl. J. L. Edwards
Page 24

Hon. Jno. White
Sp. H R
Page 25

State of Kentucky
County of Knox  S.S
On this 8th day of December 1842, before
me the subscriber a justice of the peace for the said
county of Knox, personally appeared Richard Ballew,
who on his oath declares that he is the same person
who formerly belonged to the company commanded by
Captain Henry Highland in the regiment commanded
by Colonel Joseph McDowell in the service of
the United States, that his name was placed on the
pension roll of the State of Kentucky; that he received
a certificate of that fact under the signature and
seal of the Secretary of War, which certificate on or
about the 15th day of November 1840, at the Town
of Barbourville, in the County of Knox aforesaid,
he placed in the hands of George M. Adams, with
a power of attorney to draw from the pension agency
his pension money; and which certificate was on or
about that time, or a short time subsequent thereto
lost or mislaid by the said Adams, or William P
Holloway of Lexington Kentucky, with whom the
said Adams states he deposited the same, so that
he  has been unable to obtain the possession of it.
He further states upon his oath that about
the time, or shortly after the loss of his certificate, 
he removed from the county of Knox to the county of
Rockcastle, and employed counsel to procure for 
him a new certificate, who informed him that Mr.
Holloway of Lexington Kentucky had his original
certificate; that he wrote to Mr. Holloway, who informed
him that he had enclosed his original certificate
to him by mail; and that he has since returned to
the county of Knox, and has never been able to get
possession of his said original certificate.
(mark of Richard Ballew)
Sworn and subscribed to before me the day and year aforesaid.
(signature of Richardson Adams) J.P.
Page 26

State of Kentucky, Knox County Sct.
I James F Ballinger clerk of the court
of Knox County, certify, that Richardson Adams
is a magistrate as above, and that the foregoing 
signature purporting to be his, is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto
affixed my seal of office and subscribed my
name, this 8th day of December 1842
(signature of James F. Ballinger)
Clerk of the Court of Knox County

State of Kentucky, Knox County Sct.
On this 8th day of December 1842, before
the Subscriber a justice of the peace for the said
county of Knox personally appeared Randolph Adams
and made oath that he well knows the above named
Richard Ballew to be the same person described in
the above affidavit.
(signature of Ran Adams)
Sworn to and subscribed before
me the day and year aforesaid
(signature of John Patton) J.P.

I John Patton, a justice of the peace for Knox
County,  certify, that the above deponent, Randolph
Adams is a person of veracity.  Given under my
hand this 8th day of December 1842.
(signature of John Patton) J.P.

State of Kentucky Knox County Sct
I James Ballinger clerk of the court of Knox
county certify that John Patton is a magistrate as
above, and that the foregoing signature purporting to be
his is genuine.  In testimony whereof I have hereunto
affixed my seal of office, and subscribed my name, this
8th day of December 1842.
(signature of James F. Ballinger)
Clerk of the Court of Kern County.
Page 27

State of Kentucky, Knox County Sct.
On this 8th day of December 1842, before
me the subscriber a justice of the peace, for the said
county of Knox personally appeared George M. Adams
and made oath that on or about the 15th day of Nov.
1840, Richard Ballew of Knox County Kentucky
placed in his hand his original certificate under the
signature of the Secretary of War, granting him a pension
together with a power of attorney to draw his pension money
and that shortly thereafter he deposited the said certificate
with William P. Holloway of Lexington Kentucky,
who has since informed him that he enclosed the same
to the said Richard Ballew by mail.
(signature of Geo. M. Adams)
Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year aforesaid
(signature of Richardson Adams) J.P.

State of Kentucky, Knox County Sct.
I James F. Ballinger clerk of the court of Knox
County, certify, that Richardson Adams is a magistrate as
above, and that the foregoing signature purporting
to be his  is genuine.  In testimony whereof i have
hereunto affixed my seal of office, and subscribed
my name, this 8th day of December 1842.
(signature of James F. Ballinger)

Clerk  of the Court of Knox County.
The name of John Patton was inserted in the last above
Certificate by Mistated, and erased by me and the name
of Richardson Adams inserted by me before my signing
said Certificate.
(signature of James F. Ballinger) Clerk