Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 8200, James Chiles, Va.
Page 1

(8-1776)
SERVICE
Va.
Chiles, James
NUMBER S.8200
carded
Contents
Page 2

7164

Virginia
James Chiles
of Orange Co in the State of Virginia
who was a private in the Company commanded
by Captain Burnley of the [illegible] commanded
by Col Taylor in the Virginia [illegible]
for 2 years
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 8 day of March
1833 and Sent to Reynolds Chapman Orange Co. H Va.
Arrears to the 4th of March 1833 $160.00
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sept 1833
40.00
$200.00
{Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by W. L. Williams Clerk
Book E Vol. 6
Page 4
W. A. Gillespie 6 Sept 1854
W. A. Gillespie 20 Sept 1854.
1892 Mar 24 Sketch
to Col McCoy F.S.
Page 3

12.443
James Chiles
Page 4

State of Virginia
Orange County, ss
On this 27th day of August 1832 personally appeared before the County Court of Orange James Chiles
resident of the County of Orange State of Virginia
aged upwards of seventy 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 provisions of the act of Congress passed the 7th June 1832. That he enlisted he thinks it was in the State service of Va. under Ensign John Taylor of Orange in what year he does not now
recollect, nor does he recollect the regiment to which he was attached. He served at the Barracks in guarding the prisoners in the County of Albemarle Va. and
Winchester under Col Francis Taylor in the Company of Capt Garland Burnley for upwards of two years his Lieutenant was named Thomas Porter and John Taylor was
the ensign, he was discharged at Winchester the
year that Col Wallace was taken, he resided in Orange at the time he entered the service. He was in no battle during the service but was as a militiaman drafted after his discharge at Winchester at the taking of Col
Wallace, he marched from Albemarle to Winchester
with the british prisoners, returned and carried the Hessions
who were given over to some troops from Maryland and
then he was discharged
hereby relinquishes every
claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and he declares that his name is not on the pension roll of any agency in any State. Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
signed 
James L his x mark Chiles
Page 5

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion that the
above named applicant was a Revolutionary soldier and served as he states and they do further declare that
Stark Wright a reputable citizen of Louisa County Virginia personally appeared in Court and made oath that he knows the said James Chiles and further knows that he served upwards of two years in the revolutionary War as the
said Chiles States. That he the said Wright served with him in the same regiment. The said Court further certifies that they propounded the several questions required by law to be propounded to militiaman to the
applicant and he stated that he was born and resided in Orange lived there at the time he enlisted and has always resided in the said County since; and
that he gave satisfactory answers to all the questions.

R Chapman Clerk of the
Court of Orange County do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court
in the matter of the application of James Chiles
for assension
Intestimony whereof I have hereunto
set my hand and seal of office this 21st day of September one thousand eight hundred and thirty two.
Reynolds Chapman Cl
Page 6

Chiles, James decd.
Sept 4 1831
to Jany 7, 1852

[illegible] 3 [illegible] $27.33
[illegible]

[illegible] 5

Richmond Va.
29 [illegible] 52
Box 145
[illegible] 146
Page 7

State of Virginia, County of Louisa S.S.
Be it known, That before me, Wm A Gillespie
Justice of the peace in and the County aforesaid,
duly authorized by law to administer oaths, personally appeared Clayton Matthews and made oath in due form of law, that he is the Administrator of James Chiles, the identical person who was a pensioner, and is now dead and to whom a certificate was issued, which is herewith so ordered
that the deceased pensioner resided in the
County of Lousia, in the State of Virginia for the
space of five & 1/4 years before his death; and that previous thereto, he resided in Orange County.
Clayton Matthews admm
Sworn and subscribed, this
15th day of May 1852, before me
Wm A. Gillespie J.P.

Know all men by their presents, That I, Clayton
Matthews Administrator of James Chiles, who was
Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States, do
hereby constitute and appoint George W Atkinson my true and lawful attorney for me, and in my name,
to receive from the Agent of the United States for
paying pensions in Richard, in the State of
Virginia, the balance of said pension from the
day of September 1851, to the 7th day of January 1852, being the day of his death-
Witness my hand and seal, this
15th day of May 1852

Sealed and delivered in the presence of
Jas H. Gillespie
John W. Gillespie
Page 8

State of Virginia, Louisa County, ss
Be it known, that on the 15 day of May
1852, before the subscriber, a Justice of the peace in and for said County, personally appeared Clayton Matthews above named, and acknowledged the foregoing power of Attorney, to be his act and deed In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand the
day and year above mentioned.
Wm A Gillespie JP
State of Virginia Louisa County S.S
I John Hunter Clerk of the County
Court of Louisa, do hereby certify, that at a Court
held in and for said County, on the 14 day of
June 1852, satisfactory evidence was exhibited
to said Court, that James Chiles, was a pensioner
of the United States at the rate of Eighty dollars
per annum; that he was a resident of and
died in said County, on the 7th day of January
1852. That he left no widow, but the following
children surviving, whose names are Susan Matthews, , John Chiles, Polly Willoughby, Catherine Newman -
I further certify, that Clayton Matthews is the
Administrator, duly authorized to act in that
Capacity, on the act of the deceased pensioner.
I also and further certify that Wm A Gillespie
is a Justice of the peace, in and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified; and that his signature above is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set 
my hand and affixed my seal of office,
This 16th day of June 1852
John Hunter Clerk
of the County Court of Louisa County
the scratching above leaving only
the four names therein mentioned
was done before the authentication

John Hunter clerk as aforesaid
Page 9

State of Virginia, City of Richmond, S.S.
Be it known, That before me, F. M. Lawson
agent for paying pension personally appeared
George W. Atkinson, the attorney named in the
foregoing power of attorney, and made oath, that
he has no interest whatever in the money he
is authorized to receive by virtue of the
foregoing power of attorney, either by any
pledge, mortgage sale assignment or
transfer and that he does not know
or believe that the same has been so
disposed of to my person whatever
G W Atkinson
Sworn and subscribed this 
22nd day of June, 1832 before me
F. M. Lawson, [illegible] agt

Richmond, June 22d 1852
Received of F. Lawson, agent for paying
persons, twenty seven dollars, thirty three cents,
being for four months three days pension due to
James Chiles, deceased from the 4th day of
September, 1851, to this 7th day of January
1852, for which I have signed duplicate
receipts
$27.33
G.W. Atkinson Clk
Page 10

No 12443
James Chiles
Orange County
Virginia
look on Va. Roll
on Roll
From [illegible] or year $80

Reynolds Chapman
Orange County Court
House- Virginia
Page 11

BRIEF in the case of James Chiles of Orange County in the State of Virginia
{Act 7th June 1832}
1. Was the declaration made before a Court or Judge?  A court
2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?
3, How old is he?  upwards of 70
4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed

Period
Enlisted
Drafted In 17__[illegible] 
Duration of Service
2 years 
Rank
As a
Names of General and field officers under whom he served.
Va. Line
Ensign Taylor, Capt Burnley, Col. F Taylor 
5. In what battles was he engaged?  
Winchester
6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Orange County Va.
7. In his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionally evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls?
Living Witnesses and traditionary
8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if no, in what respect?
Correct

Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers with the evidence in the case above mentioned.

Dyer Castor
Examining Clerk
Page 12

I Clayton Matthews of the County of Louisa and
State of Virginia, Administrator of James Chiles decd. (who was a Revolutionary soldier who at one time
drew a pension of $80 for year) do hereby make [illegible] and appoint Wm A. Gillespie my true and lawful
Attorney for me and in my name to apply for and receive
from the United States any pension arrears of pension
or bounty land that may be due to the heirs of James Chiles decd.  I also state that my wife Susan R Matthews is the daughter and one of the heirs of James Chiles decd. In witness whereof I have hereto affixed my hand & seal this 16th day of September 1854
Clayton Matthews

Witnesses
J.H. Gillespie
Page 13

May 29, 1940.

BA-J/ADY
James Chiles, S.8200

Mrs. Annella D. Gore
720 North Pennsylvania Street
Indianapolis, Indiana

Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter relative to James Chiles,
a soldier of the Revolutionary War.
The data contained herein were obtained from the papers
on file in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S.8200, based
upon the military service in that war of James Chiles.
James Chiles was born in Orange County, Virginia, date,
and the names of his parents are not shown.
James Chiles enlisted, date not stated, in Orange County,
Virginia, as private in Captain Garland Burnley's Company under
Colonel Francis Taylor in the Virginia troops, served at the
barracks in guarding prisoners in Albemarle County, Virginia,
and Winchester and was discharged after the taking of Cornwallis,
having served over two years.
He was allowed pension on his application executed
August 27, 1832, at which time he was a resident of Orange
County, Virginia, where he had always lived. He was then
" aged upwards of seventy years.
He died January 7, 1852, place not stated.
Soldier's daughter, Susan R., married Clayton Matthews,
who was a resident of Louisa County, Virginia, in 1854. There
are no further family data.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
Page 14

1812 Wars Section.
ADY

March 10, 1930.

W. B. Cothran,
P. O. Box 585,
Greenwood, South Carolina.

Dear Sir:
I advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War
pension claim, S. 8200, it appears that James Chiles was
born in Orange County, Virginia, date not stated.
He enlisted, date not stated, in Orange County, Virginia, as a private in Captain Garland Burnley's Company
under Colonel Francis Taylor in the Virginia Troops, served
at the barracks in guarding prisoners in Albemarle County,
Virginia and Winchester and was discharged after the taking
of Cornwallis, having served over two years.
He was allowed pension on his application executed
August 27, 1832, while a resident of Orange County, Virginia,
where he had always lived. He was then aged upwards of
seventy years"
He died January 7, 1852.
Soldier's daughter, Susan R., married Clayton Matthews
who was a resident of Louisa County, Virginia, in 1854. There
are no further family data.
This is the history of the only soldier named James
Chiles found on the Revolutionary War records of this bureau.
Very truly yours,
EARL D. CHURCH,
Commissioner.
Page 15

December 20, 1913.

Mr. Ralph J. Chiles.
4015 Wayne Avenue,
Kansas City, Mo.

Sir: --
In response to your letter dated the sixth instant, you
are advised that in the claim of James Chiles, Sur. File 8200,
Rev. War, the history of which was furnished you on May 2, 1913,
it is not stated that he served in the War of 1812.
The records of the War of 1812 in this Bureau fail to
afford information in regard to any soldier named James Chiles.
In order to identify the record of a Colonel Hawkins,
War of 1812, if the same is on file his full name and some of
the following data are essential: places of residence at enlistment and after service, approximate dates of birth and death,
given name of widow.
Very respectfully,
G M Saltzgaber
Commissioner.
Page 16

Rev. War
In reply to your request of __ received ___ for a statement of the military history of James Chiles a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau.
S.F. 8200
DATES OF
ENLISTMENT OR
APPOINTMENT.
1779
LENGTH OF
SERVICE.
2 yrs
RANK.
Pri
OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.
CAPTAIN.
Garland Burnley
COLONEL.
Francis Taylor
STATE.
Va.

Battles engaged in, none
Residence of soldier at enlistment,
Orange Co Va
Date of application for pension, Aug 27, 1832. His cl was al.
Residence at date of application,
Orange Co. Va.
Age at date of application, 70yrs, Born in Orange Co. Va
Remarks:
Died Jan 7 1852.

A daughter, Susan R. Married Clayton Matthews
There is no further data rel to family
Very Respectfully, 
From Agency Book
Commissioner,
6 -- 2856
Page 17

BLUE HALL
725 NORTH PENNSYLVANIA STREET
INDIANAPOLIS
April 20, 1940

Stamp
RECEIVED Apr 23 1940
[illegible]

Mr. D Hiller,
Veterans Ad. Bureau
Washington DC.
Dear Sir
Please send me a copy of the pension papers
of James Chiles who was a Revolutionary
soldier of Orange Co Virginia, placed
on the pension roll 1883 at the age
of 72.
Very truly yours
(Mrs) Annella D Gore
Page 18

P. O. Box 585,
Greenwood, S.C.,
January 10th, 1930.

Pension Bureau,
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:
Will you kindly send me the pension record of
JAMES CHILES, of Virginia,
who served in the Revolution. He enlisted, I understand, from Orange County. I want especially the names
of places he lived at subsequently to the Revolution.
Where was he living in 1833. Have you the pen-
sion record of any other JAMES CHILES who served in the Revolution?
Very truly yours,
W. B Cothran
W. B. Cothran,

Stamp
Pension Office
Jan 18 1930
U.S.
Page 19

Kansas City, Mo.
December 6, 1913.
Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington, D.C

Sir:-
Having received information and
prompt attention to an inquiry regarding
a Revolutionary soldier's record, one James
Chiles, of Virginia, I would like to
ascertain if more data is obtainable
through your office of his (James Chiles)
record in the war of 1812 under Wm.
H Harrison and Zachary Taylor. A history
published in 59, gives his designation
as Col. or brigade commander. Have
you any record of a Col. Hawkins (Mr)
in the same campaign.
Thanking you for a reply and
whatever information is available,
I am,
Very Respectfully,
Ralph J. Chiles
4015 Wayne Avenue
Kansas City, Mo.
Page 20

Kansas City Mo. Apr. 25 1913
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sir,
I am in receipt of a letter
from the Adjutant General's Office
refering me to you as a probable
source for information regarding one
James Chiles a Revolutionary soldier
of Va. and which said letter also
Furnishes the proof that said James
Chiles was a private in Captain
Garland Burnley's Co
Colonel Francis Taylor's Virginia Regiment
That his name appears on the pay
roll [illegible] a period from June
1st to Aug, 1st 1779,
The family history & tradition say,
that he was at the battle of the Cowpens
under General Daniel Morgan & was
at the battle of Yorktown & on the
body Guard of Gen. Washington,
If your Office can furnish
any information concerning
Page 21

2
said soldiers record.  I will greatly appreciate it.
Very Respectfully
Ralph J. Shiles
2819 Holmes St.
K.C., MO
Page 22

8200
Rev War
INVALID
File No. 8204
James Chiles
Pri Rev War
Act:  June 7th 32
Index Vol. [illegible] Page 65
[Arrangement of 1870]

1913 May 2 History to Ralph J. Chiles Frr
1913 Dec 20 To Ralph J Chiles not stated in claim that soldier served in War of 1812 Frr
1930 Mar 10 Hist. to W.B. Cothran NY
1940 May 29 Hist. to Mrs. Annella D. Gore asy
Page 23

Payments to be made at Richmond by 
Pres MS Br. Bank Agent for paying Pensioners, in the Agency of Virginia

Recorded by W. L. Williams
Clerk, in Book [illegible] Vol 6 Page 4
Page 24

WAR DEPARTMENT.
Revolutionary Claim.
I certify that in conformity with the Law of the United States, of the 7th June, 1832, 
James Chiles
of the State of Virginia
who was a Private in the War of the Revolution
is entitled to receive Eighty dollars and
00 cents 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 8th day of March one thousand eight hundred and thirty three

Lew Cass
Secretary of War.
Examined and
Countersigned}
J L Edwards
Page 25

Post mark
USA
Sep 17
[illegible]

Free

Hon. L.P. Waldo
Commissioner of Pensions
City of Washington

James Chiles
Va. [illegible] 1832

G Cole
Page 26

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those
which require
answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of James Chiles
further proof or explanation.
1. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides?
II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides?
III. If the applicant 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?
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 amout of pension he is entitled?
VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations?
VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832?
VIII. Has the Court given their opinion?
IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate?
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?
Page 27

2
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?
No
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it?
No
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?
Living witness-
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?
Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the
regulations direct?
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?
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And,
if not, which of them is not so answered?
1.2.7

EXPLANATORY NOTES.
*QUERE V. 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, hecannot 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 services I claim a pension.
Page 28

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 anciting the
officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly
able. 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.
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.
Page 29

William A. Gillespie
Louisa CH Virginia
Sept 1. 1834
Enquiring whether
James Childs [illegible]
Eppa Fielding 1828
Wm: T Willoughby &
are not entitled to
Pension or bounty land
Eppa Fielding
part 18 May 1828
No 1047
Respectfully referred
The Commr Pensions
Dept Int
Sept 2/54
[illegible]
Chf Clk
[illegible] Mitchell
C R
Col
Sept 2 1854
Mr. Pritchett
Sept 2/52
Page 30


Louisa CH Va Sept 1st 1854
Dear Sir
Will you permit me to make some enquiries
of the Department in relation to some pension claims.
1. Mr James Chiles of Orange Co. who I believe served to the end of the war of the Revolution and drew $80- per year under act of 7th June 1832 from 4th March 1831
I think he was entitled to land & previous pensions
2. Mr Eppa Fielding of Louisa also drew $80 per year under same act. He belonged to Va continental line of light Dragoons. He also is entitled I think to bounty land & pensions not drawn previous to above act
3. Wm T Willoughby a private in war of 1812 served under Capt Wm Smith of Orange Co. 3 1/2 months. in a second tour he served under Capt Wm Stevens
of Orange 41/2 months. He has drawn 40 Acres. Is he not entitled to more?
Is there any thing due in the above cases.
very respectfully
Wm A. Gillespie
Page 31

At a Court of monthly session held for the
County of Louisa at the Courthouse thereof on
Monday the 10th day of May 1852
On the motion of Clayton Matthews who
made oath according to law and together with
William A Gilles in his security who justified
on oath as to his sufficiency, entered into and
acknowledged a bond in the penalty of one hundred dollars conditioned as the law requires a certificate
is granted him for obtaining letters of Administration
the estate of James Child decd in due form
which said bond is ordered to be recorded
℗
A Copy [illegible], David M. Hunter.