Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 4601, for Thomas Tatum, Virginia
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Service VA
Tatum, Thomas
         Margaret
Number W. 4601
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August the 13..1774
I Thomas Tatum was married to Margrit Dagnall
Elesabeth An Tatum was born in the year of our lord god feb the 12th 1776
Poly Henderson Tatum was born in the year of our lord god December the 1th 1777
James Tatum was born in the years of our Lord god January the 3rd..1781
Richard Tatum was born in the year of our lord god February the 27  1783
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Henry Tatum was born in the years of our Lord January the 15th 1786
Juda Tatum was born in the years of our Lord November the 27th 1788
Thomas Tatum was born in the years of our lord november the 11th 1791
Pegy Tatum was born in the years of our Lord June the 7th 1794
Jessica Tatum was born in the year of our Lord November the 5th 1797

April the 28th 1785
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Reported 
Letter to W.J.B. Bedford 27 March 1843

Date of widow's death not on AB

Virginia      3.843
Margarett Tatum
widow of Thomas Tatum
who died on the 27th October 1813
of Charlotte Co. in the State of Virginia
who was a private in the Company commanded by Captain Michoux of the Regt commanded by Col. Skipwith in the Virginia Militia line for 6 months.

Inscribed in the Roll of Virginia at the rate of 20 Dollars per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March 1831

Certificate of Pension issued the 2d day of March 1843 and sent to W.J.B. Bedford, Charlotte C.H. Va

Arrears to the 4th of Sep 1842.. $230.00
Semi=annual allowance ending 4 March '43  10.00
$240.00

Revolutionary Claim Act July 4, 1836, 
Section two

Recorded by H.S. Evans  Clerk.
Book 6 Vol 1 Page 172
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V 4287
Declaration of 
"Margarett Tatum"
for a pension
under auth. 4th July, 1836

Admitted 
6 mo. priv.
$20

Wm J. B. Bedford
Hon. J. W. Bouldin
Charlotte County Virginia
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Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the Third Section of the Act of Congress of the 4th July, 1836 
State of Virginia: Charlotte County to wit:
On this 16th day of October 1838, personally appeared before us a Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid, Margarett Tatum, a resident of said County and State, aged 86 years. Who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of provision made by the Act of Congress passed July 4th 1836.
That she is the widow of Thomas Tatum, late of Charlotte, who was a soldier in the Militia service of the United States in the War of the Revolution. She recollects distinctly, that after she was married to him, he was drafted in the Militia, and served two tours of duty; one shortly after marriage, and the other sometime towards the latter part of the war. That in consequence of old age and bodily infirmity, her memory has become very defective, in so much, that she cannot recollect the exact dates of his service, and the immediate Officer under whom he was drafted; but recollects that he marched to Portsmouth in Virginia at one time, to Guilford at another time, and was at the siege of Yorktown. That Col. Skipwith, Col. Randolph and General Lawson were commanding Officers. She feels perfect confidence in saying that he served longer than six months in the whole. That her said husband resided during the War in Cumberland County, and was drafted in that county. That
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after the close of the war, they settled in Charlotte County where she at present resides. That she does not at present recollect a single living person by who m she can prove the services of her late husband, but thinks, that if she were able to travel to Cumberland, she might obtain satisfactory evidence. Under the circumstances, she can only adduce traditionary evidence and the beliefs and impressions of such old soldiers, and her neighbors that were intimately acquainted with him, before and after the war, and during the war.
She further declares that she was married to the said Thomas Tatum on the 13th day of August 1776, in the County of Cumberland, by the publication of banns, according to the rites and ceremonies of the Church of England: at least the August after the Declaration of Independence was proclaimed. As to exact dates, she cannot be positive, for the reason before assigned. She further declares that she was married to the said Thomas Tatum, before the last term of his service expired, and that she has never married since the death of her said husband, and still continues to be his widow. That her husband, the aforesaid Thomas Tatum, died on the 27th day of October, 1813: and that she has remained a widow ever since that period, as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto concurred.
Margaret   her   Tatum
                    X
                  mark

sworn to and subscribed before me a Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid this 16th day of October, 1838

Samuel Morton J.P.
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Virginia: Charlotte County Court
I Samuel D. Morton an acting Justice of the Peace in the County and State aforesaid, do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with the said Margarett Tatum, widow of Thomas Tatum, deceased, she living in my immediate neighborhood and do consider her very old and infirm, and that in consequence of said old age and bodily infirmity unable to attend the County Court of Charlotte to make the foregoing declaration. I further certify, that she has always sustained a good character, and that her statement is entitled to full confidence. Given under my hand this 16th day of October 1838.
Samuel Morton J.P.

Virginia, At a Court heard for Charlotte County December 3rd 1838
All {illegible}, the declaration of Margarett Tatum of Charlotte for opinion under the act of Congress passed July 4, 1836 with accompanying paper as presented in brief and the source read and fully explained to the satisfaction of the Court. Ordered that the same be certified by the Clerk of the war department.
Virginia, Charlotte County Court. I Winslow Robinson Clerk of the Court of the County aforementioned, do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true copy of an order of the said Court from the records of my office and I further certify that Samuel D Morton is acting justice of the peace in {illegible} for the said County duly commissioned and qualified, and that the signatures {illegible} purporting to be his are genuine. 
Given under my hand the seal of my office {illegible} 11th February 1839
Winslow Robinson
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April 22, 1935
Miss Jeanette Biggs
Oxford
North Carolina

Thomas Tatum
W. 4601
BA-J/MLB

Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your personal request of April 20, for the Revolutionary War record of Thomas Tatum (W. 4601).
You are furnished below the record of Thomas Tatum, as obtained from the pages on the file in pension claim, W. 4601, based upon his service in the Revolutionary War. 
The date and place of soldier's birth and names of his parents are not given.
While residing in Cumberland County, Virginia, he enlisted, date not stated, and served two tours of three months each, as a private under Captain Joseph Michaux and Colonels Randolph and Skipwith in the Virginia troops, was in the battle of Guilford, at the siege of Yorktown and surrender of Cornwallis, after which he assisted in guarding prisoners to Winchester. It was stated that he served more than six months but no details were given.
After the Revolutionary War, the soldier settled in Charlotte County, Virginia, where he died October 27, 1813.
Thomas Taum married August 13, 1774 {added note "I did not see date of marriage 1776 is given by widow, on acct of ages of children shown in family record, but used date from that record"} in Cumberland County, Virginia, Margaret Dagnell.
Soldier's widow, Margaret Tatum, was allowed pension on her application executed October 16, 1838, at which time she was aged eighty-six years and a resident of Charlotte County, Virginia.
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Thomas Tatum and his wife, Margaret, had a large family of children; the following names are shown:
Elesabeth An Tatum, born February 12, 1776
Polly Henderson Tatum, born December 1, 1777, who in 1839 made affidavit in Charlotte Co., Va., her place of residence not given.
James Tatum, born January 3, 1781
Richard Tatum, born December 29, 1783
Henry Tatum, born January 15, 1786
Juda Tatum, born November 27, 1788
Thomas Tatum, born November 11, 1791
Pegy Tatum, born June 7, 1794
Jessea Tatum, born November 5, 1797
Very truly yours
A.D. Hiller
Executive Assistant to the Administrator
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Margaret Tatum
wid of Thomas
Va
Act of July 1836 susp 
? let to Hon. J.W. Bouldin
28 February 1839 W.J.B.
Bedford 28 February 1840
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1935, {illegible} - Hist. to Miss Jeannette E Biggs - MLB

Revolutionary Widow, & C.
File No. 4601
Margaret Tatum
Wid.
Thomas Tatum
Pvt. Va. Militia
Act July 4th of 36
Index -- Vol. M, Page 262
[Arrangement of 1870}
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Please furnish me data on
Thomas Tatum
W 4601
Miss Jeannette E Biggs
Oxford North Carolina
April 20, 1935
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State of Virginia: Charlotte County to wit:
I do hereby certify that Thomas Tatum is of Charlotte, departed this life on the 27th day of October, 1813, as coming within my personal knowledge - that he left at the time of his death his wife, Margarett Tatum, who is still a widow resident in the county of Charlotte and that she has remained a widow ever since the death of her late husband and the said Thomas Tatum -
Polly H Latner

Virginia: Charlotte County to wit:
I do hereby certify that Polly H. Latner personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace in the county aforesaid, and made oath the foregoing certificate subscribed by her in presence. contained the truth, to the best of her knowledge and belief - I further certify, that she is a credible person, and her statement entitled to full confidence - given under my hand this 11th day of January 1839
Samuel Morton Jr
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State of Virginia: Charlotte County to wit:
I Thomas Harvey of Charlotte do hereby certify that I was acquainted with Thomas Tatum late of Charlotte in the Revolutionary war and recollect distinctly seeing him at the battle of Guilford in North Carolina, and the siege of Yorktown in Virginia. I cannot call to mind the immediate officers under whom he served, but recollect that he belonged to General Lawson's Brigade, and was commanded by Col Rudolph and Col Skipwith - the said Thomas Tatum in his life time informed me that in the early part of the war he marched to Portsmouth in Virginia and served some considerable time - I have no doubt he was in service longer than six months, altogether - He was married about the commencement of the War, and his widow is still alive, resident in the county of Charlotte.
Thomas Harvey
 his  X mark

Virginia: Charlotte County to wit:
This day Thomas Harvey came before me a Justice of the Peace in the County and State aforesaid and made oath according to law and to the above certificate subscribed by him in my presence - I further state that he is a credible person and his statement entitled to full confidence - given under my hand this 4th day of February 1839
John Harvey J.P.
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Virginia, Charlotte County to wit:
I Winslow Robinson Clerk of the County Court of the County aforesaid, do hereby certify that John Harvey is an active justice of the peace in and for the said County duly {illegible}opinion and qualified and that the signed appeared purporting to be him is genuine.
Given under my hand and the seal of my office this 5th day of February 1839
Winslow Robinson
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Charlotte County Virginia
I do hereby certify that the paper annexed in the Family record of Thomas Tatum deceased, that I am personally acquainted with this family and believe from my own knowledge of them that the record is correct - that the paper was handed to me at the house of Mrs Magaret Tatum by a member of the family - who had it in safe keeping. Given under my hand this 4th Oct 1839
Samuel D Morton J.P.
Charlotte Cty Va

Charlotte County to wit:
I do hereby certify that Thomas Tatum resided in my neighborhood about 40 years, that his older daughter Elizabeth was grown when he came to the neighborhood, that the family record appended is correct from my best recollection. Margaret Tatum his widow is one of the oldest persons of my acquaintance sustains a good character and her statements entitled to credit. Given under my hand this 5 Oct. 1839
Thomas C. Spencer
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Charlotte County to wit
Thomas C Spencer personally appeared before me in the County aforesaid and made oath to the foregoing Certificate. Given under my hand this 5th Oct. 1839
Samuel D Morton J.P.
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State of Virginia
Charlotte Ct House
March 20th 1843

Sir
The enclosed Pension Certificate of Mrs Margarett Tatum, widow of Thomas Tatum deceased, was received by me some ten days since. I am apprehensive, a mistake as to the time of the commencement of the Pension, has been made and therefore I thought it best to return the certificate for correction. According to the enclosed certificate the Pension commences on the 4th of March, 1841; whoever under the Act of July 4th 1836, it should commence on the 4th of March, 1831. The certificate shows that Mrs Tatum was entitled under the Act of July 4th 1836.
I am very respectfully
your obedient servant
Wm. L.B. Bedford

LL Edwards esq
Court of Pensions
Washington City
Note: You would much oblige by sending me a copy
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of the Forms Instructions of the Department under the recent Pension Act, passed under last Session Congress, as many are calling on us to prepare their papers.
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State of Virginia
Charlotte Ct House
January 13th 1843
Sir,
The enclosed certificate of Coleman Palmore in behalf of Margarett Tatum widow of Thomas Tatum, deceased, for a Pension under Act of July 4th 1836, I found today among my papers, which  I now enclose, having forgot to forward it at the proper time.
I am respectfully
your Obt. Servant
Wm. J.B. Bedford

J.L. Edward Esq.
Comm. of Pensions
Washington City
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State of Virginia: Charlotte County to wit:
I Coleman Palmore do hereby certify that I was well acquainted with Thomas Tatum deceased, in the Revolutionary war, having served one tour of duty with him under Capt Joseph Michaux. I recollect that in the month of July, 1781, that a company of men were drafted in the Militia service under Capt Michaux from P. Edward County, for the term of three months, and that myself and said Thomas Tatum were among the number and marched to Yorktown and witnessed the surrender of Cornwallis. After the surrender, the said Tatum was one of those ordered to guard the prisoners to Winchester. This was my first and only tour of duty. I am in the 76th year of my age.
Coleman {his X mark) Palmore

Virginia: Charlotte County to wit:
This day Coleman Palmore came before me a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, and made oath to the above certificate subscribed before me. I further certify, that he is a credible person, and his testament entitled to full confidence. Given under my hand this 1st day of June, 1840.
John Harvey J.P.
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Virginia, Charlotte County to wit.
I Winslow Robinson Clerk of the County Court of Charlotte aforesaid, do hereby certify that John Harvey is our acting justice of the peace in and for the said County duly Confirmed and qualified and that the signature {illegible} and purporting to be him is genuine.
Given under my hand and the seal of my office this 8th day of June 1840.
Winslow Robinson
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{Illegible} Ole Bridge
Gary 14
18 3/4
William J. Bedford Esq
Washington City
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Virginia Charlotte County to wit
This day Margaret Tatum, widow of Thomas Tatum, deceased, personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace in the County aforesaid and made oath that since the filing of her declaration for a pension under act of July 4th 1831, she further recollects that her husband served two tours of three months each at Guilford in 1781.  The name of the Captain not recollected he served one tour and the other at or about Norfolk. That she also recollects that he left home on another tour and went to Amelia Court House but news reached that the British fleet had raised and he returned home then. That she is confident in all that he served more than six months being unable from old age to {illegible} as Testamony. She is willing to receive and allowance of pension for 6 months, to which she honestly believes she is entitled. That she is in reduced circumstances with a large family of Children and needs aid and assistance from her County for support
Margret (her X mark) Tatum

Sworn to and subscribed before me as a Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid this 13th day of January 1840
Samuel D Morton J.P.
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6 1/4
18 3/4
25
William J Bedford Esq
Washington City
D.C.
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1839
Roan Ole Bridge Charlotte D55
Mr. Wm. J. Bedford
Dear Sir
I obtained the enclosed register of the family of Thomas Tatum, deceased, at the house of his widow Margaret Tatum the old lady still enjoys good health and is anxious for the success what she considers a just claim to a pension. There is no one more needy. She is supported by the industry of two of her daughters now advanced in life who {illegible} cloth for a livelihood. They are honest good folks and if entitled to a pension you would do them a great favour in processing it whilst in Washington. The record from the very face of it is authentic and will serve to establish the marriage. If not necessary to leave the record at Washington, you would return it at the request of the family as it is in the handwriting of old Mr Tatum
Very Respectfully
Samuel D Morton
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Virginia: Charlotte County to wit:
I do hereby certify, Mr Thomas Tatum late of Charlotte was a soldier in the Revolutionary war and recollect distinctly seeing him at the battle of Guilford and the siege of Yorktown. He marched from Cumberland County and the immediate officers under whom he served I have forgot, but recollect that he belonged to General Lawson's Regiment, commanded by Col. Randolph and Col. Skipwith, the same Regiment to which I belonged. The said Thomas Tatum to my certain knowledge served longer than six months altogether, and previous to the service above stated marched to Portsmouth in Virginia where he served something like two or three month. He married  about the commencement of the Revolutionary War and his widow is still alive, residing in Charlotte County to which county he moved shortly after the war.
William P Hamlett

Virginia: Charlotte to wit:
This day Wm P Hamlett came before me a Justice of the Peace in the County aforesaid and made oath that the certificate subscribed by him in my presence contained the truth. I further certify that he is a worthy, respectable and credible old soldier and that his statement is entitled to full confidence. Given under my hand this 4th day of February, 1839.
John Harvey J.P.
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Virginia, Charlotte County to wit:
I Winslow Robinson Clerk of the County Court of the County aforesaid, do hereby certify that John Harvey is an acting justice of the peace in and for the said county, duly {illegible} informed and qualified, and that the Signature annexed purporting to be his is genuine.
Given under my hand and the seal of my office this 3rd day of February 1839.
Winslow Robinson C