Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 32,230, William Eddins, S.C.
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(3-1776)

Service    
S.C.
Eddins, William
Number - S. 32,230

Contents

Stamped 
This Envelope Includes

Final Payment Voucher

Received from CAO
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Alabama 19.669.
Wm Eddins
of Huntsville, Madison Co. in the state of Alabama who was a Dragoon in the Co. commanded by Captain Calhoon of the regt. Commanded by ___________ SC. and have for three years.

Inscribed on the Roll of Alabama at the rate of 100 Dollar00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 6th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 12th day of Aug. 1833 and sent to John P. Graham, Huntsville, Ala.

Arrears to the 4th of March 1833. 200.00 Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sept. 33. 50.00

$250.
Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832.

Recorded by Wm, R. Palmer   Clerk, 
Book E     Vol 8   Page 45
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State of Alabama
Madison County
SS - On this 29 day of October 1832 personally appeared in open court before William J. Adair 
Judge of the circuit court of the County & State aforesaid now sitting, William Eddins, then a resident of the said County & State aged sixty eight years on Dec 17th (1831) & 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 June the Seventh 1832. That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers & served as herein stated. That in
the latter part of the year 1778 he thinks in the latter part of December of that year when he was about fifteen years of age he states his father was draughted [drafted] as a malitia [militia] man in a company commanded by Capt. William Freeman from the County of Alendale [Allendale] in the State of South Carolina when they then resided. --that he entered the service of the United States as a substitute in the place of his father at the age of about fifteen years & at the time above named he states the company was raised for the purpose of guarding & protecting a little town called Ninety-Six in said County, from the Tories, he states that they went on to Ninety six & remained
about three months then guarding the place under the command of Capt. Freeman at the end of which time the company was discharged & they returned home, he states that he has no recollection
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recollection of any of his company officers except his Captain as he has before stated. He further states that shortly after his return home he thinks in the month of April 1779 he entered the service of the U.S. as a volunteer in a Company commanded by Captain John Calhoun he states that the Company was raised for the purpose of opposing the Common enemies of the Country --British, Indians, & more particularly the Tories
who were then committing horrid depredation
through the County. He states that the Company
existing perhaps of about a hundred men marched up to Michael Blanes plantation near Saluda River adjacent to Swansys [Swancey's] ferry where they were stationed for six months during
which time they were constantly engaged scouting about through the country in pursuit of
the Tories.  He states that nothing of note took
place during this campaign, except that on one occasion Genl. Andrew Pickens came in with a company of men -- that they joined him & went down to Saluda old Town in pursuit of some noted Tories called Turner & drove them out of the County -- and that on another occasion under the command of the same Captain, they went up the Savannah River to Tugaloo river in pursuit of the Cherokee Indians & Tories, &  drove the Cherokee
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from the country-- he states they returned home
that Genl Andrew Pickens, Col Robert Anderson,
Majr. Samuel Taylor, were the commanding officers this campaign; that on another occasion his company joined Genl Pickins & that they went with about eight hundred men down towards Charleston crossed the Cockan Swamp when they took a good many Tory prisoners -from there they march across Bull Swamp & to the head of Edisto Swamp in pursuit of the Tories - [illegible] down to the plantation found Black, a noted Esq. who made his escape as they approached. -he states they then returned to their encampment at Blanes plantation where they remained occasionally scouting about through the country in pursuit of the Tories until the six months expired - when they were discharged, they returned home he thinks about the first of October 1779 - he joined a Company of Dragoons Commanded by Captain Robert Maxwell & Lieutenant William Mitchell - that the Company consisted of about three hundred men - he states he joined the Company in the County of Allendale in the state of South Carolina until the end of the war with Great Briton. After the Company was formed they marched up to
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Saluda river, then stationed at the plantation
of one Norris in Alaville County, where they remained occasionally reconnoitering the country until General Green came in with his army; he states however that before Genl. Green arrived that their Company of Dragoons had taken about thirty of the British Soldiers, that the British were then in Ninety-Six. That they continued scouting about through the County demolishing & distroying [destroying] the houses
of the tories on Little river & Mud lick that
they killed George Moore & shot J. Box two noted Tories --  that he the applicant guarded a noted Tory by the name of [Beverly] Robinson to the galles [galleys] who was hanged  -- He states that
when Genl Green came in the company of
Dragoons & Genl Pickens whole army joined
Genl Greens army -that they then went on to the -Siege Ninety-Six where the British army was
forted in & under the command Col Cruger ---
that he was at the siege of Ninety-Six --that Lord Rodden came on with a reinforcement to Col. Cruger, other armies came arriving then retreated & abandoned the siege, He states the Company of Dragoons in which the applicant belonged went in towards North Carolina with a view to join Genl Washington -until they heard of the defeat of Com.
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Wallace at Little York. He States however that after the abandonment of the Siege at Ninety six his company were greatly scattered & dispersed through the County & were not in actual service for about four months after the Siege but were not dismissed from service but having fled from the enemy were engaged assisting the women & children on towards the north in different routs [routes] until they heard of Wallaces defeat at Little York. When they all returned, which was he thinks in
the month of November 1781 to the best of his recollection - He states that immediately in their return they collected themselves together still under the command of Capt. Maxwell & Leut.  Mitchell rendezvoused at Benjamin Mitchells, plantation continued reconnoitering & guarding the frontiers from the Indians & Tories until February 1782. When with Genl Pickens Regiment they all set out on a tour after the Cherokee Indians & Tories, the Indians having joined the British. He states that Genl Andrew Pickens, Col Robert Anderson, & Major Saml. Taylor were some of the field officers that were along & commanded what was called the Long Coin Brigade - that they marched up Savannah river & escaped at the Cherokee ford, from thence across Broad river in Georgia -- thence up to
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& around Curahee Mountain up to Chota town on Chota Creek - where the applicant states himself & several others assisted in burying the bones of eleven of the American soldiers that had been murdered by the Indians, who had been taken prisoners at the ford of Long Cain with the baggage Wagons by a company of Jones command by Capt. Williams, only him given up to the Indians - He states they then marched up Chota Creek, & out at Chota gaso, where Capt. Maxwell & thirty five of his chosen Dragoons (the applicant being one & in front of the charge) charged through a town called Jogajoy - that the warriors fireing [firing] fled -he states they encamped there about one week reconnoitering about finding cribbs [cribs] of shell'd [shelled] corn & hollow trees for Shell'd [shelled] corn - from thence he states they marched to Quanasee at the three forks of Tennesee [Tennessee] river, took the corn and burnt [burned] it; he states that whilst here the applicant & twelve others were ordered to go to burn some ^indians^ cabbins [cabins] in sight of the town on the opposite side of the river - that when they were proceeding to do so  & as they approached the cabbins [cabins], they men fired on by a body of Indians - that two of the men (one by the name of George Patterson) men [illegible] from their  homes - they maintained their ground until about five.
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hundred men came to their relief - He states they encamped that night on the open of the mountains in sight of the town - that there fell a very heavy snow that night that it was half thigh [illegible] morning - From thence they marched to the Keerde Shee Town, burning several little villages in this way, where they killed  many Indians, & there they took Jack Doherty a half breed, prisoner, & killed a noted tory by the name of [illegible]. They encamped there for some time reconnoitered the county - Thence they marched to & took [illegible] town -encamped there for some time and took many cattle - from thence they marched towards the State of Georgia & while on this march & on the second morning of the march from this place, Genl Pickens sent about three hundred of the soldiers back to bring up a fine [illegible] that had tired down the evening before, this applicant states he was one of the number ordered back that on their way back they were attacked by a body of Indians that in this engagement this applicant discerned an Indian [illegible] to get a shot at him that he charged into an [illegible], the Indian broke, ran to the creek, jumped in dove under the water, after he rose the applicant states he shot him  - wounded him others of the soldiers came up an killed him - they then returned to the balance of the army & proceeded on their march to the State of Georgia [illegible]
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home about the last of April 1782, making a tour of about three months - He states that the this was a hard & fatigueing [fatiguing] campaign that the army lived on parched meal & Indian corn when they could get them  - He states they then remained at home ^about^ twelve months guarding the frontiers of the county continually under arms taking tories - That in the spring of 1783 in the month of April of that year. The Applicant states they then, (the whole Brigade) set out upon a tour to the lower part of the Cherokee nation  - That they crossed Savanah River, crossed Bread River took up Long creek, from thence to the Oconee River just before the mouth on the Apalachicola where Col Clarks Regiment from Georgia joined them & part of Col Keys regiment & par of Col Brandon's - from thence they march to the Chatahoocha [Chatahoochee] River crosed [crossed] at the old Anderson ford about three miles below Vanstown where forty five of the soldiers (the applicant being one) took Vanstown - From thence they march'd [marched] & took High tower town where they encamped for some time - Frome [from] thence they marched to another Town called Vanstown about the saddle of the nation when they encamped for some time & took several tory prisoners, wagoners & horses - when two rioted
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Tories named Sam Williams & Sam Willett
& Williams was
tried condemned and hanged. after remaining there some
time they marched to
Delacoa town, when they found a basket
full of white men scalps. from thence
to the Pine Log town and took it. Stationed
ourselves there for some time. About
two hundred men (the applicant one of the
number) went from there & took old
Coosa town on Coosa river. Returned  to the Pine Log town to the ballance of 
where an old Indian by the name of Serapin
came in interest for peace. He states
they then
ceased their hostilities against
the Indians & returned home, he thinks the 20th October 1783 being out this tour about five or six months. Where they were discharged. He states that the field officers were the same that he has mentioned before. That he has no documentary evidence of any of his services. But that he expects to be able to prove some of his times of service by the testimony of Joseph McClurky and Thomas Holland. That upon this  declaration and the following oaths he rests his claims to a pension and hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present
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present, & declars that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of state
Sworn to & subscribed the day & year aforesaid in open court L Mead clerk  William Eddins 
State of Alabama Madison County} This day personally appeared in open court Joseph McClusky & Thomas Holland The said McCluskey residing in Lincoln County in the state of Tennessee & the said Holland residing in the county of Limestone in state of Alabama who duly certify that they are well acquainted with the said William Eddison who has subscribed & sworn to the above declaration thy state that they believe him to be sixty eight years of age They further state they were with him in most of the campaigns which he has mentioned in his foregoing declaration that the facts set forth therein are substantially true that they have known him for a great many years that he has for many years been a clergyman of the Battist order & a man of undoubted piety & veracity. Joseph McClusky mark
sworn & subscribed to this 29 day of October 1832 in open court
Thomas Dillard
L Mead clerk
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State of Alabama  We James Childers a clergy Madison County man residing in the county of Lincoln in the state of Tennessee & state Rhodes residing in said county and state do certify that we are well acquainted with the said William Eddins and who has subscribed and sworn to the above & foregoing the declaration, that we believe him to be sixty eight years of age, that he is reputed and believed to be in the neighborhood he resides. To have been a soldier of the revolution and we concur in that opinion that the said Absolem states he has been acquainted with the said William Eddins for about thirty years. That the said James Childers states that he has known said William about seventeen years. They state that since their acquaintance with him he has been a minister of the gospel, a man of great piety and veracity.
Sworn and subscribed to this 29th day of October 1832 in open court
L Mead McClaskley James Childers
Absolom Rhodes
And its the opinion of after meeting 
presented by
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[Illegible - This whole page is too light to complete a transcription]
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[left side of page]
commissioned and sworn; that his commission was dated on the 23rd
day of March 1835 and will expire as soon after the lst  Monday in
March 1838 as his successor shall be duly qualified; and that his signature above written is genuine.

Given under my hand and the seal of said county this the 7th day of November 1837

Richd B Purdom, Clerk

[right side of page]

William Eddins
Widow

act 7th June 1837

Decatur, Ala.
491.1837
Box 5
C- 5

[illegible rectangular stamp]
FINAL PAYMENT VOUCHER
                      FROM GAO
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The State of Alabama
Madison County

Be it known that before me John J Coleman, a Justice of the peace in and for the county aforesaid, personally appeared Hannah Eddins, and made oath in the form of law that she is the widow and relict of William Eddins, deceased, who is the identical person named in an original Certificate in the possession of the said William Eddins at the time of his Death, and now is in the possession of this affiant, of which I certify the following is a lone copy: "War Department Revolutionary Claim. I certify that in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7th June 1832, William Eddins of the State of Alabama, who was a Dragoon in the Army of the Revolution, is entitled to receive One Hundred Dollars, per annum, during his natural life, commencing on the 4th of March 1831 and payable semi-annually on the 4th of March and the 4th of September, every year. 
[seal]
Given at the War Office of the United States this 12th day of August One Thousand Eight Hundred and Thirty Three
Lew Cass
Secretary of War

Examined and countersigned
JL Edwards, Commissioner of Pensioned. Numbered on the back of the seal thus] "No.19.664." Endorsed thus] Payments to be made at Mobile by Pt. U.S. Br. Bank, agent for paying Pensioners in the Agency of Alabama -- Recorded in the Pension Office, in Book E. Vol. 8, Page 45 by Wm R. Palmer, Clerk." That the said William Eddins resided at the time of his death in Lincoln County in the State of Tennessee and had resided there for the space of about Three years, and that previous thereto he resided in Madison County in the State of Alabama; That the said William Eddins departed this life in the said county of Lincoln and state of Tennessee on the Twenty Eight Day of July in the year of Our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred and Thirty Seven, leaving the said affiant as his widow and relict: That she now surrenders the said Original Certificate and claims all the benefits arising therefrom, according to the provisions of the Act of Congress in such cases made and provided.
Hannah [her X mark] Eddins

Sworn and subscribed this the 7th Day of November 1837 before me
John J Coleman JP [seal]

Witness:
B. Boggett
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I, Richard B Purdom, clerk of County Court of Madison County in the State of Alabama, certify that John J Coleman is Magistrate in above and that the foregoing signatures, purporting to be his, is genuine.

In Testimony whereof I hereunto affixed my seal of the Office and subscribed my name this the 7th Day of November in the year 1837.
Rich. B Purdom, Clerk of the County Court of Madison County in the State of Alabama

The State of Alabama
Madison County
Orphans Court of said County: Special Term therefore held on Tuesday 7th November 1837.
"This day personally appeared in Open Court before the Judge thereof, Hannah Eddins who represents herself to be the widow of William Eddins, Deceased, late of Lincoln County in the State of Tennessee, who was in his lifetime a Pensioner of the United States, as appears by a Certificate of Pension now produced and surrendered by the said Hannah Eddins, bearing duly at the War Office the Twelfth Day of August 1833, numbered 14.669 signed by Lew, Cass, Secretary of War, entitling the said William Eddins, who was a Dragoon in the Army of the Revolution, to receive One Hundred Dollars per annum during his natural life &; and appearing to the satisfaction of the said court upon proof made, that the said Hannah Eddins is the widow of William Eddins, Deceased, the identical person named in the said Cerificate; and further that the said William Eddins departed this life in Lincoln County in the State of Tennessee on eh 28th day of July 1837, the same is ordered to be recorded on the minutes of said Court"
I Richard B Purdom, Clerk of County Court (which is also the Orphan Court of Madison County in the State of Alabama, do hereby certify that the above and foregoing entry contains in correct copy and full transcript of all the proceedings had in said Orphans Court aforesaid tending and concerning the application of Hannah Eddins, widow and relict of William Eddins Deceased, late of Lincoln County in the State of Tennessee, to draw the arrearages of Pension due to the said William Eddins Deceased at the time of his Death; and of all orders and records made in said Court in any manner relating to the same.
In Testimony of all which, I have hereunto affixed my seal
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of Office, and subscribe my name of my Office in Huntsville in said County this the 7th Day of November in the year of Our Lord 1837.
Richd. B. Purdom, Clerk of the County Court of Madison County in the State of Alabama

Know all men by these presents that I, Hannah Eddins of the County of Madison in the State of Tennessee, widow and relict of William Eddins Deceased, late of said Lincoln County, a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States, do hereby constitute and appoint William S. Compton, my lone and lawful attorney, for me and my name to receive from the Agent of the United Stated for paying pensions in Decatur, State of Alabama, the Pension of the said William Eddis Deceased from the 4th day of September 1835 to the 28th day of July 1827, due to me in consequence of the Death of the said William Eddins. Witness my hand and seal
Hannah [her X mark] Eddins

Sealed and delivered in presence of B. Boggett

The State of Alabama
Madison County
Be it known that on the 7th Day of November 1837 before the Subscriber, a Justice of the Peace in and forsaid County, personally appeared Hannah Eddins above named, widow and relict of William Eddins Deceased late of Lincoln County in the State of Tennessee, and acknowledged the foregoing Service of Attorney to be her act and deed. In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand the Day and year last above mentioned.
John J. Coleman, JP

I, Richard B. Purdom, Clerk of the County Court of Madison County in the State of Alabama, certify that John J, Coleman is a Magistrate as above, and that the foregoing signature, purporting to be his, is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my seal of Office and subscribed my name this 7th Day of November in the year 1837.
Rich. B. Purdom, Clerk of the County Court of Madison County in the State of Alabama
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The State of Alabama
Madison County
Be it known on the 20th Day of November 1837, before the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace in and for said county, personally appeared William S Compton, the attorney named in the foregoing Power of Attorney and made oath that the same was not given by reason of any sale, transfer, or Mortgage of the Pension, or arrears of Pension therein authorized by him.
William S. Compton

Sworn and subscribed tthe day and year last above mentioned, before me.
Chas, L. King, JP

Signature of the Magistrate John J. Coleman JP, Jus Peace
The State of Alabama
Madison County
I Richard B. Purdom, Clerk of the County Court of the County and State aforesaid do hereby certify that John J. Coleman is a Justice of the Peace in and for said county duly commissioned and sworn; That his commission was dated on the 23rd day of March 1835 and will expire as soon after the 1st Monday in March 1838 as his successor shall be duly qualified; and that his signature above is genuine.
Given under my hand and the seal of said county this the 7th day of November 1837. Rich. B. Purdom, Clerk
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[Stamp ...the print is too light to be transcribed]
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BRANCH OF THE BANK OF THE STATE OF ALABAMA, AT DECATOR.
November 20 1837

Received of Herace Greene; Agent for Paying Pensions, One hundred & Ninety DOLLARS, ___ CENTS, Being for one year one month,& twenty four days Pension due to Wm. Eddins, from the fourth day of Sept. 1835 to the twenty eighth day of July 1837

For which I have Signed Duplicate Receipts. 

$190---         William S. Compton, Attorney
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22.494  19669
William Eddins
Alabama

[illegible] 2 years _ dragoon
$100
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WAR DEPARTMENT
Pension Office


Sir:

The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has
been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of
your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules and 
the subjoined notes you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed,
before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will show what 
is necessary to be done. 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.

A STATEMENT, showing the Service of William Eddins

Period when the     Duration of the         Rank of     Names and rank of the Field of-    Age at present,    Proof by which
service was             claimant's service       the         ficers under whom he served.        place of abode.    the declaration
rendered.                 Year Months Days   Claimant                                                              when he entered   is supported
                                                                                                                                                      the service
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         1778                              3                        pri                  Cap Freeman                                   68 years        
         1779                              6                          "                   Cap Calhoun                                   Lunenburg
Oct   1779                   3                                Dragoons         Cap Maxwell                                        Co. Va


I am respectfully,

Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
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                                                                                                 2

                                                      REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been constructed to extent, 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 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, etc., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefit 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 the Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicants reside. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.

                                                                   DECLARATION
In order to obtain the benefits of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
                                            State Territory, or District of
                                             County of
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 offices:

(Here set forth the names and ranks of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service ; (and if he server under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particlar period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.)

He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever 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 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 name 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 the State Troops of Virginia, will make and
subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz: 

(k) We, A.B., a Clergyman, residing in the                             and C.D. residing in (the same) hereby certify that we are well acquainted with , who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we 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. 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 Court of do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the orginal proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of for pension.

 In testimony whereof, I 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 orginal 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 hid personal knowledge of the service oh the applicant, and such circumstance connected therewith as may have a tendency to throw lightupon 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 material facts, which can be used in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his
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alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person 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, it 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 ol 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 Reginents as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.
6.
(To a Soldier. Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it?
(To an Officer. Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.

The Court will see that 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 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 certity to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.

The traditionary evidence of service is deened very important, in the absence of any direct proof except the declaration of the party.
And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the inquiry whether the belief is general or 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 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 ofice, 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 genine signature.

No payments can be made upon account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case
of death subsequent thereto,and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the
opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
(a) The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
(b) The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so , he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
(c) The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
(d) The declarant must mention the period of the war when he served.
(e) Every continental officer or soldiers must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A.B. who, being duly sworn depots and saith, that by reason of ld age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positive as to the precise length of his service; but according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the period mentioned below, and in the following grades: ---For____year_____month____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 service. The use of the phrase about three or four months, is too indefinite and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. ome persons who apply for pensions mere state they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must begin every case, be clearly shown under what officer the applicant severed; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corp 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 n 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 fix 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 certified officer, should accompany the papers.
                                                      
                                                       Mode of authenticating papers.

In every instance where the certifing officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certiicate 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 case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must verify 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.
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 traditionury 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.
Page 26

July 18, 1932
BA-J/ MLB
XXXXXXXXX
WILLIAM EDDINS
S. 32230

Mrs. D. B. Hollingsworth
Edgefield
South Carolina

Dear Madam: 

Reference is made to your letter relative to Benjamin and William Eddins, soldiers of the Revolutionary War, and who,
you state, were pensioners. 

The data contained herein were obtained from the papers on file in pension claim, S. 32230, based upon the Revolutionary
War service of William Eddins.

William Eddins, son of Benjamin, was born December 7, 1763,
in Lunenburg County, Virginia. 

While living in Abbeville County, South Carolina, he enlisted
the latter part of December, 1778, and served about three months
as private and substitute for hls father in Captain William Freeman's South Caroline company, and was engaged in guarding the town of Ninety Six against the Indians and Tories. He volunteered in April, 1779, and served until about Ootober 1, 1779, as a private in Captain John Calhoun's company, Colonel
Robert Anderson's South Carolina regiment.  Immediately on his return home in October, 1779, he joined a company of dragoons commanded by Captain Robert Marwell and Colonel Robert Anderson.  was in the siege of Ninety Six and servod until the
last of April, 1782.  He enlisted in April, 1783, and served until October 20, 1783, as a private in Captain Robert Maxwell's company, Colonel Robert Anderson's regiment in General Andrew Pickens' brigade, and was in the expedition against the Cherokee Indians. At one time William Eddins and
Page 27

his father were taken prisoners by the British. Willian made 
his escape but his father was held prisoner for a whole winter
at Ninety Six and his property confiscated.

William  Eddins was allowed pension on his application executed 
October 20, 1332, at which tine he was living on
Limestone Creek,sixteen miles north of Huntsville, Madison County,  Alabama.  At that time he stated that he had been a Baptlat preachor for nearly forty years. He then signed Willian Eddins, Senior.

In 1832 the soldier referred to his wife who died November
17, 1832, at the age of sixty-two years, and to his daughter, the youngest child, who had been an invalid for nearly thirty years, but did not state their names.

There are no further family data in the claim.

A careful search of the Revolutionary War records of this office fails to show a claim for pension or bounty land on file on account of the service of Benjamin Eddins. You are requested to furnish any data you may have in your possession relative to the alleged pension, particularly the List upon which you found his name.

Very truly yours


A. D. Hiller
Assistant to Administrator

-     2   -
Page 28

Rev. War Section.


December 19,1918.

Lucy E. Critz,
Care Home Dem. Agt.,
U. S. Dept. of Agriculture & Economics,
Pine Bluff, Arkansas.

Madam:

In response to your letter dated the seventh instant, you are herewith furnished the history of William Eddins, Survivor's File No. 32,830 Rev. War, and advised , that this Bureau is unable to furnish the full history of a soldier of the Revolution unless a claim for pension or bounty land has
been made on account of his services; and as a careful search of the Revolutionary War records, fails to show suoh a claim for Benjamin Eddins, there is no information on file concerning him other than that contained in the above cited claim of his son William Eddins.
Very respectfully,

(signature illegible)
Acting Commissioner.
Page 29

In reply  to your request of                                       , received
Statement of the military history of                                          
        er of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired
information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pen-
son on file in this Bureau. 
DATES OF                                                                          OFFICERS UNDER WHOM
ENLISTMENT OR.              LENGTH OF          RANK.        SERVICE  WAS RENDERED.       STATE
APPOINTMENT.                  SERVICE                                  Captain          Colonel









Battles engaged in,
Residence of soldier at enlistment, 
Date of application for pension,
Residence at date of application,
Age at date of application,
Remarks:



Respectfully,


Commissioner
Page 30

Edgefield SC
June 23 - 32
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sir
Benj and William Eddins
both drew a Pension while
living in the state of Ala
They were natives of Va.but came
to 96 District S C before the Rev War
and served in this state S.C.
lived near Old [illegible] bridge
the first County seat of the Dist.
S C

William was age 70 and a
resident of Madison Co. Ala in 1833.
Roll Vol XIV Ser. Doc. 514
23 Congress / Sess, 1833 - 4,

Benj Eddins was in prisoned
at 96 by Col Cruger Comd. of
the British Station.

With  many thanks,
Mrs D B Hollingsworth
Page 31

Rev Ser
[illegible] Bluff
Dec 1, 1918
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington DC
Dear Sir:

I [illegible faded] send [illegible] data regarding one Wm Eddins who was born about 1763 or 64 and who was pensioned for services under Gen Pickens in South Carolina. Also please let me know if one Benj Eddins the father of Wm Eddins was also pensioned
Thanking you in advance for the courtesy of an early reply
I am 
Very respectfully
Lucy E Critz
Co Homr Den Agt
US Dept Agn & Ec

[stamped 
PENSION
illegible]
Page 32

[Left side of page]

32230
Revy 

[Stamp] 

INVALID.
_______
File No.--- [Illegible]
William Eddins
Dragoon Rev War

Act: June 7th '32

Index: -Vol. 2.      , Page 190 

[Arrangement of 1870]

[Right side of page]

1918 Dec. 19. Hist. to Lucy E. Critz
1932 July 18 Hist to Mrs.
D.B. Hollingsworth MLB
Page 33

William Eddins [illegible]
Declaration for Pension
Madison County
Alabama.
Page 34

William Eddins [illegible]
Statement
Page 35

State of Tennessee  October 17th 1832   Bedford County

The undersigned residing in the State and County ┃
said do hereby certify that he has been acquainted with Will
am Eddins of the County of Madison and State of Alabama
between fifty and sixty years that we were school boys together
but have not been neighbors since our growing up during
which time he has supported the character of a man of
honesty truth and integrity and I have just cause to believe
that he was an active soldier in the Revolutionary War altho
I can not recollect the time and place when and where we
were together yet I feel confident that I have seen him in
the actual service of his Country, but on account of the
memory failing I can not now distinctly point
out, after such a long lapse of time, but from a letter
received from him a few days ago, and from circumstances
 stated in it.  I have no doubt but what we were
in an Indian campaign under the command of General
Pickens in the Cherokee Nation and I also think we
were together elsewhere
 Matt Martin
Sworn to and subscribed
before this 17th October 1832
LS Neill Justice of the Peace
Page 36

To the Secretary of the
War Department Pension
Office  Mr Lewis Cass

Washington City,
Page 37

write these few lines to the Secretary of the war Department and other gentlemen who may be with you that when I came to look at the opinion of the Court there was a mistake or rather a misunderstanding in respect of Brother Absalom Roads being a Clergyman. He is not but an old standing member in the baptist Church who has known me upwards of thirty years he is a man of a good Character a Do not
want any thing done wrong through a mistake to which the best of men is liable the brother Childers mentioned is a in Good Repute and I myself that him has preached together about seventeen years and attended the Churches ordaining Ministers & Deacons and setting things in order there I and my Dear father whose soul I hope is now in Heaven was taken with many others of the Whigs prisoners by the British. I had the good fortune to make
my Escape shortly after taken. They kept my father one whole winter & numbers in ninety six jale wile there they plundered his property, negroes & horses carried them off & he never got them any more was though the whole Revolution war & never got paid and I have been attached the baptist Church upwards of forty years have never Received any Contribution but have preached the Gospel near forty years and worked for my Living with my family and have a Daughter the the youngest Child that has been on our lands afflicted with fits near 30 years. I Could not feel Clear to send my papers without serving you the Mistake made by the Court. Not blaming any my Dear wife Died and left me the 17th of November past ageed a bout 69 a wonderful ---fine woman and as I have no more at all present I pray the Lord to save the States of America bless our ruleing man, teach our senitors wisdom, & our Counsellers [illegible]
nothing more but to remain yours till Death
December the 3rd 1832.
William Eddins Senior
Page 38

The amended declaration of William Eddins Snr.
State of Alabama
Madison County SS.
On the 24th day of April 1833 personally appeared before me Horatio G. Perry Judge of the Circuit Court of said County now in session, William Eddins Snr. who being duly sworn  deposeth & saith that by reason of old age & the
consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise period & length of his service as a soldier of the revolution, but according to the best of recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below & in the following grades; "For three months I served as a private & as substitute in the place of my father Benjamin Eddins in a militia company commanded by Capt William Freeman commencing in the latter part of December 1778 & ending in the latter part of March or first of April 1779  - For six months I served as a volunteer in a company commanded by Capt. John Calhoun, & as a private, commencing as well as I can recollect in the month of April 1779 & ending in the month of October 1779. In the month of October 1779 I enlisted as a private in a regular company of Dragoons commanded by Capt Robert Maxwell, I enlisted until the end of the war, & was discharged in October 1783. I served as a private in this last named company commanded by Capt Maxwell & between the last named periods for at least three years & seven months, for which service I claim a pension; the applicant further states that he
was born in the County of Lunenburg in the State of
Page 39

Virginia on the seventh day of December 1762 has stated that his age is recorded in a bible which he now owns & has in his application taken from the records of his father He states that he recollects Capt Richard Polland of the regular army in the state of South Carolina he also recollects Col Hammond he is inclined to believe however that he was a militia colonel that he has no recollection of other officers except those mentioned in his original declaration thereto appended. He states that Thomas Holland one of the witness who testified who the applicants service in his original declaration has as he is informed lately been so crippled that he is incapable of attending at this time to give testimony He refers to his original application & the statement of Joseph McCluskey for his claims  to a pension sworn & subscribed to in open court this 24th day of April 1833
[illegible]
[illegible] Leland Clerk 
William Eddins senior
State of Alabama Madison county} This day personally appeared in opn court Joseph McClusky who is the same person who testified to the services of the applicant in his original declaration, & who being duly sworn desposeth & saith
Page 40

that he is well acquainted with the said William Eddins Senr who has subscribed & sworn to the foregoing amended declaration & original declaration that he believes him to be sixty eight years of age that he was with him in most of the services mentioned in his foregoing declaration that the faces therein stated are substantially true that he knows the said William Eddins senr performed the services mentioned by him in the company commanded by Capt Mexwell of regular dragoons he also recollects the service under capt Calhoun a volunteer company He states that he was not along with said Eddins when he was a substitute for his father in Capt Freemans company that no positive knowledge of that term of service, but that he has no hesitation in saying that he servd in the said company as he stated that he knew said Eddins at that time & it was then said believed that he served in said company the affiant refers to his statement in the original application afsaid Eddins as part of his statement sworn & subscribed to this 26th day of April 1833
Joseph his X mark McClusky
Sworn to in open court 
[illegible]
Jas Leland clerk
State of Alabama Madison county SS} And the said court doth hereby declare its opinion after the investigation
Page 41

of the matter & after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the war department that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier & served as he states in his amended declaration & his original declaration him to appended And the court further certifys that it appears to the court that Joseph McCluskey who has signed the preceeding certificate in relation to the amended declaration of the applicant & who has signed the certificate in relation to the original declaration of the applicant & that Thomas Holland who has signed the certificate in relation to the original declaration of the applicant hereunto appended are credible persons & that their statements are entitled to credit
Horation G Perry presiding judge
State of Alabama Madison county ss } I Lemuel Mead clerk of the circuit court of said county do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of William Eddins senr in relation to the amended declaration & original declaration of said Eddins for a pension. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand & affixed my seal of office this twenty fourth day of April 1833
L Mead
Page 42

{[Page is too light to be transcribed]


 have  in the taken in the     his part  of the letter
says: If you file.   over have up
Wife        of  age                 is one friend
as the law Commissions at the satisfactory    of for the
  duly                                            of  the war department                   
Lewes Cass if I am not deceived in the name

Wrote by the Hand of the [Illegible]
William Eddins Senior


To the Secretary of the 
War Department Pension
Office Mr Lewes Cass
Washington City
Page 43

[illegible] 
Department [illegible] office [illegible] 
to like our [illegible] know that [illegible]
[illegible] William Eddins [illegible]
Joseph McClusky [illegible] to the [illegible]
known by the name of the [illegible] under the command of 
General Andrew Dickens Colonel Robert Anderson & Major Samuel Parker [illegible] Commanders through the war I being 
a listed dragoon was commanded by captain Maxwell and 
Lieutenant William Mitchell during the [illegible] he was as [illegible]
[illegible] Refering you to my paper of application and [illegible] you 
[illegible] think that they do not a [illegible] some parts but you may
[illegible] that to the failure of memory in old brother Joseph McClusky 
and also [illegible] in [illegible] also to let you know that and also [illegible] in his [illegible] also to let you know that our 
country being the [illegible] war British Tories Indians murderers and 
[illegible] that we paid to be out in [illegible] of and [illegible]
Had to find our own clothes [illegible] must [illegible] 
approvisons for ourselves & the [illegible] other thing but [illegible] ched 
co [illegible] to eat when we went into the Cherikee Nation we lived upon the indian battle & porched corn meal porched corn 
Also we desire that if we should be thought by our sons worthy soldiers of Haveing pay allowed us according to the provision made by the act June the 7th (1832) or a pension that it could be as near to wheare we live as possible as we are so old for if we Have to go to two or three hundred miles to Draw our money there is numbers that will not be able therefore if judge C Clay is informed we can know as He will do our business with please also be in form you that brother Sturdy Garner whose papers is with mine & McCluskys De [illegible] to write to you also as He lives not very far from me and has lived in the baptist church under my pastor and care and a Deacon in the church and he lives in Madison hath at Huntsville the he wished return to come to Huntsvill with mine that may know what you please to do for us Joseph McClusky [illegible] in Tennessee Madison County just over the line from Madison county state of Alabama T Holland livee a bout 12 miles rest of me as I live on Limestone Creek 16 miles North of Hunts ville as have nothing more at present but to Hennison your I can forsaid bill Last October the 30th 1832) N 3 we all have in this an it was intended for Hollands papers to be sho credit is same on 
{Sturdy Garner) Wm Eddins senior
Joseph McClusk
Thomas Holland
Page 44



Payments to be made
at Mobile
by [illegible] C. and M Bank
Agent for paying Pensioners
in the Agency of
Alabama.




Recorded in the Pension Of-
fice, in Book E. Vol. 8.
Page 45 by Wm. R. Palmer
Clerk.
Page 45

WAR DEPARTMENT.
Revolutionary Claim.

I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States
of the 7th June, 1832, William Eddins of the state of Alabama

who was a Dragoon in the Army of the Revolution

is entitled to receive one hundred dollars per annum, during his natural life, commencing on 

the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi-annually on the 4th of March, and
4th of September, in every year. 

GIVEN at the War Office of the United
States, this - Twelfth day of
August one thousand eight
Hundred and thirty-three.


Secretary of War

Lew Cass [signature]

EXamined and}
Countersigned.}

J  L  Edwards

Commissioner of Pensions.