Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 18445, John B Hickman, Va.
Page 1

Service Va.       
Hickman, John B.    
Number S.18445
Page 2

Payable to 
Samuel Berry & 
William P. Berry
Executors

16.863
Virginia R
John B. Hickman dec'd
of Accomack Co in the State of Virginia 
who was a Private in the Co commanded
by Captain ---- of the Reg commanded
by Col Corbin in the Va
line for 2 years -
deducting former payments
Inscribed on the Roll of Richmond
at the rate of 80 Dollars --- Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834 and Ending 23 June 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 19 day of April
1851 and sent to 
S. Godwin
Present
Arrears to the 4th of 
Semi-annual allowance ending
(See over)
{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832}
Recorded by H. E. Robinson, Clerk,
Book E  Vol. 62  Page 19
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9990
Jno B Hickman
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At a Court held for Accomack County by adjournment on Tuesday the 28th day of August 1832.
John Berry Hickman of the County of Accomack This day personally appeared in Court and made the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7th 1832 Viz State of Virginia, Accomack County for on this 28th day of August 1832 personally appeared in open Court before the Justices of the County Court now Sitting John Berry Hickman a resident of Accomack Parish in Accomack aged 69 years who being duly Sworn according to Law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to enable him to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed Jun 7th 1832 That he served in Thomas Copes' & Wm. Parker's companies in the militia of Accomack in the time of the Revolutionary war, that he continued in the Militia from time he was 16 years of age till he was free from duty by reason of his age - that during nearly all the war the Militia was very frequently called out to keep guard & were in Service a considerable portion of the time each year - the companies were sometimes divided & portions of them performed Service alternately - that in consequence of the exposed Situation of this County there were many frequent alarms given & the Militia were compelled to keep guard almost constantly to prevent depredations from being committed - that he lived as an apprentice at Sergeant Grinald's during the worst of the war and was often sent by him to aid in Summoning the men to arms when alarms were given then attended himself - and that he thinks he was in actual service under arms more than two years during the war, - that he kept guard at Col Cropper's barrack or blockhouse & other places - but never marched out of the County - that he has no other record of his age then an entry made by himself many years ago from information derived from his relatives & from the birth of his oldest child - that he was well acquainted with Col Cropper, Col Joynes, Major Poulson & various other Continental officers who went
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from this county - that the Militia of this County were commanded in the time of the war by Col Simpson, Corbin & Cropper - that he is now well acquainted with Thomas R Joynes Esqr, Levin S Joynes, Major Wm R Custis & almost all the citizens of any note in Accomack County any of whom can testify as to his character for truth & veracity & as to their beliefs of his services - her says he was born in this County & always lived in this County - that there never were no written discharges given to the militia in the war - that he relinquishes all claim to any other pension or annuity than the present and declares that his name is not on the pension Role of any agency in any State - Sworn to & Subscribed the day & year aforesaid  "John B Hickman"

We William R Custis a Justice of the Peace & William P Moore Dy Shff residing in the County of Accomack hereby certify that we are well acquainted with John Berry Hickman who has subscribed & sworn to the above declaration - that we believed in the neighborhood where here resides to have been a soldier in the Militia of this County in the time of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.  Sworn to and Subscribed the day & year aforesaid.
Wm R Custis
Wm P Moore Senr

And the Court do 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 & served as he states.  And the Court further certifies that it appears to them, that the said John Berry Hickman could not conveniently procure the attendance of a clergyman to make the certificate required by the War Department.  And the Court further certify that it appears to them that Wm. R. Custis & Wm. P Moore Senr. who have signed the preceeding [sic] certificate are citizens of this county and are credible persons & that their certificates are entitled to credit
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It was also proved by the affidavit of Sarah Lang that she is well acquainted with the said John B. Hickman and from her knowledge of his services, believes that the facts set forth in the preceeding certificate are true.
A copy Teste Jas. J. Ailworth Dy
for Thos. R. Joynes C.A.C

State of Virginia, Accomack County Ss
I Thomas R. Joynes Clerk of the County Court of Accomack in the State of Virginia, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains a true copy of the Original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of John Berry Hickman for a Pension.  In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office this 6th day of September 1832 & in the 57th year of the Commonwealth.
Jas. J. Ailworth Dy
for Tho. R. Joynes C.A.C.
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Jno: Berry Hickman.
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At a Circuit Court held for the County of Accomack, on the 11th day of October 1850.
It is ordered to be certified, that it appears to the Court by satisfactory evidence, that John Berry Hickman who was said to be a pensioner, and whose will was admitted to record in the County Court of this County on the 31st dayof July 1843, died on or about the 25th of June 1843.

State of Virginia, Accomack County, Sc:
I, Robert J Poulson, Clerk of the Circuit Court for the County aforesaid, in the state aforesaid, do hereby certify, that the foregoing is a true transcript from the records of the said Court. 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court, this the 29th day of October, A.D. 1850, and in the 75th year of the Commonwealth.
F.J. Rayfield Dy:
for Robert J. Poulson C.C.

[SEAL]

At a Court held for the County of Accomack, on the 30th day of September A.D. 1850,
It is ordered to be certified that John Berry Hickman, who made a declaration before this Court on the 29th day of August 1832, in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress , passed June the 7th 1832, and John Berry Senr:, whose will was admitted to probate by this Court on the 31st day of July 1843, were one and the same person.  And that he was in the habit of indiscriminately signing his name as John Berry or John Berry Hickman.  And it is ordered to be further certified that the following children of the said John Berry Hickman, or John Berry St:, are now living, to wit;  Tinney Means,(formerly Tinney Berry), William P. Berry, Samuel Berry, Charles Berry, and Ann Lewis (formerly Ann Berry).-
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At a Court held for the County of Accomack, on the 31st day of July 1843.
The last will and testament of John Berry Hickman St: decd: was proved by the oaths of William S. Hope & John H Custis, witnesses thereto & ordered to be recorded.  And on the motion of Samuel Berry & William P. Berry the executors therein named, taking oath and giving bond according to law in the penalty of Two Thousand dollars with George I. Warner & Francis D. Miller securities thereof - Certificate is granted them for obtaining a probate thereof in due form.

State of Virginia Accomack County Sc
I, John W. Gillet, Clerk of the County Court of Accomack County, and in the state aforesaid, do hereby certify, that the foregoing are true transcripts from the records of the said Court.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court, this the 29th day of October A.D. 1850, And in the 75th year of the Commonwealth.
F.J. Rayfield Ry:
for J.W. Gillet C.A.C.
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Jno B Hickman
Amended declaration & deposition
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State of Virginia, Accomack County Sc
I Thomas R. Joynes Clerk of the County Court of Accomack in the State of Virginia do hereby certify that John W. Custis whose name is affixed to the two foregoing certificates is a Justice of the Peace of the County afsd. duly commissioned and qualified and that full faith & credit ought to be placed in all his acts as such.  and that the signatures of the sd. John W. Custis affixed as afst. is genuine.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said Court this 6th day of June 1833 & in the 57th year of the Commonwealth.
Js. J. Ailworth Dy
for Tho. R. Joynes C.A.C.
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The deposition of John B. Hickman an applicant for a pension under the act of Congress of June 1832.
This deponent in answer to the 4th Interrogatory (which was not satisfactorily answered when he made his original application) says that he was regularly enrolled in the militia at 16 years of age according to law & that during the War the militia were classed and portions of them performed duty alternately for 8 or 10 days each tour - that this arrangement or classification was made as this deponent supposed according to Law & that of course he was called out under the Laws of the state - that he did not volunteer but considered himself bound to attend at arms & perform tours of duty or guard - and therefore supposes that the proper answer to this interrogatory is - that he was a regularly enrolled militia soldier & performed duty under orders of the commanding officers, called out agreeably to the classification under the laws of the state.
In answer to the 4th objection he says that he was 16 years of age in 1779 & entered he thinks into service in the spring of that year - and that he continued to serve regularly in his turn during each & every year [obscured] the war ended from 1779 to 1783 inclusive & for 20 years afterwards.
In answer to the 5th objection he says that he performed tours of duty or guard for 8 or 10 days each during each & every year
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from 1779 to the end of the War.  Once a month & sometimes oftener - and also attended all alarms, which were frequent, & that he was on duty under arms fully half of the time after he was enrolled, until the War ended - that it is utterly impossible for any man to state the precise periods of entering & leaving the service each tour but he has no hesitation in saying that he served two years during the War.
This deponent further says that the 9th Va Regiment was raised for the purpose of defending the Counties of Accomack & Northampton, and that in 1776 that Regiment was marched away & the Eastern shore left undefended excepting by the Militia, which circumstance compelled the militia to be in almost constant motion.  That the County of Accomack lies between the Atlantic & Chesapeake & was more exposed to the enemy & to plunder than any other part of Virginia excepting the County of Northampton & that attempts were made every few days to plunder the County.
Answer[?] to the 6th objection - he says that he served under Captains Coper & Parker & under Colonels Simpson, Corbin and Cropper in succession.
In answer to the 13th objection he says that he procured the affidavit of Mrs. Sarah Lang an aged Lady who testified to his services - but that he does not now recollect
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any man living who served with him, but will endeavor to prove his services by further testimony if practicable.  Mrs. Sarah Lang's affidavit was filed in Court, but she is very old & infirm & this deponent did not request her to attend this day.  He thinks he can obtain further proof.
John B. Hickman  x his mark

State of Virginia
Accomack County
June 4th 1833
Be it remembered that this day John B. Hickman made oath to the truth of the above deposition.  And I certify that he is a man of the most unquestionable veracity & good character  Witness my hand & seal the day & year aforesaid.
Jno. W. Custis JP  [handwritten seal]

The affidavit of Thomas Cropper Senr. aged 70 years who says that he recollects distinctly that John B Hickman kept guard at sundry times during the revolutionary war at the blockhouse or his brother's land (the late Col John Cropper) & although he cannot state the particular periods of his so keeping guard as afsd. he has no hesitation in saying from his knowledge of sd. Hickman that his statements respecting his service are true.
Thomas Cropper

State of Virginia
Accomack County
June 5th 1833
Thomas Cropper made oath this day before me to the truth of the above affidavit .  And I certify that he is a man of truth & veracity.
Jno. W. Custis JP
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John B. Hickman
Virginia
16.683

Adm 2 years
$80

Return

Ves Ellis
Accomack CH
Page 16

Brief objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of John B Hickman Accomack Co Va which require further proof or explanation.

I.  Does the declaration show where the applicant resides?  yes
II.  Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides?  yes
III.  If the application did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so?
IV.  Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served?  NO
#  V. Has he mentioned 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?  NO
VI.  Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? no
VII.  Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other period than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? yes
VIII.  Has the Court given their opinion? yes
IX.  Has the Clerk given his certificate?  yes
X  Is the Clerk's seal affixed?  And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal>  yes
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XI.  Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service?  
XII.  If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, it there any reason assigned for not obtaining it?
XIII.  If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had?  no
XIV.  If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service?
If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses?  yes
Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct?  yes
XV.  Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service?
XVI.  Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct?  yes
XVII.  Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily?  And, if not, which is them is not so answered?  4
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3
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 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 shewn 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 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.
-
QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.
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 claimants 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.

QUERE XVI. 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 paper 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.
In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, 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.
#  Unless the applicant can bring his case within the rule and specify his services as required above, his claim cannot receive a favorable action.  He must have [illegible] various [illegible] duties performed by all good citizens, during the revolution, what are not strictly speaking military.

Please refer to Curtis Bulls papers for references to Va. acts of assembly respecting the expired situation of Accomack Co. &c &c
V. Ellis
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16868  Reinstated.  R
Virginia

John B. Hickman decd.
of Accomack Co. in the State of Virginia
who was a private in the Company commanded
by Captain - of the Regt commanded
by Col. Corbin in the Virginia
line for two years

Inscribed on the Roll of Richmond
at the rate of 80 Dollars 00 cents per annum,
to commence on the 12th day of Augt. 1834 & end 25 June 1843, when he died.

Certificate of Pension issued the 23 day of Novr. 1850 and sent to S. Godwin, Present

Payable to Saml Berry & William P. Berry, children & Exrs for themselves & the rest of his surviving children, to wit, Tinney Mears, Charles Berry & Ann Lewis

Revolutionary Claim, 
Act June 7, 1832

Recorded by JP Chase Clerk,
Book E Vol. 62 Page 17

Reported
Page 20

Let R Anderson Aug 12 1834
" Hallick  July 24 '35
"Agent - Oct 15 1835   drop'd

Let to SC White June 12 1845
Suspension removed
Nov 22 1850 & 
letter to Pension Agent


Virginia   16,683
John B. Hickman
Accomack Co in the State of Va
who was a private in the Co. commanded 
by Captain - of the Regt. commanded
by Colo. Corbin in the Virginia
line for two years

No 9990

Inscribed on the Roll of Virginia
at the rate of 80 Dollars 00 Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 10th day of Octr. 1833 and sent to V Ellis.  Accomack CH. Va.

Arrears to the 4th Sept 1833                  200
Semi-anl allowance ending 4 Mar '34      40
                                                              $240

Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832.

Recorded by Wm. R. Palmer Clerk,
Book E.  Vol 6 1/2  Page 17.

Let to F.M. Lawson  Nov 22/50
Page 21

Jno B Hickman

June 14 1843



Payments to be made at
Richmond 
[illegible] US. Br. Bank
Agent for paying Pensioners in the Agency of Virginia

Recorded in the Pension Office, in Book E 
Vol 6 1/2 Page 17. by Wm. R. Palmer.  Clerk.
Page 22

War Department.
Revolutionary Claim.
I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7th June, 1832, John B. Hickman of the State of Virginia who was a private in the Army of the Revolution is entitled to receive Eighty dollars per annum, during his natural life, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi-annually on the 4th of March, and 4th of September, in every year.
Given at the War Office of the United States, this Tenth da of October one thousand eight hundred and thirty three
Lew Cass
Secretary of War

[SEAL]

Examined and Countersigned.
Geo. Wm. Crump
Acting Commissioner of Pensions.
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P   18445

Invalid.   AW

No. 18,445
John B. Hickman
Pri Rev War

Act:  June 7" 32

Index:-Vol. 1, Page 452

Arrangement of 1870
Page 24

Hon: Lewis Cass
Sec: @ War
Washington
D.C.


Ves Ellis Esqr.
Page 25

Drummond Town  Accomack County
E.S. Va.  Septr. 2nd 1833

Hon: L. Cass
Secretary of the War Department

Sir.
At the request of Col. Jno. P. Drummond and V. Ellis Esqr. of this county, I cheerfully state to you that I am personally well acquainted with Edwd. Read, Matthew Floyd, Jno. Harmon (of H.) Jacob Sparrow, Custis Bull, Mr. Welbourne Senr. John Parks Senr, Richd. Wimbrough, Thos. Lewis, Daniel Bull & John Tankard, of this county &c Northampton, and that I know by reputation Jno. B. Hickman, Houston Killam, Thos. Robbins and William Thornton, all of whom are applicants for pensions under the act of June 1832;  that they are all worthy citizens, and many of them highly respectable and beloved among the people of this shore.  I have examined the applications of many of them and can say that so far as respects the evidence upon which they rest I would not hesitate to give full credence to them.  I know not what forms or rules the department requires to be complied with, not having any thing to do with the obtaining of pensions, but I believe these applications to be bona fide.  I am told that Dr. John Tankard's application
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is not supported by any evidence whatever except his own declaration.  As to him I can say, with great pleasure, that his word requires no corroborating testimony here.  I would believe his declaration on oath though there were two credible witnesses differing with his statements, for his memory is uncommonly accurate and his veracity is above that of common men.
With sentiments of high esteem 
&c &c I have the honour
to be your humble servt.
Henry A. Wise
Page 27

Reinstated
John B. Hickman [illegible]
Va
Act 7 Jun 1832

Add. 2 years pri. $80 per ann. from 12 Augt 1834, when his pension was suspended, to 25 June, 1843, when he died.
Payable to Saml. Berry & Wm. P. Berry Exrs for the benefit of themselves Tinney Mears, Charles Berry & Ann Lewis, his only surviving children.

Cert. sent to
S. Godwin
Present
Page 28

[STAMP]
Richmond Va.
Jan 24

[STAMP]
FREE

James E. Heath, Esqr
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington

Mail

L
Mr. Cole
Jno. B Hickman
Va
Page 29

Richmond, Virginia, January 24th 1851
Sir,
By Mr. Edwards' letter of 22nd Novem. 1850, I am informed "that the pension of John Berry Hickman decd. has been resumed", and I am directed to pay "to his only surviving children", naming them.  On the 23rd, (the day after), direction is given me to correct the Roll, and pay to "Samuel Berry & William B. Berry, children and Executors, for themselves." &c
When I refused to pay the pension to one of the Executors, acting solely for himself and apart from his co-Executor, the law as stated by you, was not unknown to me.  I considered my plain and only course in this case as in all others to be to follow strictly a positive direction, knowing full well that neither the laws of Virginia nor common law, would sustain me in going counter to an express order from constituted authority.  This was my only difficulty, and this by your letter of the 21st, is now removed, and I shall pay to the one Executor, on his again applying.
I will add, that I consulted several of the most prominent lawyers in Richmond, who sustained me in my position.
I am, very respectfully,
Your obdt Servt
F.M.Lawson, Pen: Agt


Jas E Heath, Esqr
Comm. Pensions
Washington
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P.S.
The funds are very nearly exhausted, and I therefore most respectfully ask as early attention to my letter accompanying my quarterly accounts, as shall be convenient.
F.M.L.
Page 31

John B. Hickman, Dec.
$80 per annum
Comg 4 March 1834 &
endg 23 June 1843
ded. form payts
Payable to 
Saml Berry & Wm P.  Berry Exects
for the benefit of themselves, Tinney Mears, Charles Berry & Ann Lewis, only survg children

S. Godwin
Present
Page 32

Pension
Jno B Hickman
decd..  heirs



S Godwin
Page 33

Know all men by these presents, That I, Samm'l Bens [marked out: Administrator] Executor of John B. Hickman dece, who was a Revolutionary Soldier and a Pensioner under the act of June 7th, 1832, hereby authorize and empower P. F. Browne, to Present and Prosecute before the Proper tribunal any all claims for commutation of six years half pay, or any other compensation or gratuity which may be due or be allowed for the services of the said john B. Hickman decd:, as a Revolutionary Souldier s[ic] in the Revolutionary War, and in any and all respects to act for me and in my name in presenting and prosecuting said Claims, and in adjusting and receiving whatever may be due to me from the United States for said services, and all his acts in the premises I will ratify and confirm by these presents.
The meaning and intent of this deed is, to invest my said agent and attorney, P. F. Brown, aforesaid, with full power and authority to Claim, demand, and receive for me all monies due me for the services of said John B. Hickman decd:, whether allowed under any existing law, or under any general or special law hereafter to be passed in the premices [sic]. We do by these presents, revoke all powers of attorney heretofore given by us. Witness our hands and seals, this the 25th day of Sept 1850.
Samuel Berry [seal]

State of Virginia}
Accomac [sic] County}
This day Sam'; Berry came before me and acknedged [sic] the above Power of attorney, to be his true act.
Page 34

and deed. Witness my hand and seal, this the 26th day of September 1850.
Jas. W. Custis J.P.