Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 8557, for Richard Ragan, Virginia
Page 1

Va

Ragan, Richard
Ragan, Cecelia

R.8557
Page 2

V 1567

Cecelia Ragan
widow of
Richard Ragan

Va.




Taylor
Rev. Pension

Report a file 
in this case
for $20 per annum
Page 3

Page 1

State of Virginia
Rockingham County  Sch.

        On this 29 day of March 1837 personally appeared
before Abraham Smith a Justice of the Peace in and for the
County aforesaid, Cecilia Ragan a resident of Harrisonburg
in the county of Rockingham and State of Virginia aged
88 years, who being first duly sworn according to law doth
on her oath make the following declaration in order to
obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of
Congress passed July 4th 1836;  that she is the widow of Richard
Ragan who was a Captain in the Militia Service 
in the War of the Revolution. She is unable, owing to her very
advanced age, and consequent failure of memory to give
a very accurate or detailed account of her late husband's
services; -- At the commencement of the Revolutionary War,
her husband resided in the vicinity of Harrisonburg, now in
Rockingham County Virginia, then a part of Augusta
County;  She recollects with tolerable certainty one tour which
he served against the Indians as a Captain, in the early
part of the War and she thinks he was out on that tour
from Seeding time, say, until March, but she cannot be positive
about the time of the month, or the year; She recollects
with tolerable certainty another tour afterwards in which
he was absent she thinks from May until August; this
tour was formed in the lower part of Virginia 
against the British army; but she cannot be positive about
the year;  She recollects that he was frequently ordered
out for short periods, sometimes for twenty days, against
the Tories & British.  She is not able to speak with any certainty
of any particular battles or engagements with the enemy
in which he was concerned, but she knows she has heard
him speak of being in some battles.  He was drafted in
every instance, as well as She can recollect. This applicant
has no documentary evidence of her husband & services.
that she is aware of, his papers of that kind having
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all been lost or destroyed. As to the date of their marriage
She cannot be positive having no family record of it, but
she recollects very well that her husband served two or
more tours of duty in the army after their marriages
She also recollects distinctly that they were married before
Rockingham County was established, before there was any
Court House or Clerks Office at Harrisonburg, and had to
send to Stanton the County Seat of Augusta County, for the
marriage license; Her husband the aforesaid Richard
Ragan died on the 16th day of May 1827 and she has
remained his widow ever since, as will more fully appear by
reference to the proof herewith exhibited; She submits in
addition to the affidavits herewith exhibited a number of
the "Rockingham Weekly Register," a newspaper published in
Harrisonburg, the place of her late husband's death dated
May 19th 1827, containing an obituary notice which proved
beyond all question the general belief her husband's
revolutionary services in his neighborhood. This applicant would
also refer to the various declarations on file in the pension
office, made by applicants from this county, as she thinks it highly
probable some of them refer to her husband's services and perhaps
served under him. This applicant feels perfectly assured that the
tour
which her husband served against the Indians, and the
several tours served against the British army and Tories, when added
together amount to then months; She thinks it was probably longer,
but she is positive it was not less than that period.
          In addition to the foregoing tours, he served a three month tour at the Siege
of York.

Cecilia   Ragan
     her X  mark

Sworn to & subscribed before me by the said Cecilia Ragan, who is entirely
unable from very great bodily infirmity to attend Rockingham Court; And I
further certify that I am fully satisfied of the correctness substantially of
the facts as stated by her, not only from her own character for veracity, but
also from universal neighbourhood report, old tradition, and the repeated
declarations to me personally of revolutionary Soldiers now dead who
served under or with Major Ragan.

Abraham Smith
Page 5

Page 3

State of Virginia
Rockingham County   Sch.

        This day George Argubright personally appeared
before the Subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said
County, and made oath in due form of law that in the year
1781 he served a tour in the Militia of Virginia in the
Company of Capt. Richard Ragan; who resided in the
neighbourhood of Harrisonburg, Rockingham County Virginia.
This affiant was drafted as a Militia man and 
served a tour of three months under said
Ragan. They were discharged a short time, only a few days before the Surrender
of Cornwallis; He was well acquainted with said Richard
Ragan, both before and after the Revolutionary War, and
is decidedly of opinion that said Ragan was married at
the time of the tour in 1781, herein spoken of, to the woman
who is still living, as his widow. He was never married
but once & this affiant is positive that he was married 
before the campaign in 1781. This affiant came to Rockingham
County Virginia, than a part of Augusta County
when he was about nine or ten years of age, and he is
now between 78 and 79 years of age and he became acquainted
with said Richard Ragan very soon after he arrived in
this neighbourhood, and continued well acquainted with
him up to the date of hid death; and he is a revolutionary
pensioner himself, and proved his own services to obtain
the pension which he draws under the law of June 7th
1832.

George    Argubright
     his   X  mark

Sworn to and Subscribed this 16th day of March 1837 before
me, by the above named George Argubright, who is known 
to me as a man of strict veracity, and his statements
on oath entitled to the fullest and most 
implicit faith and credit. Given under my hand this day
& year last above written.

Abraham Smith
Page 6

Page 4

State of Virginia
Rockingham County   Sch.

        This day personally appeared David Rolston aged between 76
& 77, before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said
County and made oath in due form of law that in the year 1781 
he served a tour of Militia service under Richard Ragan who was
the Captain of the Company: The draft was for three months, but
they served three months and ten or twelve days, and were 
discharged only one or two, or perhaps three days before the British
army under Lord Cornwallis, publicly marched out & surrendered
although he understood the treaty of capitulation was concluded
upon before they were discharged.  The regiment to which Capt. 
Ragan's company was attached was commanded by Col. Dark.

David Rolston

Sworn to & subscribed by said David Rolston, who is known to me
as a man of the very highest character for veracity,  and
his statements on oath entitled to full credit: he is also known
to me as a revolutionary pensioner of the United States. Given
under my hand this 23rd day of March 1837.

Abraham Smith

State of Virginia
Rockingham County   Sch.

        This day personally appeared Daniel Ragan aged between
64 and 65 years before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in
and for said County and made oath in due form of law that 
he was born in the year 1772, and he has always understood from
his parents and believes that he has a distinct recollection
N of his father the late Richard Ragan deceased setting out from his
residence near Harrisonburg, Rockingham
County, Virginia; to go on an expedition against the Indians. This affiant
supposes he might have been five, or six years old at the
time, and it might have been in the year 1777 or 1778. He had
a perfect recollection of his younger brother, his mother and
himself being left at home together during the winter, of his
father's absence, and their suffering considerable hardships; he
recollect well the persons who attended to procuring firewood
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for their use; viz two of this affiant's uncles. He recollects as
well as any occurance of his whole life, his father's return
from "fighting the Indians" as it was expressed by himself and
his little brother; and among other little incidents connected
with it, one is indelibly impressed upon his memory, his father
brought with him two horn spoons, which he gave to himself
and his little brother, at which they were greatly delighted.
He also recollects other little incidents, which it would be
unnecessary to enumerate. He also recollects his father having
been in the service against the Tories and British but
he cannot specify dates & periods with any accuracy.

Danl Ragan

Sworn to & subscribed to this day by the said Daniel Ragan who
is known to me as a man of veracity, wholly incapable of
making oath to any thing which he does not implicitly 
believe. Given under my hand this 29th day of March 1837.

Aug. Waterman

My father the late Benjamin Handson deceased with a Colonel's
command, served a Militia tour under General Lafayette
soon after the invasion of Virginia by Lord Cornwallis; I have 
often heard him speak of Major Richard Ragan as being in
the service at the same time and to
bear testimony to his cool and intrepid courage, which on various
occasions was put to the trial during that tour. I have heard
the same thing more frequently spoken of by Bethuel
Herring deceased, who served as a private in the same tour;
himself a man of undoubted intrepidity. I have also heard
the same thing frequently mentioned in conversations between my
father and different other men, who served under him
in the tour above mentioned; and between Major Ragan himself,
and my father and others; The tour served by my father
was under Genl. Lafayette, and before Washington took
command of the army in Virginia. My father was not at the
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Siege of Yorktown, or Surrender of Cornwallis, as I believe
Major Ragan was among my earliest recollections is
that my father was at home when the glorious new of the
capture of Lord Cornwallis was announce, and that he headed
a large party of his neighbours to celebrate the event
by a bonfire, on a very high hill in the neighbourhood,
the usual manner in which such things were done in the olden
time.

Peachey Harrison

State of Virginia
Rockingham county

        This day Dr. Peachy Harrison, presiding magistrate
in the County Court of Rockingham County, and all
known to me as a gentleman of high character for intelligence
and undoubted veracity, personally appeared before me the
subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said County and
by himself, and, made oath that the facts therein 
contained are true to the best of his Knowledge and belief
Given under my hand this 29th day of March 1837.

Abraham Smith

State of Virginia
Rockingham County    Sch.

        This day Benjamin Van Pelt personally appeared
before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said
County, and made oath, that he has often seen among the
papers of his father-in-law the late Major Richard Ragan
deceased a large number of papers connected with Major
Ragan's military services, as an officer in the revolutionary
war; such as strength reports, health reports &c of a company.
He often looked over them and read them as a matter
of curiosity and interest, as relics of the revolution.
The number of papers of that kind was very great, so
great as to imply a long period of service; but he cannot
recollect the dates of any of those papers. As long as Major
Ragan lived in his own house, and had property about
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him, those papers were kept by him safely; but in the latter
period of his life; he was very unfortunate in his pecuniary
affairs; and was compelled to live about at different
places, and his papers by the means were lost or destroyed,
or this affiant does not know what became of them.
From often hearing Major Ragan speak of his revolutionary
services, and relate incidents connected with them and the
universal neighbourhood reputation and tradition on the
subject, this affiant has not the slightest doubt of his having
served ten months, and upwards.

Benjamin Van Pelt

State

Sworn to and subscribed by the said Benjamin Van Pelt, who is
known to me as the son-in-law of Major Richard Ragan and
a man of veracity, and his statements on oath entitled to credit.
Given under my hand this 29th day of March 1837.

Abraham Smith

I Harry J. Gambill of the Court of the County of Rockingham
certify that Augustus Waterman and Abraham Smith are Magistrates
as within stated and that the signatures purporting to be his are 
genuine.      In Testimony whereof I have affixed my
seal of office, and subscribed my name 
this 29th day of March in the year 1837.

H.J. Gambill    [Seal[
Page 10

Rev. & 1812 Wars
Section.

May 27, 1937

Mrs. G.E. Miller,
1646 Brownlee Ave.
Youngstown, Ohio

Madam:

        I have to advise you, that from the papers in the pension
claim, R. 8557, it appears that Richard Ragan, while living
in Augusta County, Virginia, near Harrisonburg, was appointed
March 27, 1780 a Captain of the Militia of Rockingham County,
Virginia.
       He married date not stated, Cecilia, maiden name not given
and he died at Harrisonburg, Virginia, May 16, 1827. They had
a son Daniel born in 1772 and another younger son, name not on
record and a daughter Mary, who married Benjamin Van Pelt.
        The widow Cecilia, applied for pension, March 29, 1837,
while living in Harrisonburg, Virginia, aged eighty-eight years,
but her claim waws not allowed, as she failed to prove that her
husband rendered six months service as required by the pension
laws.

Respectfully,

WINFIELD SCOTT,
Commissioner
Page 11

8557

Cecelia  Ragan
Widow of Richard

REJECTED

The printed list of 1852
gives cause of suspension
as: For defective proof
and claim withdrawn
April 1838 by Hon. J.P. Pennybacker


[Notes left side: 1927 May 27 hist. to Mrs. G.E. Miller. Ans.
Page 12

V. 567

Cecelia Ragan
Wid. of 
Richard Ragan
Va.
Sus. W. A.C. Bryan
Apl 12 1837
Let to Hon. J. T. Pennybacker,
April 18, 1838

A P. Norton 15 Oct 1850
Hon. J.W. Forney Sept 26/54
Geo.C. Ames Aug 4 1855

3 papers sent to Hon J.T.
Pennybecker M.R.
Act 4 july 1836
Page 13

Richard Ragan
Widow of
Petition praying for the allowance
of a pension in consideration
of the services of her
husband during the revolutionary war.

Feb. 4 1845 Referred to the
Committee on Revolutionary
Claims


8557
Page 14

25th Congress,    Rep. No. 251  Ho. of Reps.
3d Session.

Cecilia Ragan
(to accompany bill H.R. No. 1122)

February 6, 1839

Mr. Morgan from the Committee on Revolutionary Pensions, made the 
following

REPORT:

The Committee on Revolutionary Pensions, to whom were referred the
memorial and papers of Cecilia Ragan, widow of Richard Ragan,
report:

        That the proof of marriage prior to the last term of his service is
perfectly satisfactory; and although one term of service of three months and
ten days is also established beyond all possible doubt, a previous term
was not proved with sufficient clearness to justify the Commissioner in
granting the widow's claim.
        The committee are, however, induced to believe that the service of at
least three months was performed in General Lafayette's brigade, and
under Colonel Benjamin Harrison of Virginia, as is asserted by Doctor
Peachy Harrison and several others, who have often heard Colonel
Benjamin Harrison and Major Richard Ragan and several others converse
freely and fully on the subjects connected with the campaign.
        The committee herewith report a bill.

Thomas Allen, print.
Page 15

I herewith send you an additional affidavit, in
the case of the application of Cecilia Ragan for
a pension under the 3rd Section of the Law of July 4th
1836. You will be good enough to file this among the
other papers which were remitted a week ago.

Allan C. Bryan
Harrisonburg, Rockingham
County, Virginia
April 6th 1837


J.L. Edwards Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 16

J.L. Edwards Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
Page 17

Harrisonburg, Rockingham, County Virginia
March 30th 1837

Sir:

        I send this declaration and accompanying papers of Mrs. Cecilia
Ragan, in order to obtain a pension under the 3rd Section of the Law of
July 4th 1836. You will perceive that the clerk made a mistake
in fastening or attaching the two sheets together, and inverted the
order of the papers; but this may easily be obviated by observing the
papers, as numbered at the top of the leaves & reading them in that order. Please to address
your reply to me at this place as soon as convenient.

Very respectfully
Your obedient Servant

Allan C. Bryan
Page 18

Mary Van Pelt
For Atty
Case of
Richd Ragan

V 1/2
Page 19

POWER OF ATTORNEY

State of Virginia
County of Rockingham  S.S.

Know all Men by these presents, 
That I, Mary Van Pelt of Harrisonburg Virginia
do hereby authorize, constitute, and appoint A.P. Norton
of Pittsburg Penn.
my true and lawful Attorney to prosecute for me and on my behalf all and singular claim or claims I may
have against the General Government of the United States on account of the services of my Father
Richard Ragan deceased, in the War of the Revolution.
And the said A.P. Norton is hereby authorized to take all
necessary and proper steps in the prosecution of said claim or claims on my behalf.
        IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 10th
day of August 1850

Mary    Van Pelt
   her X  mark

Signed in my presence.

F.J. Pischer
Page 20

Virginia
Rockingham County

I Littleton W. Gambill Clerk of the County Court of Rockingham
in the State of Virginia, do hereby certify that the following are true
copies of orders appearing on the minutes of said Court. viz "at a Court
convd & held for Rockingham County on Tuesday the 23rd day of November 1779
Josiah Harrison, Richd Ragan & George Huston are recommended to
his excellency Gov: to be appointed captains of the Militia of this County"
and "At a Court held for Rockingham County on Monday the 27th day
of March 1780 Richard Ragan took the oath for Capt. of Militia"
          In testimony whereof I have hereunto
set my hand and affixed the seal of said
Court this 23rd day of July 1855 and
in the 80th year of the Commonwealth.

L.W. Gambill
Page 21

Washington City D.C.
July 20th 1852

Alex. Ray Esq.

Sir:

                I received your note
of the 17th instant on Saturday night
last, and now enclose to you, as
requested the papers in the case of the widow
of Richard Ragan deceased.

Very Truly
Your Obt. Servant

J. Letcher
Page 22

Washington City, April the 17 1838

Dr Sir,

A petition of Mrs. Cecilia Ragan of Rockingham
County Va, has been before the Committee of Revolutionary
pensions for some time, & the proof on which
this relies for the allowing of the pension, is on the
files of your office.  She prays that that proof may
be obtained from your office. Mr. Morgan, of that
Committee, informs me that some weeks since, he 
addressed you a note, & requested you to furnish the evidence,
but not, as yet, he had not heard from you. Now is the
petitioner is very aged, & as it is of great importance to her
that as speedy action is possible should be had upon this
case, you will oblige me greatly by having he testimony
copied, & forwarded to the Committee, as soon as convenient.
        To enable you to know what papers to have copied
I enclose you the petition with a request that you will
send it to Mr. Morgan, when you send the other papers,
or to me, as you may think proper.--

Respectfully
Your D.S.

I.T. Pennybacker
Page 23

Geo. C. Ames
Aug 4/55
Page 24

Pension Office
Aug. 4, 1855

Sir

          The additional proof in support of
the claim of Cecilia Ragan, deceased, widow
of Richard, of Virginia, under the Act of 
July 4, 1886, does not, in my opinion,
remedy the defect recognized by the committee
of Congress, namely, the want of proof of the
duration of the service.
          The recollections of George Messick as to
the talk of the old soldiers that Ragan served
four years are of the kind of testimony
which experience proves to be unsafe for reliance.
          The claim remains suspended.

Geo. C. Ames Esq.
Present.
Page 25

Hon. J.L. Pennybacker
April 18, 1838
O.C.
Page 26

War Department
Pension Office,
April 18, 1838

Sir

         In compliance with your
request of yesterday, I herewith
enclose the papers of Mrs. Cecilia
Ragan, widow of Richard
Ragan, three in number, together
with her petition to the House of
Representatives enclosed and in you letter will
you acknowledge their
receipt.
             I have.

Hon. J.S. Pennybacker
P & V.R.
Page 27

A. P. Norton
15 Oct 1850
Page 28

274

Pension Office
October 15th 1850

Sir

         The power of attorney transmitted
by you in the case of Cecilia Ragan
widow of Richard Ragan has been received
and placed on file.
          Mrs. Ragan has no claim
as this time before this office, Her
papers were withdrawn by Hon. J.S.
Pennybacker on April 1838 and have
not since been returned.



A.P. Norton Esq.
Pittsburgh Pa.
Page 29

Pittsburgh Pennsylvania
8th October 1850

Sir

          You are respectfully requested to
inform me on behalf of the heirs of
Capt. Richard Ragan of Virginia what further
proof is wanted to establish his pension
claim or that of his widow Elizabeth Ragan
deceased-- for service in the revolutionary
war-- An application as I am informed
was presented to the Pension Office
by a Mr. Pennybacker dec'd, several years
ago, and papers in support of the claim
placed on file--

I have the honor to
be with great respect
your most obt. Servant

A.P. Norton


Hon. J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Page 30


State of Virginia
Rockingham County  To wit

I, Littleton W. Gambill Clerk of the County of Rockingham
in the State of Virginia do hereby certify that Henry T. Hartman Esq.
whose genuine signature appears to the within certificate is an
acting Justice of the Peace in and for the County & State aforesaid, duly
elected commissioner and qualified and that full faith
and credit id due and ought to be given to all his official acts as such.

          In testimony whereof I have hereunto
          set my hand and affixed the seal
          of said Court the 19 day of July 1854
          and in the 79th year of the Commonwealth

                         L. W. Gambill  Clk.

Washington City August 22, 1854

          By virtue of the within power  of attorney
I hereby fully substitute and appoint George C Ames
of the City of Washington, to prosecute to final settlement
the claim herein specified, & to do all other acts that
I myself might do, by virtue of said power attorney
were I personally present.

Francis Clements
Page 31

Know all men by these presents I Mary Van Pelt of the County of
Rockingham State of Virginia do hereby irrevocably constitute and
appoint I Francis Clements of Washington City District of Columbia my true
and lawful attorney with power of substitution for me and in my claims for revolutionary
services of Captain Richard Ragan deceased to final settlement before the
department of interior and to do and perform all other acts in the
promises as fully as I would myself  do and perform were I personally
present.  Witness by my hand and seal this 19th day of July 
1884.

Mary Van Pelt  [Seal]

Hy T Markmann

State of Virginia Rockingham County

Be it know that on the 19th day of July 1884 before the subscriber
a Justice of the Peace in and for said County personally appeared
Mrs. Mary Van Pelt as above named & acknowledged the foregoing
Power of attorney to be her act & deed.  In testimony whereof I have
hereunto set my hand this day and year last above mentioned.

Henry T Markmann J.P.
Page 32

Hon. J. W. Forney
Sept. 26/57
Page 33

1/6

Pension Office
September 26 1854

Sir:

        On the 18th Apr 1838, the papers 
in the case of Cecelia Ragan widow
of Richard Ragan, an applicant for 
a revolutionary pension was sent
to the Hon. J.S. Pennybacker of the
House of Representatives.
        Will you please enclose them
to this office?


Wm J.W. Forney
Clerk of the H. of R.
Page 34

Office House of Reps. U.S.
October 10 1854

Sir

          Your letter of the 26th ultimo
was duly received.
          It appears by the records of this
office that the papers  in the case of the widow of
Richard Ragan were withdrawn from the
files by the Hon John Setcher on July 3, 1852
for the purpose of reference to one of the executive
departments, and that the papers were delivered
to him on that day.  See Journal House of Reps 1st Sess.
32nd Congress page 860.

I am very respectfully 
Your Obt. Servant
Danl. Buck
For Jno W. Forney
Clerk H.of Rep.  W.C.
Page 35

Washington August 1st 1855

Hon. J Minot

Sir

               Enclosed I transmit
additional in support of the claim of
Richard Ragan an applicant for a 
pension under the act of 7 June 1832
from Virginia.
                The transcripts from the
records of Rockingham Co. which 
accompanies this shows that Ragan was
appointed a Captain in the Militia 
of that County in 1780 and the several
affidavits of the old citizens which are
here presented furnishes proof of his having
had the reputation of rendering several
tours of service in the war of the Revolution.
                     There is no doubt of Ca
Ragan's having served and the proof
furnished is sufficient to show more 
than 6 mo. as Captain.

Very Respectfully
Your Obt. Servant

Geo. C. Ames
Page 36

Bryan
Va.
12 April '37








Record. Vol. 45 P. 334
Page 37

Department of War
Pension Office
Apl 12 1887

Sir

        I have examined the declaration
of Cecilia Ragan widow of Richard Ragan
dec'd and have placed her papers in the files of
this office.  In the absence of documentary
proof, the testimony of at least two credible
witnesses will be required to establish the several
tours of service alleged; and who must be
able to swear from their own personal knowledge
to the number of times Mr. Ragan was in service
and the duration of each time. the records
in the Clerk's Office of the County in which
he resided, will probably present satisfactory
proof of his having been commissioned.

Allan C. Bryan Esq.

Harrisonburg Va.
Page 38

Brief
Cecelia Ragan
Page 39

Service

(1) George Argubright swears positively to
a tour of three months. He served under
Major Ragan, who was Captain at that time.
        Argubright is a very respectable
witness.
(2) David Roberts swears to the same tour
of service to which Argubright bears testimony & 
adds that the tour was for three months, but they continued ten or twelve days longer. Good
witness also.
(3) Dr. Peachy Harrison swears that his father Benjamin
Harrison with a Col's. Command served a tour under
Genl. Lafayette soon after the invasion of Va. by Lord 
Cornwallis, that he has often heard him speak of Maj. Ragan as
being in the service at the same time & under him and to bear 
testimony to his cool & intrepid courage which on various occasions
was put to the trial during that tour. I have heard the same thing now
frequently spoken of by Bethuel Herring deceased, who served as a private
in the same tour; himself a man of undoubted intrepidity. I have also heard the
same thing mentioned in conversation between my father and different other
men who served under him in the tour above mentioned; & between Maj. Ragan
himself & my father & others. The tour served by my father was under
Genl. Lafayette, and before Washington took command of the Army
in Va. My father was not at the Siege of Yorktown or surrender
of Cornwallis, as I believe Maj. Ragan was."  Good witness.

Marriage

(1) George Argubright swears positively that he
was well acquainted with Major Ragan both
before & after the Rev. War; that he is
"positive that he was married before the
campaign in 1781. That the marriage spoken of
was "to the woman who is still living as
his widow. he was never married but once., &c.
(2) Danl Ragan son of the petitioner remembers well the
return of his father from a tour in 1778, &c.
Page 40

25th Congress
3d Session

H.R. 1122

(Rep. No. 251)

February 6, 1839

Read twice, and committed to a Committee of the Whole House to-morrow.

Mr. MORGAN, from the Committee on Revolutionary Pensions,
reported the following bill:

A BILL

For the relief of Cecelia Ragan, widow of Richard Ragan.
1   Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives
2   of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That
3   the Secretary of War be, and he hereby is, authorized and
4   required to place the name of Cecelia Ragan, of Rockingham
5   county, Virginia, on the roll of pensioners of the United
6   States, and pay to her the sum of twenty dollars per annum;
7   to commence and be computed from the fourth of March.
8   eighteen hundred and thirty-one, and to be continued to her
9   during her national life.
Page 41

1122

Cecelia Ragan
Page 42

Cecelia Ragan

Jany 4 1840

Ref'd (under reso) to Commence
on Rev. Pensions

Cecelia Ragan

Petition of Cecilia
Ragan, praying for a 
pension on account of
the service of her husband
as soldier & officer
in the Revolutionary War.

Feby 14 1838
Ref'd to the committee
on Rev'y Claims

Feb'y 20 1838


April 21, 1838
Bill reported  No. 759

Feb 4 1839

Ref'd to Comm'r Rev. pensions
Feb 6 1839 Bill 1122

Craig 27

Rev. C. dis & 
to Rev. Pen.

Pennybacker 278

Rev Cl
Feby 4th 1845 Ref'd to Com'r
on Revolutionary Claims
Page 43

To the Honourable Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States in Congress assembled:
          The petition of Cecilia Ragan, widow of Richard Ragan
deceased, humbly represents that the husband, of your 
petitioner, served several tours of militia service, both against
the British  army and the Indians, during the Revolutionary War.
     During a considerable portion , if not all of this time, he had the
rank of Captain. She is not able, owing to her very advanced age
and consequent loss of memory, to specify with accuracy the several
tours served by him,  with their dates; In the Spring of the year 1837
your petitioner subscribed and made oath to a Declaration in 
order to obtain the benefit of the provisions of the 3d Section
of the Law of July 4th 1836 . In that declaration his services
were detailed as well as her imperfect memory would
enable her; and she is very certain and clear in her
conviction that the length of the services was not overrated 
but rather underrated.  That declaration was accompanied
by the testimony of two witnesses, showing conclusively one tour of
three months militia Service as Captain after his marriage
to this petitioner; and testimony which she deems satisfactory
to prove other tours of militia service performed by him
and especially a tour of three months against the Indians
and a tour against the British troops in Virginia
by Argubright and Rolston; as Dr. Harrison's testimony
clearly implies another tour of that rendered.
        The commissioner of Pensions has rejected his application,
alleging that the services of her husband are not
sufficiently proved within the rules established for the regulation
of the Department in determining upon applications of that kind.
Of this decision your petitioner does not complain. In administering
a law, such as the Act of July 4th 1836, it is indispensably
necessary that certain rules and regulations shall be
established, and when prescribed a good and faithful public
officer will adhere to them. but all general regulations
will operate variably and unjustly in some individual cases
and the case of your petitioner she deems of one of this kind.
She thinks if the papers which are on file in the Pension
office in her case are examined and taken in connection with
the law, it will be apparent. She comes within the spirit of
Page 44

its provisions; not withstanding the requirements of the strict
rules governing the commissioner in administering the law may
not be complied with. Your petitioner therefore prays your
honourable bodies, that the papers on file in her case may
be withdrawn from the Pension Office, and taken in
connection with this petition; and that a law may pass granting
to her the pension to which she would be entitled under
the law of July 4th 1836, if the commissioner considered the
services set forth in her declarations, established agreeably
to the rules and regulations laid down for his government
in such cases.  & she will every pray &c.
Page 45

Depositions taken before Hy T Wartman
a Justice of the Peace for the County of 
Rockingham and State of Virginia as
enclosed to support the claim of the
heirs of Capt. Richard Ragan, a soldier
in the War of the Revolution, for
a Pension, under the Act of Congress.

George Messick of lawful age having
first been duly sworn, deposeth & saith
I am 75 years of age. I was 
well acquainted with Capt. Richard
Ragan, I lived neighbor to him for
perhaps thirty years, and saw him
every week or tow. He used to visit
my house. I have heard my father
say that he was in the service with
Capt. Richard Ragan. & have heard
my father say that he was with
Capt. Richard Ragan several tours--
three in particular.  It was the general
understanding among the old set
thus that Capt.  Richard Ragan had
served during the Revolutionary
War. From the conversations I heard
between old Misters Ralston, Harrison,
Peter Van Pelt, Argubright, and my
father, I believe that Capt. Richard
Ragan served four years besides
the time he was on furlough. My
father served under Capt. Richard
Ragan, is the way I heard him
speak so much about it.
Page 46

And further this this deponent saith not.

George     Messick
      his   X  mark

Taken before me this 25th day of July
1855, and I certify that witness is a respectable and
credible person.

Hy T. Wartmann J.P.

Jacob Rohr, sen. , a witness of lawful age,
having been first duly sworn deposeth
and saith:
        I am in the 72nd year of my age, and
have been living in the town of Harrisonburg
and County of Rockingham fifty-five years.
I was well acquainted with Capt. Richard
Ragan. The impression among the citizens
at that time was that he was a soldier
in the Revolutionary war, and as a proof
of that impression, he was buried with
the honors of war in Harrisonburg, the
only circumstances of the kind which
was secured in Harrisonburg, since
my recollection of it.
And further this deponent saith not.

Jacob Rohr Sen.

Sworn before me this 25th day of July, 1855,
and I certify that the witness is a respectable
and credible person.

Hy T. Wartmann   J.P.
Page 47

Mrs. Sarah Sprinkle, a witness of lawful
age having been first duly sworn, deposeth
and saith:

I am 71 years of age and have been living
in the town of Harrisonburg, and in
the neighborhood all my life. I was
well acquainted with Capt. Richard Ragan
near 30 years before his death.  It was
the common opinion that Capt. Richard
Ragan was a commissioned officer in
the War of the Revolution. I heard different
persons say that he was a soldier
in the Revolution. I witnessed that 
he was buried with the honors of
wars.
        & had further this deponent saith not.

Sarah Sprinkle

Taken before me the 25th day of July
1858 and I certify that the witness
is a respectable and credible person.

Hy T. Wartmann   J.P.

State of Virginia Rockingham County To wit

          I Littleton W. Gambill Clerk of the County Court of the County
and State aforesaid do hereby certify that Harry T. Wartman Esq. before wherein
the foregoing Depositions appears to have been taken is an Acting Justice of the
Peace in and for said County duly commissioned and qualified as such
and that his signatures herein before written are genuine.
               Given under my hand and the seal
of the said Court this 26th day of July
1855

Littleton W. Gambill C.R.C.
Page 48

State of Virginia
Rockingham County  S.S.

        Before the subscriber of the Peace in and for
the County aforesaid personally appeared Joseph Hicks, aged
between fifty-five and fifty-six, and made oath that he is
a native of Harrisonburg, Rockingham County, Virginia,
where he has resided throughout his whole life, except
a period of about seven years from the year 1815 to the year
1822; that he was intimately acquainted with the late
Major Richard Ragan dec'd. from this affiant's earliest
recollection, up to the time of said Ragan's death; and he
has been familiar with the story of said Ragan's military 
services in the Revolutionary War ever since he can
remember anything; this affiant's father John Hicks
was a Revolutionary Soldier, and this affiant has heard
him again and again relate occurrences connected
with Major Ragan's services in the Revolutionary War, was
till they have become as indelibly impressed upon his
mind as any thing which he did not witness himself. He
has a distinct recollection of hearing his father relate
an occurrence of the following kind: Several companies
of militia were ordered to lie in wait for the enemy by
the side of a rad in the night, but from some cause
the companies all became alarmed, and deserted their posts
or quit their ground, except one company; and the next
morning, when the Quarter muster was about to issue
rations, he observed that he wished he knew which
company it was that had maintained their ground, as he
had but a small quantity of spirits, and if he knew
which company it was, they should have it, and Richard
Ragan who was then a Captain stepped forward and
claimed it for his company, and the spirits were dealt
out with the rations to Ragan's company, in honour of
their good conduct: This affiant has a perfect 
recollection of hearing the foregoing occurrence in substance
& others related by his father, who was in the service
Page 49

as an orderly Sergeant, with the same detachment, although
he was not in Capt. Ragan's company: This affiant's 
father was not at the Siege at Yorktown, and he is
rather inclined to the opinion that the regiment to which
he was attached was under the command of the late Col.
Benjamin Harrison, but of this latter fact he is not
positive. He is positive that his father was under Col.
Harrison, but whether that officer held the rank of Colonel
at that time he is not certain. This affiant's 
father always spoke of Capt. Ragan as a remarkably cool, 
brave man.

Joseph Hicks

        Sworn to and subscribed by the said Joseph Hicks,
who is known to me as a man of veracity, and his
statements on oath entitled to full faith & credit. Given
under my hand this 5th day of April 1837--

Abraham Smith

I Henry J. Gambill clerk of the Court of Rockingham
County certify that Abraham Smith is a Magistrate
as above and that the foregoing signature purported
to be his are genuine.

In Testimony whereof I have affixed 
my seal of office and subscribed my
name this 6th day of April 1838

H.J. Gambill Clerk of
Rockingham County Va.
Page 50

Youngstown, Ohio
Mar. 26, 1926

Pension Bureau,
Washington D.C.

Dear Sirs:

          Can you ascertain
for me the service record
of:

1-- Capt. Richard Ragan of the
   Virginia Rev. Forces from
   Harrisonburg, Rockingham Co.
2--Daniel Ragan, same
3--Col. George Muse, associated with Washington as instructor military tactics
4--Battsille Muse his son, attorney to Washington
   b. 1751--d. 1803
5--Joseph Moseley, understood to have
   drawn a pension, 1835 wife Mary
   Louise Robertson. Lived in Chesterfield
   Co. Va. during Rev.  b. about 1765
6--Dr. Enoch Grigsby, Lt. in S.C. Rev. Forces
   b. about 1715. wife Mary Butler

All these were Revolutionary
Page 51

soldiers: and Col. George
Muse drew lands in
Kentucky for his services,
and died on those lands 
in 1790.
        I enclose stomps for reply.
Thanking you for your 
trouble.

Gratefully,

Mrs. Glenn Earle Miller
1646 Brownlee Av.
Youngstown, Ohio