Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 5070, James East, [BLANK]
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SERVICE:
East, James
Martha
NUMBER: W. 5070
CONTENTS:
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32.248
Virginia,
James East,
of R0ckbridge in the State of Virginia
who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Richard Napier of the regiment commanded by ___________ in the Virginia line 12. months.

Inscribed on the Roll of Richmond,
at the rate of 40 Dollars ____ Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 2nd day of [illegible] 1844, and sent to J W Brookenburgh, Lexington, Va

Arrears to the 4th of
Semi-annual allowance ending

{Revolutionary Claim, Act 7, 1832.}
Recorded by [illegible] Swann, Clerk.
Book E Vol. [illegible] Page 11.

Dead - let to J W Brookenburgh
Dec 19. 1844.
Let. to Brookenburgh & Paxton Sept 1, 1845
10/10
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Virginia No 4299.
Martha East,
widow of James East,
who died on the 4th of October, 1844,
of Rockbridge (in the State of Va
who was a private in the - commanded by Captain - of the - commanded by - in the Virginia line for 12 months -

Inscribed on the Roll of Richmond
at the rate of 40 Dollars - Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of October, 1844. ~

Certificate of Pension issued the 20th day of November, 1845 and sent to Brookenbrough & Paxton, Lexington, Va -

Arrears to the 4th of Sept: '45 $36.65
Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Mar 20.00
$56.65
{Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the 3d}
Recorded by Vell Stewart - Clerk,
Book G Vol. 1 - Page 169.
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State of Virginia
Rockbridge County, SS.
On this 31st day of December in the year 1832, personally appeared in open Court, before the County Court of Rockbridge, sd. Court being a Court of Record, and now sitting, James East a resident in said County & State aged 80 years. - Who being fist duly sworn according to Law, doth on his oath make the following Declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7th 1832.
1st question This applicant states that he was born in Goochland County, State of Virginia in August 1753.
2nd question. He has a record of his age, in a large Bible in his possession, inscribed therefrom the Register of Parson Douglas, a minister in sd. Goochland Cty now exhibited in this Court.
3rd question. He was living in Fluvanna Cty, Virginia when first called into service, and thence moved to Louisa County in Virginia, in 1780, where he lived five years, at the expiration of which, he moved to Nelson County of this state (then a part of Amherst County, Va) where he lived untill 1825 when he came to the said County of Rockbridge, where he has since resided.
4th question. He states that he was twice draughted, once enlisted, and once called out to Albemarle Cty Va Barracks to guard the Hessians, as will more fully appear from his Answer to the following questions.
5th question. This applicant states that he was draughted as a Militia Man (or called out in the 3d Division of his County Fluvanna) in August 1777 under the command of Capt. Joseph Hayden & Lieutenant Benjamin Anderson of Fluvanna County, and marched by the way of Richmond, where he drew his arms, and thence to Williamsburg and Hampton in Virginia, there remained during the full term of his tour of 3 Months, for which he was draughted.
He was in no engagement during this tour. He received no discharge. This applicant farther states, that in Sep..
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[sep]tember 1776 he enlisted on the continental Establishment under Capt Thomas Holt, a recruiting officer who came from S. Louisa County Va. to Fluvanna Va. for the term of 3 years, That he was constantly employed with his Capt. in the business of recruiting for 4 months, but on account of the [illegible] of his parents( he being their youngest & so he procured a substitute James Burly of Fluvanna Va. who served out his Tour of Enlistment.

This applicant farther [further] states that in 1779 he was draughted [drafted] into service for 3 months, under Capt. Hayden & Lieutenant Anderson, above mentioned, and Marched from Fluvanna to the neighborhood of Williamsburg, York & Hampton on  this occasion, and on the occasion first mentioned in this Declaration in August 1777, Major George Thompson & Col. Samuel Cabel (Cabel from Amherst Cty Va. and Thompson from Fluvanna Cty Va.)
commanded. He received no discharge, was in no engagement, and served his full term of 3 months.

This applicant farther [further] states, that  he performed an irregular service of 2 months, at Charlottesville Va in 
November 1779 in guarding some prisoners of War, principally Hessians for which he received no renumeration, his officers were Lieut Samuel Richardson of Fluvanna Va & Lieutenant Thomas Thurman from the same place.

This applicant states, that in January 1781, he was enrolled under the orders of Capt John Fox of Louisa Va. and retained in the County of Louisa Va. as a maker of Gun stocks. That he was detailed for the service as a soldier, & continued in it until the Capture of Lord Cornwallis in October 1781, making a period of 8 months; he never understood himself or heard from others, that it was a private service, for which he was to be privately paid, and he states that he never was compensated for it, publichly [publicly] or privately, and that he always deemed it a military service for the United States.

These different terms of service as detailed by this applicant amount in all to 20 months.
6th Question. This applicant never received a written discharge
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nor a Commission,
7th question. This applicant states that he has been 40 years out of the Country, from which he marched into service and where the fact of his service was known, that he has resided last 7 years in this sd. County of Rockbridge. That he knows of no person, anywhere, who knows from personal knowledge, that he was a Revolutionary Soldier, but refers to Capt. William Ingles of his neighborhood, also to Samuel Parish & John Hughs of Nelson County Va. whose evidence he has obtained. he knows of no Clergyman who knows the traditions of his former neighborhood, to certify them in his favor, the minister of the congregation in which he lived, having moved to the West, many years ago, but he has obtained a certificate from the Revd. Valentine M Mason a Babtist Clergyman in Rockbridge, which he has been compelled to obtain before a magistrate, as the sd. Mason was just moving to a distant County in the State.
He also refers to the Revd. Allen D Metcaf Presbyterian Clergyman of his neighborhood for his Character whose certificate he has also been compelled to take before a Magistrate on account of its being inconvenient to sd. Mitcalf to attend at the Courthouse of said County.
This applicant hereby relinquishes all and every claim to a Pension or annuity except the Present, and declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of the Agency of any State.
Sworn to and Subscribed the day and year above written.
James East.
I William Ingles of the said County of Rockbridge, do hereby certify, that I have been acquainted with the applicant in the above declaration about seven years (he having resided about that length of time, in this County having rode Sheriff in the section of the County in which said applicant lives, & that said East, is an honest, upright man, and I believe incapable of making a false statement.
Sworn to & Subscribed the day & year above written.
William Ingles.
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Virginia -
At Rockbridge County Court December 31st 1832
The declaration of James East together with the Certificate of William Ingles of which the foregoing are true Copies were produced and severally subscribed and sworn to in open Court. And the Court declared their opinion, after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the war department, that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states and the court further certified that it appeared to them that the said William Ingles who has signed the proceeding Certificate is a resident in this county and is a credible person and that his statement is entitled to credit -
And I Samuel McD Reid Clerk of said County Court do further certify that John F Carthurs and Alexander T Barclay Gontr. whose genuine signatures appear to the annexed affidavits of Valentine M Mason & Allen D Metcalf (Clergyman) now are and were at the time of signing the said affidavits acting Justices of the peace in and for said County of Rockbridge duly commissioned and qualified and that their official acts are entitled to full faith and credit. the said affidavits are hereto annexed
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said county this 22nd Day of January 1833 and in the 57th year of the Commonwealth
Sam M D Reid CRC
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interlined before the said declaration was signed and sworn to.  I further certify that the above named declarant is a credible person and that I am fully satisfied of the truth of the statements contained in the above declarations, and that the leaf appended to this sheet was cut out of the Family Bible referred to in the above declaration in my presence and annexed to it with my own hand--Hugh Barclay JP State of Virginia Rockbridge County} ss I Samuel Mc D Reid Clerk of the Court of Rockbridge County, certify that Hugh Barclay whose commission hear date on the 7th July 1838, is  a magistrate as aforesaid and that the foregoing purporting to be his is genuine.  In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my seal of Office and subscri (1844) my name this 10th day of July 1845, and in the 70th year of the Commonwealth [illegible] Sam Mc D Reid, Ckl
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W6536
Martha East
Widow of James
Va
Act 4 July 1836
Married in 1779
Husband died 4 Oct 1844

6536
July 24 1845
Martha East
July 4 1826


James L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
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In order to obtain the benefit of the third Section of the Act of Congress of the 4th of July 1836.  State of Virginia Rockbridge County} ss.  On this Seventeenth day of May in the year of the Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred and Forty Five personally appeared before the undersigned a Justice of the Peace in and for the Couty aforesaid Marhta East a resident at Jordan's Point near the town of Lexington in the said County of Rockbridge aged Eighty One years and Ten months 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 third section of the Act of Congress of the 4th  of July 1836 That she is the widow of James East who was a private soldier in the Revolutionary War:  that the said James East departed this life on the 4th day of October last (1844) that at the time of his death he was an applicant  for a pension and that after his death a certificate was sent to his attorney from the Pension Office for a pension at the rate of Forty Dollars per annum [illegible] of Martha East the said pension was drawn by the declarant to the 4th day of October 1844 being the day of the said James East death:  and she refers the Department to the proof filed in the Pension Office of the services of the said James East as a private soldier in the Revolutionary War as aforesaid.  She further declares that she was married to the said James East on the ninth day of February (1778) Seventeen Hundred and Seventy Eight:  that the date of her marriage is truly recorded in a Register
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[illegible] appended to this declaration in the handwriting of her son Anderson R East and that said register was made a great many years since and was copied from a register contained in an old family bible made in the handwriting of the said James East the husband of the declarant:  that the Bible from which the Register now appended to this declaration is taken was in the possession of the said James East for some thirty or forty years before his death and since then has been in possession of the declarant:  that said declarant was married to the said James East in the County of Goochland and State of Virginia and that she has no other record evidence of the date of her marriage than the Family Register now appended to this declaration:  that she was lawfully married to the said James East by a Methodist Clergyman whose name she does not now remember, at the house of her brother in law John Herndon:  that she was married to the said James East prior to the expiration of his last period service viz:  on the said Ninth day of February Seventeen Hundred and Seventy Eight.  Marth her x mark East Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year first above written before me a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Rockbridge and State of Virginia and I further certify that the applicant cannot by reason of her advance age and bodily infirmity attend Count in person.  I also certify that the words-"is taken"--over the eighth line of the second page of this declaration were
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interlined[?] before the said declaration was signed and sworn to.  I further certify that the above named declarant is a credible person and that I am fully satisfied of the truth of the statements contained in the above declaration, and that the leaf appended to this sheet was cut out of the Family Bible referred to in the above declaration in my presence and annexed to it with my own hand.
Hugh Barclay JP

State of Virginia
Rockbridge County SS

I Samuel McD Reid Clerk off the Court of Rockbridge County, certify that Hugh Barclay whose commission bears date on the 7th July 1838, is a magistrate as aforesaid and that the foregoing purporting to be his is genuine.
In testimony hereof I have hereunto affixed my seal of office and subscribed my name this 10th day of July 1845 and in the 70th year of the Commonwealth.
[illegible]
Sam. McD Reid Clk

Lexington July 12 1845
We send you the papers in the case of Mrs. Martha East
Your Obdt Servts
Brockenbrough & Panton
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Family Record
Marriages

James East and March his wife was married A.D. 1775 Feb 9th
Nancy East daughter of James East and Martha his wife, was married to Timothy Hartigan  AD 17
Elizabeth East was married to Renson Barnett AD 17
Tarlton East was married to Sally Coffey AD.
Polly East was married to John Brady AD 1812
David East was married to Elizabeth Beard AS 18
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James East son of Dhemas East| Celeth East departed this| & Winifred East, was born A.D.| life A.D. 1806|1753, living August the 10th| Hedgemon East departed this| Martha Clarkson, Daughter| life A.D. 1814, 3rd Sept.| of David Clarkson & Elizabeth| Reason Barnette departed this| Clarkson his wife was born| life A.D. 1826, June 10th| A.D. 1753 living July 1.  Laney East Daughter of James East & Martha his wife, was born A.D. 1779, on Monday the first day of February at sunrise.  2. Polly East was born A.D. 1781 January 19th 3.  Elizabeth C East was born A.D. 1782, September 30th 4.  Celeth East was born A.D. 1784 August 25th being Saturday 5.  Tarlton East was born A.D. 1786, March the 5th 6.  David East was born A.D. 1788 Feb. 12th [illegible]  appended to this declaration in the handwriting [illegible]
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No 22951-
James East
Va.
Act 7. June '32
Admd
12 mo pri
$40.

J. W Brokenbrough
Lexington
Va

[crossed out]
Samuel Mc D Reid
Clerk Rockbridge
County Court Va
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WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
Apl. 22d 1833

Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are  herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will show what is necessary to be done. These points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: }). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.

A Statement, showing the Service of James East: Rockbridge Co V
Period when the service was rendered.
[1] Drafted Aug 1777
[2] Enlisted Sept 1776
[3] 1779 Drafted
[4] 1779 Nov regular service
[5] 1781 Jan Enrolled
Duration of the claimant's service.
Years.
Months.
[1] 3
[2] 3 but Served only 4 then hired a substitute
Months.
[3] 3
[4] 2
[8]
Days.
Rank of the claimant.
[1] Priv
[2] Priv
[3] "
[5] "
Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served.
[1] Capt Hayden
[2] Holt
[3] Hayden
[4] Richardson
[5] Ford
Names and Rank of the General and Field officers.
[1] Col
[3] Cabel
Battles in which the applicant was engaged.
[1] None
[3] None
Country through which he marched.
[1] Va
[2] Va
[3] Va
[4] Va
[5] Va
Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period.
Aged 80
Fluvanna County Va.
Evidence by which the declaration is supported.
Traditionary
His military services amount in all 20 months.
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.

Not connected in military service
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2  REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1852.  The following regulations have been adopted:  This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c.  Teamsters, Boatmen, &c.  Persons who served on board of Private Armed Vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.  Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:  1.  The Regular Troops.  2.  The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.  3.  Persons employed in the Naval service.  4.  Indian Spies.  As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons, claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides.  And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.  DECLARATION, In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1852.  State, Territory or District of County of----} ss.  On this -- day of ---personally appeared (a) before ---A. B. a resident (b) of--in the county of--and State, Territory or District of -- aged (c) --years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provion made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1852...  That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d)--, with -- and served in the --(e) regiment of the -- line, under the following named officers:  [Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched.  This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]  He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever in a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of --  Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.   A. B.   [And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]  And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.  I, --- Clerk of the Court of --do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of --for a pension.  In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal --of office, this -- day of --- &c.  If , on examination of the proper record the names of applicants ,making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.    Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing with the following additions, viz:  (k) We, A.B., a Clergyman, residing in the -- and C.D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with --, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be -- years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion. Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.  [And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]  And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states.  And the Court further certifies that it appears to them that A.B. -- who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the --and that C.D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the --and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.  I, -- Clerk of the Court of -- do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of -- for a pension.  In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal--of office, this --day of -- &c.   Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power.  This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.  If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person
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3

will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case.  The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corrobating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be at attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected.  All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County, in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.  
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
1.  Where and in what year were you born?
2.  Have you any record your age, and if so, where is it?
3.  Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?
4.  How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute?  And if a substitute, for whom?
5.  State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.
6.  {To a Soldier.} Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given and what has become of it?  {To an Officer.}  Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?
7.  State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.  The Court will see that he answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.  The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons - one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion.  If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify, to the character and standing of other persons, giving such certificates.
The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party  And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.  
Applicants unable to appear in Court by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.

[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides.  If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had.  Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled.  In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:  For  year  months, and  days, I served as a  For  months and  days, I served as a  ; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service.  The use of the phrase about three or four months, is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable.  Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service.  This form of a declaration is highly objectionable.  It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served:  the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.

Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.

Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged.  The magistrate who may administer the oaths must  certify to the credibility of the witnesses and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
[i] The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops,  The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[k] This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
Tyes Castor
c am Clerk
Page 19

May 25, 1937

BA-J/EEL
James East-W.5070

Nettie Estep
1512 Noble Street
Anderson, Indiana

Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War records of James East, Hugh Stephenson and any soldier with the surname Hudgel, Hudgell or Hughel.

Because of the great demand for Revolutionary War data and the limited, trained clerical force available for furnishing such information, it is impossible to comply in full with each request pertaining to soldier of that war.  The history of James East is furnished you herein, the date for which were obtained from the papers on file in Revolutionary War pension claim, W.5070, based upon his military service in that war.

James East, the son of Thomas and Winifred East, was born in Goochland County, Virginia, August 10, 1755.

While a resident of Fluvanna County, Virginia, James East enlisted and served with the Virginia troops, as follows;  from September, 1776, four months in the company of Captain Thomas Holt,  a recruiting officer and was constantly engaged with his captain in this service;  he had enlisted for three years but at the insistence of his parents, he being their youngest son, he left the service at the end of four months, hiring a substitute;  from August, 1777, three months in Captain Joseph Hayden's Company, under Colonel Samuel Cabell;  in 1779, three months under same officers;  on both of these tours, he marched to Williamsburg, Virginia, and was stationed in that vicinity;  from November, 1779, two months in Captain Samuel Richardson's Company and guarded Hessian prisoners confined at Charlottesville, Virginia;  in 1780, he moved to Louisa County, Virginia, and in January, 1781, was enrolled under Captain James Fox, of said county, as a maker of gun stocks and continued in this work until after the surrender of Lord Cornwallis in October, 1781, a period of eight months.

[HANDWRITTEN IN MARGIN]
Two officers of this name listed by Hertman first Lt's
Could not identify any of these captains M Hertman
Page 20

After residing five years in Louisa County, Virginia, James East moved to Nelson (that part which was later Amherst) County, Virginia, where he lived until 1825, when he moved to Rockbridge County, Virginia.

Pension was allowed on his application executed February 24, 1844, which a resident of said Rockbridge County.

The soldier married February 9, 1778, Martha, the daughter of David and Elizabeth Clarkson.  Martha was born in July, 1763.  They were married at the home of her brother-in-law, John Herndon, in Goochland County, Virginia.  The name of the wife of John Herndon is not given.

James East died October 4, 1844, leaving his widow, Martha, and two children, one a son, William, name of other child not designated.  

Soldier's widow, Martha, was allowed pension on her application executed May 17, 1845, while living at Jordan's Point, near Lexington, Rockbridge County, Virginia.

Children of James and Martha East:
Nancy East born February 1, 1779, married Timothy Hartigan
Polly East born January 17, 1781, married John Brady in 1812
Elizabeth C. East born September 30, 1782, married Reason Barnett  He died June 10, 1820
Celeth East born August 28, 1784, died in 1806
Tarlton East born March 5, 1786, married Sally Coffey
David East born February 12, 1788, married Elizabeth Beard
Anderson B. East  date of birth not given
William East  date of birth not given

The following data are also given:
Hedgeman East died September 3, 1814;  his relationship to the family was not given.

In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, the name and address of person paid and possibly the date of death of the Revolutionary War pensioner, March East, widow of James East (W.5070), you

[HANDWRITTEN IN MARGIN]
[ILLEGIBLE]
Page 21

should address The Comptroller General, General Accounting Office Records Division, this city, and cite the following dates

Martha East, widow of James East
Certificate No.4299
Issued November 20. 1845
Rate $40 per annum
Commenced October 4, 1844
Act of July 4, 1836
Virginia Agency


Very truly yours

A.D Hiller
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
Page 22

Rev. & 1812 Wars Section
AVF/eel

October 29, 1928

May E. O ' Neill
Care Philip B. O'Neill
Anderson, Indiana

Madam:

I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War
pension claim, W.5070, it appears that James East,
(son of Thomas and Winifred East), was born August 10,
1753, in Goochland County, Virginia.
While residing in Fluvanna County, Virginia, he enlisted
and served with the Virginia Troops as follows:
From September 1776, four months in Captain Thomas
Holt's Company; from August 1777, three months in Captain
Joseph Hayden's Company, under Colonels Samuel Cabell
and Thompson; in 1779, three months in Captain Hayden's
Company, under Colonels Samuel Cabell and Thompson; from
November 1779, two months in Captain Samuel Richardson's
Company.
In 1780 he moved to Louisa County, Virginia and in
January 1781, by order of Captain John Fox, was retained
in Louisa County, and detailed to make gun stocks and con-
Page 23

tinued in this duty until the surrender of Cornwallis.
He was allowed pension on his application executed
December 31, 1832, at which time he was living in Rockbridge
County, Virginia.
He died October 4, 1844.
The soldier married, February 9, 1778, in Goochland
County, Virginia, Martha Clarkson, daughter of David and
Elizabeth Clarkson, who was born in July 1763. She was
allowed pension on her application executed May 17, 1845,
at which time she was living at Jordan's Point, near Lexington, Rockbridge County, Virginia.
Their children were:
Nancy  born February 1 , 1779   
married Timothy Hartigan
Polly  born January 19, 1781,
married John Brady in 1812.
Elizabeth  born September 30, 1782,
married Reason Barnett
Celeth  born August 28, 1784,
died in 1806.
Tarlton   born March 5, 1786,
married Sally Coffey.
David  born February 12, 1788,
married Elizabeth Beard.

The following children are also referred to, Anderson
East and William East, their ages are not given.
It also appears that Hedgeman East died September 3,
1814, and that Reason Barnett died June 10, 1830.
Respectfully,
E. W. MORGAN
Acting Commissioner.
Page 24

Anderson, Ind.
Apr 29th 1937.

Dept. of Interior,
Commission of Pensions,
Washington, D.C.

Gentlemen:
Will you please send me the record of the Revolutionary soldier by the name of
JAMES EAST
also  HUGH STEPHENSON
Thanking you for this information, I Am
Very truly yours,
Nettie Estep [signature]
Nettie Estep
1512 Noble St
Anderson, Ind.
 [stamped,possibly embossed:] RECEIVED
May 3. 1937
MAIL [2 short words illegible]
VETS [1 or 2 “ “ “].  15
Page 25

Anderson, Ind.
Apr 27th 1937.

Commissioner of Pensions
Dept. of the Interior
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sir,
Do you have any record of Pensions for any one by the name of Hudgel, Hudgell or Hughel, in the Rev. War.
Thanking you for the information if any, I am
Very truly yours,
Nettie Estep [signature]
Nettie Hughel Estep
1512 Noble St
Anderson, Ind.
Page 26

Philip B. O'Neill
Attorney At Law
Anderson, Ind.
January 24th, 1928.

U.S Pension Department
Washington, D.C.

Gentlemen:

I am desirous of obtaining any information which your records can furnish concerning James East, born in 1753, enlisted as a Private from Virginia, and died sometime after 1802. Thanking you very kindly for your early attention, I am, 

                         Very Truly, 
                              May E. O'neill

MEO: IAL
Page 27

Revy Widow, &c
File No. 5070
Martha East
Wid.
Jas. East
Pvt. Va. line

Act:  July 4th/36, Sec 3d
Index:-Vol. A, Page 206

Arrangement of 1870.


1928 Oct 29 Hist to May  E. O'Neill EWY
1937 May 25 His to Nettie Estap EEL
Page 28

V No 6536
Marth East
Va.
Let to Brockenbrough & Payton
Origl Sept. 1 '45

Act 4 July 1836
Page 29

James East
Page 30

On this 29th day of December 1832, personally appeared before me A.T.Barclay a Justice of the Peace for the County of Rockbridge, state of Virginia, Allen D. Metcalf, a Presbyterian clergyman of the sd. County, & made oath, being first duly qualified, that he is well acquainted with James East, an applicant for a Pension, under the late act of Congress - that he believes the sd. East to be about 80 years of age as he states in his Declaration (having seen a record of sd. East’s age) and that he believes sd. East to be an honest man - [several words crossed out] and incapable of making a false statement. The sd. A.D. Metcalf, further says , that having been a resident in sm. County only between 2 & 3 years, he cannot testify to any [crossed out word] neighborhood traditions in favour of sd. East , he East having resided in sd. County not more than 6 or 7 years, as he believes. Given under my hand the day and year above written. A.T.Barclay
Page 31

On this 6th day of December, 1832, personally appeared before me John F Caruthers a Justice of the Peace for the County of Rockbridge State of Virginia, Valentine M Mason, a Clergyman, and made oath, that he is acquainted with James East, an applicant for a Pension, in the County of Rockbridge - that sd. East is a member of his church - that he is an honest, upright man, and full worthy of credit in anything he may state - the sd. Mason further says that he does not know from any traditions, or from any other source, that sd. East ever was a Revolutionary soldier- having been acquainted with him but for 2 years. 
Given under my hand this 6th day of Dec.1832. John F Caruthers
Page 32

This day Benjamin Fitzgerald personally appeard before me
one of the Common with Justice of the peace for the County of Nelson and made oath that he was well acquainted with James East
(illegible) for twenty or thirty years more or less that he considered James East
a reputable  man and a man in whose affirmation full
Confidence might be relied on and said Fitzgerald further
made oath
that he had heard said East say in former
days speaking of being in the war of the Revelation as a soldier and
enlisted under a (illegible) officer by the name of Holt he does not recollect his given name given from under my hand
this 16th day of March 1844
Edmund Coffey J. P.

Nelson County State of Virginia L.S
I Further Certify that Benjamin Fitzgerald whose made the affidavit before me contained on the annexed paper is
Respectable man whose statement under oath are entiled to
fullest credit and said affidavit was made before before
Justice of the peace in and for County of Nelson
Given from under my hand this 16th of March 1844
Edmund F. Coffey

State of Virginia, Nelson County, to wit
I, Spotswood Harland, Clerk of
the County Court of Nelson
County, in the State of Virginia, do hereby certify, that Edmund F. Coffey
whose name is signed to the two foregoing certificate, is an acting Justice
of the Peace in and for said County, as above, duly commissioned and qualified
In testimony whereof, I hereunto affix my seal of
Office, and subscribe my name this 18th day of
March 1844
Spt Garland, Clerk of
Nelson County Court.
Page 33


Copy of the act
of June 17, 1844
sent also
with the Cert:
Dec. 3. 1844

Act of 1844
James East
Act 1832
Oct 7. 1844
Add evidence

Hon J L Edwards
Count of Pensions
Washington City
D.C.
Page 34


Lexington October 1844
Dear Sir
Enclosed herewith are  the original &
amended declarations of James East claims for
pension under the act of June 7, 1832. also the
testimony on which the claim is founded. The papers
have been in my office for several months and
while this morning when I accidentally met
with them.  I thought that I had forwarded them
to your Department when the amended declar
ration was prepared. 
You will perceive that the
deposition of Samuel Parish and John Hughes
as originally taken were objected on the grounds that the
Magistrate before whom they were taken did
---
not certify to their credibility. 
This objection has been (illegible)
with the additional testimony of Benjamin
Fitzgerald of the same character is now furnished
I appreciate you will find no difficulty in allowing
the claim for (illegible) months persion: & I respectfully
submit to your Department for reconsideration
whether the question whether the applicant should
not also be allowed a pension for the eight months that he was engaged in making gaa stocks? why
should this be considered as military service within
the equitable if not the literal construction of the
pension laws?
The applicant is now ninety two years of
age with all the infirmities incident to certain
old age & is (illegible) extremely poor. It is therefore
equally to be desired that his case should be
speedily acted on
Will you be so kind as to furnish
me with a copy of the pension act of the last
Page 35

Session of Congress & the form of the declaration
presented by the Department
with the highest respect I have the honor
to subscribe myself
Your obt servant
John W. Brockenbrough
Hon. J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pension
Page 36

J L. Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
D. C.
Page 37


Lexington, Va Dec 13th 1831

Sir,
I  (illegible) duly received from your
Department pension certificate of the date of the 2nd 
allowing a pension to James East of $40 per annum
during his natural life, commencing March 4th 1831
James East died some time in the month of October
last leaving a widow & two children surviving him. He
left a will which will be offered for probate of the
January session of the County Court of Rockbridge, by which
he deserves his pensions in the court of (illegible)  in equal months
order to his widow Martha & his son William East
the latter of whom to appoint sole executor of his will not being familiar with the rules of your Department in
such cases. I beg that you will favor me with your
instructions as to the mode proper to be adopted to collect the pension

With the highest respect I have the honor to be
Your obd servant
John W. Brockenbrough
J L. Edwards Esq
Comm of Pensions
Page 38

Oct. 27. 1845
(illegible)
James East
Page 39

Lexington Oct 22, 1845

Col Edwards
Washington City
Dear Sir
in [illegible] you will require the certificate of the Clerk [illegible] would return [illegible] in reference to the Marriage I know not of Both. [illegible] the reason would [illegible] we continued there was insufficient [illegible] for a noncommissioned officer would be sometimes [illegible] for a private a sergeant is [illegible] About [illegible] as whether or not it would not be entitled it is [illegible] reason [illegible], was provided to you some time since a certificate of Rockbridge County Court in reference to the term of of [illegible] we have not since received a certificate or a reason in pursuance of the rules
your obdt servt
Most Respectfully
[illegible]
Page 40

State of Virginia
Rockland County to wit
I, William Miller Clerk of the County Court of the
County and State aforesaid do hereby certify that I have carefully examined
the records of the said Court from the year 1780 to the year 1795 and
can find no evidence of the Marriage of James East, I further certify
that I find no return or other evidence of the solemnization of Marriages
of record in the said Court prior to the year 1788 (illegible) which period the
Return of such as appear to have been made by ministers of the Gospel
seem to have been carefully preserved and recorded.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand
and affixed my seal of Office this 8th day of
October 1845.
Win Miller Clerk of the Court of
Richland County
Page 41

No 6536
Martha East
widow of James
Va
(illegible) 14 July 1836
(illegible) 12 m per
$40 per Annum
commence on 4 Oct 1844
Beckenlough & Parton
Lexington Va
Page 42

This day Samuel Parish and John Hughes, personally appeared before me one of the Commonwealths Justices of the Peace for the County of Nelson, and made oath, that they had one of them known & become intimately acquainted with James East _____ for nearly sixty years, and the other for more than forty years, that they both considered said East a acceptable man and a man in whose affirmations full confidences ____________, said Parish further made oath that He had frequently heard said East was in former days_______ of being in the war of the Revolution as a soldier, given under my hand this 15 th day of Sept 1832
Wm Massie

State of Virginia        ________
Nelson County }   J Spotswood Garland Clerk of the County Court of Nelson in the State of Virginia, do herby certify that William Massie, who hath signed the foregoing certificate is and was at the time of signing the same, an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County, only commissioned and qualified to administer oaths and receive acknowledgments, at full faith and credit as to be put in all his official acts as such. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my name and affixed the seal of the said Court this 15th day of November 1832 and in the 57th year of the Commonwealth.
Sp Garland
Page 43

Nelson County State of Virginia S.S.
I further certify that Samuel Parish & John Hughes who made the affidavit before me contained on the paper above annexed, were both reputable men whose statements under oath, I had, or have no right or reason to question, & that both affiants have been several years since dead.  The affidavit above referred to was made before me a Justice of the Peace, in & for the County of Nelson & State of Virginia on the 15th day of September 1832.  
Given under my hand this 15th day of March 1844.
Wm Massie

State of Virginia Nelson County, to wit
I Spotswood Garland, Clerk of the County Court of Nelson County in the State of Virginia , do hereby certify that William Massie, whose name is signed to the foregoing certificate, is an acting Justice of the Peace in for [obscured] above, duly commissioned and qualified
In testimony whereof I hereunto affix my seal of office and subscribe my name this 18th day of March 1844.
Sp. Garland Clerk of Nelson County Court
Page 44

Rockbridge County, State of Virginia to wit
On this 24th day of February 1844 personally appeared before me Hugh Barclay a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid James East a resident of said county and an applicant for a pension under an Act of Congress who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following amendment to his Declaration [illegible] from the War Department in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7th 1832.
This applicant refers the Commissioner of Pensions to his Declaration already made for a statement of his services.  in that Declaration he states his services to have amounted to 20 months, but as the eight months services in making gun stocks cannot be allowed not being considered a military service under the construction given by the Department to the law the applicant now only asks a pension for the term of twelve months, which period he served as a soldier of the Revolution as follows:  four months as an enlisted soldier under Captain Thomas Holt in 1776, three months in 1777 under Captain Joseph Hughes as a drafted soldier, three months under the same Captain in 1779 as a drafted soldier and two months in 1779 under Captain Samuel Richardson guarding prisoners in Albemarle, all of which tours as mentioned and [illegible] in his original Declaration, and amount to twelve months served in the regular and militia service for which term he now claims a pension.
James East

Sworn to and subscribed before me Hugh Barclay a Justice of the Peace in and for the said County the day
Page 45

and year first above written.  I also certify that the applicant is the same James East who made his original Declaration before the County Court of Rockbridge on the 31 day of December 1832, and that he is unable by reason of age and bodily infirmity to attend court in person.  I also certify that I have known James East for many years, that I always understood and believed that he was a solider of the Revolution & from my knowledge of him I would not hesitate to believe implicitly any statement which he would make.
Given under my hand the 24th day of Feb 1844.
Hugh Barclay J.P.

State of Virginia
Rockbridge County S.S.
I Samuel McD Reid Clerk of the Court of Rockbridge County, certify that Hugh Barclay is a magistrate duly commissioned and qualified, and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his, is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my seal of office, and subscribed my name, this 24th day of February 1844 and in the 68 year of the Commonwealth.
Saml. McD Reid C.R.C.
By David Hutcheson D.C.