Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 39,198, Jacob Bletcher, N.C.
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(3—1776)
SERVICE
N. C.
Bletcher, Jacob
NUMBER
S. 39,198
CONTENTS
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[typed form, with handwritten responses]
North Carolina
Jacob Bletcher
of Orange Co in the State of N. Carolina who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Armstrong of the Regiment commanded by Colonel Sheppard in the N Carolina line, for the term of one year from 1781 to December 1782
Inscribed on the Roll of North Carolina at the rate of eight Dollars per month, to commence on the 30 day of May 1828
Certificate of Pension issued the 7 of June 1828 and sent to Willie P Magnum Esq. Hillsboro NC
Arrears to 4th of Sept 1828. $25.57
Semi-anl. all’ce ending
$25.57
{Revolutionary Claim,
Acts March 18, 1818,
and May 1, 1820.}
[handwritten notes]
See let to Hon J. K. Polk
Decr. 20, 33 – enclosing form of transfer and nov. 13 letter –
8th July 1834 transfer to West Tennessee, from 4th Sept. 1832 -  notice sent to him at Shelbyville, Tennessee on Sep 13
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Recorded by B. L. Bealle
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State of North Carolina
Best remembered that at a Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions begun & held for the County of Orange at the Court-house in Hillsborough on the fourth Monday of February in the year of our lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty eight the following declaration was filed, which said Declaration is in these words & figures (to wit) “State of North Carolina Orange County: On this the 27th day of February 1828, personally appeared in open court in the County of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for said County the same being a Court of record, having jurisdiction unlimited in point of amount & proceeding according to the code of the common law, Jacob Bletcher resident of said County aged sixty eight years, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the provision made by the act of Congress of the 18th March 1818, & the 1st of May 1820. That he the said Jacob Bletcher enlisted a few weeks before the battle of Eutaw Spring in the Continental Service by Oar & Sherod Rugg a recruiting office – that he was afterwards placed in Capt. Armstrong’s Company for 12 months service – that he remained in service until the 23 December 1782 when he was honorable discharged at Wilmington North Carolina. That during his service on the Continental Establishment he was in no battle
-But that in the militia of the State of North Carolina he had served three tours & was in the battle of Pyle’s Defeat and at the memorable surprise of Col. Piles in Orange County by Leuit. Col Lee Pickins – He there served under Capt McLeary 
While on the continental line under Capt. Armstrong first other last state he cannot recollect who were his sup”
Amendment of a declaration made in orange
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Amendment of a declaration made in Orange Court of Pleas and quarter sessions Feby Term 1828 by Jacob Bletcher for a pension
North Carolina
Jacob Bletcher personally appeared in open court being the May term of the court of pleas & quarter sessions 1828, & being duly sworn saith that the declaration heretofore made & to which this is appended he omitted to state which regiment Capt. Armstrong’s company was attached, and by whom said regiment was commanded on account of being unable to remember together the regiment or the name of the Colonel who commanded the same. That he since applied at the office of the Secretary of the State, and by reference to the record or rolls of the same, he is enabled to remember & now states that Captain Armstrong’s company belonged to the 10th Regiment, and that Col. Abraham Sheppard commanded the same. That the sd declarant obtained a memorandum of the Secretary of State in the proper hand writing of the Secretary of State in the part, which is appended to a former certificate made by the secretary.
Jacob Bletcher
Sworn to & Subscribed in open court the 30th day of May 1828
J Taylor
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Pension Officers – That he relinquishes every claim whatsoever to a pension except the present.
The following are the reasons that he has not made earlier application for a pension – that until within a few years he has been able to labor for subsistence, aided by some of his children who have all married or removed from his service except one daughter about 17 years old –
That upon his poor land with labour & occurrence he was enabled to support himself & family – that his family now consists of his wife, an old & very weakly woman & the aged & helpless mother of his deponent & said daughter – that this declarant by reason of age and infirmity as well as decrease that has rapidly encased upon him within the last 5 or 6 years, has become unable by his labor, and the stunted economy to get along without [illegible] his debts for necessary is continually inchoate – that he has hoped for the best & struggled intermittently and with the strictest accuracy & even [illegible] and notwithstanding his debts have increased so as to threaten his entire ruin & beggary – That his creditors are pushing their claims several of the largest have Judgements, to wit, G. Barber for $60, James Brock for $60 & Sampson Moore for $38 – with interest & costs – and that if a sale of his property is forced the whole of it will be likely to be sacrificed – that he applied nearly 2 years ago, but by informality his papers were interred 6 times.
And in pursuance of the act of the 1st May 1820, I do solemnly swear that I was a resident citien of the United States on the 18th March 1818 – and that I have not since that time by gift sale or in any manner disposed of my property or any part thereof with intent thereby so to diminish it as to bring
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myself within the provisions of an act of Congress entitled an act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land & naval service of the United States in the Revolutionary War, passed the 18th March 1818 and that I have not nor has any person in trust for me any property or securities, contracts or debts due to him nor have I any income other than what is contained in the schedule hereto annexed, by me subscribed. That since the year 1818 the 18th March no changes have been made in my property except a gradual decay resulting from my increasing age, disability, & infirmity.
Sworn to & declared in open court the day & date above written
Jacob Bletcher
A true schedule of all the Estate legal & personal of belonging to Jacob Bletcher of the County of Orange & the State of North Carolina together with the value of each article or item.
Value.
1 Tract of land in Orange County 109 ½ acres of poor, peri & black Jack land bereft of timber more than half, nearly perhaps two thirds cleared & much worn
$150
1 other Tract in Wake County of poor & barren land unoccupied 50
2 Head of Horses 1 worth $30 the other worth scarcely anything being old horse say $10 40
6 Head of Cattle consisting of 2 cows yearlings & calves 24
26 Head of Hogs - 6 grown & 20 pigs 15
8 Sheep old & young 6
10 Geese 2
2 piece chests or boxes $1 – 2 pine tables $1 2
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10 common chairs $2.50
2 pots & hooks, one broker 1.50
1 oven lid $1 1 skillet 40c
1 pr. Smelting or sad irons 1
6 pewter plates old & worn 1
2 dishes 60c 6 spoons 60c 1.20
6 Earthen plates 30c 1 set cups & hands $2.70 3
1 pr. Five tongs 25c 3 Wheels spinning $1.20 1.45
2 W. Tubs 1 pail & 2 piggins 1
2 Bread Tray & 1 Sifter .40
1 loom $1 – 3 barrels old 45c 4 open barrels 40c 1.85
1 open stand 50c 80
Also some bacon & corn insufficient to serve the family for half the year
8 Grindstones 4
$310.10
Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions
February term A. D. 1828
Jacob Bletcher in open court being duly sworn saith the above schedule he delivers to be true both as to property to the best of his knowledge and recollection except two beds & wearing apparel.
Jacob Bletcher
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Application for a pension
State of Tennessee
County of Bedford
On this thirty first day of May 1834 before me, the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace for the said County of Bedford personally appeared Jacob Bletcher who, on his oath declare, that he is the same person who formerly belonged to the company commanded by Captain Armstrong in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Shepherd in the service of the United States; that his name was placed in the pension roll of the State of North Carolina from whence he has lately removed; that he now resides in the State of Tennessee where he intends to remain, and wishes his pension to be there payable in future. The following are his reasons for removing from the State of North Carolina to Bedford County and State of Tennessee; to get to a newer country, and to live near his children who had previously removed to Bedford County Tennessee.
Sworn and subscribed to, before me, the day and year aforesaid
Jacob Bletcher
John O’Neal
Justice of the Peace
State of Tennessee
Bedford County
On the 31st day of May 1834 before me, the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace for the said county of Bedford personally appeared William Holly and made oath in due form of law that Jacob Bletcher who has taken the above oath is the identical person described in the foregoing affidavit
William Holley
Sworn to and subscribed to before me the day and year last above mentioned
John Oneal JP Justice of the Peace
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State of Tennessee
Bedford County Sct
I John Oneal a magistrate in the county above named do hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with William Holley who appeared before me and made the last above foregoing affidavit, and that he is a person of veracity and entitled to full credit.
Given under my hand and seal at office this 31st day of May 1834
John Oneal JP
Justice of the Peace
State of Tennessee
I James McKisick Clerk of the Court of pleas & quarter sessions for the County of Bedford in the State aforesaid do hereby certify that John Oneal Esq whose name appears to the foregoing certificates is now and was at the time of signing the same an acting Justice of the Peace in the County aforesaid and that the signature purporting to be his are genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of Bedford County Court at office the 9th day of June of 1834
Jas. McKisick Clerk
By his deputy Danl. McKisick
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Shelbyville T. June 9	Free
For Transfer
Hon J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
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War Secretary
James L. Edwards Esq
Pension Office
War Department
Washington City
Hon J. K. Polk
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Washington City
Decr 16, 1833
I send you the letter of Jacob Bletcher who desires to receive his pension at the Nashville Ten. agency, instead of receiving it at Fayetteville N. C. – where he has been heretofore paid.
Will you examine the letter and inform me whether the transfer can be made.
I am very respectfully
Yr Obt Sevt
James K. Polk
James L. Edwards Esq
Pension Office
Washington City
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[typed form, with handwritten responses]
39198
Revy INVALID
File No. 39,198
Jacob Bletcher
Pri Rev War
Act: 18 March 18
Index:- Vol. 3, Page 49
[Arrangement of 1870.]
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State of N. Carolina Secretary’s Office 22nd May 1820
I William Hill Secretary of State in and for the State aforesaid, do hereby certify that it appears from the musterrolls of the continental line of this state in the revolutionary war that Jacob Blether, a private in Armstrong’s company of the 10th Regt was mustered in 1781 (on the Rolls it is said no doubt for 12 mos) and that he left the service on the 23rd Decr 1782. Given under my hand the date above
Wm. Hill
Abraham Sheppard is said on the Rolls to have been the Col. of the 10th Regt. in which Regt. Jacob Bletcher appears to have been served
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War Department
Pension Office
April 2nd 1828.
Sir
The documents transmitted by you to this department in support of the claim of Jacob Bletcher have been examined. The claimant has omitted to state in his declaration to what Regiment Captain Armstrong’s Company was attached, and to which he belonged. This must be done before a final decision can be had in his case. The papers are herewith returned excepting Mr. Hill’s certificate which will be retained on the files on this office.
I am respectfully
Your Obt. Servt.
J. L. Edwards
Willie P. Magnum, Esq.
Hillsborough N. C.
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The Honable
Willie C. Magnum
M. C.
Washington City
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The Honable Willie C. Magnum Esq.
Sir
Enclosed in a decision which I have taken the liberty to forward you, to lay before the Hon. Congress. You well know my intuition in life, that even a small consideration would be of great utility to me, being almost past making my dayly support.
I faithfully spent part of the frame of my life in the service of the United States, without receiving the last emolument for my services – I rely Sir on your goodness to make my case known to your Honorable body in such manner as you may think proper. I wish for nothing more, but what I am justly entitled so, but my circumstance in life be as indigent as it may. I hope soon to hear from you. I have to honor to be
Very Respectfully
Your Obt Servt
Jacob Bletcher
near Hillsborough
Orange County N. C.
February 1826.
Note. Enclosed also a certificate from the Secretary office of my being in the service for your information.
J. B.
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Jacob Bledsoe
W. Edward’s Letter
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War Department
Pension Office
19 May 1826
Sir,
In answer to the eclosed letter addressed to you from Mr. Jacob Bletcher, I have to inform you that before a decision can be had on his claim to a pension on account of revolutionary service, he must make a declaration agreeably to the enclosed blank form, and comply strictly with the instructions thereto attached. The certificate of the Secretary of the State, as to his service, which is herewith returned, together with his petition should accompany his declaration when transmitted to this department.
I have to honor to be,
Very Respectfully
Your Obt. Servt
J. L. Edwards
Hon. W. P. Magnum M. C.
Red Mountain
Orange County
North Carolina
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Tennessee
June 2
Free
2 3 1872
J. L. Edwards Esq.
War Department
Pension Office
D. C.
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Hillsboro 30th May 1828.
Sir
The omission alluded to in yours of the 2nd April in the declaration of Jacob Bletcher, has been supplied.
I trust you will have this case speedily passed upon, as the other duties of the office will permit. The increasing difficulties of the applicant, render it of great importance to him, to succeed in his object speedily, if it can be done at all.
Be pleased to advise me of the result at Hillsboro.
With much respect
I am Sir Your
Obt Servant
Willie P. Magnum
J. L. Edwards
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A list of debts due from Jacob Bletcher to Sundry persons – to wit
1 Note due Anderson Clements for Black [illegible] work $16
Judgement to James Gooch principle $60 – but [illegible] unknown 61.
To Wm. R. Evans B South acct. & work labor some 10
Owens – Store acct. for necessaries 9.30
G. Barber – Judgement for the horse scheduled & other property at live all $60 principal [illegible] unknown
Sampson Moore Judgement for $38 [illegible] unknown 38
Thomas Serls for reap hook & axe 1:55
1 note to Saml Child 3:50
Acct to Thos Clancy 2:75
$209:97
Court of pleas & quarter sessions
February Term A. D. 1828.
Jacob Bletcher being duly sworn in open court saith that the above list contains a true statement of the debts due from him to the persons mentioned – That in addition to the above there is a suit pending in this Court Jefferson Dilliard as being in which he claims upwards of $20 – with int. for 4 or 5 years on the same that the [illegible] of said suit will be as he is informed & believes $20 or more should it be decided against him as there are two witnesses standing in this case from another county.
Sworn to & subscribed in open court Jacob Bletcher
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Court of pleas & Quarter Sessions
February Term AD 1828
Nelson Rancher of full age in open court being duly sworn deposeth & saith that Jacob Bletcher owes I. Bisbee of said county about sixty dollars upon Judgements Executions upon the same being stayed according to law that the said debt was contracted for a horse & an old waggon which Bletcher paid toward his land in wake & some other small articles that said Bletcher owes William K Evans ten dollars $10 for blacksmith work & some repairs of the wood work done for said old waggon – That said Bletcher owes Anderson Clements $15 or $16 for Blacksmith work – That sd Bletcher is a man of sober habits and accornical[?] & he supposes is between 65 and 70 years old.
Sworn to & signed in open court the 27th February 1828.
Sworn to & subscribed in open court
Jno. N. Recher
Daniel Rencher Esquire being duly sworn in open court saith that he lives near Jacob Bletcher’s neighborhood that in the performance of his duties as a Justice of the Peace and otherwise he has become a good deal acquainted with the state of Jacob Bletcher’s affairs that he knows that he has contracted a debt with G. Barber for property bought at a principal $50 or $60 or thereabouts which he believes has not been paid that he knows that Anderson Clements has been doing blacksmith work for sd Bletcher several years and he believes that sd Bletcher is indebted to sd Clements – That he knows that said Bletcher owes W. K Evans $10 or thereabouts – that sd Bletcher owes Sampson Moore the sum stated in the list or thereabouts he believes – and from his knowledge of sd Bletcher’s affairs this deponent this deponent has no doubt that the statement of the debts due from him is substantially correct – and that he believes that if sd Bletcher’s creditors should press him to payment by the forms of law – that the whole or nearly so of
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Bletcher’s property would be sacrificed – and rational doubts may well be entertained whether under Castle[?] Sales these might not be a deficiency. That he believes those debts have been contracted for necessary articles – that Bletcher is a man of sober habits & close saving
Sworn to & Subscribed in open court Danl G. Rencher
Court of pleas & quarter sessions
February Term 1828.
Jacob Bletcher Junr. a son of the declarant being duly sworn in open court saith that his father Jacob Bletcher owes James Gooch sixty odd Dollars which debt was contracted for money borrowed to pay small debts which Jacob Sen. had contracted for necessaries for his family – That Mr. Gooch lives in another County, that Judgement has been obtained for the same & will as he understands & believes be rapidly collected
Sworn to & Subscribed in Open Court Jacob Bletcher
Court of pleas & quarter sessions
Feb. Term 1828
Thomas Clancy & Samuel Child being sworn in open court say that the terms in the foregoing list stated as due to us by Jacob Bletcher are due for articles sold in our line as merchants 
Sworn to and subscribed in open court Saml Child
Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions
February Term 1828.
Sampson Moore being duly sworn in open court saith that Jacob Bletcher the declarant owes him upwards of forty dollars for principal & interest which is now in Judgement, which debt he acquired by function of a bond to sd Bletcher
Sworn to & Subscribed in open court Sampson Moore
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I John Taylor Clerk of the Court of Pleas & quarter sessions for Orange County North Carolina do hereby certify that it appears to the satisfaction of the Court that the said Jacob Bletcher did serve in the Revolutionary War as stated in the preceding Declaration against the common enemy for the term of nine months under one engagement on the Continental establishment – I further certify that the foregoing oath & the schedule thereto annexed are truly copied from the Records of the said court, and I do further certify that it is the opinion of the said court that the total amount of the property exhibited in the said schedule is three hundred & ten dollars & ten cents.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of the said Court on this 27th day of February A. D. 1828
J. Taylor C
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To the Honorable the Senator, and Representatives in the Congress of the United States in Session 1826.
The Memorial of Jacob Bletcher of Orange County in the State of North Carolina
Humbly Shewette.
That your memorialist begs leave to state to your honorable body, that he was a private soldier in the Revolutionary War. That he was called from Wake County North Carolina one of the Militia then ordered into the service, and defense of the County under the Command of Major John Humphries to South Carolina.
That when your Memorialist was in South Carolina, he enlisted in the service of the United States with a recruiting office of the Continental Army, of the name of Sherod Bugg, a few weeks before the Battle Eutaw Springs. Who promised him a bounty of one likely Negro between Twelve and Twenty-five years of Age.
That your memorialist continued a private soldier from his enlistment, in the actual service of the United States until he was honorably discharged on the 23rd day of December 1782, without receiving his promised Negro, or any kind of compensation in lieu thereof. Nor has he received any bounty of land, nor so the value of one cent for his services rendered in the defense of his Country.
Your memorialist therefore prays that your Honorable body will take his case into consideration, and make him such allowance as you may deem necessary for his support in the decline of life, and your Memorialist as in duty bound will ever.
Pray
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February 16th 1826. Then Jacob Blecther came before me Joseph Dickson one of the Justices of the Peace for Orange County N. C. and made oath on the holy Evangelists of Almighty God, that every matter stated in his memorial hereto annexed is just and true to the best of his knowledge and belief.
Sworn to before me
Jo. Dickson J. P.
Jacob Bletcher