Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 10295, Jasper Billings, N.C.
Page 1

(3 - 1776)
SERVICE
N.C.
Billings, Jasper
Elizabeth
NUMBER
W.10295
B.L. Wt. 19508-160-55
CONTENTS
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12.448
North Carolina
---
Jasper Billings of Wilkes in the State of N Car. who was a pri. in the [blank] commanded by Captain [blank] of the Regt commanded by Greene in the N Car. line for 7 mo. 14 days
---
Inscribed on the Roll of N. Carolina at the rate of 24. Dollars 88 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
---
Certificate of Pension issued the 30 day of Apl. 33 and sent S. F. Patterson Wilkesboro
---
Arrears to the 4th of March 1833 49.76
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sep 12.44
[total] $62.20

{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.}

Recorded by Nathaniel Rice Clerk, 
Book E Vol. 6 Page 34

[vertical writing]
Nov. 12 - 1835 CB
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Jasper Billings
18579
Page 4

State of North Carolina
County of Wilkes Ss.
On this 22d day of October 1832 personally appeared before me John Gambill, one of the acting Justices of the Peace for the County & State aforesaid Jasper Billings, a resident of the County of Wilkes & State of North Carolina, aged seventy three years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on his oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832.
That he was born on the 3d day of April 1759 in the County of Pittsylvania & State of Virginia, (the record of which was entered by his father in a bible now in the possession of the family of his brother) where he continued to reside until he was about fifteen years of age, when he removed with his father to the County of Surry (now Wilkes) in the State of North Carolina, where he lived until he entered the service of the United States about the month of August 1776 as a volunteer under Lieutenant Martin Davenport, and rendezvoused on Roaring River in the said County of Wilkes, and marched immediately to the North Western side of the Blue Ridge against the Cherokee Indians who at that time were very troublesome - when they had proceeded as far as the Grandfather mountain they halted and struck up camp, and after detailing a portion of the company to guard the camp, they remained as divided themselves into scouting parties and were employed during their stay at that place in scouring the country round about after the Indians - after about a month or six weeks employed in this manner, and without meeting with any of the Indians, they concluded that they had abandoned the country - and therefore there was no longer any necessity for their services - they accordingly set out for home, and when they had reached the County of
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Wilkes, they were discharged by Lieutenant Davenport and each man repaired to his home - Soon after the return home of this deponent he removed with his father back to Pittsylvania County Virginia, where he lived for about three years & again returned to North Carolina in the fall of the year 1780. In the month of October of that year this deponent again volunteered himself for three months, and joined a company of volunteers commanded by Capt. William Hewlit, & Lieutenant John Harper as Parker, and rendezvoused at Surry Old C.H. where they remained for a few days until they were properly organized, and thence marched direct to Salisbury, where they were stationed in conjunction with other troops for nearly three months guarding a portion of the prisoners which had been taken at the battle of Kings Mountain (this deponent believes that the troops at that place during the time aforesaid were under the command of Col Washington, but of this fact he is not certain). Some time in the month of January 1781, information was received at Salisbury that Lord Cornwallis was approaching the state from South Carolina; when the prisoners aforesaid were immediately put in preparation and marched off under the guard aforesaid to the State of Virginia and when they had proceeded as far as the Horse pasture creek in Patrick County, the term of service of Capt Hewlits company having expired, they were relieved by the substitution of some other troops, and were discharged and sent home. In the month of July following, this deponent again volunteered himself for three months, and joined the company of Capt Alexander Gordon at Hamblins old Store, in the said County of Wilkes, and very soon thereafter marched direct to Camden in South Carolina, where they joined the army under Genl. Greene - immediately after joining the main army, Genl. Greene set out upon his march crossing the Wateree, and Congaree, to Thompsons Fort - after remaining at that place for about a week, they marched direct for the Eutaw Springs, and after a hard march for a day
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and night, they arrived within a few miles of the Eutaw Springs where the British had taken post - as soon as the necessary arrangements for an attack could be made; Genl Greene moved forward with the army, and when they arrived within about three miles of the British army, they came upon their advance guard (who were gelling potatoes) whom they attacked, and who immediately retreated, but who were very soon surrounded by the American Light Horse and the whole party taken prisoners. Genl. Greene then pressed forward with all possible speed, until the general action at that place commenced, and after a hard fought battle of about two hours, the Americans relived, having taken a great many prisoners, and left a great many dead upon the field.
Soon after the engagement, the prisoners which were taken, were given in charge to the North Carolina Militia who guarded them on their march back until they reached Salisbury, where they were stationed for about three weeks when the term of service of this deponent expired, and he received his discharge and returned home - having been in service about three months and two weeks. This last tour closed the services performed by this deponent during the revolutionary War. This deponent has lived in the County of Wilkes ever since the revolutionary War, and resides there at this time.
He received discharges from Captains Hewlet & Gordon under whom he served, for both his three months tours, but which have been lost or mislaid for many years. He has no documentary evidence to prove his service, nor does he know of any person living whose testimony he could procure, who can testify to his service, except Thomas Jines who served with him during the last tour to the Eutaw Springs, and whose affidait is hereto annexed, and to which he refers for proof of that tour - for the remaining part of his services he refers to James Baugus and the aforesaid Thomas Jines as persons to whom he has have long known in his neighbor hood.
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and who can testify as to his character for veracity and their belief of his services as a soldier of the revolution.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state.
Sworn to & subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
Jasper Billings
test
Jno. Gambill JP

On the day and year aforesaid, personally appeared before me John Gambill an acting Justice of the Peace for the County & State aforesaid, Thomas Jines, who being first duly sworn according to law, deposeth and saith that he served with Jasper Billings the above applicant during the three months tour mentioned in the foregoing declaration as having been performed under Capt. Alexander Gordon to Camden where they joined Genl. Greene, and thence by Thompsons Fort to the Eutaw Springs, where the engagement was fought, and from thence to Salisbury N.C. guarding the prisoners taken at the Eutaw Springs and where they were discharged. And further that the services set forth and specified in the said declaration as having been performed by the said Jasper Billings during the three months tour aforesaid, were performed by him.
Sworn to & subscribed the day and year aforesaid
Thomas Jines his mark X
test
Jno. Gambill JP

We James Baugus & Thomas Jines residents of the County of Wilkes & State of North Carolina do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Jasper Billings who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration - that we believe him to be seventy three years of age - that he is reputed & believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution, and that we concur in that
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opinion-
Sworn to & subscribed the day and year aforesaid
James Baugus his mark J
Thomas Jines his mark X
test
Jno. Gambill JP

I John Gambill Justice of the Peace as aforesaid, do hereby declare my opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. And I further certify that I am well acquainted with James Baugus & Thomas Jines who have signed the preceding certificate, that they are both residents of the County of Wilkes & State of North Carolina, and are credible persons, and that their statement is entitled to credit. I further certify that I am well acquainted with Jasper Billings the above applicant, and that he has been for near six months past confined to his house by the dislocation of his hip joint, and that he is in a very helpless condition, & entirely unable from the circumstance aforesaid, to attend a court of record to make the application for a pension aforesaid.
Given under my hand the day & year aforesaid
Jno. Gambill JP {seal}

State of North Carolina
County of Wilkes ss.
I Robert Martin Clerk of the Court of Pleas & quarter Sessions of the County of Wilkes & State of North Carolina, do hereby certify that John Gambill Esqr.
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before whom the foregoing declaration appears to have been made, and proceedings had, is an acting Justice of the Peace for said County, and that the signatures appended to said proceedings, purporting to be his, are his genuine official signatures - and that all faith and credit is due, and ought to be given to his official acts.
Given under my hand & seal of office at Wilkesboro this 24th day of October 1832
R Martin Clk.
by
B.W. Cass D. Clk.
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18579
Jasper Billings
Wilkes Co
N.C.

admit as a private
7 mos & 14 days 24.88

S. F. Patterson
Wilkesboro
N.C.
Page 11

BRIEF in the case of Jasper Billings of Wilkes Co in the State of North Carolina
(Act 7th June, 1832.)
1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Justice of the Peace
2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity? Yes
3. How old is he? 73
4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed.
Period. Duration of Service. Years, Months, Days. Rank. Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served. Gen. Greene
Volunteer In 1776 1 [mo] or 6 weeks Private
do 1780 3 [mos] do
do 1781 3 [mos] & 2 weeks do
[total] 7 & 4
5. In what battles was he engaged? Eutaw Springs,
6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Wilkes Co N.C.
7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? living witness
8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? Not connected as required
I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
T.E. Bradford
Examining Clerk.
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[first page]
S. J. Nestall Apl 9 1853
A. Carmichael June 24 "
Same Sep 16 "
1856 Feby 5. Cer. to Pen Agt.
" " 27 From Fayetteville to Morgantown fr. 4 Septemr. 1854.
Notn, to pen agt.
--
[vertical writing]
Reg 3r Mar 105559
Date of death not on AB

[second page] [image too dark to transcribe properly]
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State of North Carolina
Wilkes County
Declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the act of congress of the 17th of June 1844 On this 11th day of December 1850 personally appeared before John Gambill an acting justice of the peace in the County of Wilkes and State of North Carolina Elizabeth Billings a resident of the County of Wilkes and State aforesaid aged 76 years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress passed June the 17th 1844. That she is the widow of Jasper Billings deceased who was a pensioner of the revolutionary war not recollecting the act he was pensioned under nor the ammunt [amount] of his pension he drew per anum, you will refer to the papers on file in pension office, when Jasper Billings Deceased was pensioned. That she said Elizabeth Richardson was married to the aforesaid Jasper Billings on the 14th day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninty five and that he mentioned Jasper Billings died on the 12th day of November 1835 and is marked on his tombstone the same day and date that the family Record in the Bible has been distroyed, she said Elizabeth Billing having been living about with her children after her husbands said Jasper Billings deceased that she has remained a widow ever since the period as will more fully appear by referance to the proof hereto annext
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year first above written
Elizabeth Billings her mark X
test Jno. Gambill JP

State of North Carolina
Wilkes County
I John Gambill a Justice of the peace in and for the County aforesaid do hereby certify that Elizabeth Billings the above applyant for a pension cannot from her badly infirmity attend the Court given from under my hand and seal this 11 day of December 1850
Jno. Gambill JP
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State of North Carolina
Wilkes County
On this 12th day of December 1850 personally appeared before the subscriber an acting Justice of the peace in and for the County aforesaid Susanah Roberts a resident of said County and after being duly sworn according to law deposeth as follows, that she is 66 years old that she was not present at the marriage between Jasper Billings and Elizabeth his wife and that said marriage took place according to the best of my recollecting in June and in the year 1795 in the County and State above named and this affiant swars that she well recollects of one of her brothers and one of my cosins going to the wedding between Jasper Billings and his wife Elizabeth then Richarson and this affiant well recollects seeing the people going to the wedding and from the wedding and hering of them and a great many others saying that Jasper Billings was married to Elizabeth his wife and this affiant swars that she belives they was lawfully married as much as if she had saw them married and this affiant swars that she has remained a widow ever since the death of Jasper Billings and still remains a widow
Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and date above written
Susanah Roberts her mark X
attest J. J. Gamble JP {seal}

State of North Carolina
County of Wilkes
Be it know that I J.J. Gamble an acting Justice of the peace in and for the County aforesaid do hereby certify that Susanah Roberts is respectable member of the church and has long been under stood as such and her statement is as worthy and entitled to credit on her oath or otherwise given from under my hand and seal this 12th day of AD December 1850
J.J. Gamble J.P.
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State of North Carolina
County of Wilkes
On this 12 day of December AD 1850 personally appeared before me the subscriber an acting Justice of the peace for the County aforesaid Sarah Stamper who after having been duly sworn agreable to law says as follows to wit That she well recollect of hering of the marriage between Jasper Billings and his wife Elizabeth and was living in two miles of them at the time they was married and this affiant will recollect of one of her brothers and one of my cosins going to the wedding between Jasper Billings and will Elizabeth then Richardson and well recollect seeing of the people passing to and from the wedding and saying they had been at the wedding between Jasper Billings & his wife Elizabeth and they was married by publising of the bands of matrimoney, which was custom in those days as I was informed, affiant swars said marriage took place according to the best of my recollection and from ever sircumstance I can get together in month of June and in the year 1795 and the affiant lived a neighbor to said Jasper Billings up to his death and still living a neighbour to his widow and affiant swars that Elizabeth his wife has remained a widow ever since the death of her husborn Jasper Billings and still remains a widow, and her husborn the aforesaid Jasper Billings was a pensioner of the revolutionary war and the affiant swars that she is 67 years old
Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and date first above written
Sarrah Stamper her mark X
Jno. Gambill JP

State of North Carolina
Wilkes County
I John Gambill a Justice of the peace in and for the County aforesaid do hereby certify Sarrah Stamper is a respectable lady of of our County and her statement is well worthy and entitled to credit on her oath or otherwise given from under my hand and seal this the 12 day of December 1850
Jno. Gambill JP
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State of North Carolina
Wilkes County
Be it known that on the 15th day of December 1850 personally appeared before the subscriber an acting Justice of the peace in and for the County aforesaid Joseph Richardson who after having been duly sworn agreable to law says as follows that he is 79 years old, and this affiant swars that he was present at the wedding between Jasper Billings and his wife Elizabeth then Richardson, and saw them lawfully joined together as husborn and wife and they was married by publishing of the beares of matrimoney which was custom in those days and affiant swars they was married on the 14th day of June 1795 affiant was married on the 25th day of September 1796 and affiant will recollect that Jasper Billings and his wife Elizabeth was married before the affiant was married and the affiant swars that Jasper Billings was a pensioner of the revolutionary war, affiant swars that Elizabeth his wife has remained a widow ever since the death of the aforesaid Jasper Billings and still remains a widow
Joseph Richardson his mark X
Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and date first above written
Joseph Richardson his mark X
J J Gamble JP.

State of North Carolina
County of Wilkes
I J J Gamble an acting Justice of the peace in and for the County of aforesaid do hereby certify that Joseph Richardson is a good citizen and a respectable member of the church and has been long under stood as such and his statement is well worthy and entitled to credit on his oath or other were given from under my hand and seal this the 18th day of December 1850
J J Gamble J.P.
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[first column]
Apr. 28 / 55
105.559.
Act 3d Mar 55
---
Elizabeth Billings
wid.
Jasper Billings priv.
---
N.C. Mil.
Rev. Pensioner
Rev. War.
---
Ad: 160 acres Mach 17 / 56
N.C. July 48 - Boyton
---
A Carmichael
Briar Creek
N. Caro.

[sideways] No 19508 iss. Mar 24 56

[second column]
Cer's A. Carmichael Dec. 22 / 55
let. " " Jany. 7th 56
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105.559
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North Carolina
Wilkes County
On this 24th day of March 1855 personally appeared before John S Johnson an acting Justice, authorized to administer oaths for general purposes within and for the County of Wilkes and State aforesaid. Elizabeth Billings who being duly sworn according to law, declares on her sole oath that she is the widow of Jasper Billings deceased, who was a soldier in the war of 1776 with Great Britian and pensioned by the United States as will appear on Record in the Pension office at Washington who died on the 12 day of November 1837 and that she was after his death was pensioned by the U States as his widow as also will appear of Record in the pension office at Washington and she further swears that she has remained a widow now about 78 years old and that she makes this declaration to recover and received the benefit of the Bounty Land Act of Congress passed on the 3 day of March 1855 - as the widow of the said Jasper Billings
Elizabeth Billings her mark X
Sworn to and subscribed before me
John S. Johnson J P

North Carolina
Wilkes County
This day personally appeared before me Thomas Roberts and Elisha Billings and solemnly swearing that Elizabeth Billings is the widow of Jasper Billings and person as sworn to in this declaration
Thomas Roberts his mark X
Elisha Billing
John S. Johnson JP
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North Carolina
Wilkes County
This day personally appeared before me John S Johnson a justice of the peace in and for the County and state aforesaid Lewis Johnson and after being duly sworn declaring that Elizabeth Billings widow makes the foregoing declaration is the widow of Jasper Billings and the identical person pensioned by the United States as the widow of the said Jasper Billings - sworn to before me
Lewis Johnson
J.S. Johnson JP

I certify that Thomas Roberts and Elisha Billings are [illegible] some neighbours of Elizabeth Billings and lives within 14 miles of Wilkesboro, and that Lewis Johnson lives within 20 miles of Wilkesboro and that each of them are respectable [illegible]
J.S. Johnson J.P

North Carolina
Wilkes County
I W Mastin clerk of the Court in in and for the County and State aforesaid do hereby certify that John S Johnson whose genuine signature appears to the foregoing affidavit is and was at the
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time of signing the same a Justice of the peace in and for the County and State aforesaid duly commissioned and sworn that all his official acts as such are entitled to full faith and credit
Given under my hand and seal of office April 17th 1855
W Mastin Clk
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November 11, 1932
XXXXXXXXXXXXX
BA-J/AWF CW
Jasper Billings
W. 10295

Mr. William G. Billings
1234 Granville Avenue
Chicago, Illinois

Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request information in regard to Jasper Billings of North Carolina, a Revolutionary War pensioner.
The data furnished herein were obtained from the papers on file in pension claim, W.10295, based upon the Revolutionary War service of Jasper Billings.
He was born April 3, 1759 in Pittsylvania County, Virginia, and lived there until about fifteen years of age, when he moved with his father to Surry (that part which was later Wilkes) County, North Carolina. The names of his parents are not given.
Jasper Billings, while residing in Surry County, enlisted in August, 1776 and served a month or six weeks under Lieutenant Martin Davenport in the North Carolina troops, in an expedition against the Cherokee Indians.
He returned, with his father, to Pittsylvania County, Virginia, and in the fall of 1780 came back to North Carolina.
He enlisted in October, 1780 and served three months in Captain William Hewlit's North Carolina company, and guarded the prisoners taken at the battle of Kings Mountain. He enlisted in the July following and served three months and two weeks in Captain Alex-
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[Alex]ander Gordon's company, and was in the battle of Eutaw Springs.
Jasper Billings was allowed pension on his application executed October 22, 1832, then a resident of Wilkes County, North Carolina.
He died November 12, 1835.
He married June 14, 1795 in Wilkes County, North Carolina, Elizabeth Richardson.
She was allowed pension on her application executed December 11, 1850, then aged seventy-six years and living in Wilkes County, North Carolina. The names of her parents are not shown.
She stated in 1850 that since the death of her husband, Jasper Billings, she had been "living about" with her children, but she did not give the names of children.
Thomas Billings in 1850 was a resident of Wilkes County, North Carolina; Elisha Billings in 1855 was living a near neighbor to the widow, Elizabeth Billings; and Miss Bethany (?) Billings in 1855 was living in Wilkes County, North Carolina; no relationship to family or to each other shown.
Joseph Richardson in 1850 was seventy-nine years of age and living in Wilkes County, North Carolina; and Elisha Richardson, aged eighty-one years in 1850 and a resident of Wilkes County, North Carolina, stated that he was present at the marriage of Jasper Billings and Elizabeth Richardson; no relationship to the family stated.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Assistant to Administrator
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N.C.
Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 10295
Elizabeth Billings
Wid. of Jasper Billings
Pvt. Rev. War
Act: July 29th 48
Index: - Vol. A, Page 63
{Arrangement of 1870.}

19508
Mevlins

[sideways print]
1932 - Nov. 11 - hist. to William Billings AWF
Page 25

No 919
Elizth. Billings
widow of Jasper
N.C.
Act of 29th July 1848
Page 26

180.476
Elizabeth Billings
wid. of Jasper Billings

Johnson
31.700
---
160

A. S. Calloway
Wilkesborough
N.C.

[sideways print]
Sep 17 / 61
Page 27

State of North Carolina
County of Wilkes
On this 2d day of Nov. 1855 personally appeared before me a Justice of the peace within and for the County and State aforesaid. Mrs Elizabeth Billings widow of Jasper Billings Dd. and made oath according to law that she is the widow of Jasper Billings Dd. late of Wilkes County N.C. - a Revolutionary pensioner of the United States. She states that her said Husband never recd. any bounty land from the United States. That she has made an Application no. for Bounty land under Act 3 March 1855. That she has never made but the one application for Bounty County land, and that she has never recd. bounty land from the United States and that she is now a widow
And I do hereby constitute and appoint A.A. Calloway Esq. of Wilkesboro N.C. my true and lawful agent and [illegible] to prosecute my claim for Bounty land from the United States - and to receive any warrant that may be issued to me for bounty land for me
Elizabeth Billings her mark X
Witness Rachel Waddell her mark X
Witness Bethany Billings her mark X

Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and date above written and I do certify that the affiant is the identical person she represents herself to be and that the witness are respectable residents of Wilkes County N.C.
James Calloway J.P.
Page 28

State of North Carolina
County of Wilkes
On this 2d. day of Nov. 1855 personally appeared before me a Justice of the peace within and for the County and State aforesaid, Mrs. Rachel Waddell and Miss Bethany Billings residents of the County and State aforesaid, who after being duly sworn according to law declars, that they are well and [illegible] acquainted with Mrs. Elizabeth Billings of Wilkes County N.C. and state that the said Mrs. Elizabeth Billings is the widow of Jasper Billings Dd. who was a Revolutionary pensioner of the United States, and is now dead, and that the said Mrs. Elizabeth Billings is now living and is a widow and a Revolutionary pensioner of the U.S.
Rachel Waddell his mark X
Bethany Billings her mark X

Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and date above written, and I do hereby certify that the affiants are credable persr. well known to me, and residents of the County of Wilkes State of North Carolina.
James Calloway J.P.

A. S. Calloway
Wilkesborg N.C.
agent
Page 29

Wilkesborog N.C. Nov. 5 1855

The Hon.
Commissioner of Pensions [illegible] & has cause the forgoing to be placed in proper file, for proof of the marriage of the applicant Mrs Elizabeth Billings, to her late husband Jasper Billings Dd., and proof of
his death reference is made to the papers, on file, in the case of the application of the said Mrs. Elizabeth Billings for a pension from the United States as well also for the proof of her Husbands service in the war of the Revolution.
James Calloway,
for A. S. Calloway
Atto.
Page 30

Declaration
North Carolina
Wilkes County
On this 6 day of July 1853. personally appeared before me John Gambill an acting Justice of the Peace and authorised to administer oaths Elizabeth Billings a resident Citizen of the County of Wilkes and State aforesaid was about 78 years old doath on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the act of Congress passed 4th July 1836 or 1838 the she is the widow of Jasper Billings who died on the 12 day of Nov. 1835 and who was a soldier of the Revolutionary way and pensioned by United States at $24.88/100 pr annum. and [illegible] of having been since pensioned by the United States at the same rate under the act of 29 July 1848 which act of Congress given him no back pay as provided by acts of Congress which proceeded?? it the benefits of which she claims, and that full proof is now on file in the pension office upon which Pension Certificate issued 8 May 1851 payable in Fayetteville and that she remains a widow.
Sworn to before me the day and year above written
Elizabeth Billings her mark X
test Jno. Gambill JP

North Carolina
Wilkes County
I John Gambill an authorised Justice of the Peace in and for said County certify that Elizabeth Billings is the identical person who has been pensioned by the United States as sworn to in her declaration above
Jno. Gambill JP
Page 31

North Carolina
Wilkes County
Know all men by these presents that I Elizabeth Billings of Wilkes County in the State of North Carolina widow of Jasper Billings decd. of the County of Wilkes who was a soldier of the Revolutionary war have constituted and appointed Abram Carmichael my true and lawful attorney for me and in my name to recover from the Commissioner of Pensions my Pension Certificate due as the widow of the said Jasper Billings decd. as aforesaid and to attend to any business which is now or may be pending hereafter before the United States Government wherein I am interested, granting to him full power to give receipts an as full and perfect manner in my name and to make settlements as if I was or could do were I personally pay into and acting for myself, hereby conferring all my said attorney may legally do or cause to be done hereby revoking any heretofore made
Witness my hand and seal this 6th day of July 1853
Elizabeth Billings her mark X
witness Jno. Gambill JP
Wm. Wilis
Page 32

State of North Carolina
Wilkes County
I W Mastin clerk of the Court of Pleas and quarter sessions for the County and State aforesaid do certify that John Gambill is a magistrate as above and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his is Genuine
Given under my hand and the seal of said Court at office the 28th July 1853
W. Mastin Clk.
Page 33

State of North Carolina
County of Ashe
Be it remembered that on the 17th day of December AD 1850 personally appeared before the subscriber an acting Justice of the peace in and for the County aforesaid Elisha Richardson and after being first duly sworn according to law deposeth as follows to wit That he is 81 years old, and was present at the marriage between Jasper Billings deceased and his wife Elizabeth, then Richardson and saw them lawfully married and pronounced man and wife, they was married by publishing of the beanes of matrymony [banns of matrimony] which was costom in those days and they was married in the County of Wilkes and State aforesaid, and said Marriage took place in the month of June and in the year of or Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninty five one affiant swars that Elizabeth his wife has remained a widow since the death of the aforesaid Jasper Billing Decd, and still remains a widow
Sworn to and subscribed before me the year and date above written
Elisha Richerson his mark O
attest
Spencer Isom JP

State of North Carolina
County of Ashe
I Spencer Isom a justice of the peace in and for the County aforesaid do hereby certify that Elisha Richardson is an old, and a respectable good citizen of the County aforesaid and his statement is well worthy and entitled to credit on his oath or otherwise given from under my hand and seal this the 17th day of December AD 185
Spencer Isom JP
Page 34

No 919

State of North Carolina
Ashe County
I John Ray Clerk of the Court of pleas and quarter sessions for the County of Ashe in the State aforesaid do hereby certify that Spencer Isom is a magistrate for and in said County and that all his official acts deserve due credit and the above signatures proporting to be his are genuine
In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of office at Jefferson, this 21 Dec 1850
Jno Ray C.C.C.
By N H Waugh D.C.
Page 35

State of North Carolina
County of Wilkes ss
I W Mastin Clerk of the County Court of Wilkes County in the State aforesaid do hereby certify that I have examined the records of my office for the Bond for Marriage Licence between Jasper Billings and Elizabeth Richardson and find no such bond on file
In Witness whereof I have hereunto affixed my seal of Office at Wilkesboro this 14th day of December AD 1850
W Mastin C.C.W.C.
Page 36

State of North Carolina
County of Wilkes
Be it Remembered that on the 15th day of December AD 1850 personally appeared before the subscriber an acting Justice of the peace in and for the County aforesaid Sally Blackborn and after being duly sworn according to law deposeth as follows to wit
That she is 86 years old, was living in two miles of Jasper Billings and his wife Elizabeth then Richardson at the time they was married & was not present at the marriage but I well recollect the time they was married and seeing of the people passing to and from the wedding and hereing of a great many saying they had seen Jasper Billings married to Elizabeth Richardson I well recollect I was asked by the family to come to the wedding and should of went but it turned out to be a wet day affiant swars she had a son in March the 28th day 1795 and in the month of June in 1795 Jasper Billings was married to Elizabeth Richardson and affiant swars that she has lived a near neighbour to Jasper Billings Deceased up to his death and still lives near Elizabeth his widow and never herd ther marriage doubted and the aforesaid Jasper Billings was a pensioner of the revolutionary war affiant swars she still remains a widow and has ever since since the death of the aforesaid Jasper Billings
Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year above written
Sally Blackborn her mark X
J.J. Gamble JP.

State of North Carolina
Wilkes County
Be it Remembered that I Jesse J. Gambill a justice of the peace in and for the County of aforesaid do hereby certify that Sally Blackborn in an old respectable lady of our County aforesain and here statement is well worthy and entitled to credit on her oath or other wise given from under my hand and seal this the 13th day of December AD 1850
J.J. Gamble J.P.
Page 37

State of North Carolina
County of Wilkes
Be it rememberd that on the 13th day of December 1850 personally appeared before the subscriber an acting justice of the peace in and for the County aforesaid Thomas Billings a resident of said County and after being duly sworn according to to law deposeth as follows to wit
That the family record that contained the Marriage of Jasper Billings deceased and his wife Elizabeth and the ages of ther children was left in my posision after his death and one day I was out at my work and when I came to the house I was informed by my family and Elizabeth his wife, that there had been a straing. man at the house and tale the widow that he wanted to get her a pension, and he wished to see the family record that contained the date of the marriage of the aforesaid Jasper Billings Decd. and Elizabeth wife; and after taking of the bible and looking at it he cut out the leaf and tuck it away, and we have not never herd of him nor the record since and affiant swars he do not now recollect the date of the marriage
Sworn to and subscribed to the day and date first above written
Thos. Billins mark X
attes
Jno. Gambill J.P.

State of North Carolina
Wilkes County
I John Gambill an acting Justice of the peace in and for the County of aforesaid do hereby certify that Thomas Billings is a respectable citizen of our County and his statement is well worthy and entitled to credit on his oath or other wise given from under my hand and seal this 13th day of December AD 1850
Jno. Gambill JP
Page 38

State of North Carolina
County of Wilkes
We the under assinged do hereby certify and swar that the present applicant Elizabeth Billings as the Widow of Jasper Billings deceased woh was a pensioner of the revolutionary war and is the same Woman alluded in the affidavit of Sarrah Stamper and Susanah Roberts Sally Blackborns and Joseph Richardson and Thomas Billings and Elisha Richardson given from under our hands and seals this the 18th day of December AD 1850
Nathan H. Gambill
C Alexander
attest Jno. Gambill JP
Page 39

State of North Carolina
County of Wilkes Ss
I W Mastin Clerk of the Court of of Pleas and quarter Sessions for the County of Wilkes in the State aforesaid do certify that J J Gambill, John Gambill and James Roberts are acting Magistrates in the County of Wilkes duly sworn & commissioned and that the foregoing signatures purporting to be theirs are genuine
In Witness whereof I have hereunto affixed the of my office and subscribed my name this 14th day of December AD 1850
W Mastin C.C.P.QS
Page 40

Bald Creek Yancy Co. NC.
Sept. 10 1852

J.E. Heath Esqr.

Dear Sir
Will you be so obliging as to inform me of the amount for which a certificate has been lately issued in favor of Elizabeth Billings widow of Jasper Billings, and paid at Fayetteville NC. to Noah Long Esqr. And also the amount of Back pay. In giving the above information you will much oblige
Yours Truly
S. J. Nestall

JE Heath Comm. of Pensions
Washington City DC.
Page 41

Elizabeth Billings,
wid of Jasper
N.C.

Act 29 July 1848
Amd 7 mos 14 d Priv.
$24.88 per ann
from 4 Mch 1848

Hon J P. Caldwell
Statesville
N.C.
Page 42

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Jasper Billings, Wilkes Co N.C. 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 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? yes
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? yes
VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? yes
VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? yes
VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? The Justice of the Peace has
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
Page 43

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? Two respectable citizens - no clergyman named
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? 
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? yes
XVI. ++ Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? yes, except not connected as required
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? All answered

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, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades; For - year
- months, and - days, I served as a -. For - months and - days, I served as a -; and for such service I claim a pension.
Page 44

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 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.
Page 45

U.S. Pension Agency
Morganton NC
28th Jan 1856

Sir,
Elizabeth Billings Wid. of Jasper Act July 29th 1848 at $24.88 per ann: resides in Wilkes County NC and the pensioners resident there having recently been transfd from the Fayetteville NC Agency to this place I am requested to ask you to have her pension paid here for the future
Respectfully
Yr Obt servt
R C Pearson agt.
Page 46

Pension Office
Fayetteville. July 14 1856

Sir
Elizabeth Billings, Widow of Jasper, a Pensioner under the Act 29th July 1848. at $24.88/100 dollars. was last paid to 4th day of September 1854.
You will see by referring to my Semmiannal Report on 31st December 1855, that the " Pensioner to be placed on the Rolls. "at Morganton" are nowhere " to be transferred to Morganton" and have Requlatia my books accordingly.
I am, respectfully
your Obt Svt
James Heath
Agent

To J. Minot Esq
Commission of Pensions
Washington City
D.C.
Page 47

[horizontal]
March: 16th 1853
Rel: to case of Elizabeth Billings widow of Joseph

A Carmichael
Briar Creek
Wilks Co. N.C.

[vertical]
Briar Creek NC
15th Mar

official business

J. E Heath esqr
Commr. of Pensions
Washington City
Page 48

Briar Creek P. off. 9 March 1853

Dear Sir
I have been requested by several respectable [illegible], residing in the vicinity of Elizabeth Billings, wife and widow of Jasper Billings who now pensioned by the U. States, to assertain if she was not cheated by hir agent, N Lang of Ashe County, N.C. resently was within the make of the old woman and informed that she intended to go to my House on this business, to save the old Lady a travel of 14 miles walk to hir cabbin, she said hir agent Lang, had wronged hir, he paid his [illegible] first draw back, said it was all she was entitled to and of the 1st half amt. instalment $5.50/100 that it was all she was entitled to, asked my interference on her behalf. said to him that hir reasons for complaining was good, was [illegible] that the widow of an old revolutionary soldier should be wronged, or that the character of hir agent should be abused wrongfully would take authority to ask the department the amt. she is pensioned and authority to ask hir agent if he was found in error towards hir to make immediate amends, which power was made in strong terms towards agent. signed and attested by two persons 26 day of Feby. inst. please as early as convenient inform me this amt. allowed hir
I am yr H Servant
A. Carmichael
Page 49

[horizontal]
105559
Elizabeth Billings wid Jasper

July 48 798
Boynton
105565
Mary Hammons wid Benjamin
NC Let 48' - 3024

[vertical]
Briar Creek NC
1st Jan

official business
free

J Minot
Commr. of Pensions
Washington City
Page 50

Briar Creek P.O. N.C. Jany 1, 1856

Hav. Gellins
I recd. the Land certificate of Volunteer Lyon yesterday for 120 acres allowed him under the Bounty Land Act of the 3rd March 1855 would have taken it to him in that day but supposed his brother James would receive his the next mail and one trouble would answer both ends. thereby some trouble as with William Gray and Clayton Waddle
I also recd. nature of the suspension of the Claims of Elizabeth Billings widow of Jasper and Mary Hammons widow of Benjamin and that only for want of Record evidence and referred me to the Compr. of this State for evidence of their services as soldiers of the war of each pen claim
When I drew their declarations, I was of the opinion that as their Husbands were for years pensioned by the U States as soldiers of the war of 76 and after their death each of the old widows pensioned on day appear of record in your office that that realized satisfactory evidence to authorize Land Certificates of 160 acres each
These worthy old widows reside in the mountains 15 and 20 miles from me and I have not seen them since date of their papers the [illegible] advised will be attended to unless you advise otherwise (which will cost the old widows $16.00)
I am yr H Svt.
A Carmichael
Page 51

[horizontal]
Elizabeth Billings wid Jasper

Boynton

Mary Hammons wid Benjamin

[vertical]
Briar Creek NC
9th March

official business
Hand.

J. Minot
Pension Office
Washington City
Page 52

Briar Creek P. O. March 9 - 1856

Hon. Gallins

Dear Sir
as you advised I wrote to the Comptr. of N Carolina, in behalf of Mrs Mary Hammons and Mrs Elizabeth Billings and have obtained as you will see record evidence of the service of their husbands Benjamin and Jasper in the war of 1776
The evidence you no doubt will be glad to receive and I ask your early attention with due regard to other duties and troubles of your office.
James [illegible] Durrant
A Carmichael
Page 53

State of N. Carolina
Comptrollers Department

I Geo. W. Brooks Comptroller of Public accounts in and for the state aforesaid do hereby certify that it appears of record in my office among the payments make to sundry persons for military service in the Revolutionary War as follows,
J. Billings (given for Jasper Billings)
Book 26. Page 43. L 11- issue
Army Certificate returned to Comptroller by the Sheff of Rowan County for the public Taxes of 1787
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said office at Raleigh on this the 29th day of Feb. 1856
Geo. W. Brooks
Comptroller
Page 54

[stamp] RECEIVED NOV 5 1932 [illegible]

1234 Granville Avenue
Chicago, Illinois

November 2, 1932

Mr. A. D. Hiller
Assistant to Administrator
Veterans Administration
Washington, D. C.

Dear Sir:
I desire all information obtainable about the life and history of Jasper Billings, who (according to records found in the Newberry Library of Chicago), on the North Carolina Pension Roll, " Statement etc. of Wilkes County, N.C.", was in the service of the North Carolina Militia, Rank Pvt., Date placed on Pension Roll - April 30, 1833. Commencement of Pension March 4th 1831. Age given as 75.
I would especially like detailed information about his date and place of birth and death; an account of his moving or changing address; his fathers name and address; the names of any members of his family such as, mother, brothers, sisters, children, etc. Also date of Marriage.
Any information that you can give me on this will be greatly appreciated.
Thanking you for any courtesy which you may show me, I am
Very truly,
W.G. Billings
William G. Billings
1234 Granville Avenue
Chicago, Illinois