Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W 5852, Reuben Bowen, Va.
Page 1

SERVICE: Va.
Bowen, Reuben or Boin. Sarah
NUMBER: W 5852
CONTENTS
Page 2

7565
Jonesborough Agency
East Tennessee

Reuben Boin
of Hawkes Co in the State of Tennessee
who was a private in the compy commanded by Captain Dewitt of the Rgt commanded by Marks in the Va line for 2 years

Inscribed on the Roll of Jonesborough agt at the rate of 80 Dollars ~ Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 3d day of May 1833 and sent to
Alexander Rogurvet

Arrears to the 4th of March 160.00
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sept 40.00
$200.00
{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by Daniel Boyd Clerk,
Book E Vol. 6 Page 122

Letr. Pen Agts. at Jonesborough and Knoxville, Feby. 5. '37
Page 3

6447
Virginia
Sarah Bowen
widow of Reuben Bowen
who was a private
in the Virginia line

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 80 Dollars - Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.

Certificate of Pension issued the 30 day of Nov: 1844. 
and sent to John W. Johnson
Tazewell, C. H
Virginia

[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A
Vol. 2 Page 134-

Rep. 30 Nov. -44
February 4 1845 -
Certificate received and returned again with the regulations under the Act of 17 June 1844
Let. to Hon. A. S. Fulton
May 11 1848.
" to H Maynard Apl 26/49
Hon F. McMullen May 8th 50
Page 4

S D Mitchell Clerk
By W B Mitchell D Clerk

Reuben Boin's
Declaration 
20022
Page 5

State of Tennessee} SS.
Hawkins County} on this 28th day of November 1832 personally appeared before the Justices of the Court of Pleas and quarter Sessions for Said County Reuben Boin (it is sometimes spelled Boing) a resident of Hawkins County Tennessee though he has, until recently, resided in Lee County State of Virginia, aged Seventy Six 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 provision made by the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832
That he Enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year 1775 with Captain John Dewitt for three years in the 5th Regiment of the Virginia line under the following named officers. His Colonels name was John Marks, his captain John Dewitt, and he thinks a Major McElhany also belonged to Said Regiment, but he cannot distinctly recollect, the name of any more of the field or company officers his memory having failed him very much, that when Entitled he resided in the county of Albemarle State of Virginia and Enlisted in the Town of Charlottesville in said county, that after being Enlisted he with his Said captain remained in Charlottesville some ten or fifteen days, when the recruits were marched by Said Capt. Dewitt, to Williamsburgh in Virginia, and from thence this Declarant was marched by his said Capt. to the Town of Hampton the latter End of October of the Same year he Enlisted, when they arrived after marching all night, at which time, the enemy were firing upon the Said Town from their shipping, This declarant was among the troops, who forced the Enemy to retire
Page 6

after receiving a brisk fire from our troops, the Enemy lost some men in the action, and a small vessel of theirs was captured by us - From the Town of Hampton this declarant was with other troops ordered to march to Norfolk to defend that place and he thinks he was under the immediate command of Col. Stephens though a Col. Woodford took the command, when the battle took place at the Great Bridge, in which Battle Col Fordyce one of the Enemy was Killed this declarant was in that battle. The american commander (Col. Woodford he thinks) raised some breastworks on the north Side of Elizabeth Town not far from the Brittish fort, and after continuing there a few days, the Brittish attempted to storm the works, on or about the 9th of September, and in marching up under a gallery firm. and which arimacting his men the Said Fordyce was Killed near the Breastworks raised by our troops
Shortly after said battle the Brittish left the Fort and our troops proceeded to Norfolk, after remaining some time in Norfolk, during which time the Enemy burnt a great part of the Town and it becoming sickly this declarant was marched under the command of Col. Stephens to the city of Baltimore, and from thence to Philadelphia, where the troops remained some time, at which place the troops joined General Washington, and from thence this declarant was marched back to Baltimore and from thence he was marched with the troops to Charlestown, and this declarant states that he was in the battle at Charleston. when the brittish
Page 7

was captured at that place, this declarant being on duty in Fort Montlia at the time, which battle took place about the latter part of June 1776 this declarant was afterwards in the battle of Brandywine, when the Americans under Washington was defeated by the Brittish in September 1777 - and Shortly afterwards this declarant, at the instance of General Washington became one of his life guard, and continued as one of his life guard until his term for which he Enlisted expired, which was sometime in the latter part of the Summer of 1778. he is not certain of the day & month, but he thinks necessarily when he received a written discharge from Genl Washington, having Served three years-
This declarant also states that shortly after his term of three years expired & he was discharged by Genl Washington he Entered the Militia by being drafted for Eighteen Months, under captain John Hudson in he thinks the 9th Regiment (he does not now recollect the names of the Field officers) in the county of Albemarle, and continued doing duty in Virginia and also in Maryland. till his term expired
That his Said discharges were left by him with his father after the Surrender of Lord Cornwallis and they were burnt up in his fathers House in Albemarle. in the year 1782- This declarant States that he was born in Lunenburgh in the State of Virginia upon Mr Herron River & has resided in the State of Virginia & Tennessee Since the revolutionary war
He hereby relinquishes every claim to a pension or an annuity except the present and he declares that his name is not on the pension
Page 8

roll of any agency in any State
Reuben x his mark Boin
Sworn to & Subscribed the day
and year aforesaid
W B Mitchell D. Clk

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier and Served as he States

I Stockley D Mitchell Clerk of the Court of Pleas & quarter Sessions for Hawkins County do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the Said Court in the matter of the application of Reuben Boin for a Pension
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal of office this 29th day of November AD 1832
S D Mitchell Clk
By W B Mitchell D Clk
Page 9

11307
Mrs. S Bowen
Declaration
Sarah Bowen
Va
Act 7. July 38
In 85 d 39
admd.-
2 yrs pri
80. from 17 May 1839-
Also Act 3 March 43
80.

Jno. W Johnson
Tazewell C.H.
Va
Page 10

State of Virginia
Lee County} SS Declaration

In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th July 1838 entitled an act granting half pay and pension to certain widows
State of Virginia
Lee County} SS On this 17th day of June 1844 personally appeared before the subscriber a Justice of the peace Mrs. Sarah Bowen a resident of the County and State aforesaid aged Eighty one years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 7th 1838 entitled An act granting half pay and pension to certain widows That she is the widow of Reuben Bowen who was a soldier in the Virginia Line in the war of the Revolution that the aforesaid Reubin Bowen drew a pension under the Act of Congress of _________
$80 for his said services she further declares that she was married to the said Reubin Bowen on the 10th day of June Seventeen hundred and Eighty seven That her husband the aforesaid Reuben Bowen died on the 17th of May 1839 that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service but the marriage took place previous to the first of January seventeen hundred and Ninety four viz at the time above stated and she is still a widow
Sarah x her mark Bowen

Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before me a justice of the peace for the County aforesaid and I
Page 11

further certify that the said Mrs Sarah Bowen is from bodily infirmity unable to attend Court In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand this 17th day of June 1844
Joseph Duff
Justice of the Peace

State of Virginia
Lee County} SS June Term 1844 County Court
The declaration of Sarah Bowen certified in the 17th day of June 1844 by Joseph Duff a Justice of the peace for said County being submitted to the Court the Said Court doth approve of his proceedings and acts in said case and hereby direct the Clerk to endorse the approval in the papers
Charles Couk JP
Chairman of the County Court

State of Virginia
Lee County} SS I John W. S. Morison Clerk of the County Court of Lee County do hereby certify that the foregoing proceedings are the original proceedings had and approved by the County Court of Lee County at its June term 1844 relative to the declaration of Sarah Bowen to obtain the benefit of Acts of Congress relative to Revolutionary pensions and I further certify that the aforesaid Joseph Duff is and was a Justice of the peace for said County duly commissioned and qualified according to law and that the signature purporting to be his is genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office at Office in Jonesville this 17th day of June 1844
J. W. S. Morison C.C.
Page 12

I Charles Couk Chairman of the County Court of Lee County do hereby certify that J. W. S. Morison is and was the Clerk of the County Court duly commissioned and qualified according to Law and that the seal and signature purporting to be his is genuine In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand this 18th day of June 1844
Charles Couk
Chairman of the County Court of Lee County
Page 13

20022.
Reuben Boin:
Tennessee.
on Roll
Va Roll
from 1775 private
3 years $80

D. Alexander,
Rogersville
[crossed out: S. D. Mitchell, Clk.:
Hawkins Cy.,]
Tenn.
Page 14

BRIEF in the case of Reuben Boin,
County of Hawkins, - in the State of Tennessee.
(Act 7th June, 1832.)

1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? A Judge.

2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?

3. How old is he? 76 years.

4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed.

Period.
Enlisted in 1775.
Duration of Service. Years, Months, Days.
3. years
Rank. As a
pr.
Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served. Gen.
Col. John Marks, Capt. John Dewitt, Major McElhany, Col. Woodford: he joined Gen. Washington.

5. In what battles was he engaged? Great Bridge, Charleston.

6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Albemarle County, Va.

7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? Traditionary.

8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? Correct.

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

W. R. Turner, Examining Clerk.
Page 15

State of Virginia:
Albemarle County to wit
I Ira Garrett Clerk of the County Court of said County do hereby Certify that there is now upon file in my Office a return of William Woods, a licensed minister of the gospel, Certifying a marriage - in these words. - 
"Return of marriage for the year seventeen hundred & eighty eight. - 
"Reuben Bowen to Sarah R. Hicks. - married by me
Wm Woods."

In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my name and affixed the seal of said County Court this 9th day of July 1844 and in the 69th year of the American independence
Ira Garrett CC
Page 16

No. 8908
Virginia
Sarah Bowen
widow of Reuben Bowen
who was a pensioner under the Act of 1828, and who died on the 17th: May, 1839, of Lee Coy: in the State of Virginia
who was a private - in the - commanded by Captain - of the - commanded by - in the Virginia line for 2 years -

Inscribed on the Roll of Richmond
at the rate of 80 Dollars - Cents per annum, to commence on the 17th: May, 1839-

Certificate of Pension issued the 30th:- day of November 1844 and sent to Jno: W. Johnson, Tazewell, C. H. Va.

Total amount, $141.87
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by M M Stewart - Clerk,
Book D - Vol. 1 - Page 263 -
Page 17

Reuben Boin

R. Boin
Payments to be made
at Jonesborough
by William K. Blair
Agent for paying Pensioners, in the Agency of Jonesborough
East Tennessee
7563-32

Recorded in the Pension Office, in Book E Vol. 1. Page 122 by ~ 
Daniel Boyd Clerk.
Page 18

[See original document 18 for text. Questions XII and XIII. answered No]
Page 19

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Reuben Roin,
which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides?
II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides?
III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so?
IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served?
V. * Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amout of pension he is entitled?
VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations?
VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832?
VIII. Has the Court given their opinion?
IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate?
X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal?
Page 20

[See document 20 for original text. Question XI. and XII. answered No, but crossed out, and XIII, answered No].
Page 21

 WAR DEPARTMENT.
  Revolutionary Claim.

I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7th June, 1832,  Reuben Boin of the State of Tennessee who was a private in the Army of the Revolution is entitled to receive Eighty dollars and
_____  cents per annum, during his natural life, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi=annually on the 4th of March, and the 4th of September, every year.
Given at the War Office of the United States, this Third day of May one thousand eight hundred 
thirty=three
Lew Cass
Secretary of War.              J L Edwards
                                          Commissioner of Pensions
[ words partially covered over]
Page 22

Revy

WIDOW, &c.

File No. 5852
Sarah Bowen
Wid.
Reuben Bowen
Pvt. Va. Line

Act: March 3 ???

Index:-Vol. A, Page 72

(arrangement of 1870)
Page 23

Rev War
2390
INVALID.
File No. 2390
Reuben Boin
Privt Rev. War
Act June 7' 1832
Index:- Vol. A., Page 37.
(Arrangement of 1870.)
Page 24

House of Reps 3d April 1848.
Sir
I send you enclosed the declaration of Mrs Sarah Bowen ( widow of Reuben Bowen) of Virginia for arrears of pension under the Resolution of Congress of the 23d January 1845 and ask that it 
may receive early attention
                                Very Respectfully
Hon. J L Edwards  and,    T. Fulton
Page 25

[See document 25 for original text].
Page 26

11306
11307 Sept 9 44
Va
July 7, 1838
& Mar 3d 1843

Sarah Bowen
[Illegible]

Tazewell Ct: Ho:
April 2d

Mail

Paid 1.?0

War Department
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington 
City
Page 27

Tazewell C.H. Va Sep 2nd 1844
Dear Sir
Enclosed I send the declarations of Mrs Burks &
Mrs Bowen. If there is any defect in the proof, you will oblige by letting me know; if there is not, please forward the certificates
Your Obt Svt
John W. Johnston
Page 28

Dec. 10.
Ten
20021
      23

Pen. Claims
Free
The Hon. Lewis Cass
Secretary of War
Washington City
[illegible]
Page 29

Rogersville Tn, 
December 1st 1832

Sir:
I herewith enclose to you the Declarations of Reuben Boin, or Boing, Jacob Lawson and John Dodson under the act of 7th June 1832
I should be glad to hear what has been done with those heretofore forwarded by me to you department
Respectfully [illegible]
D: Alexander

Hon. Lewis Cass
Page 30

Tazewell C.H. Va Jan 19th 1845
My dear Sir
I enclose you the certificate of Mrs Sarah Bowen for correction, as I think there is an error in it. It makes her pension terminate on 4th March 1844, & I see that, Mrs Burk's, (for claim of precisely the same order) terminates on the 4th March 1848, the figure four, having been changed into into an eight. I also observed that it is payable on 4th March & 4th September, which led me to believe that there was some mistake as I thought that in all cases where the date of the certificate is[word crossed out] later than the expiration of the pension, that it is made payable on demand. If on examination, you discover that there was an oversight in not erasing the figure (4) & substituting (8), you will please make the alteration.
I have procured a power of attorney authorizing
James C. Potts of Richmond Va to draw the money; & took the liberty of leaving the date that I conceived to be erroneous, blank in the
power of attorney. You will please send the certificate to him, & I have written directing
Page 31

him, to fill up the blank, in accordance with the certificate, & then to present the certificate as well as the power of attorney & explain the matter to the Prest. of Bank of Virginia.
I have not been able to procure any public record of Mary Vermilion Marriage & imagined that the testimony of a witness would be satisfactory, in the absence of documentary proof for Mr Brownway's credibility, I refer you to the Hon George W. Hopkins who is well acquainted with him. I have not received any certificate from the Secretary or Comptroller of N.C. in regard to Jesse Vermilions services.
I enclosed some time since the declaration of Jesse Harper for a pension under the law of 1832. Any communications on the subject will please be addressed to me.  
                       Your Obt. Svt.
                      John W Johnston
James L. Edwards
Comr of Pensions.
Page 32

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefits of the Revolution of Congress of the 23rd January 1845, whereas the act of the 30th of April 1844 prohibited me from drawing a pension for the same period during which
my husband was a pentioner I now make the following statement under oath to obtain the benefits of the Revolution above mentioned,  I am the widow of Reuben Bowen who was a soldier in the war of the Revolution: I have drawn a pension at the rate of Eighty Dollars per anum from the seventeenth Day of May 1839, and now ask for the amount due me from the fourth day of March 1836, to the seventeenth day of May 1839, when my former pension commenced.
                                  Sarah her X mark Bowen
In the presence of
Obadiah Ferguson
James Jinkny
Sworn to and subscribed before me on this Sixteenth Day of March in the year eighteen hundred and forty eight, at Lee County Virginia.    Charles Couk Justice of the Peace

I certify that the Declarant  is personally known to me and that she is the same individual she represents her self to be in the foregoing affidavit
Charles Couk Justice of the Peace

State of Virginia Lee County to wit:
I John W.S. Morison clerk of the court of the Said County of Lee in the State of Virginia do hereby certify that Charles Couk who hath given the preceeding certificate, is an acting justice of the peace in and for the Said County of Lee, duly commissioned and qualified according to the constitution and laws of the
Page 33

Said State.

In testimony whereof, I hereto set my hand and 
annex the Seal of the said court this 17th day of March 1848 in the 72nd year of the Commonwealth
J.W.S. Morison C.C.
Page 34

State of Virginia }
Lee County        }    Declaration
In order to obtain the benefits of the Act of Congress of 3d March 1843 granting one years pay and pension to certain widows
State of Virginia}
Lee County       } ss
On this 17th day of June 1844 personally appeared before the subscriber a Justice of the peace Mrs Sarah Bowen a resident of the County and State aforesaid aged Eighty one years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed March 3rd 1843 granting one year pay and pension to certain widows That she is the widow of Reuben Bowen who was a soldier in the Virginia line in the War of the Revolution That the aforesaid Reuben Bowen drew a pension under the Act of Congress of $80 for his said services
She further declares that she was married to the said Reuben Bowen on the 10th day of June Seventeen Hundred and Eighty seven That her husband the aforesaid Reuben Bowen died on the 17th of May 1839 that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the services but the marriage took place previous to the first of January seventeen hundred and Ninety four viz at the time above stated        Sarah her X mark Bowen
Sworn to and subscribed in the oral and from
above written before me a Justice of the peace for the County of aforesaid and I further certify that the said Mrs Sarah Bowen is from bodily infirmity unable to attend Court In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand this 17th June 1844
Joseph Duff
Justice of the peace
Page 35

State of Virginia}
 Lee County       }  ss
June Term 1844 County Court
The declaration of Sarah Bowen certified on the 17th June 1844 by Joseph Duff a Justice of the peace for said County being submitted to the Court the said Court doth approve of his procedings and acts in said case and hereby direct the Clerk to endorse the approval on the papers
Charles Couk
Chairman of the County Court

State of Virginia} ss
Lee County        }   
 I J.W.S. Morison Clerk of the County Court of Lee County do hereby certify that the foregoing procedings are the original procedings had and approved of by the County Court of Lee County at its June Term 1844 relative to the declaration of
Sarah Bowen to obtain the benefit of Acts of Congress relative to Revolutionary pensions and I further certify that the aforesaid Joseph Duff is and was a Justice of the peace for said County duly commissioned and qualified according to law and that the signature purporting to be his is genuine
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office at Office in Jonesville 
this 18th day of June 1844
J.W.S. Morison
Clerk of the county
court of Lee County
Page 36

I Charles Couk presiding justice of the county court of Lee County, do hereby certify that 
John W S Morison is & was the Clerk of the 
County court of Lee County duly commissioned & qualified according to law & that the seal & signature purporting to be his are genuine.
Witness my hand this 18th day of June 1844
Charles Couk
Presiding Justice of the
County court of Lee County
Page 37

THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES
Form VAM-51
12-5-41
Division of Veterans' Administration Archives
BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD*
NAME Bowen, Robert
GRADE Private
LINE Maryland
WARRANT NUMBER 10997
ACREAGE 100
ISSUED November 29, 1790 to Michael Loyd, Admr.
*The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 4 of "Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800" which are registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subsequent dates. Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800.
Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in The National Archives.