Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 917, James Bleakley, S.C.
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(3 - 1776)
SERVICE S. C.
Bleakley, James or
Blakely
NUMBER  R. 917
Born in Pa
CONTENTS
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26050
Et Parte
James Blakely⎬
Applicant
for
a Pension
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State of South Carolina
Laurens District
On this twenty ninth day of March One thousand Eight hundred and thirty three personally appeared in open Court His Honor Josiah J. Evan one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas now sitting, James Blakely a resident of Laurens District and State aforesaid aged seventy seven years second of March [illegible] 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 7th 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated.
He served to the best of his recollection
five months under the command of Captain
John Roger Col James Williams, afterwards killed at Kings Mountain, being his superior Officer -
He this term of his service was during the year 1774 or 1775. he well remembers, that he was
engaged in several battles with the Indians, who about this time had committed many outrages and murders on the frontier settlements.
During this expedition the company in which he served penetrated to a considerable distance into Indian Country.
Some time, perhaps several years, after this
expedition against the Indians, he served to the best of his recollection three or four months under the command of Captain Andrew Berry in numerous scouting parties against the Tories, During this term of service Col Thomas Brennan was his superior officer, he does not remember any particular engagement or battle, for a part of
the time he was stationed at a fort near the hid-an line, called Prince ^a^ fort for the purpose of checking the incursions of the Indians. His terms of services under Captain Berry and Rogers embraces the two principal periods of his service. He is confident he served not less than six months in fact more.
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He does not remember the year distinctly in which he served under Captain Berry which was the last regular period of his service, but
thinks it must have been in 1778 or 79 from his
recollection that he was about 18 years of age
when he first entered the service.
He remembers distinctly that he was under the
command of Capt Berry at the time of the Battle of Kittle Creek in which the Tories
were defeated. He was not in that Battle nor can he be certain as to the date of it.
At the time he entered the service he was residing near the place where he now live, his father having removed from the State of Pensylvania [Pennsylvania] some years previous, and when applicant was very
Young. He did not serve in company with
any Continental regiments of companies.
He knows of no documentary evidence that could be useful in the investigation of his
claim and he knows of no person or at least
of any one ^cannot remember^ who can testify as to his services except his Brother Thomas Blakely who served with him in the aforementioned expedition against the Indians, and he certifying to that fact under oath,
He was born in Pensylvania [Pennsylvania] March 2 1756 as his father and mother have informed him He has no record of his age, the family record having been lost or misplaced.
He now lives in Laurens District and State
aforesaid and has lived there ever since the Revolutionary war.
He considers himself as having entered
the service as a volunteer He never received any written discharge from the service
In his present neighbourhood [neighborhood] he is known to James Parks, James Harlan, John Ross Robert Cunningham and others any ^of^ whom could certify as to his character for 
or truth, and as to his being reputed and believed a soldier of the revolution
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he hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to
a pension or annuity except the present
and declares that his name is not on the
pension roll of any State
Sworn to and subscribed
the day and year aforesaid
James Bleckley
John Garlington
Clk
L Dist
We James Harlan a Clergyman residing in the
State and District aforesaid and Robert Cunningham residing in the same hereby certify that we are well acquainted with James Blakely who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we belive [believe] him to be seventy seven years of age, that he is reputed and relieve in the neighbourhood [neighborhood] where he resides to have
been a soldier of the revolution, and that
we concur in that opinion.
James Harlan
Robt Cunningham

Sworn to and subscribed
the day and year aforesaid
same has

John Garlington clk L. Dis
And the said Court do hereby declare their
opinion after the investigation of the matter
and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the war department, that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies that it appears to them that James Harlan who
signed the preceeding [preceding] certificate is a Clergyman resident in the State and District aforesaid, and that Robt Cunningham who has also signed the same is a resident in the State and District aforesaid and a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit
JosiahJ.  Evans
Presiding Judge
29. March 1833
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I John Garlington
Clerk of the Court of Laurens
District do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings
of the said Court in the
matter of the application of James Blakely Sr. for
a pension
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set
my hand and seal of office this
29th March 1833. John Garlington
Clk.  L. Dist.
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South Carolina
4 April '34
FREE

[stamp] LAURENS  S.C. MAR 28
J. L. Edwards Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.C
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South Carolina
Laurens District
James Blakely who made application for pension in this Court at March Term 1833, the date of which application will appear from his papers placed on the files of the war office submit the following as the best & only, amendment which he can supply to said application

As alleged in his declaration his first term of service consisted of a 5 months tour against the Indians under the command of Captain John Rodgers - Col James Williams who fell at Kings Mountain was the officer who commanded the company, with others, to which applicant was attached. Major Andrew Pickens was also one of the Superior Officers under whom he served
-
In reference to the above mentioned period of his service he cannot now be more specific as to its
details than he was in his Original declaration - he can only say that the arrangement was, that he
as well as others was to serve not less than 3 nor more than 5 months, and he is certain as to
5I months
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be thought there & thinks now that he was called into service by competent authority. He does not know that Capt Rodger's Company could be considered as volunteers or drafted men but certain it is they composed a portion of the State Militia and were ordered into service by proper authority. This 5 months tour as before stated was during the years 1774 or- 75- at this time he
cannot be positive which year it was:- Applicant is now about 78 years of age & the lapse of time
is so great in the life of man that he can not swear safely to the identical year

After the expiration of the 5 months tour he was disengaged from the public service for several years at least, he was employed in nothing further than occasional scout against the Tories, for this it means he cannot claim but for two months service at Princes Fort on the frontiers he suppose himself to be entitled, for if his first tour to be admissible, he conceives this to also, for he served at the fort alluded to under the command of Captain Andrew Berry he is certain that Capt Berry was ordered into service by the Superior militia
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authority of the Country- but at this time he knows of no one living whom he can call on to prove this portion of his service nor can he remember the name of the Col at this time. he only knows that he was ordered by Captain Berry who he [illegible] acted under the instructions of competent authority and that he recd a discharge from Capt Berry which is unfortunately lost-
[signed] James Bleckley

I John Garlington Clerk of Laurens District do hereby certify that the applicant James Bleckley did this day appear before me was duly qualified to the foregoing amendment to his original declaration for a pension.

Given under my hand & seal of office at Laurens Court House this 22 March 1834
John Garlington
Clk Laurens Dis
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No 26050
James Blakely Laurens District
South Carolina
Rejected, 23 Augt. 1833
Let to John Garlington
Laurens C.H.
S. Car.
Jno Garlington Clk Laurens District 
S. Carolina
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WAR DEPARTMENT
Pension Office,
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. the notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus:) You will, when
you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and
you will, by compling [complying] with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing [showing] the service of James Blakely Jr. Lawrence District South Carolina
Table Headings: Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Years, Months, Days. Rank of the Claimant. Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. Proof by which the declaration is supported.
- Served 1774 o1775, na, 5, na. Private, Cap Rogers, Col Williams, 77 years Laurens District, South Carolina. Traditionary evidence. paper correct
- Served 1178 or 1779. na, 3 or 4, na. Cap Berry col Brennan, ", "
The applicant must state what year he performed his first service.
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
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2
REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted: This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service. but not those who were occasionally employed with, the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c. Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of Private Armed Vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
1. The Regular Troops.
2. The State Troops. Militia, and Volunteers.
3. Persons employed in the Naval service.
4. Indian Spies.
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons, claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of County of }ss.
On this day of personally appeared (a) before A.B. a resident (b) of in the county of and State, Territory or District of aged (c) years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) , with and served in the (e) regiment of the line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I of the Court of do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this day of &c.
If, on examination of the proper record the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the and C. D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with , who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be 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 aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B. who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman, resident in the and that C.D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, Clerk of the Court of do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this day of &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but it neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his
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3
alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore. these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County, in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
1. Where and in what year were you born?
2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?
3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?
5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.
6. To a Soldier. Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given and what has become of it?
To an Officer. Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify, to the character and standing of other persons, giving such certificates.
The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court. Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the peace. the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance. [b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
" Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of bis 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 mouths and days, I served as a and for such service I claim a pension."
{It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months, is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with au embodied corps called into service by competent authority that lie was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office. The notes from [a] to [j] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[k] This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
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December 11, 1934
XXXXXXXXXXX
BA-J/EEL
James Bleakley-R.917
Miss Martha Blakeley
Byron
Georgia
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the pension record of James Blakeley, 1756-1838, of Laurens District,
South Carolina, who served as a private in the South Carolina
Line under Captain Rogers and Captain Berry.
The data which follow were obtained from the papers on file
in Revolutionary War pension claim, R. 917, based upon the military
service of James Bleakley in that war.
James Bleakley (as he signed his name) was born March 2, 1756,
in the state of Pennsylvania, and with his parents removed from that
state when very young. The names of his parents are not shown.
On March 29, 1833, while residing in Laurens District, South Carolina, where, he stated, he had resided ever since the Revolution,
James Bleakley applied for pension and stated that he enlisted in
1774 or 1775, in Laurens District, South Carolina, and served five
months in Captain John Rogers' Company, Colonel James Williams'
South Carolina Company; that they marched to the Indian country and
that he was in several engagements with the Indians: that he again
enlisted in 1778 or in 1779, and served two months in Captain
Andrew Berry's Company, Colonel Thomas Brennon's South Carolina Regiment; and that in this service he was engaged in scouting against
the Tories.
His claim was not allowed as he failed to furnish proof of service
of six months as required by the pension laws.
There are no data as to wife or children.
Soldier referred to his brother, Thomas, the age and place of
residence of the latter are not shown and there are no further data
as to family.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant to the Administrator.
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June 16, 1910,
Hon. Joseph W. Byrns,
House of Representatives.
My dear Mr Byrns:

In reply to your letter dated the 14"" and received the
15"" instant, I have the honor to advise you that in the claim of James
Blakley, or Bleakley, R. File No. 917, Revolutionary War, it is alleged
that the soldier was born in Pennsylvania, March 2, 1756, and while residing
in South Carolina in 1774 or 1775, served five months under Captain John
Rogers and Colonel James Williams and was engaged in several battles with
Indians. In 1778 or 1779 he served two months under Captain Andrew Berry
and Colonel Thomas Brennan.
He applied for pension March 29, 1833, while a resident of Laurens
District, South Carolina; his claim was rejected because he did not furnish
satisfactory proof of service.
Page 17

Rejected - See let
23 August 1832 to could not find
John Garlington
Lauren  CH
So Ca
Let to same
8 Apr 34
896
Act June [illegible]

Dept of War
Pen Office
Apr. 8. 1834
Sir:
the claim of James
Blakely has been examined and
find no good reasons for
changing my decision of Aug.
23, 1833. The applicant has
thrown no light, or given any satisfactory explanation upon the
Subject.
He states that he
entered the service in the
year 1774 or 1775, which, he
does not know.  this is a
very material point as
the war did not commence
until Apr. 1775, to claim
for services attributed?
to that period can be
allowed.
The papers
remain upon the files of
the office
Mr. Garlington,
Clk Laurens Dist
S.C.
Page 18

Aug 9 '99
Mrs Ellen McConnell
Talladega Alabama
1910 June 16 Hist to
J. W. Byrns Letter in
F. 392.) V.L.K.M.
1934 - Dec.  11 Hist to
Miss Martha Blakeley
[illegible]
Ex'r 917 INVALID.
REJECTED
917
James Blakely
P.O.
Service:
Printed list of 1862 shows cause of rejected.
Enlisted:    , 18  
Discharged: 'he did not serve six months" , 18
Application filed: , 18 
Alleges:
Re-enlisted:
Attorney:
P. O.
Page 19

John Garlington
April 5 1834
G. C.
Recd. Vol. 24.
Page 20

Depart of War
Pen Office 
Apl 8 1834
Sif

The claim of James Blakey has been examined
and I find no good reason for changing my
decision of [Illegible] Aug 1833.
The applicant has [illegible] no light or [illegible] any satisfactory explanation upon the subject
He says that he entered with a you 
1774 or 1775 which, he can not know that is a very [illegible] point as the war did not commence until Apl 1775 the claim for [illegible] that period can be allowed.
The papers remain [illegible]
War Office.
J Garlington Esq
Clk Laurens Dist
S.C.
Page 21

CONGRESSIONAL
3-871
RECORD DIVISION.
Department of the Interior,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.

Briefed by
W. T  C.
Claim No. 6/15/10
Certificate No.
Claimant
Soldier James Blakely
Service S. C. Rev.
Additional Service.
No. claim, State records 190.
No claim, combination records 190.
REMARKS:
No claim as above
except O W  Rej 917
0-8 Chief Division
Page 22

Byron Ga
Nov 28.34
Veterans Administration
Wash. D.C.
Dear sir
Please send me pension
record of James Blakeley 1756 -1838-
of Laurens District S.C.
private in a line under
Capt. Rogers & Capt Berry
oblige
(Miss) Martha Blakeley
[stamp] RECEIVED NOV 28 1934 MAIL SUB-DIV. READER 12 VETS