Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 3146, John Childress, N.C.
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(8-1776)

SERVICE
N.C.

Childress, John

NUMBER   S.3146

Carded

CONTENTS
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19088
19088
West Tennessee
John Childress of Rutherford Co. in the State of Tennessee who was a private in the company commanded by Captain Shepherd of the regiment commanded by Col. Phelps in the N Carolina line for 1 year and 5 months
Inscribed on the Roll of N. Tennessee at the rate of 56 Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 2 day of Augt. 1833 and sent to a T. Hoover, Murfreesboro
Arrears to the 4th of March 113.32
Semi-anl, allowance ending 4 Sept. 28.33=
$141.65
Died Jan 9 1844
{Revolutionary Claim,}
{Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by Dan'l Boyd Clerk,
Book E Vol. 7 Page 74

Order to pay 23 Oct. 1831.
Letter to J. J. Trott Sarona
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State of Tennessee} Court of pleas & quarter Rutherford County} sessions November sessions 1832.

On this 22nd day of November 1832 personally appeared in open court before Henry Trott, Henry D Jamison & Varner D. Cowen, the justices of the court of pleas & quarter sessions for said County of Rutherford, now sitting, John Childress a resident in the county & state aforesaid, aged 77 years who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed July 7th, 1832: That he entered the service of the United States as a volunteer under Col. Shephard in the month of May, as he believes, 1780, at least in the May after Charleston was taken by the British, but can not state the day of the month. He served in the company commanded by Capt. James Shepard, whose regiment of Cavalry collected at Surry County court house North Carolina & from that place directed their course across the Yadkin river, through Salisbury & down a few miles below to Egnew's where Gen. Rutherford had headquarters. During this march applicant continued with Col. Shepherd's troop of horse, with which he was sent by Gen'l. Rutherford against the tories & British to the mouth of Rocky river on the Peedee. He was there in a skirmish with the British & tories in which the whigs lost a few men & the enemy were entirely defeated. Col. Rutherford soon after came on the mouth of Rocky river, & sent Col. Shephard (with whom he still continued) back to Surry County to reconnoiter & prevent the rising of the tories. They there scouted after the tories until they heard of the approach of Col.. Ferguson. There came a false report to Surry County that the whig Col. Cleveland was defeated by Ferguson. Applicant with 3 others under Cap. Jas. Shepherd voluntarily went to Wilks county court house to know the certainty of the report. They then volunteered under Col. Cleveland & marched with him the next day towards King's mountain. At the Cowpens on their way their spies returned & told them where Ferguson was. The hurried on their march & fell in with Col's. Campbell, Sevier, & Shelby. The evening of the same day they had the battle of King's mountain, in which applicant was wounded. After the battle was over, they marched to col. Walker's where applicant remembers that 9 of the prisoners were hung and Baldin made his escape. Thence they went to Moravian town where applicant was permitted to return home, in the month of October as he believes, but cannot remember with certainty, 1780. He did not receive a written discharge. After wards in November 1780, as applicant believes, he was appointed forage master to the troops commanded by Col Joseph Philips & stationed at Salisbury to guard the prisoners taken as he understood by Gen. Morgan Maj. Sharpe was then quarter master. In January afterwards 500 more prisoners were sent to Salisbury which had, as he then
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was informed & believed, been taken by Morgan at the Cowpens. It was then heard that Cornwallis was approaching & the whigs moved the prisoners from Salisbury to the next county to Surry town on Dan river where the widow Carmical lived, on the way to the barracks in Prince Edward or Albemarle County, Virginia. Applicant was then appointed & served as waggon master to convey the tax gain in Surry County N, Carolina to Camden S. Carolina for the use of Gen. Green's army after the battle of Guilford. He was dismissed from service as waggon master in September or October 1781. He received no written discharge & can not remember date with accuracy. But as forage & wagon master he believes he served at least ten months. Applicant, soon after his discharge from service as waggon master, moved to Kentucky, Fayette County, & sought protection in Bryant's fort where he was when said fort was attacked by the Indians in the year 1782, as he believes. He was with Col. John Todd when he pursued the Indians to Blue Lick where he was defeated  by the Indians under the command of Simon McGurty. In the fall after the Blue lick defeat applicant went under the command of Gen. Clark in Col. Daniel Boone's regiment to the Shawnee town which they burnt, having taken it without a battle. Applicant was in a scouting party near Shawnee town under Col. Logan & remembers that they killed & scalped 16 Indians. He remained in Bryant's fort for about two years & was not out of it any length of time except on the occasion of going to the Blue lick & Shawnee town above stated. Applicant was born, as he was told by his parents & as he believes, on the 5th of May 1755 in Cumberland County Virginia, where he resided until about one year before teh British took Charleston, when he moved to N. Carolina, Surry County where he lived until after the battle of Guilford, & until he wen to Kentucky as above stated. When he left Bryants fort he made his way to Tennessee on Red river, thence to Mansea's [Mansker's] station ten or twelve miles above Nashville. Applicant lived in Tennessee about two years when he moved to South Carolina Lawrence County where he married Martha Calhoon a daughter of Thos. Calhoon. He resided there about 18 years, perhaps more, when he moved to Sevier County, Tennessee, where he resided till about the year 1826 when he moved to Rutherford County where he now resides. Applicant lived in Surry County N. Carolina when he entered the service of the revolution. He has no record of his age. He never served in the revolution in any capacity except as a volunteer. He knows of no one now living who remembers to have served with him in the revolutionary war, by whom he could make actual positive proof of his service. He never had a written discharge. He submits this statement with the best proof in his power to give. The following persons his present neighours, he believes will testify as to his veracity and their belief of his services as a soldier of the revolution
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to wit, Gidoen Rucker, Thomas Powell, William McFerren, John Hollis & Joseph Soape. Applicant in February in the year 1830 went before William Lytle Esqr. of Davidson County, Tennessee & made an oath or declaration for the purpose of getting a pension on account of his being wounded in the revolution. He then obtained the affidavit of Thomas Norman a fellow soldier of the revolution proving the fact of his being wounded and his services in the revolution. Said declaration & affidavit as then made are herewith transmitted. Said Norman is now dead, but was a resident of Nashville, Tennessee, & applicant refers to President Jackson, the Hon. Felix Grundy & the Hon. Jno. Bell. The fact states in said declaration that applicant entered the service of the United States in the year 1778, was a mistake either of himself or Esq. Lytle who write it for him. He thinks he entered the service in 1780, at least it was after Charleston was taken by the British as stated above. Applicant hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present & declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state. [Signature] John Childress
Sworn to and subscribed the day & year aforesaid. [Signature] J. R. Laughlin, Clk.

We Gideon Rucker, a clergyman, and Thomas Powell Esq. both residing in the County of Rutherford and State of Tennessee, hereby certify that we are well acquainted with John Childress, who has subscribed & sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be seventy seven years of age as by him stated; that he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution, & that we concur in that opinion. [Signatures] Gideon Rucker
Thos. Powell
Sworn to & subscribed the day & year aforesaid. [Signature] J. R. Laughlin, Clk.

And the said court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter & after putting the interrogators prescribed by the war Department that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. And the court further
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certify, that appears to the that Gideon Rucker who has signed the preceeding certificate is a clergyman, resident in said County of Rutherford, & that Thos, Powell Esq. who has also signed the same is a resident in the same county, & is a credible person, & that their statement is entitled to credit.
[Signatures] H D. Jamison   N Lott
V. D. Cowan

I, Jno. R. Laughlin, clerk of said court of Pleas & quarter sessions for Rutherford county, do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of John Childress for a pension. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office this day & year first aforesaid. [Signature] John R. Laughlin, Clk
[seal]
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20.031
John Childress
Rutherford Co. Tennessee
from 1780 private 17 months
$56.66
not allowed for services as Wagoner & Storage Master.
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WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
183

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 shew what is necessary to be done. Those 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.
Statement, shewing the Service of John Childress. Rutherford Co. Tennessee

[Headings]

Period when the service was rendered. | Duration of the claimant's service. | Names and rank of the Field officer under who he served. | Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. | Proof by which the declaration is supported.

May 1780 A.D. | 5 mos. | Priv. | Col. Shepherd Maj. Winston Maj. Davidson Capt. J. Shepherd | 
77 years | Traditionary Tho. Norman's Certificate

Nov. Don. | 10 mos. | Wagon Master | Col. Philips | [blank] | [blank]

1782 In the fort for 2 years. | [blank] | In fact. | Col. Todd Gen. Clark Col. Boon Col. Logan | Should state at what time in 1782 he commenced  his service at Bryan's Fort.

I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,

J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
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REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
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, mucicians [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, 1832.
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 provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. 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. [hand pointing right] 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 to 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     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 (i) 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    , 
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 days 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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will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be 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 of 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 Office 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 the 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 vey 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 the low the rule laid down for his guidance. [b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should not do so, he must answers of 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 he Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of 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 with a 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 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.
[hand pointed right] 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 is 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.

[Signature] Joseph Rowen
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Rev. and 1812
Wars Section
EEL

May 27, 1930

Mrs. R. C. Rutledge
4000 Yupon
Houston, Texas

Dear Madam:

I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 3146, it appears that John Childress was born May 5, 1755, in Cumberland County, Virginia.
His father, name not given, was killed at Braddock's Defeat. While residing in Surry County, North Carolina, to which place he had removed about 1779, he enlisted in May,
1780, served as a private in Captain James Shepard's Company, Colonels William Shepard and Cleveland's North Carolina Regiment, was in a skirmish at the mouth of Rocky River, and in the battle of King's Mountain, where he was
severely wounded in the abdomen, and was discharged in October, 1780. In November, 1780, he was appointed forage Master
to Colonel Joseph Phillips' North Carolina Regiment, and served as such until appointed wagon master under Quarter master under  Mathew Brooks in the North Carolina Troops, the entire length of this service was at least ten months. Soon after the termination of this service, he removed to Fayette County, Kentucky, where he enlisted about December, 1781, served two years as a private under Captains Robert Johnson and John Craig and Colonel John Todd, was in the battles at Bryant's Station and Blue Licks, and in
the expedition against the Shawnee towns under Colonels Daniel Boone and Logan and General Clark. After the Revolution, he moved to the Red River, in Tennessee, thence to Mansco's (Mansker's) station ten or
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twelve miles above Nashville, Tennessee, where he lived for two years, then moved to Laurens County, South Carolina, where he lived about eighteen years, then moved to Sevier County, Tennessee, and lived until 1826 when he moved to Rutherford County, Tennessee. He was allowed pension on his application executed November 22, 1832, while residing in Rutherford County,
Tennessee. He died January 2, 1844.
The soldier married in Laurens County, South Carolina, Martha, daughter of Thomas Calhoon. The date of their marriage is not given, and there are no particulars in regard to her and no reference to children.
Very truly yours
E. W. MORGAN
Acting Commissioner.
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BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims of John Childress which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of 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 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 [amount] of pension he is entitled? No
VI. Has he given the names of the officers under who 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?
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XI. has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service?  No two witnesses
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it? No
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, as he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had? 
XIV. +If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service?
If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses? 
Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct? 
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service?
XVI. ++Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? 
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? 
__________________________________________________

EXPLANATORY NOTES.
*Quere V.  In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:  "Personally appeared before me, the undersigned a Justice of the Peace, &c. A.B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades; For _____year _____months, and _____days, I served as a ______ For ______months and _____days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension.
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It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service.  The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours; the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service.  This form of a declaration is highly objectionable.  It must in every case be clearly shewn under what officers the applicant served; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
(+) QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
(++) QUERE XVI. Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
[hand pointing right] In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, has no public seal of office, the certificate of a member of congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
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August 28, 1938
XXXXXXXXXXXX
Ow
John Childress, S.3146
John Childress, S. 31609
BA-J/MMHF:MLB

Mr. Norman Nicom
Newman
Kansas

Dear Sir:

Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of John Childers or Childress who resided in Forsyth County, Georgia in 1849, and who was pensioned under the Act of April 24, 1816. You state that you examined in 1930-31, the papers
in the claim for pension, S. 3146, based upon service of John Childress who was living in White County, Illinois, in 1832, aged sixty-eight
years, and desire to know whether or not he were the one of Georgia. There is no claim for pension on file based upon service in the
Revolutionary War of a John Childers, Childress, etc., of Georgia. It is not shown in pension claim, S. 3146, that John Childress ever lived in Georgia. The pensioner, John Childress, of White County, Illinois was not the one whose record is on file under 3146, but under S.31609. The one whose file number is S. 3146, was a Rutherford County, Tennessee, pensioner.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator


I searched everything & found nothing. T
Page 17

Rev. and 1812
War Section
EEL

May 26, 1930

R. H. Woolling, M. D.
Pulaski
Virginia

Dear Sir:

I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War
pension claim, S. 3146, it appears that John Childress was born May 5, 1755, in Cumberland County, Virginia, His father, name not given, was killed at Braddock's Defeat.
While residing in Surry County, North Carolina, to which place he had removed about 1779 he enlisted in May, 1780, served as a private in Captain James Shepard's Company, Colonels William Shepard and Cleveland's North Carolina Regiment, was in a skirmish at the mouth of Rocky River, and in the battle of King's Mountain, where he was severly wounded in the abdomen, and was discharged in October, 1780. In November, 1780, he was appointed forage master to Colonel Joseph Phillips' North Carolina Regiment, and
served as such until appointed wagonmaster under Quartermaster Mathew Brooks in the North Carolina Troops, the entire length of this service at least ten months.
Soon after the termination of this service, he removed to Fayette County, Kentucky, where he enlisted about December, 1781, served two years as a private under Captains
Robert Johnson and John Craig and Colonel John Todd, was in the battles at Bryant's Station and Blue Licks, and in the expedition against the Shawnee towns under Colonels
Daniel Boone and Logan and General Clark.
After the Revolution, he moved to the Red River, in Tennessee, thence to Mansco's (Mansker's Station ten or twelve miles
Page 18


above Nashville, Tennessee, where he lived for two years, then moved to Laurens County, South Carolina, where he lived about eighteen years, then moved to Sevier County, Tennessee, and lived until 1826 when he moved to Rutherford
County, Tennessee. He was allowed pension on his application executed November 22, 1832, while residing in Rutherford County,
Tennessee. He died January 9, 1844. The soldier married in Laurens County, South Carolina,
Martha, daughter of Thomas Calhoon. The date of their marriage is not given, and there are no particulars in regard to her and no reference to children.
Very truly yours
E. W. MORGAN
Acting Commissioner.

[note in margin -From AB]
Page 19

Rev. & 1812 War Section

May 19, 1924

Mrs. W. W. Winders
Olive Branch
Miss.

Madam:

I have to advise you that the date of death of the Revolutionary War pensioner John Childress, S.3146, to January 9, 1844. The
place of death is not on record.
Respectfully,
Commissioner
Page 20

Rev. War Section.  aw

May 30, 1833.

Hon. Walter M. Chandler,
House of Representatives.

In re: John Childress - War of Revolution,
S. 3146.

You are advised that on May 13, 1922, Mr. P. H.
Holland of 515 West 124" St. New York City, was furnished the history of the above noted pensioner of the Revolution.
Very truly yours,
Washington Gardner
Commissioner
Page 21

DIVISION 3-525
WAR RECORDS SECTION

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Washington, D. C. May 12, 1922

In reply to your request of , received for a statement of the military history of  Jno. Childress a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his application for pension on file in this Bureau. S. 3146

[Headings]

DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. | LENGTH OF SERVICE. | RANK. | OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. | STATE.

May 1780| to Oct 1780 | Pvt. | Cap. Jas. Shepard Col. Wm. Shepard & Cleveland | N.C.

Nov. 1780 | 10 mos. | Scavenge Master & Wagon Master | [blank] | Quarter master Matthew Brooks Col. Joseph Philips | [blank]

Dec. 1781 | 2 yrs. | [blank] | Capt. Robert Johnson John Craig | Col. Daniel Boone Logan | [blank]

Battles, engaged in, Rocky River, King's Mountain, where wounded, Bryant's Fort, Bluelicks
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Surry Co., N.C. & Fayette Co. Ky 
Date of application for pension, Nov. 22, 1832 al:
Age at date of application, b. May 5, 1755 in Cumberland Co. Va.
Remarks: He married (date not stated) in Lawrence Co, S. C. Martha daughter of Thos. Calhoon. His father, name not stated, fell at Braddock's Defeat

Respectfully,

Commissioner.

5--2856
Page 22

July 18, 1938

Veterans Administration
Revolutionary & War of 1812 Section
Washington, D. C.

Sirs:
Could you inform me if, in the Revolutionary War pension files, there is an application & pension granted to a John Childers, or Childress, who lived in Forsyth County, Georgia, 1849? He was penioned under Act of April 24, 1816. When I was in Washington, 1930-31, I, personally, searched the application papers of one John Childress, whose pension files (# S. 3146)show that he lived in White County, Illinois, 1832, aged 68. He served, 1780-1782, in different companies being wounded at Kings Mountain, and ,August, 1782, was at Bryant's Station. Are these one & the same man?
If not, then I failed to search the papers of this John Childers, of Forsyth County, Georgia. And I would like a report on his papers, as on  tile there. Would like names and ages, etc., of any relatives mentioned. He is mentioned in Knights: "Roster of Revolution in Georgia". page 454. How many applications are on file from veterans & widows, thereof, for Revolutionary service? How many for service in the War of 1812? I mean applications, all told, whether granted or not.

Yours, 
[Signature]
Norman Niccum
Newman, Kansas
(NEWMAN)

[Notes in margins]
This "S314" was a Rutherford Co., Service pensioner.
"lived in White County, Illinois, 1832, aged 68" is S.31609
"report on his papers" i.e. statement of residences & service
Page 23

Houston  Texas
March 22, 1930

1776

Bureau of Pensions
War Dept -

Dear Sir.

Will you please send me a copy of data on pension paper of John Childers who was in  Battle of Kings mountain and was pensioned in 1833 - Knoxville, Tenn. also do you have a pension of an Everett probably James, John, pensioned in Knox or Marion Co. Tenn. or a Thomas or Lucretia Gammage of Dallas Co. Alabama. pensioned before or after 1827 -
Thanks very much
Yours truly
Mrs. R. C. Rutledge
4400 Yupon

[stamp - U.S. PENSON OFFICE MAR 25 1930]
Page 24

Olive Branch Miss
Apr. 10 - 1924

Pension Office Dept. - 

Will you please give me the date of the last payment of pension made to John Childress, if possible give me the date of death also place of death and with whom he lived. Please send this at once and oblige - 
Ms. W. W. Winders
Olive Branch
Mississippi

John Childress enlisted in Rev. War, 1780. He was allowed pension in 1832, born in 1755 over
Page 25

I'm getting data for D.A.R. record & want it at once so after Congress my papers can be taken up.
J. Childress wounded in Battle of Kings Mts. born in Cumberland Co., Va.

[stamp - U.S. PENSION OFFICE H APR 14 1924]
Page 26

SIXTY-FIFTH CONGRESS.
EDWIN Y. WEBB. N.C., CHAIRMAN.
CHARLES C. CARLIN, VA.
JOSEPH V. FLYNN, N.Y.
ROBERY Y. THOMAS, JR., KY.
ANDREW J. VOLSTEAD MINN.
WILLIAM L. IGOE.MO.
JOHN M. NELSON, WIS.
WARREN GARD, OHIO.
DICK T. MORGAN, OKLA.
RICHARD S. WHALEY, S.C.
GEORGE S. GRAHAM, PA.
THADDEUS H. CARAWAY, ARK. WALTER M. CHANDLER, N.Y.
M. M. NEELY, W. VA.
LEONIDAS C. DYER, MO.
HENRY J. STEELE, PA
JOSEPH WALSH, MASS
J. RANDALL WALKER, GA.
C. FRANK REAVIS, NEBR.
HATTON W. SUNNERS, TEX. WALTER W. MAGEE, N.Y.
A. L. QUICKEL, CLERK.

COMMITTEE ON THE JUDICIARY.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES U.S.
WASHINGTON, D. C.

May 17, 1922.

Department of the Interior,
O. W. & N. Division,
Washington, D. C.
My dear Sir:

I am enclosing herewith a request from one of
my constituents, Mrs. P. H. Holland, of 515 West 124th Street, New York City, for verification of an old pension claim of
one John Childress, data given in said request.
Assuring you of my personal appreciation of
your early compliance with this request, I am
Faithfully yours,

Walter M. Chandler [Signature]

[stamp - U.S. PENSION OFFICE. M MAY 19 1922]
Rev/mk2
Page 27

Interior Department,
Washington D. C.

New York City,
April 4, 1922.
Interior Department,
Washington D. C. 

Dear Sirs:-

In straightening out a claim on a paternal ancestor, I find it is necessary for me to write to the Pension Office, under the O. W. and N. Department to trace said claim, which depends upon one, John Childress, who was a soldier in the Revolution, and served at King's Mountain and other engagements. Having been pensioned as above stated, I would very much appreciate it if you would verify the fact, and send to me. The application was filed Nov. 22, 1832, and allowed. The party resided in Surry County N. C. at date of enlistment, and in Rutherford County, Tenn., at date of application for pension.
Yours very truly,

515 West 124th Street,

(Mrs.) P.H. Holland

[stamp - U.S. PENSION OFFICE. F APR 5 1922]
Page 28

R.
THE CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE
GENERAL ORGAN OF THE
M. E. CHURCH, SOUTH.
REV. E. E. HOSS, LL.D., EDITOR.

Nashville, Tenn, May 12, 1902

Maj. H. C. Evans,
Washington, D. C.

My dear Maj. Evans:

I want to know some things very badly, and, I do not know who will tell me unless you will.
Please tell me what Government records refer to the Revolutionary and 1812 pensioners besides the Senate Documents, volumes 12, 13 and 14 of the 1st Session of the 23rd Congress, and the list of Revolutionary pensioners published in 1842. Some time ago you were good enough to give me the records of the service of Alexander Keith, who served 4 years in Col. Spotswood's Virginia Line. He was supposed to have received his pension in Scott County, Kentucky, yet his family say they do not think he ever lived in the northern part of the State, and the County Court Clerk says there is absolutely no record regarding him in that County. Moreover, the Senate Documents above referred to make no mention of him. We also wrote to the Auditor's office and he says the last vouchers were lost and that
he does not know where Alexander Keith lived.
Could you, without too much trouble, tell me the town and county of his residence at the time he applied for pension. Perhaps the town will have some records of him.
John Childress, private in the North Carolina Militia, was placed on
Page 29

THE CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE,
GENERAL ORGAN OF THE
M. E. CHURCHI, SOUTH.
REV. E. E. HOSS, LL.D., EDITOR.
Nashville, Tenn.

the pension roll in 1833, being at the time a resident of Rutherford County, Tenn. I know you are not allowed to give full accounts of the
papers of application filed by the soldiers, but will you not please tell me all you can regarding the services of John Childress, and the information he gave regarding his family?
I would like to have the same information regarding John Clarke. Sgt. Maryland Line, placed on the pension roll in 1822, then a resident of Logan County, Kentucky.
And of Jonathan Clarke, Lt, North Carolina
Line, placed on the pension roll in 1833, then a resident of Christian County, Kentucky.
Thanking you in advance for your kind assistance to me,
I am
very sincerely,
Mary Hoss [Signature]

Miss Hoss,
2106 West End Ave.,
Nashville, Tenn.
Page 30

Union Bank of Tennessee
Nashville 11th October 1837

J. L. Edwards Esq.

Dear Sir.
At the request Mr. James J. Trott the attorney of Mr. John Childress a Revolutionary Pensioner under the act of the 7 June 1832 and to whom there is one year pension due up to the 4 Sept. 1837 I herewith transmit you his pension Identity for your examination and permission of his payment. I am advised that this pensioner some months since got badly hurt by a fall from his home so much so that he could not apply for his money, he made one attempt to draw by attorney but his papers were not right. Please to return his claim to him or his attorney at  Woodberry Post Office Cannon County Tennessee with your instructions and much oblige Sir.
Yr. Obt. Serv't.
John M. Bass PA
By S. Cantrell
Page 31

June - 6 - 1902
Miss Mary Hoss Nashville Tenn
1922 May 12 hist. to Mrs. P.H. Holland
1922 may 20 Hon. W. M. Chandler infd. hist. furnished Mrs. Holland aw
1924 May 19, Mrs. W.W. Winder adv. as to date of death, WCS
1930 - May 26 - Hist. to R. H. Woolling M.D. Letter in case David Childers. S. 39298 E.E.S.
1938 - Aug. 23 Norman Niccum aso. this one not the Ga. or Ill. pensioner MCS

3146 Rev War
INVALID.
File No. 31463
John Childress
Prt. N.C. line
Act. June7, 1832
Index:-Vol. A, Page 64
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 32

Free

J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
District of Columbia

June 7
Tenn. rec'd

[stamp - RFRE MAY 27]
Page 33

Murfree borough, Rutherford Tennessee
May 25th 1833.

Sir,
Enclosed you have the amended declaration of John Childress with the original papers returned from the Department. This old man is yet much afflicted from the wound he received at Kings mountain, is extremely poor & cannot under any circumstances live but a few years longer. These facts are mentioned to encourage a speedy action upon his case.
Yours respectfully
Andrew J. Hoover. [Signature]
Page 34

State of Tennessee} Court of please & quarter 
Rutherford County} sessions May term 1833.

Amended declaration of John Childress for a pension. On this 25th of May 1833, in open court before us John Fletcher, Henry  D. Jamison & Varner D. Cowen the justices assigned to hold the court of pleas & quarter sessions for said County of Rutherford now sitting, personally appeared John Childress who made the proceeding original declaration for a pension at the last November term of this court & who, being duly sworn, deposeth & saith, that by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he can not swear positively to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below & in the following grades: For four months I served as a private under Col. William Shepard in Capt. James Shepards Company, Arthur Tate, Lieutenant, part of the time & Hewlett the other part; For one month I served as a private under Col. Cleveland, being the campaign in which the battle Kings mountain was fought; For three months I served as waggon master for Gen. Green's army. For one year I served as a private in Bryant's fort where my service commenced a few days before the first of January 1782 under the command of Capt. Robt. Johnson and for such service in all one year & eleven months I claim a pension. I have no doubt but that periods of service above stated are short of my actual service, but my memory is so very deficient that I have though proper to mention such periods as I am sure will not exceed my term of service. 
To the first interrogatory propounded, I answer I was born in Cumberland County State of Vir. on the 5th of May 1755 as my mother informed me. To the second interrogatory I answer I never had any record of my age. My father fell, as I am informed in Braddock's defeat. & I was born in the same year. To the third I answer, when called into service I lived in Surry County North Carolina & have since the revolutionary war lived as stated in my original declaration & now live in Rutherford County Tennessee. To the fourth I answer I always served as a volunteer. To the fifth, I answer I never knew any of the officers or regiments of the continental army, except for Green whom I saw & spoke to at the ironworks on Haw river just after the battle of Guilford but I was not then in service. I also saw Gen. Green once while I was waggon master, but at what place I can not now remember. As to the militia officers & regiments with whom I served I refer to my original declaration. The prisoners first guarded by Col. Joseph Philips while I was forage master was the tories under Col. Rugely being decoyed & made to surrender to Moran by the stratagem of the light wood log.
Page 35

While I was waggon master, Matthew Brooks was  quarter master & it was at Brooks request that I was made waggon master by Col. Martin Armstrong who then was Col. of Surry County. My orders were to deliver at Camden every monday morning Sixty bushels of grain. Bryant's fort was attacked sometime in August 1782 by the Indians under McGurty. The fort was then commanded by Capt. John Craig, Johnson being absent as a member to the Kentucky assembly. When attacked by the Indians Capt. Craig sent to Lexington to Col. Todd for relief. In a few days Col. Todd with Col. Twigg and a small company of men, arrived. On his arrival the Indians had retreated. I went with Col. Todd in their pursuit & overtook them at blue lick on Licking river about 40 miles from the fort where the whites were defeated. The Indians took 14 prisoners, as we were informed, killed 4 immediately & carried ten to Detroit to the British who exchanged them & they returned contrary to our expectations about 12 month after the battle. After the defeat about one half of our men returned safely to the fort. On my return from the expedition to the Shawnee town I remained as a guard in Bryant's fort as long as there was any danger, but how long I cannot well remember. I think my service in sd. fort was at least one year. I stated in my original declaration that I was in Bryant's for two years. This was a mistake. I served in the fort & lived in the neighbourhood of it about two years. To the Sixth questions, I answer I never received any written discharge that I now recollect. I received two commissions from Col. Martin Armstrong one appointing me forage master & the other waggon master, both of which commissions have been lost or destroyed long since. During the periods above mentioned in this amended declaration for which I claim a pension, I was not engaged or employed in any civil pursuit. In addition to those whom I named in my original declaration I mention as persons to whom I am known in my present neighbourhood & who can testify as to my character for veracity & their belief of my services as a soldier of the revolution, Thos. S. Rucker Eq. Lewis J. Martin, Col. John Martin, Josephus Conn. & Hail Barton, which is my answer to the 7th interrogatory.
[Signature]  John Childress
Subscribed & sworn to before me this 5th day of May 1833.
[Signature] John R. Laughlin, Clk.

And the said court do hereby declare their opinion that the above statements made by John Childress who has
Page 36

subscribed & sworn to the preceding amended declaration are true, & it is their opinion that the answers to the 7 interrogatories are true.
[Signatures] John Fletcher JP [seal]
H. D. Jamison JP [seal]
V. D. Cowan JP [seal]

I, John R. Laughlin, clerk of said Court of pleas and quarter sessions for Rutherford County do hereby certify that the foregoing after my certificate & seal of office at the last November term of sd court, contains the amended proceedings of the sd court in the matter of the application of John Childress for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office this 25th day of May, 1833.
[Signature] John R. Laughlin, Clk.
[seal]
Page 37

State of Tennessee} This day came John Childress
Davidson County} before me and made oath according to Law that the following facts is true that he entered the service of the United States, in the year 1778 under the command of Colo. Wm. Sheppard in Surry County North Carolina and afterwards under the command of Capt. James Shepperd & fought under him at the Battle of Kings mountain & commanded on that day Colo. Cleveland and at which Battle I received a wound by a rifle ball dangerously in the lower part of the Belly & which wound occasion him in his old day to be unable to make a support in addition to his old age after he recovered from his wound & at Kings Mountain he was appointed to a forage Master for Colo. Joseph Phillips Troops which was stationed at Salisbury North Carolina & who rec'd. the prisoners taken by Colo. Morgan from Colo. Rugerly I brought to Salisbury
Page 38

also the prisoner taken by Colo. Morgan at the Battle of the Cowpens in which was brought to Salisbury and after the Battle of Guilford I was appointed waggon master to remove the forage from Surry County North Carolina to General Green in South Carolina while he lay at Camden. I do further certify that I faithfully served the United in the revolutionary war and that he is now in his seventy six year finding the years sworn to before me this 9th February 1830
[Signatures] John Childress
Wm. Lytle JP

I Thomas Norman do swear that I am well acquaonted with the above named John Childress know of his service as above stated for I was in the Battle of Kings mountain when he received his wound above spoken of having assisted him home after he received it 
[Signature] Thomas Norman. 
Sworn to before me this 9th February 1820
Wm. Lytle JP [Signature]
Page 39

State of Tennessee Davidson County SS.
I Nathan Ewing Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for said County do hereby certify to whom it may concern that William Lytle Esquire whose name is signed to the same was at the time his name appears to have been signed to the same one of the Acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County and of said Court duly commissioned and qualified as Such full faith and Credit is and ought to be given to his official acts in [seal covers it] Justice and thereout
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal aforesaid Court at Office in Nashville this 9th day of February 1830
[Signature] Nathan Ewing

[seal]