Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 11598, for Jesse Taylor, Virginia
Page 1

SERVICE
Va.

Taylor, Jesse
Mary or Polly

NUMBER
W.11598
B.L.Wt. 12705-160-55

CONTENTS
Page 2

[left hand side of page]
76.761  Act Mar. 3 / 55
Mary.  Apl 18 / 55
Polly Taylor Wid.
Jesse Taylor  Sergt
N. C. Mil.
Rev. War

 No 12705 issued Dec 14 /55
[illegible} Ill’s 38-10481
No Papers in Ill. Give the State in which she made application and also the 
AO: 16  Dec. 12 1855,
R. Upton

C. H. Heard
McLeansboro
Ills

[right hand side of page]

Let: C. H. Heard. Nov: 6 / 55
Vol. T. Page 3.
Page 3

10481  Special Act.
14d August 1848
Illinois
Mary or Polly Taylor
Widow of Jesse Taylor
Who was a pensioner under the Act of —-
And who died on the 24th Feb 1832
Of Hamilton Co in the State of Ill.
Who was a Sergeant in the Compy
Commanded by Captain Ballard of the
Regt commanded by Col. Meredith In
The Revolution for 2 years
Inscribed on the Roll of Springfield
At the rate of 120 Dollars —-
Cents per annum, to commence on the 7th day of April 18, 1845 and continue for life
or widowhood
Certificate of Pension issued the 4th day of
Oct. 18 and sent to
O.B. Ficklin
Charleston, Ill
Total amount,   $________
{Act July 7, 1838}

Recorded By Th. Lumpkin Clerk
Book D  Vol. 1. Page 445

Regt. M55 16/61
Page 4

State of Illinois
Franklin County
This affiant Hamblin Freeman after
being duly sworn according to law deposeth & saith That he was born in Mecklenburg County
Virginia, and is now 67 years of age - that
his father lived within 2 miles of James
Brantons, That from his earliest recollection
he was intimately acquainted with Polly or
Mary Branton (daughter of the said James
Branton) afterwards the wife of Jesse Taylor
for and now the widow of the said Jesse
Taylor. This affiant has a clear and distinct recollection of the marriage of the said Jesse Taylor to the said Polly or Mary Branton, which marriage took place in the year 1792. This affiant and was at the time a lad of 13 years
old and the said Mary or Polly Three
years older than this affiant. The reason why the recollection of their marriage remains so clear in the mind of this affiant, is caused from the fact of the marriage having created
more than ordinary conversation with
Page 5

this affiant associates, and among the
neighbors in consequence of the said
Jesse Taylor being an old young man
and the said Polly or Mary being quite
a young Girl to marry so old a man.
This affiant further states that his recollection
is clear. That the year after the said
Jesse Taylor was married he rented a piece of Land within one and a half miles of his father of a man by some such name as Salmon
(but the precise name he cannot say)
where he raised one crop only after which he procured a piece of land upon terms which he now cannot recollect of one? Jones. Where he raised 2 crops. The land which the said Jesse, got of the said Jones was within 2 Miles of this affiants, Fathers residence after which time, which was in the year 1795 and when this affiant was 16 years old. This affiants father moved from the State of Virginia to the
State of North Carolina. 
That from the the date of the Marriage
of the said Jesse & Polly or Mary in the
Page 6

year 1792. until the year 1795. This affiant
was personally and intimately acquainted with
the said parties, that he knows they
lived together as man & wife during this
period, and further he states he never heard the legality or validity of their marriage
called in question by any person or Persons. And further this affiant recollects clearly that at the date above mentioned to wit from 1792
until 1795. It was my understanding and the understanding of the neighbors so far as his recollection serves him that the said Jesse Taylor was a soldier and a Sergeant in the war of the Revolution. This affiant distinctly
recollects having heard the said Jesse Taylor speak of having been engaged in the said war and particulars of his speaking, of having been
in the Battle at Guilford Court house. This affiant further says he never heard the fact of his having been a soldier & a Sergeant in the
Revolutionary War disputed. But
Page 7

to the length of time he served during the
war - he cannot at this time state. This
affiant and further this affiant saith not.

                         Hamblen X Freeman
                            (X his mark)
Subscribed & sworn to
before me this 7th day of Nov AD 1846
                   Alexander W Richardson J.P.
                  
State of Illinois
Franklin County
I do certify that Hamblen Freeman who
has subscribed & sworn to the foregoing deposition is a credible Witness
     Given under my hand and
     seal this 7th day of Nov. AD 1846
                    Alexander W. Richardson 
                    Justice of the Peace
                    Franklin County, Ills.
Page 8

State of Illinois
Franklin County ss
     I W R Browning Clerk
of the County Commissioners Court in and
for said County do hereby certify that
Alexander W. Richardson whose name appears
to the foregoing deposition & certificate
is an acting Justice of the Peace duly
Commissioned & qualified for said County
and as such is entitled to full faith and
confidence in all his official acts and
that the signatures purporting to be his
are genuine.
Witness W. R. Browning Clerk
of the County Commissioners Court
& his official seal of office
affixed done in office in
Benton this 7th day of Nov
AD 1846
         W R Browning Clk
Page 9

State of Illinois
Hamilton County SS
On this Seventh day of April one thousand eight hundred and forty five before the Subscriber one of the Judges of the County 
Commissioners Court in and for said County personally appeared Polly alias Mary Taylor a resident of said County aged sixty seven 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 July 7- 1838. Entitled "an act
granting pensions and half pay to certain Widows” That she is the widow of Jesse Taylor
who was a Seargeant and private in the war
of the Revolution - That towards the close of
the war the said Jesse Taylor as she verily
believes enlisted for three years that he was
discharged in consequence of the making of
Peace- That she has reason to believe that
her said husband performed other services in
the year of 1776. She so thinks from a book
in her possession, formerly kept by her said
husband, on the leaves of which there seems
to be writing in relation to Military matters-
Her said husband was in the Battle at
Guilford Court House N.C. That he served she believes a part of his time under Captain Ballard and Colonel Meredith but she is not able to State whether in the State Troop or Continentals of Virginia, but thinks it was in the State Troops- That the name of her husband
written in the annexed Book is in her husband's hand writing. The most she knows
about the services of her said husband is
what she heard him say in his life time
Page 10

She refers to papers supposed to be on file in
the War Department in as much as her said
husband made application for a pension while
living in the State of Tennessee and she refers
to the statements therein made by her said
husband for further particulars-- she further
declares that she was married to her husband
the aforesaid Jesse Taylor in the latter
part of August or the first of September
in the year seventeen hundred and ninety
two (1792) and that her husband the
aforesaid Jesse Taylor died on the 24th
day of February one thousand eight hundred
and thirty two. That she was not married to him prior to his entering the service but that the marriage took place prior to the first day of January Seventeen hundred and ninety four to wit at the time above stated- and that she has
not intermarried but remains the widow
of the said Jesse Taylor-

                        Polly or Mary X Taylor
                               (X her mark)

Sworn and subscribed
to before me on this seventh
day of April 1845
Benjamin Hood, Judge

I certify that Mrs Polly or Mary Taylor
who has signed and sworn to the foregoing
Declaration before me has done so at her own residence being unable from old age bodily infirmity and bad health to attend said Court
Benjamin Hood Judge
Page 11


Charles Taylor was Born Tuesday two oclock July 19 1796 
Henry Taylor was Born ? December about 12 in the Night in the year 1798 
Lewis Taylor was Born Fryday 4 Oclock Morning January 10th 1801 
Wm Taylor was Born Fryday  February 25 1803 
James Taylor B was Born Sunday 3 Oclock April 21 1805 
John Taylor was Born Monday Oclock afternoon April 27 1807 
Elizabeth Taylor was Born Friday about 8 OClock Christmas 1810
Page 12

Elizabeth was Born Monday 25 of December about 6 Oclock afternoon In year of 1809 
Polly Taylor was Born Oct 12 1812 Ten Oclock morning 
Jesse Taylor his book June the 2?  
Charles Taylor his hand and pen he was Born the year of our Lord July 19th 1796 this is Sptr. 8th 1812

(page is badly faded)
Page 13

Jesse Taylor his book June the 26th 177?(page is torn)
Charles Taylor his hand and pen he
was born the year of our Lord
July 19th 1796 this is Sptr 8th 1812

(the page is badly faded)
Page 14

liston a while and the Truth I'll Re [paper torn] 
The Brave General Morgan Did Talton  Defeat after all his proud Boasting was forced to 
When Brave General Morgan his Valour V [paper torn] In the month of January on the Seventeenth Day Brave Morgan incompt near the Cowpens he lay Their our Brave Herows  made such a bold stand While Talton Came on them with his Chosen ban When Talton Set out for Morgan to Search He Did his endeavors for to steal a march But Morgan So Carefully kept out his spies Provinted  all Dangers and Sudding surprise The Spies they Returned Very late in the Night And Says to Brave Morgan That Talton in Site.  But Morgan arose before it was Day And formed his men in a battle aray 
It was about Sun rise those Britons appeared
and Shouted for Battle to make us afraid  
But our militia made such a bold Stand 
Which Soon could the Courage of the British (torn paper)
Page 15

Recd 17 Jany 1829

Revolutionary Claims     1449.
For the purpose of obtaining the benefits of an Act entitled “An Act for the relief of certain surviving officers and soldiers of the Army of the Revolution” approved on the 15th of May 1828, I Jesse Taylor, in the County of
Rutherford in the State of Tennessee do hereby declare, that I enlisted in the continental line of the State of Virginia of the Army of the Revolution, for twelve months, and was in the service at the close of the war; at which period I was an orderly Sergeant in Captain Ballard Company, in the third Regiment commanded by Cols: Samuel Meredith. I do not recollect
of ever having received any certificate from the Congress of the States - And I further declare that I was not on the fifteenth day of May 1828 on the pension list of the U States
     Witness my hand, this 10th day of December
in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and twenty eight
                                   Jesse Taylor

H. D. Jamison J.P.
See #11.528

Before me H.D. Jamison acting Justice of the peace in the said County of Rutherford
and State of Tennessee, personally appeared John R Tench and John Taylor of the said County, who did severally make oath, that Jesse Taylor, by whom the foregoing declaration was subscribed, is generally
reputed and believed to have been a soldier in the Army of the Revolution, in manner as therein Stated
     John X Tench
        (x his mark)
     John X Taylor
        (x his mark)

    
Witness my hand this 10th day of December 1828
H.D. Jamison J.P. (seal)
Rejected April 1828
Page 16

State of Tennessee
Rutherford County
I John R. Laughlin, Clerk of the Court of
of the County of Rutherford in the State of
Tennessee do hereby certify that the H. D. 
Jamison Esquire, before whom the foregoing 
affidavit was sworn, was, at the time a Justice 
of the peace, and duly empowered to administer Oaths.
     In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court, this 10th day of December, 1828.
                       John R. Laughlin, Clk.
Page 17

State of Illinois  SS
Hamilton County On this 31st day of March AD one thousand eight hundred and fifty five personally appeared before me H. W. Hall a Justice of the Peace, within and for the County and State aforesaid Mary or Polly Taylor aged 77 years a resident of Hamilton County
in the State of Illinois who being duly sworn according to law declares that she is the widow of Jesse Taylor deceased who was a Sergeant in the war of the Revolution that her said husband enlisted at ___on or about ___for the term of three years and continued in actual service in said war for the Term of ___year or years and was honorably discharged at ___. She further states that she was married to the said Jesse Taylor on or about 1792 in McLenburg State of Virginia by one Edward Clanton a Justice of the Peace and that her name before her said marriage was Mary Branton that her said husband died in Hamilton County in the State of Illinois on the 24 day of February 1832 and that she is still a widow and for further proof she refers to her papers on file in the pension office
     She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the bounty land to which she may be entitled under the act passed March 3th day 1855 and that she is not entitled to nor has she received bounty land under any other act of Congress.
                           Mary X Taylor
                            (X her mark)
Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year above written and on the Same
day personally came before me Jesse Taylor and Jane Taylor Residents of Hamilton County in the State of Illinois to me well known
Page 18

a creditable witness who being duly sworn
according to law declares that they are
personally acquainted with Mary Taylor
who has made and subscribed the foregoing
declaration that they was present and saw
her Mary Taylor make her mark to the said
declaration and from their personal acquaintance with her believe that she is the identical person she purports to be in the declaration and that she is now drawing a Pension for her said husbands services they further state that they are disinterested witnesses and I saw her husband Jesse Taylor die
          Jesse X Taylor
           (x his mark)
          Jane Taylor
           (x her mark)

I further state I am not interested in the claim
H. W. Hall JP

State of Illinois  
Hamilton County SS
I Saml A Martin Clerk of the County Court of said County certify that H. W. Hall Esq whose Genuine Signature Appears to the foregoing affadavit and Declaration was on the day of the date there of An acting Justice of the peace within and for said County duly commissioned and Qualifyed
    In testimony whereof I have
   here unto subscribed by name
   And Affixed the Seal of
   said County A Mcleansboro
   this 3rd day of April 1855
                           Saml A Martin Clk
Page 19


#11.598
Page 20

30th CONGRESS,
1st Session.

SENATE.

REP. COM.,
No. 98.

S 179

IN SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES.
MARCH 22, 1848.
Submitted, and ordered to be printed.
Mr. JOHNSON, of Louisiana, made the following
REPORT:
To accompany bill S. No. 179.

The Committee on Pensions, to whom was referred the petition of
Polly Taylor, report:

     That the petitioner is the widow of Jesse Taylor, deceased, who was a sergeant in the United States army, and who served for a period of upwards of two years in that capacity, during the American revolution. 
     The petitioner alleges that she was married to the said Jesse Taylor, in the county of Mecklenburg, in the State of Virginia, in
the year 1792, and asks a pension under the act of the 7th July, 1838.
     This claim was rejected by the Commissioner of Pensions, on the
ground that the marriage of the petitioner, prior to January, 1794, was not established by record or documentary evidence. The committee are satisfied that the marriage in the year 1792, as sworn to by the petitioner, is fully proved by the depositions of several witnesses of reputable character, and that she is entitled to a pension.
     The committee report a bill for the relief of the petitioner.
Page 21

State of Illinois 
Hamilton County SS
This day personally appeared before
me the undersigned an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid, Polly Taylor who being by me first duly sworn on her oath says, that the pension
which she now draws, and which is referred to in her application for a land warrant, under the act of 3d March 1855, was obtained under the provisions of the act of Congress of the 14th August AD 1848 and that the agency at which the same is payable is at Springfield, Illinois, She makes this affidavit as Supplementary 
to her declaration on file refered to herein,
praying for a land warrant
                      Polly X Taylor
                       (X her mark)
Attest
Joseph Allen

Sworn to and subscribed before me this 27th day of November AD 1855
H.W. Hall JP

State of Illinois 
Hamilton County SS
I, Samuel A Martin Clerk of the County Court, in and for said County do hereby certify that H.W. Hall, whose genuine signature appears to
the foregoing affidavit was at the time of signing the same an acting Justice of the Peace, in and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified, as appear, of 
record in my office and as such full faith
and credit are due to all his official acts
     Witness my hand and the Seal of
said Court this 27th day of November
AD 1855. Saml A Martin, Clerk
By Jno McClaine Deputy
Page 22

State of Illinois SS
Hamilton County
Be it remembered that on this
Seventh day of April one thousand
Eight hundred and forty five before the Subscriber one of the Judges of the County Commissioners Court in and for said County personally appeared Polly or Mary Taylor who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on her oath depose and say that she has known the annexed Record marked "A" as the family Record of Jesse Taylor and the aforesaid Polly or Mary Taylor for the space of forty nine years past and verily believes the same is genuine- She further declares that she has known the book from leaves of which the said Record was taken, and which is herewith attached marked "A" as the Book of Jesse Taylor for fifty three years past to wit from the marriage of the said Jesse Taylor & Polly or Mary Taylor. The said Book has been kept and
used as the family Record by said Jesse
Taylor and since the death of the said Jesse Taylor it has been in the care & keeping of the said Polly or Mary Taylor That it was written as she verily believes on the days and dates as therein set forth and she further declares it was
written by her husband the aforesaid Jesse Taylor
            Polly or Mary X  Taylor
                (X her mark)

Subscribed and sworn
to before me this 7th day
of April 1845
Benjamin Hood Judge

I certify that Polly or Mary Taylor who
has subscribed and sworn to the
Page 23

foregoing deposition before me is a credible
Witness which I certify from my personal
knowledge- Given under my hand & seal
this seventh day of April 1845
Benjamin Hood Judge

State of Illinois SS
Hamilton County
I Daniel Marshall Clerk of the County Commissioners Court in and for said County (the same being a Court of Record and so declared by the law creating it) do hereby certify that Benjamin Hood is one of the
Judges of said Court duly commissioned 
and qualified, and that the foregoing signatures purporting to be his are genuine-
    In testimony whereof I
I have hereunto subscribed
my name and affixed
the Official seal of said
Court this 8th day of
April one thousand
eight hundred and
forty five 
          D. Marshall Clerk CCCH Co
Page 24

30 Cong.
1 Sep.
S. 179
Petition
of Polly Taylor
praying a pension
1848, Feby 15 Referred to
the Com: on Pensions
March 22d Bill $179 & report.

Mr Breese
Page 25

To the Honorable the Senate and
House of Representatives of the
United States- Your petitioner
a Citizen of the State of Illinois
humbly represents that she is the
widow of Jesse Taylor who was a
Sergeant in the service of the United States
called out by the State of Virginia
in the lower part of the State in the
years 1775 & 1776 - that she was
married to the said Jesse Taylor in the
County of Mecklenburg in the State of
Virginia in the year 1792-
that she has made application
for a pension under the Act of July
7th 1838- that although she
was married to said Taylor 1792
her first child was born in 1796 -
and from this circumstance it seems
to be infered by the Department that the
marriage could not have taken
place prior to 1794- your
Petitioner verily believes that she has
by depositions sufficiently explained
the apparent discrepancy between the
marriage 1792 & the fact that
her first child was born in 1796.
being unable to procure what she
Page 26

Deems a just and fair allowance of
Her claim from the Department of
War. She respectfully prays that the
proof in support of her claim
may be examined by your honorable
[illegible] and her name placed on the
Pension list under the act aforesaid
at such rate as may be deemed
right- And your Petitioner will as in
duty bound ever pray
Polly Taylor
Page 27

Commonweath of Virginia SS
Mecklenburg County
On this fourteenth day of January in the year one Thousand eight hundred and forty six, before the subscriber, one of the Justices of the peace, in and for the said County, Personally appeared Hughberry Nanny a
citizen of said County, who being first duly
sworn, according to the laws of the State of Virginia doth depose and say. That I am in my Seventy ninth year, and have resided in the County of Mecklenburg State of Virginia, for about sixty Eight years, I was personally acquainted with Jessee Taylor, who formerly lived in this County, and he was reputed and believed to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and I concur fully in the opinion
that he was, from the fact, of seeing him start
off in company with my Father and others
who served and fought at the battle of Gilford
Court House N.C. Having frequently herd my
Father say that he the said Jesse Taylor was with him at that Battle, and served that tour with him.
     I know that Jesse Taylor and Polly lived together as husband and wife, as early as the year Seventeen hundred and ninety two, from the fact, that I was married in that year, and they were living together then, as Husband and wife. 
     I have frequently herd my Father say that
Jesse Taylor held some office in the army
during the revolution, but are not positive which office it was, but I know he was Major shortly after the War.
       Hughberry X Nanny
           (X  his mark)

Subscribed and sworn
to before me this 14th
day of January 1846
Page 28

after the war.

Hughberry his “X” mark Nanny

Subscribed and sworn
to before me this 14th
day of January 1846
Thos. Wortman JP

Commonwealth of Virginia
Mecklenburg County. SS

On this fifteenth day of January one thousand Eight hundred and forty six, before the subscriber one of the justices of the peace in and for the said County, personally appeared William B Jones a citizen of said County, who being first duly sworn according to the laws of the State of Virginia, doth depose and say. I am in my seventy seventh Year, and have resided in the County of Mecklenburg,
State of Virginia, all my life. I was personally acquainted with Jesse Taylor, who
formally lived in this County and he was reputed & and believed to have been a soldier of the revolution and I concur fully in the opinion that he was from the fact of seeing him start off in company with two of my Brothers who I have frequently heard say that Jesse Taylor served with my Brother John as minute men and I have heard my Brother John say that the minute men enlisted for Twelve months This was about the year Seventeen hundred and sixty six. I have also heard my Brother John say that Jesse Taylor was in the battle at Guilford Court house NC with him and served the tour with him.
     I know that Jesse Taylor and Polly lived together as husband and wife as early
as the year seventeen hundred and ninety Two from the fact of my helping him raise a house that year and knowing where I lived at the time. I have heard my Brother John say that Jesse Taylor was sergeant in the army during the war and I know he was Major shortly after the war.
           William B. X Jones
              (X his mark)
Subscribed and sworn
to before me this 15th
Jany 1846
[bottom of page folded up so signature is difficult to read} Thos. Wortman JP

Commonwealth of Virginia
Page 29

was sergeant in the army during the war and I
know he was Major shortly after the war.
            William B X Jones
               (X his mark)

Subscribed and sworn
to before me this 15th
Jany 1846
Thos. Wertman JP

Commonwealth of Virginia
Mecklenburg County SS

On this fifteenth day of
January in the year one Thousand eight hundred and forty six, Before the subscriber one of the Justices of the peace, in and for the said County, Personally appeared, Charles Jones a citizen of said County, who being first duly sworn according to the Laws of the State of Virginia doth depose and say, I am in my Seventy fifth year, and have resided in the County of Mecklenburg State of Virginia from my birth, I was personally acquainted with Jesse Taylor who formerly lived in this County, and he was reputed and believed
to have been a soldier of the Revolution war.
And I concur fully in the opinion from the fact
of hearing him, Jesse Taylor, say that he served in the minute service, with my Brother John, and I knew that my Brother John did serve in the minute service, from the fact of seeing him start and return, and have understood they ware twelve months, men, and I have herd (sic) it was performed in the year seventeen
hundred and seventy six or about that time.
I knew that Jesse Taylor and Polly lived together as husband and wife as early as the year seventeen hundred and ninety two or three, and they continued together until they left the county at which time some of their children was Grown.
                Charles X Jones
                  (X his mark)

Subscribed and sworn
to before me this 15th
day of January 1846
Thos. Wortman J.P.
Page 30

Commonwealth of Virginia 
Mecklenburg County SS
On this second day of February in the year one Thousand eight hundred and forty six, before the subscriber one of the Justices of the Peace, in and for the said County, Personally appeared Evans Tanner a citizen of said County, who being first duly sworn, according to the laws of the State of Virginia, doth depose and say, I am in my Fiftieth year, and have resided in the County of Mecklenburg State of Virginia from my birth, doth depose and say.
     I was personally acquainted with Jesse Taylor who formerly lived in this County, and he was reputed and believed to have been a soldier in the Revolution and I concur fully in the opinion, that he was, from the fact of having herd my Father often speak of him, as being one of the same company & mess with himself, was with him at the battle at Gilford C House N.C. I have also herd my Father say that he Taylor was an older man than himself, and relate a circumstance of Finding a little bag of meal (while the soldiers wire in a destitute condition, having lived about three days on Huckleberry leaves) and carried it to said
Jesse Taylor, to know what he had better do with it, Taylor desired that it should be cooked, and while Cooking a company of Light Horse came up with whom Taylor was acquainted, or had served with and said Taylor not only divided the bread with his mess, but with the Light Horse also.
                           Evans Tanner

Subscribed and sworn
before me this 2nd day
February 1846
Thos. Wortman JP
Page 31

I certify that Hughberry Nanny who has
subscribed and sworn to the within deposition
is a credible witness that he is a gentleman
of the first respectability and his mind apparently
not at all impaired by age, Given
under my hand this 14th day of January 1846
Thomas Wortman J.P.
Page 32

I certify that William B. Jones who has
subscribed and sworn to the within deposition
is a credible witness that he is a
Gentleman of the first respectability and his mind apparently not at all impaired by age, 
Given under my hand
this 15th day of January 1846
Thomas Wortman J.P.
Page 33

I certify that Charles Jones who has
subscribed and sworn to the within deposition
is a credible witness, that he is a Gentleman
of the first respectibility, and his mind apparently
not at all impaired by age. Given
under my hand this 15th January 1846.
Thomas Wortman J.P.
Page 34

I certify that Evans Tanner 
who has subscribed and sworn to the within deposition is a credible witness that he is a gentleman of the first respectability. Given under my hand this 2nd day of February 1846
Thomas Wortman J.P.

Virginia
Mecklenburg County Court Clerks Office to wit
I Richard B. Baptist Clerk of the County Court
Mecklenburg in the State of Virginia do hereby
Certify that Thomas Wortman who hath given the preceding certificates as Justice of the peace is a Justice of the Peace and was at the time of giving said certificates a Justice of the peace in and for the said County in the State of
Virginia, duly commissioned and qualified and
that his signatures above purporting to be his
Are genuine.
[Seal]
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto
Set my hand and affixed the Seal
of the said Court this 5th day of
February 1846

Richard B. Baptist Ck
Mecklenburg County to wit:
Page 35

State of Illinois 
Hamilton County SS

Be it remembered that on this seventh day of
April one thousand eight hundred and
forty five before the Subscriber one of the
Judges of the County Commissioners
Court in and for said County personally
appeared Robert Burnet who being first
duly sworn according to law, doth on his
Oath depose and say, that he has known
the annexed Record marked as the
family Record of Jesse Taylor and Polly
or Mary Taylor for the space of fifteen
years past and verily believes the same is
genuine, That I have known for the
space of two years the said Record was
in the care of Jesse Taylor and since
the death of the said Jesse Taylor that
it has been in the possession of Polly or
Mary Taylor. That he verily believes it
was written by the said Jesse Taylor
on the day and dates as therein set
forth.
                     Robert Burnett

Subscribed and sworn
to before me this 7th day
of April 1845
Benjamin Hood Judge

I certify that Robert Burnet who has
subscribed and sworn to the foregoing
deposition before me is a credible
witness which I certify from my personal
knowledge- Given under my hand
and seal this 7th day of April 1845
Benjamin Hood Judge
Page 36

State of Illinois 
Hamilton County SS

I Daniel Marshall Clerk of the County
Commissioners Court in and for said
County (the same being a Court of Record
and so declared by the law creating it)
do hereby certify that Benjamin Hood is one of the Judges of said Court duly commissioned and qualified and that the foregoing signatures purporting to be his are genuine.

In testimony whereof
I have hereunto subscribed
my name and affixed
the official seal of said
Court this 8th day of April
one thousand eight
hundred and forty five
D. Marshall Clerk CCC H Co.
Page 37

Marshall Illinois
April 29th 1847

Sir - Some two years ago I sent
to you the claim of Polly alias
Mary Taylor of Illinois widow of
Jesse Taylor- I think the claim was
presented by Col Licklin- Since that
time much testimony has been offered
which was not deemed satisfactory-
The Messr. Smith of your city were employed
to prosecute the claim- In October and
November of 1846 I forwarded to them
the Deposition of a respectable witness
of Mecklenburg Co Va and of another
Witness living in Illinois-
The Record of the family showed the birth of
the first child in 96- This created a presumption against her claim. The fact was that for several years after she was married
(being quite young when married) she
had no children. The Deposition to which
I allude cleared up these points very
clearly and satisfactorily-
Page 38

I was astonished to learn by your
letter to Mr Licklin that the proof
had not been presented - I have
not been able to hear from Messr.
Smith in the subject- nor do I
know whether they are still dong
business of this sort-
I have waited till my patience is
exhausted- Certainly the claim has
Been examined before this time-
It is certainly due to Mrs. Taylor
that her claim should be examined.
I cannot doubt that the testimony
which I forwarded to Messr. Smith
will be satisfactory.
It is possible the testimony has been
mislaid- I have to request that
you will write me at Springfield
Ill. where I shall be during the
sitting of the Convention-

Respectfully
U. Manly

J L Edwards Esq
Page 39

Senate of November, Feb: 23d 1848

Sir,

The Committee on Pensions request that
you will be prayed to furnish such information
on as your office may afford with request to
The petition herewith enclosed.

With great respect
your obt. Srvt. 
[illegible signature]

The Hon:
Mr. Edwards,
Commissioner Pensions
Page 40

Washington
Feb. 22. 1848

Dr Sir

Will you please transmit to
me so that I can refer them to
the Com. on Pensions of the Senate
To whom her memorial is referred,
the papers of Polly Taylor. Your
Prompt compliance with this
Will oblige me.

Yr. rspy,
S. Breese

J.L. Edward Esq.
Com. of Pensions
War Dept.
Page 41

Pension Office
February 12th 1848

Sir

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of
your letter of the 2nd inst, and in reply to state that it is not for want of authentication of the papers in the case of Polly Taylor, widow of Jesse Taylor, that a pension has not been granted her, but in consequence of her failure to produce satisfactory evidence of her
marriage prior to 1794.
      No additional evidence has been received
in support of this claim since my report to T. S.
& A Tho. Smith Esqr of the 22nd July, 1847, a copy of which is herewith enclosed.

I have the honor to be,
Very respectfully
Your Ob. Servt.
G. W. Crump

Hon. B. Casey,
Present

Over
Page 42

Washington City  Feb 15th 1848

Dear Sir

Yours of the 20th ult. on the subject, of the
claim of Mrs Polly Taylor, was duly recd you
will see by the within letter, and its inclosed
that the matter has been over-halted, and the reason stated, why the pension has not been granted. If you can suply (sic)  the evidence, they require. The pension will be granted.

In host your friend
Sincerely
Z. Casey

Uri Manly Esqr

P.S. I expect to leave in a few weeks for home
when I shall always be glad to hear from you Z. C.
Page 43

(Copy)
Pension Office
July 23rd 1847

Sir

The affidavit of Hamblin Freeman in the
case of Mary or Polly Taylor widow of Jesse Taylor Does not remove the objection to the admission of her claim.
     Mrs Taylor alleges in her declaration that
her marriage with Jesse Taylor took place in
1792 when agreeably to her own showing she was but fourteen years old. Under such circumstances the testimony of Freeman who it appears cannot write his name and of course has kept no memorandum of dates, cannot be received as satisfactory evidence of the marriage of these parties prior to January 1794.
     An appeal was taken to the Secretary of 
War in this case in July last upon testimony
much stronger than that now presented. The action of this Department was sustained by the Secretary.
     Unless Mrs Taylor can establish her marriage by record or documentary evidence on the testimony of respectable and intelligent witnesses
Page 44

based upon written record her claim cannot
Be admitted.

I am, very respy
Your Obt. Sert.
{Signed} J.L. Edwards

T. S. & A. L. Smith, Esqr.
     Present
Page 45

Washington  March 2. 1848
Com. on Pensions
U.S. Senate

Sir

You are requested to send to the
committee on Pensions the papers in
the case of Polly Taylor whose petition
for relief is now before the committee. Please
send them at the earliest moment.

Yrs Respy
H. L. Johnson
Chairman of
the Committee

J. L. Edwards Esq.
Comm of Pensions
War Dept
Page 46

Washington  Jan. 28, 1848

Sir

U.  Manly Esq. of Illinois, a gentleman
of high character engaged in the business of Agent for procuring pensions, desires me to present to  you the enclosed paper, being an
argument in support of the claim of
a Mrs. Taylor to a pension. He insists
the case has been fully made out
according to the acts of Congress
& that in particular is done here by the decision of the Com. on Pensions. He desires to appeal to you from that decision-
If but a pounding is normal &
popular, I have to express my wish
that you will entertain the appeal
and if in practice has been done, 
that you will approve the remedy.

I am sir with high regard
Yr Obt. Sr.
Stonly Breese

Hon. W. L. Marcy
Secy. of War
Page 47

No. 11970
Mary or Polly Taylor
Wid of Jesse
Ill
Allowed by Special act
of Congress Chapter 191
Approved 14 August 1845
2 years as Sergeant $120.00
Mar / April 1845. See
Report of Committee No
98, 1st Session of 30 Congress

Hon O. B. Ficklin
Charleston Ill
Page 48

Pension Office
October  1848

Sir,

The declaration of Syvia Hilton
Page 49

(Copy)

Pension Office
July 13th 1846

Sir

I have the honor to inform you that the affidavit of Lewis Poythress in the case of Mary or Polly Taylor, widow of Jesse Taylor, does not furnish the proof of the date of their marriage heretofore required. This witness states that he has been married fifty six years, and that these parties were living together as husband and wife before his marriage.
     In her declaration, made in April 1845, Mrs
Taylor says that she is aged sixty seven years
and alleges that her marriage took place in 1792 Agreeably, therefore, to her own statement, claimant was but fourteen years old at the date of the consummation of that event. This witness has placed the date thereof at a period more than two years prior to that of Mrs Taylor, when she must have been under twelve years of age, which is altogether
Improbable.

I have the honor to be
Very respectfully
Your Obt. Servt.
(Signed) J.L. Edwards.

Hon. Sidney Breese,
Senate United States
Page 50

Augt 14 / 48
Marshall Ills
Augt 6 / 48
U. Manly
Claim of Polly Taylor

W 296?
11 August 1848
Pension Bureau
Page 51

Marshall Illinois
August 6 1848

Sir,

I am the Agent and attorney
of Mrs Mary alias Polly Taylor
of Illinois widow of Jesse Taylor-
I am informed by Judge Breese
that a bill for her relief has
passed the Senate and probably the
House of Representatives.
I am the only agent she has in the
matter and I have to request
that her Certificate of allowance
may be forwarded to me.

Very Respectfully
U. Manly
Page 52

Petition of Polly
Taylor- papers
At office of Com.
Of Pensions-
Feb. 4, 1848
Page 53

Marshall Ill.
Jan 26 1848

Dr Sir,

I enclose the Petition of
Polly Taylor for a Pension-I Signed
her name but it is all right I
wrote you some days ago to have the
case again examined, but I fear if
it is it will not be allowed-
I wish it examined immediately if it
Is rejected then please present
the Petition or perhaps it may
be best to present the Petition
at once, for really I believe it
will pass - the proof speaks
for itself & if an honest committee
will report against it, I will be
Content. Please call for the
papers from the War or Pension
office & having presented the thing
please or having presented the Petition
Please do me the favor to send
a copy of the printed report.

Hon. S. Breese

Yours truly
U Manly

P.S. Perhaps a hint from your report 
to be presented to Congress will get it
allowed-
Page 54

Marshall Ill.
4. March 1846

Will Judge Lempee do me the
favour to lay the enclosed
papers before the Comr. of Pensions

Respectfully
U. Manly
Page 55

Marshall Ill.
Aug. 21. 1848

Sir

In April 1845 I sent you through
Col. Sylvester who was then my
Agent, the claim of Mary Taylor of
Illinois widow of Jesse Taylor.
Through the kind action of Congress
the Petition in for Taylor favour
has been granted by the final
action of the House on the
12th inst.
I request that certificate allowance may be sent to me.
Very Respy,

U. Manly
Page 56


[left side of page]
U. Manly
about] Polly Taylor
Case - Recd
March 6, 1848

[right side of page]
30 Cong.
1 Sept
Additional Documents
In the case of Polly
Taylor, for a pension.
1848 March 7th Referred to the
Com: on Pensions
Mr. Breese
Page 57

Dear Sir
You will see by the enclosed
letter that Mr. Edwards refuses to
allow the claim of Mrs Taylor unless
she shall establish her marriage
of evidence of the following character
1st Record evidence
2d Documentary evidence or
3d  the testimony of respectable and
intelligent Witnesses based upon
written Record-
What may be the peculiar
character of proof denominated 
“Written Record” I do not know, but
I must dispute the authority of
Mr. Edwards to dictate that where
the witness is “respectable” and “intelligent”
his Statements must be based upon
written Record.
If the Witness is respectable he will
tell the truth & if intelligent he can
certainly satisfy by a candid [illegible] of the
truth of his statements. I dispute the
right of Mr. Edwards to alter the rules
of evidence in her particular case.
Page 58

It seems utterly in comprehensible
to the commissioner that a girl
marrying at 14 should have had
no child till 4 years afterwards.
It is certainly not very remarkable
that in the south part of Virginia
a girl should have married at
14 years old, an event however
not likely to occur in Ireland-
But this very early 
marriage- having no children
for several years afterward- are
all clearly explained by eye Witnesses
who then lived and now live in
the same neighborhood of Mrs.
Taylor marriage, in Mecklenburg
Co Va.
I would be glad that Hon.
Wm. Meade could state his knowledge
of the “respectability” and “intelligence”
of the Witnesses many of whom
reside in his District and with some
of them he is unquestionably acquainted
Page 59


I shall be pleased to have you
send me the report of the Committee.
If the Committee reports favorably
as you think it can pass. The claim was presented by Messr.
Smith & it might be well to
call in the commissioner for a
copy of the first letter after the case
was examined.
This is a meritorious case and I
hope she may succeed.

Respectfully
U Manly

Hon. Sidney Breese
U. S. Senate
Page 60

Col. J. L. Edwards

Dr Sir
Be so good
as to furnish me
the necessary
answer in this case.
Very respecty
Orlando B. Ficklin

Mary or Polly Taylor
Page 61

Marshall Ill.
Sept 16th 1848

Dear Sir,

I have applied in vain time after time both to the Secretary of War and the Comr. of Pensions
for the forms and instructions adopted
under the different Pension Laws of
the last Session- particularly of
19th & 29th July. I hoped my
importance might induce a compliance
with my request-- I have also
tried to obtain the Certificate in the
case of Mary Taylor allowed by Act
of Congress of 12th August 48.
It is possible if you will
conclude this note as request that
I may be furnished with the said
forms & instructions (printed for the use of
the public) You can get this for me.
Yours
U Manly
Page 62

House of Reps
July 25th 46

Dr Sir,

I have directed an appeal
to be taken in the case of
Polly or Mary Taylor of
Illinois are a claim for a pension
Have the goodness to examine
the case & advise me of the
result.

Yours respectably,
Orlando B Ficklin
Page 63

No 11980
Mary Taylor
Ill.

Let to T.S. & A. Thos. Smith  Augt 12 ’45
Let to Hon J. Sample. March 6, ’46
 “      “     Same              “   20, ’46
Hon. S. Breese. July 13, ’46
To Secy. Of War   “    29 — Secy to
Hon. O. B. Ficklin. 14 Nov 46
To same March 2 ’47
To Uri  Manly  31 May ’47
Act of July 1838
Page 64

Letter to Clerk Ho. Reps.  29 Sep 1848
Let to Uri Manly
June 18th ’47
Let to T. L & A.T. Smith
July 23 ’47
Let. To Z. Casey
Feb. 12 ’48
Let. To Hon. Sidney Breese
Feb 15 ’48
Let to Hon. Henry Johnson
March 3rd 1848
Another of the same date’
[written sideways] with papers included
[written sideways] Let to Hon. O. B. Ficklin
[written sideways] August 4 ‘48
Page 65

McLeanesboro      Free
Nov 24

To The Commissioner of Pensions
Washington Citty
DC. 

[written sideways] Ills
Polly Taylor 
Boynton
Page 66

Addls   C. H. Hard
McLeansboro
Hamilton Co
Ill
Page 67

Pen: Act 7th July 38 AW
Boynton
Page 68

Revy
WIDOW, &c.
AW
File No. 11598
Mary or Polly Taylor
Wid of
Jesse Taylor
Sergt Rev. War
Act: July 7th 1838
Index:—Vol. M, Page 263
{Arrangement of 1870.}
Page 69

Pension Office
March 3rd, 1848.
Sir
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of
your letter of the 2nd inst, and to transmit herewith the papers in the case of Mary Taylor, widow of Jesse Taylor an applicant for a pension under the Act of 7th July, 1838, numbered from one to seven inclusive, and
have to request that you will acknowledge the receipt thereof.
I have the honor to be
Very respectfully
Your Obt. Servt.
GW Crump

Hon. Henry Johnson
Chairman of the Committee
On Pensions
United States Senate
Page 70

Pension Office
March 3rd, 1848

Sir

I have the honor to return herewith, the petition of Polly Taylor, widow of Jesse Taylor, and to state that her claim was not allowed in consequence of her failure to produce satisfactory evidence of her marriage within the period prescribed by the Act of
7th July, 1838.

In her declaration Mrs Taylor alleges that she was married in 1792 at which time she was not fourteen years of age. Under such circumstances the evidence which consists in a
paper purporting to be a family record, an entry upon which shows that their first child was born in 1796, and the testimony of
several witnesses, most of whom, it appears, are unable to write their names is not deemed by this Department sufficient show that she was married to Jesse Taylor prior to 1794
           I have the honor to be
           Sir, Very respectfully
           Your Obt. Servt.
           G.W. Crump

Hon. Henry Johnson,
Chairman of the Committee
On Pensions,
Senate United States
Page 71

Washington D C
31 May 1845
Sir
We have the honor to present herewith
the application of Mrs Mary Taylor, widow of Jesse Taylor decd a revolutionary pensioner from the State of Tennessee, for a pension under the Act of 7 July 1838. Mrs Taylor
resides at present in Hamilton County Illinois, and the papers in support of her claim, in addition to those already on file in the case of her husband, consist of her declaration,
marked not; a family record under oath, No 2, of the affidavit of Robert Burnett in proof of the said record No 3.
           We are very respectfully
           Your obt. servt.
           T L & A Tho Smith

J. L. Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pension
Page 72

Pension Office
July 29th 1846
Sir
I have the honor to return you Mr Ficklins
letter, in which he says he takes an appeal in
the case of Mary Taylor, and, as he states no
ground of appeal, I submit the papers marked
from one to five inclusive, with a copy of my
letter to Hon. S. Breese of the 13th inst, which
will apprise you of the present condition of
the claim.
I have the honor to be
Sir, Very respectfully,
Your Obt. Servant
J.L. Edwards

Hon. W. L. Marcy
Secretary of War
Page 73

House of Reps
July 22nd 47

Dr Sir

Will you let me
know what decision has
been made in the case
of Polly Taylor of Illinois
widow of Jesse on the two
depositions presented in Dec
or Nov last.
Very respecty,
Orlando B. Ficklin
Page 74

Washington DC
7 July 1847

Sir

We have the honor to submit the enclose additional testimony in support of the claim of Polly Taylor widow of Jesse Taylor of    ___          under the act of 1838.
     We are very respy
     Yr Obt. Srvt.
     T L & A Tho. Smith

J L Edwards Esq
Commr of Pensions
Page 75

[written sideways] 
Feby 3  48
Polly Taylor
Ill.

J. L. Edwards Esqr.
Comr. Of Pensions—
Page 76


Washington City  February 2nd 1848
J. L. Edward Esqr
Sir
I am requested by a friend in
Illinois, to apertain, whether it is for the want
of formality in the papers of Polly Taylor,
widow, of Jesse Taylor, of Franklin County
said State, that her pension cannot be allowed
and if so, whether those papers can be
amended— please examine the subject
and inform me of the result. I shall
remain in the city some weeks.
            Respectfully
            Your obt Servant
                       Z. Casey
Page 77

Commonwealth of Virginia
Mecklenburg County SS
On this eighteenth day of May in
the year one thousand eight hundred and forty six before the subscriber one of the Justices of the peace in and for the County aforesaid, personally appeared Lewis Poythress a Citizen of said County who being first duly sworn according to the laws of the state of
Virginia doth depose & say that I am eighty
years of age. I was born in the County of Dinwiddie & lived in the County of Brunswick Va during the Revolutionary war, and have resided in this County about sixty years. I was personally acquainted with Jesse Taylor who formerly lived in this County I know that Jesse Taylor & Polly lived together as man and wife before seventeen hundred and ninety, two from the fact that he lived together before I was married and I have been married fifty six years. I know that Jesse Taylor & Polly lived together several years before they had any child but do not recollect precisely the number
of years. I lived within three miles of Jesse
Taylor from the time I moved to this county
until he moved from this state. The names
of his children were as follows. the eldest
was name Charles then William then James
then John then Jesse of the Boys and one Daughter by the name of Betsey. I know that Jesse Taylor was reputed & believed to have been a soldier in the Revolution. I concur fully in the opinion from the fact that I lived with Taylor one year frequently heard him say that he served in that war.
               Lewis X Poythress
                 (X his mark)
Page 78


The within deposition were subscribed
and sworn to before this 18th day of
May 1846.
Thos Wortman J.P.

I certify that Lewis Poythress who has
subscribed and sworn to the within
deposition is a credible witness that he is 
a gentleman of the first respectability
and his mind apparently not at all
impaired by age. Given under my
hand this 18th day of May 1846.
Thomas Wortman J.P.

Virginia
Mecklenburg County district

I Richard B Baptist Clerk of the County Court of said County as hereby certify that Thomas
Wortman is a magistrate as above, and that the foregoing signatures purporting to be his are genuine
(seal)
 In testimony whereof I hereto
set my hand and affix my
Seal of office at Office
this 25 day of May 1846
Richd B Baptist C
Page 79

Mr. Baptist

     Will please give his certificate
and know Mr Hopgood will pay for it.
         Yr. Truly,
         Thomas Wortman
Page 80

North Carolina
Warren County
I, Marcellus J. Montgomery, Clerk
of the Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions for Warren County in said State, do certify, that I have very diligently examined the files of Marriage Bonds in my office & have not been able to find a marriage Bond “Jesse Taylor to Polly Branton or Brantley”.
     In Testimony of which I have hereto
     set my hand & affixed my seal of office
     at Warrenton in said State this tenth
     day of February A.D. 1846.
                     M. J. Montgomery Clerk
                     of Warren County Court.
Page 81

12705
Rev Army
Page 82


11970

Mary Taylor
R May 30 1845
Widow of Jesse
Ill.
Act 7 July 1838
[illegible] Orderly Book Marked
Col. Meredith

1845
     67
——
1778

14
Page 83

Also at the same time came Robert Burnet who
being duly sworn according to Law and who I certify from personal knowledge is a credible witness doth on his Oath depose and say that Polly or Mary Taylor has not intermarried but
remains the widow of Jesse Taylor who died
on the 24th day of February one thousand
Eight hundred and thirty two—
                     Robert Burnett
Subscribed and sworn to}
before me this seventh day}
of April 1845
Benjamin Hood Judge 

State of Illinois 
Hamilton County 
I Daniel Marshall Clerk of the County Commissioners Court in and for said County
(the same being a Court of Record and
so declared by the law creating it) do hereby certify that Benjamin Hood is one of the Judges of said Court duly commissioned and qualified and that the foregoing signatures purporting to be his are genuine—

In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed
the official seal of said Court this 8th day of
April one thousand eight hundred and forty five.
D. Marshall Clerk
C C C H C