Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S 32053, John Weldon, S. C.
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(3-1776)

SERVICE   S.C.
Weldon, John
NUMBER  S 32053
CONTENTS

[lower right corner] This Envelope Includes FINAL PAYMENT VOUCHER Received from GAO
[handwritten] H. J. [/handwritten]  [/lower right corner]
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25,82
Arkansas
____________________
John Weldon
        Co.
of Independence in the State of Arkansas who was a (illegible) in the Company commanded by Captain Elleston, of the Regiment commanded by Col. Richardson in the S. Carolina line for 2 yrs  Dr of Carolina $100.00
_____________________________
Inscribed on the Roll of C Arkansas at the rate4 of 100 Dollars. Comes per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.
_________________________________
Certificate of Pension issued the 14th day of Jany and sent to 1834 (illegible) A. H Sevier, (illegible)
_______________________________
Arreats to the 4th of Sept 1833 -           250.00
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Mch '34    50.00
                                                               $300.00

Revolutionary Claim,)
Act June 7, 1832      )
__________________________________
Set to W Byers Sept 29 1846

Recorded by John T. Sprague, Clerk
Book 6 Vol. 8 Page 137
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Little Rock  10th April 1837

Received of William E. Woodruff Agent for paying Pensions Thirty two Dollars and twelve cents being for three months and twenty six days Pension due to Nancy Weldon widow of John Weldon late a Revolutionary Pensioner from the fourth day fo September 1834 to the 30th day of March, 1835 for which I have signed duplicate receipts  $32.12
Townsend Dickinson

[stamped in reverse] FINAL PAYMENT VOUCHER Received from GAO [/stamped in reverse]
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John Weldon

The Pension certificate of John Weldon will be directed to Hunter Dickinson Registrar of the Land Office Batesville (illegible)

27.333

H. Sevier
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Territory of Arkansas
County of Independence

At the July Term of the County Court of said County A. D. 1833


     On this first day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty three personally appeared in open court before the Justices of the County Court of Independence County and Territory of Arkansas now sitting John Weldon a resident of said County and Territory aged seventy four 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 seventh A.D. 1832.  That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated to wit.  That he was born on the seventeenth day of August A. D. 1757 in Halifax County State of Virginia, and that he has a record of his age in his bible at home.  That in the summer 1774 he joined a volunteer company of calvary under Captain Robert Ellison at St. Marks Parish Craven's County and State of South Carolina, and attached to the Regiment of which John Winn was Lieutenant Colonel and a W Richardson Colonel, regularly embodied, raised by the authority and received into the service of said State of South Carolina.  That at the time he entered the service he lived in said County.  That as soon as he joined said company, he immediately entered into service, marched to Congaree River and joined the balance of the Regiment under said Col. Richardson, and marched from thence with said Regiment to Reyburn's Creek and after taking a body of Tories under one Colonel Fletcher a British officer marched to near Congaree river again when they were for the time dismissed with orders with orders to hold themselves in readiness for further services when required having then been out on duty upwards of six months, having been out in pursuit of a Body of Tories there called and well known by the name of Scofilietes.  That he reached home as he thinks about the middle of January A. D. 1775 and remained there until as near as he can recollect the first day of March ensuing when he with said company were again called out under the same officers and marched to Charleston and there did one months tour of duty in Garrison.  Then marched back to said Cravens County to a place called Winnsborough and were dismissed for the time with the same orders to hold themselves in readiness, he remained at home until the spring following being however still continued in service and mustered monthly, to wit, in April 1776 he with said Company under the same officers were again ordered to Charleston to which he marched and was there put under the Command of Col Matthew Singleton and was engaged in Garrison duty there (during which the Battle at Fort Moultrie on Sullivan's Island took and during which this Deponent was under arms in Charleston) nine weeks when he was again marched back again, to Craven's County and the men directed to separate but to hold themselves in readiness for service when necessary.  While he was in Charleston and on the day the battle of Sullivan's Island was fought information was received that the Cherokee Indians had made an attack on the frontiers of South Carolina and murdered a number of families, in consequence of which information he immediately on his return home joined another horse company under Captain Joseph Kertland and marched to Gilders Creek on the frontiers of said state and ranged along said frontiers under the General Command of Captain Thomas Woodward in the District Commanded by General Williamson, but who at that time was gone into the Cherokee Nation on an expedition, and then after having ranged as aforesaid one month were marched home again and the company dismissed, he does not now recollect distinctly how long he was engaged in marching to and from said frontiers.  While at home still considered as in service and mustered monthly, until he thinks in July 1777 he was again ordered out in the fork between Broad
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April 1776 he with said Company under the same officers were again ordered to Charleston to which he marched and was there put under the Command of Col Matthew Singleton and was engaged in Garrison duty there (during which the Battle at Fort Moultrie on Sullivan's Island took and during which this Deponent was under arms in Charleston) nine weeks when he was again marched back again, to Craven's County and the men directed to separate but to hold themselves in readiness for service when necessary.  While he was in Charleston and on the day the battle of Sullivan's Island was fought information was received that the Cherokee Indians had made an attack on the frontiers of South Carolina and murdered a number of families, in consequence of which information he immediately on his return home joined another horse company under Captain Joseph Kertland and marched to Gilders Creek on the frontiers of said state and ranged along said frontiers under the General Command of Captain Thomas Woodward in the District Commanded by General Williamson, but who at that time was gone into the Cherokee Nation on an expedition, and then after having ranged as aforesaid one month were marched home again and the company dismissed, he does not now recollect distinctly how long he was engaged in marching to and from said frontiers.  While at home still considered as in service and mustered monthly, until he thinks in July 1777 he was again ordered out in the fork between Broad River and Saluda, upon what was called the Dutch fork, to impress wagons horses and provisions for an expedition then preparing to go against St. Augustine, which duty was performed while the Troops were collecting, and in August as he thinks, he marched under the same Captain to wit Robert Ellison, Col John Winn & General Williamson and marched to St. Mary on the frontiers of Georgia (this was called the Florida Expedition) and seventeen miles beyond to Trout Creek where there was a fort which had been evacuated by the British and burned said fort, then marched back to Cravens County again and dismissed as they had previously been having been out at least three months but does not recollect the precise period, he remained at home until he believes in March 1778 he was again called out and mustered in service under the same officers & marched to Augusta near Augusta where the Regiment was divided one part of which marched to Augusta under Col Winn the other part with this deponent to Orangeburgh under the Command of Captain Robert Ellison then also acting as Major, where he was stationed and where he had his arm so much injured as to render him for the time unfit for duty and a furlough given to him to return home until it should get well which he did and immediately on his return
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home he sent his Brother Samuel Weldon to Orange Burgh (Orangeburg) as his substitute to perform duty in his place while he should be absent, that his brother went on joined the troops at Orange Burgh and from thence to Charleston, retreating from General Provost and continued to do duty as his substitute until after the Battle of Stono, between General Lincoln and General Provost, said substitute at that time being under the command of General Lincoln, the troops with which said substitute was acting were then marched back to Craven's County and directed to separate with the same orders as before - he does not recollect distinctly the time when the troops returned but thinks it was in July though he may be mistaken as to the time.  During this period a promotion took place (while they were at home), and the Deponent was elected First Lieutenant and Commissioned by John Rutledge Governor of the State of South Carolina, and entered upon the duties of his office mustering and exercising the men monthly, that he was commissioned as he thinks in 1779 - that the Company remained at home as he thinks until about the first of April the troops in which he served were again called he acting in his capacity of First Lieutenant, and marched under Lieutenant Col Joseph Brown for the purpose of getting in Charleston and got within about seventy miles of Charleston when he was met by Governor Rutledge, and his guard who ordered the Troops back stating there was no doubt but that the city was then in possession of the British, he having made his escape, and he with the Troops returned to Craven's County and were dismissed with the same orders as before to hold themselves in readiness the Troop having been out upwards of a month - while at home he was taken prisoner by the Tories and carried to Camden and as far as the jail door, but then dismissed on parole and permitted to return home; which he did; shortly after which he was informed by a Tory Sergeant that in consequence of a proclamation signed by Lord Cornwallis he must deliver himself up or join the Enemy, which he believed, and which rather than do he broke his parole collected a few of the men of his company took the command of them (Col Winn & Major Ellison being then prisoners, and his Captain having joined the British) and marched to and joined General Sumpter near the Cawtawba (Catawba) fields not far from the frontiers of South Carolina and was attached to the Regiment commanded by Col Edward Lacey of which a CW McGriff was Lieutenant Colonel, and a W John McClue his Captain, and in a few days after he thinks not exceeding four or five days they marched about twenty five miles above Camden and fought a Battle at the Hanging Rock (he still acting as first Lieutenant) where Captain McClure was killed, then marched back to Charlotte Town - Mecklenberg (Mecklenburg) County North Carolina & was then put under the command of Captain Hugh Knox and marched in various directions until the battle of fish dam ford on Broad River where he with the Troops were surprised in the night by the Enemy under one Col  Wymons where General Sumpter was wounded, from thence he with the Troops went westward until he was engaged in a skirmish with Col Tarlton at Black Stocks ford upon as he believes in Tiger River and continued in service until after peace when he with the Troops were discharged at General Green's Camp upon the Santee river, tho he (this Deponent) continued in service one month after at Orange Burg before he returned home.
      That when he first joined the troops he lived near what is now WinnsBorough fairfield District as he believes, there known by the name of St marks parish Craven County South Carolina -  That from A. D. 1774 until the latter part of 1775 he was a private in the ranks he was then appointed
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to Charlotte Town - Mecklenberg (Mecklenburg) County North Carolina & was then put under the command of Captain Hugh Knox and marched in various directions until the battle of fish dam ford on Broad River where he with the Troops were surprised in the night by the Enemy under one Col Wymons where General Sumpter was wounded, from thence he with the Troops went westward until he was engaged in a skirmish with Col Tarlton at Black Stocks ford upon as he believes in Tiger River and continued in service until after peace when he with the Troops were discharged at General Green's Camp upon the Santee river, tho he (this Deponent) continued in service one month after at Orange Burg before he returned home.
That when he first joined the troops he lived near what is now WinnsBorough fairfield District as he believes, there known by the name of St marks parish Craven County South Carolina - That from A. D. 1774 until the latter part of 1775 he was a private in the ranks, he was then appointed first Sergeant until 1779 a period of about four years when he was commissioned first Lieutenant and continued first Lieutenant until the end of the war - he never had any written Discharge as either private or Sergeant - nor was any given to any of the men - That his commission with all his other papers relating to his services in the Revolutionary war and all other papers were burned up in his house (and house also) in Christian County, Kentucky on the 16th day of March A. D. 1804.  And that he knows no person now living who can testify to his services.  After the peace he lived in said Craven's County South Carolina until 1788, then moved to Wilkes County Georgia and resided there until 1796 when he moved to Christian County Kentucky and resided there until 1914 when he moved to Johnson County, Illinois and resided there until 1818 when he moved to Arkansas Territory where he now resides.  During the whole period of his service he acted with troops regularly embodied and variably competent authority, that during the time he was engaged in no other pursuit and carried himself as a soldier during the whole war - for his character for veracity and good behavior he would refer to the following named individuals to wit Reuben Millsaps, Charles H. Pelham, Joseph H. Egner, Alfred Arnold and Townsend Dickinson.  That he was acquainted with Paul Sumpter, Paul Marion, Governor Rutledge, Paul Andrew Pickens and many others in addition to those heretofore mentioned with whom he served.  Said John Weldon requests that if the foregoing Declaration is not sufficient to procure his pension as a commissioned officer that he be granted the pension of a Sergeant or a private
Page 9

I the foregoing named John Weldon do hereby relinquish every claim whatever to a pension or Annuity - except the present and declare that my name is not on the pension Roll of the agency of any state or Territory.

Sworn to and subscribed in open)
Court the day & year aforesaid   )

                           (signed) John Weldon
William Arnold
presiding Justice

We Townsend Dickinson Reuben Millsaps Charles H. Pelham Joseph H. Egner Thomas S. Carter & Alfred Arnold residing in the County of Independence and Territory aforesaid do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with John Weldon who has sworn to and subscribed the foregoing Declaration and that we believe him to be seventy four years of age and that he is repute and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a solider of the Revolution, and that the belief is general and no doubts exist upon the subject, and from our knowledge of him we would place implicit confidence in any statements made by him on oath.  And that he is a man of truth and veracity and good behavior in the neighborhood where he resides.

Sworn to and subscribed before us this
day & date aforesaid
William Arnold
Presiding Justice                (signed)
                                      Reuben Millsaps
                                      C H Pelham
                                      J. H. Egner
                                      Ths. S. Carter
                                      Alfred Arnold
                                       Townsend Dickinson

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 name Applicant John Weldon was a Revolutionary soldier and served as he states, that the belief is general and no doubts have ever existed upon the subject.  And the court further certifies that it has been made satisfactorily to appear that the only two resident clergyman residing near the Court are absent from the county and that the said John Weldon could not without too much expense and inconvenience procure their attendance for this court.  And the Court from the respectability of the Applicant himself as well of those who have signed the preceding certificate did not deem it necessary.  And further certify that Reuben Millsaps Charles H. Pelham Joseph H. Egner, Thomas S. Carter Alfred Arnold and Townsend Dickinson are all residents of said county and are creditable and respectable persons and their statements entitled to full credit.

William Arnold
Presiding Justice
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Territory of Arkansas
County of Independence

At the July Term of the County Court of said County AD 1833

I Charles H. Pelham clerk of the circuit and county courts in and for the County of Independence and Territory of Arkansas do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings in the matter of the application of John Weldon for a pension.
     In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this first day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty three and of the Independence of the United States the 57th year.

                      C. H. Pelham Clerk

John Weldon
  The Pension certificate of John Weldon will be directed to Townsend Dickinson Registrar of the Land Office Batesville AD
                                 27.333
Hon. A. H. Sevice

     I Thomas P. Eskridge one of the United States Judges for the Territory of Arkansas do hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with the above named John Weldon and that I have no doubt of his having been a Revolutionary soldier and that the declaration herewith made by him as to his service and rank are true, for I have known  him a number of years and his standing in society is respectable, and I do further certify that I am acquainted with Harding Hulsey Myrick  D Newton Townsend Dickinson, Charles H. Pelham, Joseph H. Egner, and Alfred Arnold - and that their statements are entitled to full credit.

                 Tho. P. Eskridge
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32053

Revy INVALID.

File No. 32,053
John Weldon
Pri Rev War

Act:  June 7" 32"
Index:--Vol. 2, Page 443

[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 12

(stamped)
BATESVILLE
Ark 
Sep 9              Sept 29 '46    
 
PAID             10
To the Commissioner of
Pension
Washington City
D. C.
Mr. Weldon
Ark/Ill
Page 13

Batesville Arkansas    }
September 8th 1846  }

To the Commissioner of Pensions }
Washington City D. C.                     }

Sir:  Mr. John Weldon a Revolutionary Pensioner on the Arkansas roll died in this county on the 31st day of March A. D. 1835 leaving a [underlined] widow [/underlined] who is still living.  I believe she is entitled to something on account of her husband having been a Pensioner.  She is very poor old and feeble and [illegible] she is entitled to anything stands in great need thereof.
Will you please be so kind as to inform me what she is entitled to, and in what way she should proceed to obtain the same!
Direct your answer to this to me at this place.

Respectfully &c.
W. Byers
Page 14

Batesville A. T.   }                  Free
Decr 17th            }

Honbl. A. H. Sevier
Washington City
Page 15

Batesville Dec. 16 - 1833

A H Sevier 

Dear Sir

     I thought that by last mail I did among others send you the claim for Pension of Jno Weldon but I believe not - he has done all he saw here & causes you can help him - he must give up - If the commission is absolutely indispensable & you cannot get evidence of his having been commissioned from the Executive of Carolina - cannot he get the pension of a private - Please make inquiry as to the application of Jno Robinson of Jackson County.  the old man specially requested to write you in great haste.
                           Your friend &
                           on (illegible)
                       Townsand D Dickinson

No news here - except that there is a perfect millennium I am told at the Rock now peace & harmony & politics searching mentioned and that is news
Page 16

27.333
John Weldon
Arkansas

Adm 2 yrs/mis car
     $100

Hon A. H. Sevier
Ho Of Reptn
Page 17

                    WAR DEPARTMENT
                          Pension Office,
                                   Aug 13th 1834

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 direct, 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.

Statement, shewing the Service of John Weldon
____________________________________
Period when the service was rendered.
_____________________________________
Duration of 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.
_________________________________

                      I am, respectfully,
                            Your obedient servant,
                            JAMES L. EDWARDS,
                            Commissioner of Pensions.

The commission of the Claimant must be produced, and satisfactory proof he was duly Commissioned and Serving in that capacity for the times alleged.  See note.
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REGULATION 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 claim
ing the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, mucicians 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} ss.
County of                                 }

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_______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. (e) 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 days 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 if 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
Page 19


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 Solder.     } 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 be come 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 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."

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 place 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.

[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 affix 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 [i] 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 insepensible 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.
Page 20

John Weldon

Payments to be made at Little Rock, AKS by Wm. E. Woodruff Esqr. Agent for paying Pensioners in the Agency of AKS

Recorded in the Pension Office in Book C Vol. 8 Page 137 by John D. Sprague Clerk

[stamped] FINAL PAYMENT VOUCHER Received fromGAO [/stamped]
Page 21

WAR DEPARTMENT.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.

I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7th June, 1832, John Weldon of the State of Arkansas who was a Private of Cavalry during the Revolutionary War is entitled to receive One Hundred dollars and [blank] cents per annum, during his natural life, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and 4th of September in every year.

Given at the War Office of the United States, this 14th day of January one thousand eight hundred and thirty-four.

[evidence of stamp]  
Lew Cass
Secretary of War.

Examined and   }
Countersigned  }  J L Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 22

State
Territory of Arkansas
County of Independence

     Know all men by these presents that I Nancy Weldon of John Weldon late of the County of Independence a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States do hereby constitute and appoint Townsend Dickinson my true and lawful attorney, for me and in my name to receive from the agent of the United States for paying pensions at Little Rock in the State of Arkansas.  The pension due to said John Weldon now deceased from the fourth day of September 1834 to the 30th day of March 1835.  Witness my hand and seal this 5th day of April 1837
                                                    her
Sealed & delivered       Nancy X Weldon       
in presence of                            mark
Rich'd Peel

State of Arkansas            )
County of Independence) ss
In the County Court for April Term 1837

     Be it known that on the 5th day of April 1837 personally appeared in open court Nancy Weldon above named and acknowledged the foregoing Power of Attorney to be her act and deed.
    In Testimony whereof I William Moore Clerk of the Circuit & County Court have herewith set my hand & affixed my seal of office the day and year aforesaid.

               William Moore Clk
Page 23

State of Arkansas
County of Independence      

County Court April Term 1837

     Be it known that before me Richard Peel Judge of the County Court in and for said County of Independence personally appeared in open court Nancy Weldon widow of John Weldon named in an original certificate of bearing date at the war department on the fourteenth day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty four and signed Lewis Cass, Secretary at War - which certificate she exhibited to me and by which it appears that said John Weldon deceased was entitled to one hundred dollars per annum and that she has not intermarried, but continues the widow of the above named John Weldon.
                                  her
                       Nancy   X  Weldon
                                  mark

Sworn to and subscribed before
me in open court this 5 day of 
April 1837
Rich'd Peel

State of Arkansas
County of Independence
     I William Moore Clerk of the Circuit and County Courts in and for said County do hereby certify that that the above named Richard Peel is Judge of said County Court did contemplate & qualified and that full faith and credit be done to his act, as (illegible).
     In testimony whereof I have herewith set my hand and seal of office this 5th day of April AD 1937.

                William Moore Clk

State of Arkansas
County in Independence

     I William Moore do hereby certify that satisfactory evidence was this day addressed in open court that the above named John Weldon died on the thirtieth day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty five and that his widow Nancy Weldon unmarried and continues the widow of the above named John Weldon.
In Testimony where of I have hereunto set my hand as clerk and affixed my seal of office this 5th day of April AD 1837
                      
                        William Moore Clk
Page 24

State of Arkansas )
County of Pulaski )s.s.

Be it known, that on the tenth day of April 1837 before the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County personally appeared Townsend Dickinson the Attorney named in the foregoing power of attorney, and made oath that the same was not given him by reason of any sale transfer or mortgage of the pension, or arrears of pension therein authorized to be received by him.
                               Townsend Dickinson

Sworn & subscribed the day &
year last mentioned
John Hull, J. P.

State of Arkansas )
County of Pulaski ) s. s.

I Lemuel R. Lincoln clerk of the circuit & county courts in and for said county do hereby certify that John Hull whose name is attached to the forgoing certificate is duly & regularly commissioned and qualified, as a Justice of the peace & that due faith & credit is and ought to be given to his act as such.
     In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand as clerk & affixed my seal of office at Little Rock this 10th day of April AD 1837

                  Lemuel R Lincoln Clk


No. 2
7th June 1832.
Nancy Weldon
widow of John Weldon Dec'd,
$32.12

Rec'd
7 June, '32
10 Apl 1837