Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 25,270, Matthew Bowles, Va. U.S.A And War Of 1812
Page 1

Number
W. 25,270 
B.L. Nt. 79,533-160-55
Page 2

Order to pay 28 Sept. 1836
Letter 19 Sept. 1837 J. [unreadable]
Dead
Letter to W. S. Lamb 26th January 1859
Kentucky 7476
Mathew Bowles
of Grace Co in the State of Kentucky 
who was a private in the company commanded by Captain Pearson of the Reg Z commanded
by _____ in the Z a 
in for 11 mos
Inscribed on the Roll of Kentucky
at the rate of 36 Dollars 66 Cents per annum
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831. 
Certificate of Pension issued the 16 day of April 
1883 and sent to Jack Thomas Litchfield
Arrears to the 4th of March $73.32
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sept
16.33
89.65
{Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832.
Recorded by Daniel Boyd Clerk
Book E Vol. 7 Page 3
Page 3

Date of death
not accurate
h511
Illinois
Nancy Bowles, 
Widow of
Va Matthew Bowles
who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a Private, 
ascribed on the Roll at the rate
3h. dollars bb,
cents per annum, to commence
on the 3d February, 1853. 
Certificate of Pension issued
13th, day of Dec. 1858. 
and sent to 
[] Robert Smith
[]
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act
February 3, 1953, Page 242, Vol. H.
Page 4

46 428 Act Mar. 2 11
June 25, 16
Nancy Bowles wid. of
Matthew Bowles, pens
Capt [illegible]
Va. ma

Rev'y. war
Pend. Ky. Agency.
Ad: 160 Acs Apl 6" 1855,
"Boynton"
Ills Ins Letz
Special R.
Hon: Ro: Smith
H: Rep:

Wtno 79, 533 issd. April 7/55

Jas W Catehun Oct 8/56
Page 5

Matthew Bowles
Declaration for
a Pension
22536

[Written upside down on bottom of page]

{Seal} In testimony whereof I have herein
to set my hand and Seal of Office
this 28th day of January 1883
Jack Thomas
Page 6

State of Kentucky
Grayson County [unknown]
On this 28th day of January 1833
I personally appeared in Open Court before Charles
H. Stuteville, William Bowles, George W. Neighbors and
Henry Litsey.
The Court of Grayson County and State of Kentucky
now sitting Matthew Bowles a resident of Grayson
County and State of Kentucky aged 70 years who
being first duly sworn according to law doth on
his oath make the following declaration in order to 
obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed
June 7th 1832, that he entered the service of the
United States in the Revolutionary war in the Spring
of the year 1779 under the Command of Capt Pearce
in the militia of the state of Virginia as a substitute
for his father William Bowles, he the said William
Bowles being drafted for a tour of six months
and he said Matthew Bowles took his place
as a substitute being then about 17 years of age
he was marched from James City County in the state 
of Virginian to Williamsburg Virginia in order to guard
the public property and garrison at that place
after staying there some time he together with others were sent
off to break up the bridges and water crafts on the 
Chickahomeny River and its waters also to keep the negroes and
disaffected men in that section under subjection
and after destroying the bridge and were then
marched back to Williamsburg, then they were
marched down to Hampton about 48 miles below
Williamsburgh and they had a skirmish with a
Page 7

British man of war in attempting to land, and
which vessel was prevented from landing, they were
then marched back to Williamsburg and there were 
stationed until discharged, in which town he served
5 months being discharged a short time before the 
expiration of the 6 months.- That in the year
1780 he volunteered un the command of Capt
Edward Power for three months and was kept 
as a guard to keep the negroes and disaffected
men under subjection and served the three
months out.- That in the year  1781 he volun
-teered in the Militia of the state of Virginia in
York County under Capt James Shield for the
term of three months, and was marched to Little
York and was there at the time of the surrender
of Cornwallis and his Army, and served at this time 
three months. That he saw Cornwallis surrender
his sword to Gen. Washington.- That he was 
born in Ireland and that his father came to
America when he was about five years old and
settled in James City County  in the state of 
Virginia and was living there when he entered
the service of the Revolutionary war- That 
after the Revolutionary war he lived in Richmond
Virginia about three years and the he lived
at other places in Virginia, and then he moved
to Kentucky and has lived there ever since except
Page 8

about 8 years he was in the service of the United 
States as a soldier including the late war. That
he now lives in Grayson County Kentucky and has
lived there about 11 years. That he has no
documentary evidence and that he knows of no
person whose testimony he can procure who can
testify to his service-
He hereby reliquishes every claim whatever 
to a pension or annuity except the present and
declares that his name is not on the pension roll
of the agency of any state.
Sworn and Subscribed the day and year aforesaid
Matthew Bowles [ Signature]

We William Bolding clergymen residing in the County of
Hardin and State of Kentucky and Phillip Fulkerson
____________  ____________ residing in the county of
Grayson and State aforesaid hereby certify that we are
well acquainted with Matthew Bowles who has
subscribed and sworn to the above Declaration, that
we believe him to be 70 years of age that he
is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where
he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution
and that we concur I that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
William Bolding  [Signature]
Phillip Fulkerson  [Signature]

And the said court do hereby declare their opinion
after the investigation of the matter, and after putting
Page 9

the interrogations 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 William Bold
-ing who has signed the preceding certificate is a
Clergyman resident in Hardin County and state of
Kentucky and that Philip Fulkerson who has also 
signed the same is a resident of Grayson County
 State of Kentucky and is a credible person and that
their statement is entitled to credit
I Jack Thomas clerk of the county court of
Grayson County do hereby certify that the foregoing
contains the original proceedings of the said
court in the matter of the application of Matthew
Bowles for a Pension

{Seal}      In testimony where of I have herein
                to set my hand and Seal of Office
                this 28th day of January 1833
                 Jack Thomas [Signature]

[The following is written upside down on bottom of page]
Matthew Bowles
Declaration for
a Pension
22536
Page 10

Nancy Bowles
widow of
Mathew Bowles
[illegible word]
Revolutionary pen
-sioner at Lexington
Kentucky
On 3rd Feb 1853


Jno H McCutchen
Present
Page 11

State of Illinois}      In County Court
Green County}       March 21 AD 1856
Present Hon. Charles D. Hodges County Judge
On this 21 day of March AD one thousand and Eight hundred and
fifty six personally appeared before said County Judge within for
the County and State aforesaid, in open Court at the March Term
AD 1856.  Nancy Bowles aged about 66 years a resident of the
County of Green and State of Illinois, who first being duly sworn
according to Law doth on an oath make the following
declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the Act of Congress
passed the 3rd day of February 1853. That she is the widow of the
identical Matthew Bowles deceased who was a private in the company
commanded by Captain------- Pearson in the regiment of Virg-
inia Militia commanded by Col------ in the war
of the Revolution, that her said husband entered the Service
at the State of Virginia and actually performed a tour of
Service in said war as this affiants verily believe, as will
appear now fully by reference to the proofs on file at the rep-
argument at Washington in the Case of the Pension Claim of her
said husband, that her said husband was allowed and drew
a pension at the rate of ninety six dollar per annum, according 
to the best of her knowledge and belief, he resided at the time of making
application for said pension at Grayson County State of Kentucky,
and drew his pension money at Lexington State of Kentucky. 
She further sates she was married to the said Matthew Bowles
at Grayson County State of Kentucky on or about the 4th day
of April AD 1826 by one Hugh Cole a minister of the
Gospel, and that her name before her said marriage was Nancy
Chism, that her said husband died at the County of Perry and State of Indiana on or
about the 24th day of March 1837, and that she is now a widow.
She declares that she has no positive recollection of shat dispos-
inion was made with the Pension Certificate of her husband after
his death.
Subscribed and sworn to
before me this 21 March AD 1856                                    my 
Charles D. Hodges                                               _____Nancy Bowles____       
Court Judge of Green County                                        mark
Page 12

State of Illinois}       On this 21 day of March AD 1856 person-
Green County}         ally appeared before me Charles D. Hodges County
Judge within and for the County and State a foresaid
the two persons whose names are hereunto subscribed residents of the County
of Green and State of Illinois who being duly sworn according to Law declare
that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged in our
presence by Nancy Bowles who is the widow of Matthew Bowles des.
who was a soldier in the war of the revolution she said widow
was married to the said Matthew Bowles dec., at the Court of Grayson
and State of Kentucky on or about the 4th day of April AD 1826,
by one Hugh Cole a Clergyman, that the name of said widow before
her said marriage aforesaid was Nancy Chasm that the said
Matthew Bowles according to the best of their knowledge and belief died
at Perry County State of Indiana on or about the 24th day of
March 1837, and that she is still a widow, that they were
well acquainted with the parties during the lifetime of her hus-
band, and knew then to be husband and wife and to be so reputed
and they swear that they are dis interested witness
my mark
James Boyles[Signature]
Amelia A Huffman [Signature]
and also at the same time personally appeared William
Bowles a resident of the County of Green and State of Illinois who
being duly sworn according to Law declares that the said
Matthew Bowles who was a revolutionary pensioner, died at
Perry County in the State of Indiana on or about the 24
day of March 1837- and that the said Nancy Bowles is still a
widow, that he of his own personal knowledge knows  that 
the soldier died at or about the time stated, and that his is a 
a dis interested witness.
Wm Bowles

The foregoing declaration and affidavits were sworn to and subscribed
before me in open Court the day and year above written
and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons
that the claimant is the person she represents herself to be and that I have
no interest in this claim.
Charles D. Hodges[Signature]
County Judge of Green County
Page 13

State of Illinois}
Green County}    I Francis P Vidder Clerk of the 
County Court and ex officio recorder of Civil [Commissions-?]
in and for said Court do hereby certify thus Charles
D. Hodges Esq. before sworn the foregoing declaration and
affidavits wer made; was taken in open Court and
and on the day and date thereof was the presiding
Judge of the County Court in and for the County and
State aforesaid duly Elected Commissioned and 
qualified, and that full faith and credit is, and 
of right right to be given to all his official acts as
such that his signature is given and that I have no interest in in thus claim
In testimony whereof I have hereunto
set my hand and affixed the seal 
of said Court at Carrollton this
21st day of March AD 1856
Francis P. Vidder Clerk
Page 14

State of Illinois}
Greene County}  I Francis P Vidder Clerk of the
County Court and ex officio records of Civil [Commissions-?]
in and for said County do hereby certify thus Charles
D. Hodges Esq. before sworn the foregoing declaration and
affidavits were made; was taken in open Court and
and on the day and date thereof was the presiding
Judge of the County Courty in and for the County and
State aforesaid duly Elected Commissioned and 
qualified, and that full faith and credit is, and 
of right right to be given to all his official acts as
such that his signature is given and that I have no interest in their claim
In testimony whereof I have hereunto
set my hand and affixed the seal
of said Court at Carrollton this 21st day of March AD 1856
Francis P. Vidder Clerk
Page 15

Marriage Register Grayson County Kentucky
Parties Names   Matthew C. Bowles and Nancy Chism
Date of Marriage      1826 April 4th         
By Whom Married   Hugh Cole Minister Gospel
                                                   
                                                                  
State of Kentucky}
Grayson County Sct}
I Edwin Thomas Clerk of the County
Court of the County aforesaid to Certify that
the above is a true copy of the Record of 
the Marriage of Matthew C. Bowles and
Nancy Chism, taken from the Marriage
Register on file in my office.
{Seal}    In Testimony whereof
I have hereunto set my hand
affixed the seal of said
County Court done at Litch-
field this 25 day of April
1856.  Edwin Thomas Clerk
Grayson County Court
Page 16

Marriage Register Grayson County Kentucky
Parties Names   Matthew C. Bowles and Nancy Chism
Date of Marriage   1826  April 4th
By Whom Married     Hugh Cole Minister Gospel

State of Kentucky}
Grayson County Sct}
I Edwin Thomas Clerk of the County
Court of the County aforesaid do certify that
the above is a true Copy of the Record of
the Marriage of Matthew C Bowles and
Nancy Chism, taken from the Marriage
Register on file in my office.
In Testimony whereof
I have hereunto set my hand
and affixed the Seal of said
County Court done at Litch-
field this 25 day of April
1856. Edwin Thomas Clerk
Grayson County Court
Page 17

Nancy Bowles
widow of
Matthew Bowles
decd.
Revolutionary
Pensioner at
Lexington Ky
{ Bonny  Illegible signature}
Oct 3rd March [unknown]
247.428


Jno H McCutchen
Present
Page 18

Sate of Illinois}          On this 21 day of March A.D. 1856 personally
County of Green}      appeared before me Marshal S. Cory justice of
the Peace within and for the County and State aforesaid. Nancy
Bowles aged 66 years, a resident of the County of Green and the
State of Illinois, who being duly sworn according to Law, declares;
that she is the widow of Matthew Bowles, deceased, who was a
private in the company commanded by Captain Pearsons, in
the regiment of Virginia Militia commanded by Colonel _______
___________ in the War of the Revolution.
That her said husband entered the Service in Virginia on, or about,
as stated in his papers, on which he drew a pension, to which she re-
fers for proof, on the ____ day of ________A.D. ______ as will appear by
the papers on which he drew his pension at Lexington Kentucky.
She further states that she was married to the said Matthew
Bowles in the County of Grayson, State of Kentucky or or about the
4th day April A.D. 1826; the ceremony was performed by Hugh
Cole a minister of the gospel, and that her name before her marriage
was Nancy Chism,
that her said husband died at Perry County, State of In-
diana, on or about the 24 day of March A.D. 1837, and that she is
still a widow. She has never applied for nor received land under any
act of Congress. She has not married since the death of her said
husband.
She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining
the bounty lands to which she may be entitled under the act
approved the _____ day of____ 185__, She also declares
that she has never applied for nor received, under this or any other
act of Congress any Bounty Land Warrant, and she hereby
points John H. McCutchen Atty at Law Washington City
D.C. her attorney [unknown] her claim, and to receive her warrant
when of said.
My mark  x
Nancy Bowles
Page 19

State of Illinois}      On this 21 day of March AD 1856
County of Green}   personally appeared before me a justice of the
Peace within and for the County and State afore
Said the two persons whose names are hereunto subscribed residents of the
County of Green and State of Illinois, who being duly sworn according to to Law, declares that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged
in Our presence by Nancy Bowles who is the Widow of Matthew
Bowles deceased, who was a Soldier in the war of the Revolution.
The said widow was married to the said Matthew Bowles decd.
at Grayson County Kentucky, on or about the 4th day of April
1826, By one Hugh Cole a minister of the gospel; that the name
of the said widow before her said marriage aforesaid was Nancy
Chism; that her husband the said Matthew Bowles died at Perry
County, Indiana on or about the 24th day of March AD 1837
and that she is still a widow. They of their own personal knowledge know
that the soldier died at or about the time stated; that they were well
acquainted with the parties during the lifetime of the husband, and know
them to live together as husband and wife and were so reputed, 
and they swear that they are disinterested witnesses.
my mark x
James Boyles
Amelia A Huffman
The foregoing declaration and affidavit was sworn to and sub-
scribed before me on the day and year above written; and I ce-
tiny that I know the affiants to be credible persons; that the claim-
ant is the person she represents herself to be and that I have no interest 
in this claim.
Marshal J. Cory J.P.
Page 20

State of Illinois}
Green County}  I Francis P Vidder clerk of the
County Court and exofficio recorder of Civil Commi-
missions in and for said County do hereby certify that
Marshal S Cory Esq before whom the foregoing
declaration and affidavit were made is and was
at the time of taking the same and acting Justice
of the Peace in and for said County duly elected
commissioned and qualified and that full faith
and credit is, and of right ought to be given to
all his official acts as such and that his 
signature thereto is genuine-
In Testimony where of I have hereunto
set my hand and affixed the
Seal of said Court at Carrollton
this 21st day of March 1856
Francis P. Vidder Clerk
Page 21

Marriage Register Grayson County Kentucky
Parties Names    Matthew C Bowles  and Nancy Chism
Date of Marriage   1826  April 4th
By Whom Married   Hugh Cole Minister Gospel

State of Kentucky}
Grayson County Sct}
I Edwin Thomas Clerk of the County
Court of the County aforesaid do certify that
the above is a true Copy of the Record of
the marriage of Matthew C Bowles and
Nancy Chism; taken from the Marriage
Register on file in my office.
{Seal}    In Testimony Whereof I have
hereunto set my hand affixed 
the Seal of said County
Court done in Litchefield
this 25 day of April 1856
Edwin Thomas Clerk
Grayson County Court
Page 22

No 22536
Matthew Bowles
Ken-
Grace Co
from 1779 private
11 months
$36.66/100
Capt. Pearson
Va
Litchfield
Jack Thomas Clerk
Grayson County Court
Kentucky
Page 23

WAR DEPARTMENT
Pension Office,
183
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has
been examined, and the papers herewith returned. The following is a statement of
your case in tabular form.  On comparing these papers with the following rules, and
the subjcined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed,
before a pension can be allowed.  The notes and the regulations will shew what is
necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed,
you will find marked in the margin with a brace, ( thus: } ).  You will, when
you  return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and
you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your
claim.

A Statement, shewing the Service of Matthew Bowles Grayson Co Ken.
Period when service was readered.     Substi 1779 Spring
Duration of the claimant's service.      5 Months
Rank of the claimant.       Prv 
Name and Rank of the Company offers under who he served.   Capt Pearson
Names and Rank of General and Field officers.     -----
Battles in which applicant was engaged.      Skirmish
Country through which he marched.     Va
Place of abode when he entered the service, and the age at the present period.    Aged 70
Evidence by which the declaration is supported.   Traditionary

Period when the service was readered.    Vol 1780
Duration of the claimant's service.    3 months
Rank of the claimant.      "
Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served.   " Powers Jr
Names and Ran of General and Field officers.    -----
Battles in which the applicant was engaged.
Country through which he marched.
Place of abode when he entered the service, and the age at the present period
Evidence by which the declaration is supported.


Period when the service was readered.   " 1781
Duration of the claimant's service.     3 months
Rank of the claimant.    "
Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served.   "  Shield
Names and Rank of the General and Field officers.    -----
Battles in which the applicant was engaged.
Country through which he marched.   Va
Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period.
Evidence by which the declaration is supported.

I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. Edwards, 
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 24

2
Regulations Under the Act of June 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keeps, &c. Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who geived on board of Private Armed Vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in the

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

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

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

Proof of Service.
(j) In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
The notes from (a) to (i) are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note (j) applies to continental troops only.
(k) This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
(l) If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
(m) The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
Page 26

January 18, 1937
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BA-J/EEL
Mathew Bowles - W.25270
E. L. Ft. # 75635-145-85

Mrs. J Conway Bowles
1900 Clay Street
Vicksburg, Mississippi

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter in which you request information in regard to Mathew Bowles, Richard, John and Thomas Conway, Junior, all soldiers of the Revolutionary War from Virginia.

Because of the great demand for Revolutionary War data and the limited trained clerical force available for furnishing such information it is impossible to comply in full with such request pertaining to soldiers of that war. The record of Mathew Bowles is furnished herein as found in pension claim, W. 25270, based upon his services in the Revolutionary War.

Matthew Bowles was born in Ireland and was the son of William, and when five years of age came with his father to America and settled in James City County, Virginia. The date of his birth and the name of his mother are not shown.

While living in said James City County, Matthew Bowles enlisted in the spring of 1777, served in Captain Parson's Virginia Company, acted as a guard for the military stores and public property at Williamsburg, Virginia; was then sent to break up bridges and [illegible] craft on the [illegible] River and to keep the negroes and other disaffected people under [illegible] during this tour, he was in a skirmish at Hampton with a British vessel which was attempting to land and prevented the vessel from landing; he was discharged just before the expiration of six months service; in 1780, he volunteered and served three months in Captain Edward Power's Virginia Company; and in 1781, he enlisted in York County, Virginia, and served three months in Captain James Shield's Virginia Company; was at Yorktown when Cornwallis surrendered.

After the Revolution, he lived in Richmond for three years, then in several other places in Virginia, until his removal to the state of Kentucky, where, he stated, he had lived ever since

[handwritten]
Could not identify any of these officers
Page 27

except about 8 years he was in the service of the United States as a soldier including the late war. There are no further details in regard to this service.
  Matthew Bowles was allowed pension on his application executed January 28, 1833, at which time he was aged seventy years and resided in Grayson County, Kentucky, where he had lived eleven years. He signed Matthew Bowles but his widow stated that he sometimes signed Matthew C. Bowles. He was [illegible] on the pension roll as Mathew Bowls.
  He died March 24, 1837, in Perry County, Indiana.
  The soldier married April 4, 1826, in Grayson County, Kentucky, Nancy [illegible]. The date and place of her birth and names of her parents are not stated.
  Soldier's widow, Nancy, was allowed pension on her application executed March 21, 1856, at which time she was aged about sixty-six years and resided in Greene County, Illinois, on same date, Nancy Bowles applied for the bounty land which was due on account of the service of her husband in the Revolutionary War. She was granted one hundred sixty acres of bounty land on Warrant No. 79633 [or 79533], under the Act of March 3, 1855.
  In order to obtain information in regard to the location of the land cited above, you should address The Commissioner of the General Land Offices, Interior Department, this city, and furnish that official with the number of the warrant, the acreage and the act under which said warrant was issued.
  No reference was made to children.
  In 1856, James and William Bowles resided in Greene County, Illinois, and in 1856, one Matthew Bowles was a resident of Louisville, Kentucky; no relationship of any of these persons to the soldier and his wife was shown.
  In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, the name and address of person paid and possibly the date of death of the Revolutionary War pensioner, Nancy Bowles, widow of Matthew Bowles (W. 25270 [or 26270], you should address The Comptroller General, General  Accounting Office, Records Division, this city, and cite the following dates

[begin handwritten note]
I searched cards for bl [bounty land] act 1812 but could find no record that he may applied for bl [bounty land] for serving in U.S. Infty [Infantry]
[end handwritten note]
Page 28

[illegible]
Page 29

Vicksburg, Miss. January 14th 1937.
1900 Clay Street.

Veterans Administration,
Washington, D. C.
U. S. Pension Department.

Gentlemen:
  Will you please let me know names of children, wife or any relatives mentioned when pensions were drawn for the following men.
  This information is wanted purely for establishing D. A. R.

MATHEW BOWLES, living in Grayson County, Kentucky when pension was drawn in 1835, but previously was living in Virginia.

RICHARD CONWAY, from Madison County, Virginia, March 4th 1833 living in Henry County, Indiana, aged 72 years when pension was granted.

JOHN CONWAY, From Henry County, Virginia, Ensign, August 1780, under Captain Peter Hairston.

THOMAS CONWAY JR. From Fauquier County, Virginia, Captain, May 22nd, 1780. Officer of the Virginia Militia in the Revolutionary War.

  If information can be secured from your office regarding names of relatives, etc. this information will be greatly appreciated.
  Yours very truly,
Mrs. J. Conway Bowler-Artz

Mrs. Irene Conway Bowles-Artz,
1900 Clay Street,
Vicksburg,
Mississippi.

[stamped REC'D JAN 11 1937
MAIL SUB-DIV.]
Page 30

1937 - Jan 18. Hist to
Mrs J. C. Bowles Esq

Revy
WIDOW, &c.

File No. 25270
Nancy Bowles
wid. of
Matthew Bowles 
Priv. Rev. war

Act Feb 3d [3rd] 1853.
Index: Vol. A, Page 77
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 31

[illegible]
Page 32

Lexington Ky 9th Sept 1837

Dear Sir
  Mathew Bowles a pensioner of this State has a certificate under the law of 1832 dated 16th of April 1833 and mentioned 7476 for 36 66/100 he now resides at [illegible] Ind [Indiana] and states that he has a [illegible] due him of 18 33/100 [illegible] which has been omitted; hopes with a power of attorney to one found 4 Sept 34 to 4th Sept 1836 is from 36 to this date he has again but has [illegible] one half years

Payment [illegible] to 4 Sept 1834 remains due to him my object is an order for him to be paid the part omitted if it is found to be due - the Pensioner Bowles is now [illegible] and [illegible] at his request
  Yours respectfully
Joseph Sticklin
Page 33

[illegible]
Page 34

Third Auditor's Office
October 8, 1836.

Sir:
  Matthew Bowles Act of 1832 at $36.66 per annum, received his pension in person to 4th September 1837, as appears from the voucher filed in this Office. The certificate appears not to have been returned.
  Very respectfully
[name illegible]
Your obt servt.

Hon. A. Minot
Comr. of Pensions

[illegible]

Pension Office
Oct 4th 1856

Sir:
  Matthew Bowles pensioner at the Ky agency, act of 1832 is represented to have died March 19th 1837. was his certificate returned - and to what time was his pension paid?
Very respectfully
S. Cole
for Commr [Commissioner]

R. J. Atkinson Esq}
3rd Audit             }

Wm Randall

  Bounty, Land refused because claimant
misstated the amt of pension and date of death.
Page 35

[illegible]
Page 36

No 6549
Nancy Bowles
Widow of Matthew
Illinois

I. H. G. McCutchen June 9/56
Hon. Robt Smith Apl [Apr.] 15/58.
3 Feby [Feb.] 1853 -- 2 
Sec
Page 37

  Nancy Bowles, widow of Mathew
Greene Co. Illinois.
  Admitted, Act Feb 3/53 at rate of $36.66(c) per Annum, commencing at date paid acted State amount due 4th Sept. last
  Pay widow
  Certificate to Hon. Robt Smith, (of Illinois)
House of Reps

(See B. L. Popers)
Page 38

Northern Bank of Kentucky
Lexington 17 Sept 1836

Sir
  Herewith you will please receive the vouchers of Matthew Bowles a pensioner on the Roll of the agency under act 7 June 1832 who has not received his stipend for two years
  I am very respectfully
Your obedient Servant 
Jno Milton Pension Clerk

J L Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions 
Washington D.C.
Page 39

Feb 15
Ky, 22536

The Secretary of War
Pension Office
Washington City

Litchfield
Feb.
Free
Mail
Page 40

  Brief in the case of Nancy Bowles, widow of Mathew [Matthew] Green County and State of Illinois act February 3, 1853
  Claim, (" original," [crossed out] "for increase." [end crossed out])
  Proof exhibited, (if original.)
  Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
  Husband of Claimant was a pensioner under act of June 7, 1832, at rate of $36.66(c) per annum, and was paid, as appears by 3d [3rd]auditor's report, to 4th September 1837. He died (probably) on the 24th March 1838.
  Marriage, in 1826, proved by certified transcript from County Court records
  (If for increase.) Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
  Identity, both of husband, and present widowhood proved by several credible witnesses.
  Hon Robert Smith, 
(of Illinois)

  Name and Residence of Agent
House of Representatives
  R Geddes
Examining Clerk.
Page 41

Washington March 22nd/56

Hon Geo C. Whiting
Court of Pension


Sir

I send you additional evidence in the Pension Claim of Nancy Bowles Please Examine & if the case is made out please send me the Pension Certificate
  Respectfully yours
Obt Servt
Robert Smith
Page 42

Washington, D.C. 4th Decr [Dec] 1858

Hon Geo [illegible]
Com [Commissioner] of Pensions

Sir

I respectfully request an examination of the case of Mary Bowles and of Matthew Bowles of Illinois for the benefit of act of 2d Feby [2nd Feb] 1851. Her husband was pension under act 1832 at $36.66 per annum & her bounty land warrant has been issued. I trust that no longer delay in granting the pension may occur.
  If any difficulty exist on the part of the offer as to whom a reply be given I would suggest that it be sent to the Hon Robert Smith M.C.. from Illinois.
  The objections argued by the last letter from the Pension officer not finding the claim I trust has been sufficiently explained to warrant the issuing of the Certificate.
  I am my Respectfully Yours
S. A. Pengh
Page 43

Nancy Bowles
Matthew -- [illegible] 1853
Cole 1833
Page 44

Washington City D.C.
May 31st 1858
Sir

In the case of Nancy Bowles widow of Mathew Bowles Act 3rd Feby [Feb] 1853 Sec 2. for Revolutionary Pension. I call your attention to the proof filed in case of Land warrant No 79,533, for 160 acres issued in her name.
  As the question in both cases was the same I presume proof in one case, will be satisfactory to the office in both.
  Very Respectfully
  Jno H McCutchen

Hon G. C. Whiting
Com [Commissioner] of Pensions
Page 45

Treasury Department
Third Auditor's office
March 30, 1858.


Sir:

  I return the papers enclosed in your inquiry of the 29th inst: & in reply have to inform you that upon examination of the vouchers upon which the last payment was made in the case of Matthew Bowles, the name of Dr Henry does not appear at all. The pensioner received the amount himself
  Very Respectfully
  Your Obt Servt.
  [illegible name] Auditor

Geo. C. Whiting Esqr.
Comm'r. of Pensions
Page 46

State of Illinois     } 
County of Greene}

 On this 23d [23rd] day of January A.D. 1858 personally appeared before the undersigned a Justice of the Peace within and for the County and State aforesaid, Nancy, Bowles, aged 68 years, a resident of the County of Greene and State of Illinois who being duly sworn according to Law Deposeth or Declares, that she is the identical Nancy Bowles who is the Widow of Matthew Bowles formerly of Grayson County in the State of Kentucky & late of Perry County in the State of Indiana, where the deceased, who served in the War of the Revolution as a private in the Company of Virginia Militia (or Volunteers) commanded by Capt. Pearson.
  And for which services he drew a pension of (according to the best of her knowledge and belief) ninety six dollars per annum at U.S. Pension agency at Lexington, Kentucky.
  She further states & declares, that before the County Court of Greene County & State of Illinois, in open Court at the March Term A.D. 1856 she made a declaration for the purpose of obtaining a pension, under the act of Congress and like wise, before the undersigned Justice of the Peace, at same time, a declaration for obtaining bounty lands, both for the services of her deceased husband in said war & both of which are now on file at U.S. Pension office.
  She further declares, that in both said declarations she stated that her said husband died on the 24th day of March A.D. 1837. And she states that she is entirely
Page 47

without the means of accurately fixing or placing the year except from her memory, being unable to read or write and that there are no papers or other documents, or any public or private records whereby she can exactly place the time except from her own memory. She knows however, that her said husband died at the close of Winter & beginning of Spring, & the year could not have been before 1837, nor later 1839. She further states that her said husband in Autumn before his death, by power of attorney empowered one Doct [Doctor] Henry his physician to draw his said pension, being too unwell himself to attend to the same, and if said Henry drew said pension more than once, it was not lawful her husband having died in meantime.
  And she further states that her said husband, Matthew Bowler, the pensioner above mentioned. sometimes called or wrote his name "Matthew C. Bowles" and upon examination & inquiry she finds that at the time she & himself were married. He was married under the name of Matthew C. Bowles. And she further states notwithstanding the difference the name her said husband to whom she was married under the name of Matthew C. Bowles is the identical Matthew Bowles who was a Revolutionary Soldier & who drew said pension, & except her said husband she knows no one or [illegible] died of the name of Matthew Bowles or Matthew C. Bowles except Matthew Bowles, who now resides at Louisville Kentucky a middle aged man. She makes this affidavit to explain her former declarations as above Stated for procuring pension & Land Warrant for the services of her said deceased husband
  Nancy [her X mark] Bowles
Page 48

State of Illinois }
Greene County }

  On this 23 day of January 1858, came before the undersigned a Justice of the Peace of the County and State aforesaid, came Sarah Ann Knowles and Ada Costley residents of the County of Greene and State of Illinois, who being duly sworn according to Law declare that the foregoing declaration or affidavit, was subscribed & sworn to this day, in their presence, by Nancy Bowles who is the widow of Matthew Bowles or Matthew C. Bowles deceased who was a revolutionary pensioner, and from their knowledge of this affiant they believe all that she states to true. and they declare that she is a person of truth & veracity. And they further declare that they are intimately acquainted with said Nancy Bowles, and said Sarah Ann Knowles declares that she was intimately acquainted with her said husband in his life.
  And they further state from their own knowledge that the said Matthew Bowles died at Perry County State of Indiana in the Spring of the year 1837 or 1838, but the exact year they cannot be positive about; knowing of no public or private records whereby they can refresh their memory. And they further state that they were present when he died & saw his remains after death, & were at his burial.
  And Sarah Ann Knowles further states that she was well knowing to his being a Revolutionary pensioner, having often seen his pension Certificate & well knowing to his habit of going twice a year to Lexington Kentucky to draw his pension, & that she distinctly recollects that said pensioner in the fall season before his death authorized one Dr. Henry of Perry County & State of Indiana to draw said pension for him he being sick & unable to attend to the same.
  And she further states that said Matthew Bowles Revolution pensioner, very often called himself by & answered to the name of Matthew C. Bowles, And she further states that she was present
Page 49

At time that Nancy Bowles the affiant, (then Nancy Chism) was married to said Matthew Bowles, (otherwise called Matthew C. Bowles) and that said Matthew Bowles, who was then married to said Nancy Chism is the identical Matthew Bowles who was a Revolutionary Soldier & who afterwards died at Perry County, State of Indiana, and who drew said pension in his lifetime. And except said Matthew Bowles, both of them declare that they know of no person nor never did know any one of the name of Matthew Bowles or Matthew C. Bowles, except said Matthew Bowles Revolutionary Soldier & pensioner, & husband of said Nancy Bowles as aforesaid and both of them further declare that they have no intent in this case.
  Sarah A Knowles
  Ada Costley

The foregoing declaration & affidavits were subscribed & sworn to the day and on first above written before me, and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons; that the claimant is the identical person she represents herself to be & that I have no interest in this case.
Marshall S. Cory J.P.

State of Illinois}
Greene County} ss.

I, Francis P Vedder Clerk of the County Court in and for said County do hereby certify that Marshal S Cory Esqr before whom the foregoing declaration and affidavit were made is and was, at the time of taking the same as acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly elected, commissioned and qualified and that full faith and credit is, and of right ought to be given to all his official acts as such and that his signature to the foregoing certificate is genuine
  In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at [illegible] this 26th day of January A.D. 1858
  Francis P. Vedder Clerk