Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 991, for Thomas A Sikes, Virginia
Page 1

(3-1776) 
SERVICE 
Va. 
Sikes, Thomas A. 
NUMBER W. 991 
Sykes 
Sarah 

CONTENTS
Page 3

[Right Side]
Thos. A. Sikes
17.014. Priv
Col: Davies's Virginia Regt-
1776 - 3 years
19 May 1820
"Thos Sikes" [illeg] 407 
This declaration is not in forms, under the law of 1 May 1820 -
a proper form, &  a schedule, is herewith sent, in order that they may be filled up, & duly executed.
See letter relative to this case if necessary arising [illeg] in the case of Michael O'Bryan, on file with a submitted claims.

[Left side]
Thomas A. Sikes
Rutherford Co Ten_e 
Jno McNairy 2nd
[postmark] NASH May
Page 4

17 014
Thomas A. Sikes
Rutherfor Co. Ten-e 

Jno McNairy
Jud:
Nashville, Ten-e
recd 8 June 1820

The Honorable John C Calhoun
Secretary of War
Washington

FREE
[postmark NASH MAY [illegible]
Page 5

I certify that Thomas A Sikes was a soldier in Capt John Winstons Company of the 14th Virginia regiments on the continental establishments and that he served three years in the said Regiments which was the term of his enlistment and that at this time he is old, poor & infirm – and that he stands in need of the aid of his Country for support. 
    Tho. Overton
    Late Captain
    in the continental
    armey of the the
    United States

    on the 19th of May 1820 Genl. Thomas Overton came before me and made oath that the contents of the foregoing certificate are true Witness my hand
    John McNairy
    District Judge
Page 7

I John McNairy judge as aforesaid do certify that it appears to my satisfaction that the said Thomas A Sikes did serve in the revolutionary war, as stated in the preceding declaration, against the common enemy for the term of nine months at one time in the continental establishment.  I am also satisfied that he needs the assistance of his country for support.  And I now have now have met the proceedings and testimony taken - thad before me, to the scrutiny for the department of War Given under my hand this 19th of May 1820
    John McNairy 
    District Judge
Page 8

District of West Tennessee
    Rutherford    (1520.
    December quarter sessions

On this 26th day of December in the year of our Lord 1820 personally appeared in open court, the court of pleas & quarter sessions held for the County of Rutherford aforesaid, Thomas A Sikes, of the said County aged sixty years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the provision made by the acts of Congress of the 18th of March 1818 & of the 1st of May 1820.  That he the said Thomas A Sikes, enlisted for the term of three years on the 9th day of January 1776 in the State of Virginia, in the company commanded by Captain Jon Winston in the 14th Regiment commanded by Col. Charles Lewis [Abraham crossed out] in the line of the State of Virginia on the continental establishment; that he continued to serve in the said corps the full sum of three years.  When he was discharged from the said service.

That he was in the battle of Pauless [Paulus] Hook & that he has no other evidence, now in his power of his said services, excepting his own oath, his discharge being out of his power.  And in pursuance of the act of the 1st of May 1820.  I do solemnly swear that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the 18th day of March one thousand eight hundred & eighteen & that I have not, since that time by gift sale or in any manner, disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it as to bring myself within the provisions of an act of Congress, entitled "an act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land & naval service of the United States in the Revolutionary War," passed on the 18th day of March 1818, & that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me, any
Page 9

property or securities, contracts, or debts due to me; nor have I any income other than what is contained in the schedule hereto annexed, & by me subscribed

Schedule of real & personal property belonging to Thomas A Sikes -
[first column]
1  Sorrel Man   $60
1  Dun Man & sorrel colt   55
2  Cows & 1 year old calf   20
2  Sows 5 Shoats     9
    Pork    $18
2  Bed Bed steads & furniture $40
1  flat Iron   $00.50
1  Bell $0.30   Old books $1.50-
1 Loom & 2 Spinning wheels  $7
[2nd column]
Table furniture & table  $8
8  Chairs   $4
kitchen furniture  $8
farming tools  $10
one Shot gun  $6
1 Small chest & 1 old chest  $2.50
1 candle Stick & Snuffers $0.35
1 Handsaw & 2 Chisels $2.50
2 Pair Cards $1.50
2 Slaighs  $1.25
[then written out with no breaks]
2  Saddles $15 Amt of Debts owing to Thomas A. Sikes $75  2 Iron Wedges $1.50 Shoemakers tools $2
1 Pair Chain traces & harness $2 (one Log chain $2 Debts owing by the said Thomas A Sikes(50- amounting to $286.40 - value of property after payment of debts - $67.72
reaphook, $00.50
Thomas A Sikes

The occupation of the said Thomas A Sikes is that of a farmer; but on account of his age & bodily infirmities he is unable to pursue his business so as to obtain a necessary maintenance, He has living with him a wife Sarah Sikes aged sixty years also live daughters one of whom is named Rebecca Sikes aged twenty six years the other named Mary aged 24 years & two small children [illegible] of Mary Sikes one of whom is a boy named Carril 3 years old & the other a girl named Larena aged one year all of which said pensions on account of age & evant of education can hardly contribute to their own support - & much less to the support of their infirmed father,
Thomas A Sikes
Page 10

The foregoing declaration & schedule, sworn to & subscribed by Thomas A Sikes in open court this 26th day of December 1820
    Blackman Coleman, Clerk

State of Tennessee
Rutherford County,}    I Blackman Coleman Clerk of the court of pleas & quarter sessions for the said county of Rutherford, do hereby certify that the foregoing oath & the schedule thereto annexed are truly copied from the records of the said court; And I do further certify that it is the opinion of the said court, that the said Thomas A Sikes is entitled to credit on his oath & that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule, after deducting therefrom, the amount in value of the debts owing by the said Thomas A Sikes, is sixty seven Dollars seventy two cents.  In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of the said court on this 28th day of December 1820 -
Blackman Coleman, Clerk
[seal]

State of Tennessee
Rutherford County}     March sessions 1821 -
This day came into open court the same being a court of Record, Thomas A Sikes & made oath that in his declaration for the purpose of obtaining a pension, he by mistake & want of proper recollection stated that the Col of the 14th Regiment, in which he enlisted was Abraham Lewis instead of Charles Lewis.  He now believes that his name is Charles Lewis
Sworn to in open court 13th day of March 1821 -
Thomas A Sikes
Blackman Coleman Clk.
Page 11

1705  Nash.
Tennessee
Sarah Sikes
widow of Thomas A. Sikes
who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a Private
Va Line
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of
80 Dollars ——
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the
10th [or possibly 1st] day of Sept 48
and sent to
Smith & Kendrick
Nashville
Tenn

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under a [page torn] February 2, 1848, Page 306 Vol. 3.
Page 13

State of Tennessee
Bedford County}    Ss.
     On this twenty second day of December in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and thirty eight, personally appeared before me Price C. Steele one of the quorum of justices of the county of Bedford aforesaid, Sarah Sikes a resident in the county of Bedford and state of Tennessee, aged seventy seven 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 pensions to certain widows;" That she is the widow of of [sic] Thomas A. Sikes (or Sykes) a private in the Revolutionary War — that proof of his services have been made heretofore to the war department in order to obtain a pension under the act of Congress (perhaps) of June 7th 1832: which pension he obtained, for ninety six dollars per annum payable at Nashville Tennessee.  The original pension certificate was by declarant sent to Nashville to obtain a balance of pension due her husband at his death.  She further declares that she was married to the said Thomas A. Sikes on the thirteenth day of October in the year seventeen hundred and eighty three, of which marriage she has no documentary proof whatever, nor does she know of any living witnesses by whom she can prove the fact; that her husband, the aforesaid Thomas A. Sikes died on the fifth day of September eighteen hundred and thirty five; that she was not married to him prior to
Page 14

his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first of January seventeen hundred and ninety four, ver; at the time above stated.
Sarah Sykes X her mark
Subscribed and sworn to before me the date above written; & I do certify that the above declarant, by reason of her age and bodily infirmity is unable to appear in court
P. C. Steele ["seal" written within a curly circle]
One of the Quorum of Justices
of Bedford County Court.

State of Tennessee}    To wit
Bedford County}      I, William D. Orr Clerk of the County Court in & for the County of Bedford aforesaid, do hereby certify that Price C. Steele who has attested the above declaration is, and was, at the time of attesting the same, one of the Quorum of Justices of our said County Court, duly elected and qualified – and that the signature above, purporting to be his, is genuine.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office, at office, their seventy second day of December. A. D. 1838
William D Orr Clerk
of Bedford County Court.
Page 15

State of Tennessee}    I William Galbraith
Bedford County}     Chairman of the County Court of Bedford County aforesaid do hereby certify that William D. Orr, who has made the foregoing certificate, is, and was, at the time of making the same, clerk of our said court duly elected and qualified – that said certificate is in due form of, & sealed with our county seal.  Given under my hand and seal this 22nd day of December 1838.
W. Galbraith ["seal" written inside curly circle]
Chairman of the County
Court of Bedford County.
Page 16

Elizabethan Sikes was born September the 5 1785
Jese Sikes was born October the 13 1784
Susanna Sikes was born April the 10 1783
Rebecker Sikes was born September the 16 1791
Jonas Sikes was born July the 3 1793
Nansy Sikes was born July the 3 1795
John and Mary Sikes was born August the 25 1797
Page 17

Robert Sikes was born October the 16 1799
Anna Johns West was born July 25 1809
Nansy Lorve was born December the 10 1796
William Lorve was born October [illegible]
[illegible signature]
Page 18

[printed form with handwritten responses]

[top of document cut off]
sion on file in this Bureau.  Thomas A. Sikes (or Sykes) No. 7. 991

Our. [written in margin]

[begin table]
|  DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT.  |  LENGTH OF SERVICE.  |  RANK.  |  OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. / CAPTAIN.  |  COLONEL.  |  STATE.  |
|  1775  |  3 yrs.  |  Pvt.  |  John Winston  |  Charles Lewis  |  Va.  |

Battles engaged in, Paulus Hook
Residence of soldier at enlistment, [blank]
Date of application for pension, Dec. 26,  1820.  His cl. was allowed
Residence at date of application, Rutherford Co. Tenn.
Age at date of application, 60 yrs – d. in Bedford Co. Tenn. Sept 5, 1835
    Remarks:  made. in Lynnenburg Co. Va. Oct. 13, 1783 Sarah — She was allowed pension on an affidavit executed Dec. 22, 1838, while a resident of Bedford Co. Tenn. aged 77 yrs. She died June 2, 1849  Children Elizabeth b. Sept 5, 1785, Jese b. Oct 13, 1787,  Susanna b. Apr. 10, 178–.  Rebecker b. Sept 16, 1791, Jonas b. July 3, 1793, Nansy b. July 3, 1795, John& Mary b. ?Aug. 25, 1797, Robert b. Oct. 16, 1799, – In 1820 Mary had 2 children Carril, a boy, aged 3 yrs. and [illegible] 1 yr.  No further data.

Very respectfully,

4043b5m3-09        I-2      Commissioner.
Page 19

Thomas A. Sikes W. Ten:  Act 18 March 1818
to what time paid:
Pen Officer
June 3, 1839

died: 1835

Rev. Roll     Died Sep 5, 1835 pd to that time.  Act 18 March 1838
Page 20

4575.
Tennessee Naasville [sic]
Sarah Sikes
widow of Thomas A. Sikes
who was a Private
in the Revolution
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
22nd day of Jany 1844
and sent to H. Yoakum
Murfreesboro
Tenn.
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A
Vol. 1 Page 222.

Reported
Page 22

pension from the Revolution but it seems hard to find a record of it. He thinks he came from Aglethorp Co. Ga or from Tenn. 
I will be most grateful for
Page 23

any information
Respt
Mrs. Jos. St Geo. Tucker
West Government St.
Mobile Ala.

[postmarked]
U.S. PENSION OFFICE
A
AUG
29
1904
Page 24

WIDOW, &c.
Revy [Revolutionary]
File No. 991
Sarah Sikes
Widow
Thomas A. Sikes
Priv. Rev. War.
Act. Feb 2, 1848.
Index:—Vol. M, Page 214
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 25

Sept. 7, 1904.  Hist. to Mrs.
Jos. St Geo Tucker, Mobile, Ala.    F.W
Feb 24, 1910
To Mr. T.G. Tinsley
1917, Aug. 17.   History to 
Walter G. Scott    F.W.
Page 26

3162   Rev
Tennessee.
Sarah Sikes.
widow of Thomas A. Sikes, Dec'd,
who was a pensioner under the Act of 18 March, 1818 and who died on the 5th September, 1835_ of Bedford Co in the State of Tennessee who was a private in the compy [company] _commanded by Captain Winston of the Regt _ commanded by ol: Lewis in the Virginia line for 2 years__

Inscribed on the Roll of Nashville at the rate of 80 Dollars —— cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.

Certificate of Pension issued the 10th day of June 1839 and sent to H. Yoakum, Murfreesboro, Tenn.

Arrears to the 4th of March 1839 #240.00
Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Sept. 40.00
$280.00

{Act July 7, 1838}
Recorded by WM Steuart – Clerk,
Book A   Vol. 2   Page 209


[illegible] act 43 [illegible] H. Yoakum 1 Dec. '43X_
Page 27

State of Tennessee}  
Bedford county}
Before me George Davidson one of the justices of the peace in and for the county of Bedford aforesaid this day personally appeared Josiah Springer aged about sixty five years, who after being first duly sworn deposeth and saith, that he knew Thomas A. Sykes from the year 1807 till  till [sic] the period of his death, which occurred September the fifth, eighteen hundred and thirty five — said Thomas A. Sykes was a Revolutionary Soldier, and drew a pension of ninety six dollars per annum, under the act of Congress passed for the benefit of Revolutionary Soldiers — he lived in this county at the time of his death, & drew his pension at Nashville Tennessee.  Deponent has known his widow for the same length of time — that is from the year 1807.  She resides in Bedford County and has never married since his death.  Deponent has understood said Thomas A. and his widow Sarah Sikes (or Sykes) were married in Lunenburg Virginia, about the year seventeen hundred and eighty three — he does not know of their marriage of his own knowledge
Page 28

They lived together as man and wife for the time he knew them — They were highly respected.  the accompanying record shows that the oldest child of Thomas A. & Sarah Sikes, Elizabeth Ann Sikes was born September the 5th, seventeen hundred and eighty five.  Deponent has known this record for twelve years– It is in the hand writing of Thomas A. Sikes — From information deponent believes it to be upwards of fifty years old.  It has been in possession of the family of Thomas A. Sykes since deponent first saw it — nor has it been in anywise altered for twelve years, or at any time that deponent knows of. 
    And further deponent saith not ———
        Josiah Springer

Subscribed & sworn to before me the twenty second day of December 1838.  and I do certify that the above deponent is a person of respectability & worthy of credit.
        George Davidson [handwritten "seal" mark]
Justice of the Peace
Page 29

State of Tennessee.  Davidson County Set
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 Saunders Esquire whose name is signed to the within certificate was at the time his name appears to have been signed to the same one of the Acting Justices of the Peace and for said Court 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 Courts of Justice and thereout 

In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at Office in Nashville the 21st May 1823
         Nathan Ewing [paper seal]

State of Tennessee   Davidson County Set
I Eli Talbot. . . . ____ Presiding Magistrate of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for said county do hereby certify to whom it may concern that Nathan Ewing whose name is signed to the above certificate was at the time his name appears to have been signed to the same Clerk of said Court in said State and  that his attestation is in due form of Law Given under my hand & seal this 21st May 1823
            E. Talbot [hand drawn "seal"]
Page 31

Hon James L Edwards
Court of Pensions
Washington City

FREE [stamped]

[cancellation stamp] MURFREESBORO TEN
JUL 21

Written perpendicular to the address
3240 July 31/43
Sarah Sikes
March /43.
Tenn.
Page 33

Thomas A. Sykes 17,01
Thos A Sykes, or Thos Blanton 189
Rutherford Co. Tenn.
S. R. Rucker,
Murfreesboro, Tenn.
Rec'd 17 Sept: 1823
to be briefed
original copy
Service period

Hon J C Calhoun
Secretary of War
Washington
Page 34

Murfreesboro, Ten.
September 3rd 1823 -
Sir,
I send enclosed the declarations of Thomas Blanton & Thomas A Sykes, the application of the latter, previously to the last act of Congress, was rejected on account of his property - Since that time he sent on another declaration, which was returned to me with a form to be pursued. Which form seems to have been designed for those who had been once on the list never rejected on account of property & not for those who were never placed on the list - If the substance of the acts of Congress on this 3rd application be complied with, I hope his claim will not be rejected merely on account of some little defect of form as his services are clearly proved by the affidavits enclosed & he is in such indigent circumstances
Page 35

as to require the assistance of government for support. In the case of Blanton, you have the affidavits of two witnesses enclosed.
Respectfully your most obt & very humble servant
[signed] L. R. Rucker C.P.
Honble J C Calhound Se
Page 36

Nashville Augt 25 1848
Sir,
Enclosed please find the Declaration of Sarah Sikes, who drew a pension at the Nashville agency under act of 17 June 1844. She now makes this Declaration in order to be placed on the same Roll under act of 2nd July 1848.
Please forward her certificate to us in our [illegible]
We have the honor to be Very Respectfully your obt Svt
[signed] Smith & Kudnick agents
Hon J L Edwards
Comr of Pensions
Washington city
Page 37

State of Tennessee Bedford County
I William D. Orr clerk of the County do hereby certify that George Davidson, who has attested the foregoing deposition, is and was at the time of attesting the same a justice of the peace in and for the county of Bedford aforesaid duly elected and qualified - 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 - this twenty second day of Decr 1838
[signed] William D. Orr clerk of the County court

State of Tennessee Bedford County I, William Galbraith, chairman of the county court of Bedford county aforesaid do hereby certify that William D. Orr, who has made the above certificate is, and was, at the time of making the same clerk of our said Court duly elected and qualified - that said certificate is in due form of Law, and sealed with our county seal. Given under my hand and seal December twenty second - eighteen hundred and thirty eight - [signed] W. Galbraith Chairman of the county court (seal)
Page 38

S Sikes
$80 per an
H. Yoakum,
Murfreesboro
Ten
Page 39

Murfreesboro' Tennessee
Decr 18.1843
Hon James L. Edwards
Yours enclosing the declaration of Mrs. Sarah Sikes has been received - I have proceeded upon the justices' certificate setting forth that he was personally acquainted with the declarant, and that she was the person she purported to be. Which I hope will be found satisfactory
I have the honor to be, sir,
Yr. obt. svt.
[signed] H. Yoakum
Page 40

17.014
Original - Tennessee.
Tho. A. Sykes, priv served 3 yr from 1776?
1. Sched. 26th Dec 1820   no real Estate
The Court certifies the amt of the Property to be $67.72 after deducting the amt due by the claimant, which is $286.40.
Sched. under act mar. 1823 dated 25 Aug. 1823. Personal Property $169 - accounts for the decrease of property -
By sale of 1 mare & colt in Sept 1821 to Jesse Sykes for $100 - 1 cow for $10 - 1 wedge, chain handsaw & 2 chisels, sold for $5.62 1/2 The proceeds of which now been applied to the payment of his debts - 1 mare died - 2 saddle & some small articles of furniture worn out. The 75 dollars which was our claimant, has been collected & applied to the payment of his debts & support of his family
Claimant aged 63 yr. a Farmer "for the want of land & the weakness of body" unable to follow his occupation - wife 63 yr & a grandchild 6 yr -
S. R. Rucker, Esq. Murfreesboro. Tenn
Page 41

W. 991
Sikes or Sykes Thos A. 
Dec 26, 1820
Rutherford Co Tenn 60
Murfreesboro Tenn in 1823 [circled and crossed out]
Jan. 9 [crossed out] 1775  Va
Capt. John Winston
Col. Chas Lewis          3 yrs

Lunenburg Co Va.
Mar Oct 12 1783 [very faint writing could be 1793]
[illegible] Sep 5, 1835

Wife Sarah
Rebecca
Mary

- Paulus Hook
Page 42

160 Broadway New York City, NY
Aug 6, 1917
Honorable Commissioner of Pensions,
Bureau of Pensions,
Revolutionary War Division
Washington D.C.
Dear Sir,
Will you please send me the military history of each of the following named soldiers of the Revolution, viz:
No. Carolina - James Sikes   W. 9,653
Va.                   Thos. A. Sikes W. 991
           (may be two here, Soldiers and widows)
Va                     John Sykes     S. 6, 185
No. Car.           Josiah   "          S  7,673
      "                  James   "         S 1,8921

If there are other Sikes, soldier or widow, I should like to have them.
Can you kindly state also whether the petition contain full family history or other statements not shown in your memos. for if so I'll have them abstracted later.
Very truly Yours
[signed] Walter G Scott
Aug 1 of 1 Please let me know the first four soldiers in order named Jas - Thos A. - John - Josiah - & oblige. w.g.s.
Page 43

[round stamps]
US PENSION OFFICE AUG 7 1917
US PENSION OFFICE AUG 15 1917
Page 44

[typed on letterhead from Tennessee Chemical Company]
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE February 10, 1910.
Commissioner of Pensions,
Old War & Navy Division,
Department of Interior, Bureau of Pensions,
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:
I enclose copy of letter addressed to Mrs. Joseph St. George Tucker, Mobile, Ala. Mrs. Tucker is a cousin of my wife and both of them are descendants of Thomas A. Sikes. I will appreciate it very much if you will kindly send me two certified copies of this letter, addressing your letter to me.
Yours truly,
[signed] J.G. Tensley
Page 45

17,014
Thomas A Sykes.
declaration
val. $169.00
S. R. Rucker
Murfreesboro Tennessee
Page 46

State of Tennessee Rutherford County
Circuit court, August term 1823.
On this 25th day of August 1823 personally appeared in open court, in this circuit court of Rutherford County, the same being a court of record, before the Honorable Thomas Stuart one of the circuit judges of the State of Tennessee, Thomas A. Sykes, aged sixty three years & resident in said county of Rutherford who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the provisions of the acts of Congress of the 18th of March 1818 & the 1st of May 1820. That he the said Thomas A Sykes enlisted for the term of three years in the year 1775 in the company commanded by Capt Winston in the 14th Regiment commanded by Col Lewis in the Virginia line in the continental establishment. That he continued to serve in said corps for the term of three years when he was discharged in the state of New Jersey. And that his application for a pension has heretofore been rejected on account of his property. That he was in the battle of Paulus hook & that he has no other
Page 47

evidence now in his power of his services, excepting the affidavits of General Thomas [illegible] & Jonas Sikes. That he made his first declaration before the honorable Jolen McNairy judge of the district court of the United States for West Tennessee, which was sent on to the war department. He subsequently made a second declaration, in the County court of Rutherford on the 26th day of December 1820 - which he sent on to the War department & was rejected on account of property. And in pursuance of the act of the 6th of May 1820, I do so solemnly affirm that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the 18th day of March 1818 & that I have not since that time by gift sale or in any manner disposed of my property or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it as to bring myself within the provisions of an act of Congress entitled an act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land & naval service of the United States in the Revolutionary war passed on the 18th day of March 1818; that I have not nor has any person in trust for me, any property or securities, contracts or debts, due to me; nor have I any income other than what is contained in the schedule hereto annexed & by me
Page 48

subscribed.
Schedule of the property of Thomas A Sykes
1 Sow & pigs.
6 Shoats
4 Shoats
1 Cow & calf
1 Yearling
1 Weavers loom
7 Chairs 
1 washing tub/pale [pail] & piggin
1 Pair plough [plow[] chains & [illegible]
2 Clevices
2 Axes & drawing knife
1 Flax wheel & reel
Shoe makers tools
1 table & furniture
2 Pots & pot hooks
1 Skillet
1 Oven
2 old chests
1 small chest
1 Spinning wheel & cards
1 Iron Mortar
1 Barshear plough [plow]
1  Do- [ditto]
2 hoes
1 Old shot gun
1 Parcel of old tubs
1 Iron wedge
[signed] Thomas A Sikes
That since the exhibition of my first schedule (in my declaration rejected on account of the value of the property) the following changes have been made in my property to wit act of property exhibited in first schedule & have now [illegible] by application -
1 Sorrel mare dead
1 Dun mare & sorrel colt, sold to Jesse Sykes in or about Sept 1821 - for one hundred Dollars which was applied to the pay out of debts
Page 49

1 Cow, sold to Turner B Henley for $10 in 1821, which was applied to the payment of debts 
A quantity of pork which has been eat up.
1 Pair of cards worn out by use
2 saddles worn out
1 Iron Wedge sold to Aaron Webb - 1821 for 
$. 8144 applied to the payment of debts
1 Log chain sold to Needham Briant for $2.25 in September or thenabouts 1821
applied to the payment of debts
1 Bell lost by accident,
1 Handsaw sold to Richard Woodruff for $4.8174 on or about November 1821 - applied to the payment of debts
2 Chisels sold to William Hicks for $00.75 cts on or about November 1821 & applied to the payment of debts
Page 50

$75 owing Thomas A Sykes which has been collected & applied to the payment of debts & the support of his family - which property has been sold, consumed or worn out as stated herein.
[signed] Thomas A Sikes
Said Thomas A Sykes is a farmer & for the want of land & his weekness [sic] of body He cannot prosecute his business so as to ensure a necessary maintenance  He has a family consisting of a wife named Sally aged sixty three years & a grandchild named Camil Syes aged six years who depend upon him for a support. [signed] Thomas A Sikes
Sworn to & declared in open Court August 2th 1823, [signed] Wm Ledbetter Clk Rutherford Circuit Court
Page 51

State of Tennessee}
Rutherford County}
    I William Ledbetter Clerk of the circuit court of Rutherford County do hereby certify that it appears to the satisfaction of said court that the said Thomas A Sykes did serve in the Revolutionary war, as stated in the preceding declaration against the common enemy for the term of nine months under one. engagement on the continental establishment  I also certify that the foregoing affirmation & the schedule thereto annexed, are truly copied from the records of said court; and I do further certify that it is the opinion of the said court, that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule is one hundred & sixty nine Dollars
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of the said court on this 29th day of August in the year of our Lord 1823.
[seal]          Wm Ledbetter, clk
                    Rutherford Circuit Court
Page 52

State of Tennessee}
Bedford County}
     Ss.
     On this twentieth day of July 1843, personally appeared before me Price C. Steel a justice of the peace in and for said county Sarah Sikes, a resident of said Bedford County, aged about eighty two years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress passed on the 3rd March 1843, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War; That she is the widow of Tomas A. Sikes who was a private; (she does not now remember whether in the regular army or militia) of the Revolutionary troops.  She refers the department for this and other facts in relation to his services, to his papers furnished on applying for a pension, and also to her papers filed under the act of July 7. 1838, under which act she received a five years' pension of eighty dollars per annum
     Sara Sikes X her mark    ["seal" in hand drawn circle]
witnesses to the above signature} James Hart Franklin B. Price

Subscribed & sworn before me the day and year above written
     P C Steele ["seal" in hand drawn circle]
Justice of the peace for Bedford County
Page 53

State of Tennessee Bedford County
I Robert Hurst Clerk of the County Court of Bedford County of said do certify that Price C. Steele, who has attested the foregoing declaration of Sarah Sikes, is, and was, at the time of attesting the same a justice of the peace in and for our said county duly elected and qualified, and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his, is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office in Shelbyville this 20th day of July 1843 [signed] Rob Hurst clerk of Bedford county court
State of Tennesse Bedford County I Thomas Davis Chairman of said Bedford County can & do certify that Robert Hurst who has made the above certificate is and was at the time of making the same, clerk of our said court, duly elected and qualified and that the same is in due form of law, and sealed with the county seal.
Given under my hand and seal this 20th day of July 1843 [signed] Thos Davis (seal) Chairman of Bedford County Court
Page 54

State of Tennessee, Bedford County
I Price C Steele justice of the peace in and for said Bedford County, do certify that Sarah Sikes who personally appeared before me on the 20th day of July 1843, and made the foregoing declaration was then & still is personally known to me; and that she is the identical person, she, in said declaration purports to be. in witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & sela this 14th day of December 1843
[signed] P C Steele (seal)
Justice of the peace for Bedford County
Page 55

State of Tennessee Rutherford count} Sct.
I Blackman Coleman, clerk of the court of pleas and quarter sessions within and for said county and state of Tennessee do hereby certify that Thomas Nash, Eqr. whose name appears to the within certificate, is an acting justice of the peace; within and for said county, duly commissioned and qualified, according to law, and that due faith and credit is and ought to be given to all his official acts as such.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said court at office, in Murfreesborough, this 7th day of June 1823.
[signed] Blackman Coleman, Clerk of said court.
State of Tennessee, Rutherford County} Sct.
I John Smith, chairman of the court of pleas and quarter sessions within and for said county and state aforesaid, do hereby certify that Blackman Coleman; whose official signature appears to the foregoing certificate is clerk of said court duly qualified, that his said certificate is in due form of law; and that due faith and credit is and ought to be given to all his official acts as such, in court or office in the United States.
Given under my hand and seal, June 7th 1823. [signed] John Smith, C.R.C.C. (seal)
Page 56

State of Tennessee Rutherford County 7th June 1823 I do certify that Thomas A Sikes as I believe enlisted as a private soldier in the continental US. army in the state of virginia for the term of three years and faithfully discharged his duty as a soldier and was honorably discharged [signed] X "his mark" Jonas Sikes
The above certificate of Jonas Sikes was signed and sworn to before me this day and date above written I do hereby certify that the above signed Jonas Sikes is entitled to full credit in the above certificate [signed] Th P Nash justice of the peace in and for R County
Page 57

[envelope addressed to] Hon J. C. Calhoun Secretary of War Washington
[round postal cancellation stamp] MURFREESBORO TENN Jun 20

{following is written perpendicular to address]
3 Cases.
Jacob McFarland, 18,881
Thos A. Sikes,        17,014
&
Wm Tipper,            17,727
[lined drawn under]
S.R. Rucker
Murfreesboro, Tenn
Recd 5 July 1823.
Page 58

Murfreesboro Ten. June 19th 1823.
Sir
I herewith send enclosed the declarations of Thomas A Sykes - his claim was once rejected on the ground that he had sufficient property to do without this bounty of government, but the department in making an estimate of his resources seem to have looked, at that time, to the amount of his property & the debts due the declarant; paying no attention whatever to the debts owing by him - which greatly reduced his means of livelihood - [He] now applies under the law of the last [illegible] of Congress - And if his declaration contains the substance of what is necessary - I hope it will not be rejected because it may in some respects, be deficient in form.
Of Philip Brittain - second application under same law
Of William Tipper, who sent on a declaration 12 or 18 months ago; but which the department lost by sending tit to the Secretary of North Carolina for [illegible] of service - IT has never been since heard of - a letter on this subject, a copy of which is herewith transmitted. The original was sent to your department some time since & states the applicants name is on the roll of North Carolina & that a certificate to that affect was sent to your department
& Of Jacob McFarland - should be glad to hear from these claims so soon as convenient. 
Respectfully [signed] S. R. Rucker.
Hon. J. C. Calhoun
Secretary of War.}

[written along left edge of paper in different handwriting] Philip Brittain's own file with claim under act March 1823
Page 59

Hon. James L. Edwards
Washington City D.C.
FREE [stamped]
MURFREESBORO DEC 29 [round postal cancellation stamp]
4348 Jan. 9 1829
Tenn
7 July 1838 Sikes
Page 60

Hon J. L. Edwards
Sir
Herewith I send to your Dept. the papers of Sarah Sikes, a widow, who claims a pension under the act of July 7th 1838, for the service of her husband, late decd in the Rev. war.
As in other cases of a similar kind, I have made no proof of his services, deeming the proofs under which he obtained his pension in his lifetime as sufficient.
His pension certificate, as will be seen, has been by his widow sent to the agency at Nashville for the purpose of drawing a balance of pension.
I have the honor to be Sir Yr. obt. servt. -signed' A. Yoakum
Page 61

DECLARATION, In order to obtain the benefits of the Act of Congress, of 2d February, 1848, entitled "An Act making further provision for surviving Widows and Soldiers of the Revolution."
STATE of Tennessee Bedford County} SS,
On this 10 day of August 1848 personally appeared before the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace in and for the State and County aforesaid, Sarah Sikes a resident of State of Tennessee & in the county of Bedford aged, Eighty Seven years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the Act of Congress, passed on the 2d February, 1848, granting pensions to Widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War: - That she is the widow of Thomas A Sikes who was a Private in the [left blank] Regiment, Commanded by Col. [blank] and that she drew a Pension of Eighty dollars per annum, under the Act of 17th June, 1844. She further declares that she is still a widow. [signed] X "her mark' Sarah Sikes
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before me,}
STATE of Tennessee: Bedford County: - Set. I PC Steele a Justice of the Peace in and for the county aforesaid, do hereby certify that Sarah Sikes, the above declarant, is personally known to me. Given under my hand, this 10th day of August 1848 [signed] PC Steele Justice of the Peace.
STATE of Tennessee Bedford County} I, Andrew Vannoy Clerk of the County Court of said Bedford County, hereby certify that P. C. Steele whose name appears signed to the foregoing affidavit and certificate is, and was at the time of signing, the same, an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, duly commissioned and qualified as such according to law, and that the foregoing signatures, purporting to be his, are genuine.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed my seal of office, in the Town of Shelbyville this 12th day of August 1848 [signed] Andrew Vannoy Clerk of Bedford County Court
Page 62

BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD*
The National Archives Form VAM-51
12-5-41
Division of Veterans' Administration Archives
NAME Sikes, William or Sax
GRADE Private
LINE Maryland
WARRANT NUMBER S 11174 and 11676
ISSUED January 11, 1796 to Joshua Hard, assignee
____
* 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 Nation Archives.
Page 63

BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD*
The National Archives Form VAM-51 12-5-41
Division of Veterans' Administration Archives

NAME Silas, Samuel
GRADE Private
LINE Pennsylvania
WARRANT NUMER 10369
ISSUED March 3, 1794 to Michael Stiver, assignee
____
* 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.