Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 999, for John Tatum, North Carolina
Page 1

(8-1776)
SERVICE NC

Tatum, John
[Tatum,] Mary 

NUMBER
W. 999
B.L.Wt. 34.534-160-55.

CONTENTS
Page 2

[On left side of record:]
15 Jan 28 [1828]
To Co Register Charle [or Charls]
Town [possibly meaning Charlestown] - as to [hard to read phrase] [?] decd of 94Ye_ Son

Reported
Letter to S. L Finlay [or Finley]
Octr. 3: 1841 [or 1847]  

[In the bottom left corner, running perpendicularly:] 199114 [or 199714 or 159714]

[On right side of record:] 1067
Torn paper edge] -nnesee [Tennessee,] Nashville
Mary Tatum
widow of John Tatum,
who served in the Revolutionary war, as a private 
N.C. [North Carolina] Line

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 80 Dollars _ Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.

Certificate of Pension issued the 1st day of August 1848 and sent to Smith and Kendrick[,] Nashville[,] Tenn [Tennessee]

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 311 Vol. 3.
Page 3

19914 Act 3 March 
[?] Aug. 7 /[?]35 [possibly 1835]

Mary Tatum
widow
John Tatum
Private

[illegible]
[Appearing diagonally:] 
No 345334 per July 14/
Revolutionary War
Tenn [Tennessee] Feby [February]  48-1067

W: 160 AC July, 11/56 [? possibly meaning a warrant for 160 acres, dated July 11, 1856] 
[?] Boyd

W. [or N.] James
Charlotte[,] Tenn [Tennessee]
Page 4

[Dark document. Several parts are hard to read.]

Dec. 12/56. [Dec. 12, 1856.]  Duplicate [?] instructions and Let [Letter] Sent to Hon. Jno Drak [or Drah] [?} Mo[?]  Rogers, 
Correspondence enclosed - D.P.P.

[?] Febry 20 [or 26] [Illegible] - Lett: [Letter] to Hon. Jno. [Jonathan] Dick. Ho. Reps [possibly meaning House of Representatives] - returning [? both, or possibly letter] to S.C. Gray, advising as to [?] recovery [? or receving, receiving] of warrant. R.D.C.

[Perpendicularly:] 
[?] Real T=8
Page 5

[Faint record, with hard to read notations. Occasional spacing included to make the text easier to read.]

John Tatum [or Tatom] [illegible] 
[?] Febr 10 17__

Mary [?] T____  [possibly Tatum but nearly illegible]
[?] April 24, [?] 1767

Polley Tatom [possible illegible text]
[?] Decamber [December] 2nd 1782

James Tat_m [probably meaning Tatum or Tatom] was [?] Born
February 12 178_

John Tatum was b__ [probably born]
April 8 1787

Salley Tatum [illegible]
August 24. 1789 

William Tatum [illegible]
Born March 1_ [possibly 18 or 15] ____

[First name illegible] Tatum [illegible]
[? Born] July__ 17__
Page 6

[This appears to be the second page of family Bible pages relating to John Tatum, deceased, as noted in the previous image 5/65. Much of this page is faint, and some entries are hard to read.]

Stephen Tatum was born Novr. [November] [?] 24th 1797

[Illegible first name, possibly starting with R or P] Tatum was born August the 22 [? year hard to read, possibly:] 1789

George [possibly meaning Tatum or Tatom] Born October 22, 1802

Margaret Born January 11th, [or 14th] [year hard to read, possibly:] 1805_ [This entry appears as if it may have been partially stricken through.]

[?] Nancy Born January 9th [illegible] 1805

[Here there are two or three very faint illegible lines. The first line may have the name John.] 

[Next the following text is in much darker ink:]
Cut from the Family Bible of John Tatum decd. [deceased] this 14th day of May 1842.

John Tatum [his X mark]

Test [Testator]
John C. Collier
Page 7

Mary Tatom

Hon C. Johnson,
H.R. [probably meaning House of Representatives]
Page 8

[Occasional spacing has been included, to make the long text block easier to read. First of three pages of 14 May 1842 deposition of John Tatum, son of Revolutionary War veteran John Tatum deceased.]
 
State of Tennessee)
Dickson County) [illegible]

This day being the 14th of May 1842 John Tatum personally appeared before me Thomas Palmer an acting Justice of the peace for the County and State aforesaid, and he being first duly sworn upon the Holy Evangelists of Almighty God deposeth as follows to wit - 

He the said John Tatum states that his father John Tatum decd. [deceased] and his Mother Mary Tatum now an applicant for a Pension under the Act of Congress providing for the Widows of Revolutionary Soldiers, were the parents of Eleven Children whose names are James, John[,] Sally, William, Betsey, Stephen, Richard, George W.[,] Nancy, Jemima and Susan-

He states that his brother James is the oldest child by that marriage (Polly Tatum being by a former Marriage) and that he this deponent is the second child born of his said parents - 

that this deponent is now of the age of Fifty-five years, having received that account from his parents, and he finds it corroborated by the entry of his age in the Family Bible, of the correctness of which he entertains no doubt - 

He states [the next two words are underlined] that he has now in his possession the [here the following three words are underlined] old Family Bible which was owned by his father as far back as deponent can recollect - 

that he with his own hand this day cut from that Bible the leaf containing the original family Register, which leaf is appended to this Deposition, and at the bottom of which are written these words "Cut from the Family
Page 9

[Occasional spacing has been included to make the long text block easier to read. Second of three pages of 14 May 1842 deposition of John Tatum, son of Revolutionary War veteran John Tatum, deceased.]

Bible of John Tatum decd. [deceased] this 14th day of May 1843 [or 1842]

John Tatum [his X mark]

Test [Testator] John C. Collier 

The Deponent further states that the two first names on that leaf are the names of his father and Mother and the entries cintain [contain] their ages as they have informed him -

the third name is that of Polly Tatum[,] the half sister of deponent by a former Marriage -  

Deponent states that the leaf centains [contains] the names and ages of all the children except of his youngest Sister Susan Tatum - that the original leaf herewith appended having become dirty and some names almost illegible the whole together with his youngest sister's were transcribed into a Methodist Magazine then belonging to his father and which is now in the possession of his Sister. Jemima as he is well informed.

He states that his father the sd. [said] John Tatum was an illiterate man and unable to write, and that the entries containing their several ages were made as occasion required, at the request of his parents and were recognized by them as being correctly made.

He states that he well recollects the circumstance which cause the fourth name in [or on] the Second page of the leaf to be stricken out - the child at first called Margaret was afterwards christened Nancy- 

Deponent states that there is no family record of the Marriage of his father and mother.

He states that his father resided in No. Carolina [North Carolina] as he has always been told, and while deponent was of very tender age, re-
Page 10

[Third and final page of 14 May 1842 deposition of John Tatum, son of Revolutionary War veteran John Tatum, deceased.] 

moved to Georgia where he resided ten or 12 Years and then removed to Dickson County Tennessee where he resided till his death which took place in 1824 or thereabouts-

He states that his father was always esteemed and reputed to have been a Revolutionary Soldier.

John Tatum [or Tatom] [His X mark]

Sworn to before me the day above written
Thos [Thomas] Palmer JP 
Justice of the Peace for Dickson County

State of Tennessee
Dickson County, [illegible]

I Thomas J. Kelly[,] Clerk of the County Court of Dickson County and State of Tennessee do hereby Certify that Thomas Palmer whose name is subscribed to the foregoing Deposition and before whom the same was taken is an acting Justice of said County, and that full faith and credit ought to be given to his official acts as such - In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of my office, at office this 14th May 1842[.]

Thos [Thomas] J Kelly. Clerk 
By his Deputy M. A Hardwicke

[Near the bottom left corner of the record, there is what appears to be a medallion-style, round serrated-edge paper covering what looks like a round seal of office underneath.]
Page 11

[Well-worn stained record. Numerous entries are hard to read completely. Occasional spacing has been included to make the notations easier to read.]

[?] John [illegible]
the [or ? Apr] 10 17__ [illegible]

Mary [nearly illegible, possibly ? Tauton] [illegible]
Apr [illegible] 24 [?] 1767

Polley Tatum [nearly illegible, possibly] was Born
December 2nd 1782

James Tatum [or Tatem] was [?] Born
February 12th 1785

John Tatum was [illegible]
April 8 1787

Salley Tatum was [B___] [illegible]
August 24 1789 [or 1787]

William Tatum [illegible]
Born March 17 [illegible]

[Illegible] [?] my Fater [or Father] [illegible] 
[Illegible] [?] Born July 2_ [possibly 27] 17__
Page 12

[Continuation of 2nd handwritten list of family births. Well-worn, stained record. Some parts are hard to read. Occasional spacing has been included, to make the notations easier to read.]

[?] Stephen Tatum was born Nov.r [November] 27th 1797

Richard Tatum was born August the 22 [?] 1799 [or 1781 or 1789]

George [probably, Tatum was] Born October 22nd, 1802

[Stricken through] Margaret Born January 11th 18__year is blotted[

Nancy Born January 9th of [? or January 9th 11^th] 1805

[Here are what look like two very faded, mostly illegible lines, with last part of second line looking like:] [?] 1868 [or ? 1803 or 1808 or 1843.]

Cut from the Family Bible of [?] John Tatum decd. [deceased] this 14th [or ? 16th] day of May 1842.

John Tatum [his X mark] [apparently meaning John Tatum, the surviving son]

Test [Testator]
John C. Collier
Page 13

199.114 [or 199.116]
DECLARATION OF
Mrs. Mary Tatum
Widow of John Tatum,
FOR BOUNTY LAND.
ACT OF MARCH 3, 1855.

[There appears to be a faint impression of a round seal of office near the upper right portion of this record, showing through from the other side of the page.]
 
[?] H [or N or W] James.
[Blank], AGENT
Charlotte, Tennessee.
Page 14

BOUNTY LAND CLAIM.
FORM OF DECLARATION FOR WIDOW OF A DECEASED OFFICER OR SOLDIER.

State of Tennessee, County of Dickson

On this 23d day of July, A. D., one thousand eight hundred and fifty five personally appeared before me, a Justice of the Peace within and for the County and State aforesaid, Mary Tatum[,] aged Eighty Eight years, a resident of Dickson county in the State of Tennessee, who being duly sworn according to law, declares, that she is the widow of John Tatum, deceased, who was a Private in the company commanded by Captain [blank] in the [blank] Regiment of [blank] commanded by [blank] in the war with Great Britain declared by the United States on the Revolutionary War -

That her husband [blank] at [blank] on or about the [blank] day of [blank] A.D., [blank, for the term of [blank] and continued in actual service in said war for the term of [blank] and was honorably discharged at [blank] on the [blank] day of [blank] A.D., [blank]

She further states that she was married to the said John Tatum in Ganville [Granville] County, North Carolina on the sixteenth day of August A.D., 1770. by one Cager Bullock a Justice of the Peace and that her name before her said marriage was Mary Wright[;] that her said husband died at Home in dickson [Dickson] County[,] Tennessee on the sixteenth day of August A.D., 1824. and that she is now a widow. 

She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the Bounty Land to which she may be entitled under the "act approved March 3d, 1855."
Mary Tatum [her X mark] [by] clerk

We, [blank] and [blank] residents of Dickson county in the State of Tennessee upon our oath declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Mary Tatum in our presence; and that we believe, from the appearance and statements of the applicant, that she is the identical person she represents herself to be.

James N Holt
William Thedford [or Thidford]

The foregoing declaration and affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me on 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.
J. [or I.] C. Anglin J.P. [Justice of the Peace]

To the Commissioner of Pensions, Washington City.
SIR: I request that my claim to Bounty Land, under the Act of Congress, passed March 3, 1855, be examined, and if I am entitled to Land, that the Warrants or Certificate therefor be sent to [illegible possible first name] James at Charlotte, Tennessee, who I hereby [here the next word is partially blocked, but appears to be:] constitute my Attorney in fact for that purpose and for my benefit.

[Part of word missing] -ged [possibly meaning Acknowledged] before me, the 23d day of July A.D., 1855)
J. [or I.] C. Anglin, J.P. [Justice of the Peace] 

Mary Tatum [her X Mark] [by] clerk [imprint] E.S.  

State of Tennessee, County of Dickson
I, Thomas McNeilly Clerk of the County Court of said County, do hereby certify that J. C. [or I C] Anglin, Esq., [Esquire], whose signature appears to the foregoing affidavits and acknowledgment, is, and was at the time of signing the same, an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified, and that the signatures thereto, purporting to be his, are genuine.

[Near the bottom left corner of this record, there what looks like an attached rectangular piece of paper, with a ribbon underneath, covering what looks like a round imprinted seal of office.]

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my Seal of Office, this 28th day of July 1855.
Tho McNeilly[,] Clerk
Page 15

[Occasional spacing has been included, to make the long text block easier to read.]

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of July 1838 entitled "An Act granting half pay and pensions to certain Widows."  

State of Tennessee)
Dicksen [Dickson] County) S.S.

On this the Third day of November one thousand eight hundred and [?] ferty [? forty] personally appeared before the County Court of the County of Dicksen [Dickson] and State of Tennessee, the said court being a court of Record, Mary Tatum a resident of the county and State aforesaid aged Seventy five years who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her Oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Provision made by the Act of Congress Passed July 7th 1838, entitled "An Act granting half pay and Pensions to certain Widows:"  

That she is the widow of John Tatum who was a Private Soldier in the Army of the United States in the Revolutionary War;  That the said John Tatum her husband enlisted as a regular soldier for the term of two Years and a half either in the County of Orange or Granville in the State of North Carolina under Captain Dickson and Lieutenant Walton, as she has often heard her said husband say and which she verily believes -

She further states that she has no recollection at this time what other officers belonged to or Commanded the Regiment or Corps to which he belonged nor does she now recollect precisely the Year in which he enlisted but believes that it was some time in the Year 1778, which was about five Years before their intermagriage [intermarriage] -  She states further that her husband was marched to Halifax
Page 16

[Second page of Mary Tatum's three-page deposition.] 

in North Carolina, and was thence Marched to the North and joined the main army under General Washington where he remained untill [until] the expiration of his term of enlistment.  She has often heard him speak of being in the battle of Monmouth which he represented as a hard fought battle, and that the army in that engagement suffered immensely from the excessive warmth of the weather.

She further states that her husband was absent three years from the time of his enlistment untill [until] his return home - And after his return from the North he volunteered for a Short term of service, at the expiration of which he substituted himself in the place of man named William Rose in Orange County North Carolina, and was engaged on that tour of service when peace was proclaimed -

She has no Knowledge of the officers under whom he served during the two last terms of service nor has she any documentary evidence showing the services of her said husband or sustaining her Claim to a pension.

She further declares that she was married to the said John Tatum in October 1783, and that her husband the aforesaid John Tatum died on the 3rd day of August 1824 in the County of Dickson aforesaid[.] 

She states that they were married in the County of Granville in the State of North Carolina by Micajah Bullock Esquire then an acting Justice of the peace of said County, who was duly qualified and authorized by Law to perform the Marriage Ceremony, and that there is no person in existence to her Knowledge who was present when their marriage took place nor has she any Records of any Kind affording proof of the same.  

She states that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service but the marriage took place previous to the first
Page 17

[Third page of Mary Tatum's deposition taken 3 Nov 1840.]

of January One thousand Seven hundred and ninety four, that is at the time above stated, and she further states that she is now a widow and has never been married since the death of her sd. husband

Sworn to in open Court
Mary Tatum [Her X mark] 

Wm. [? Hightower] Clk [Clerk] 

And Benjamin Clearwaters also appeared in open Court and made Oath in due form of Law that he was for several Years in the service of the United States during the Revolutionary War as a Private Soldier and belonged to the third Regiment of Dragoons Commanded by Colonel Washington; that while in the service he became aquainted [acquainted] with John Tatum the husband of Mary Tatum who has made the foregoing declaration; 

that he was a regular Soldier and a private and was Commanded as well as he now recollects by Capt Dickson and Lieutenant Walton and to the best of his recollection he thinks the regiment to which sd John Tatum belonged was commanded by Colonel Elbert, but of this he cannot speak positively [meaning, for certain.]

He further states that he cannot at this distance of time precisely recollect dates, but he well recollects seeing and Knowing the said John Tatum during two Summers immediately preceding the capture of Charlestown in South Carolina which he believes took place in the Year 1780 according to the best information which he possesses on that subject; 

that a few Months before the fall of Charlestown he was marched from the Main Army in the North
Page 18

which was commanded by General Washington where he had known the said John Tatum, and was Marched to South Carolina where he was when Charlestown was taken -  

After leaving the North he never knew any thing of the sd. John Tatum nor heard of him untill [until] a short time before his death which took place in Dickson County Tennessee about Sixteen Years ago as he is informed and believes.

Benjamin Clearwaters [His X mark] 

Sworn to in open court
Wm. Hightower[,] Clerk

and William Tatum Senior also appeared in open Court and made Oath in due form of law that he is the brother of John Tatum who is mentioned in the foregoing declaration[.]  that the said John Tatum inlisted [enlisted] as a regular Soldier in the Revolutionary War for the term of two years and a half, in Granville County in the State of North Carolina, the month or Year he cannot now recollect;

he thinks to the best of his recollection that his Captain was named Dickson - The said John Tatum was marched to the Nirth [North] and joined the Army under General Washington, and was in the battle of Monmouth, as this affiant has often been informed by the sd. John Tatum-

He [William Tatum Senior] states that it was about three Years after the enlistment before his brother John [John Tatum] returned home to Granville County - That after his return he substituted in the place of one William Rose for a short tour of Militia service, after which
Page 19

Mary Tatum
of John [widow of John Tatum]
No 7535
Tennessee 

[Faint, some portions hard to read] on roll Private
[illegible, possibly of] [?] regt [?regiment] to [?] which Capt [Captain] Dixon belonged

3 yrs [?] fr [? from] 23 Apl [April] 1776 to 10 May 1779

Hon [Honorable] C. Johnston
H.R [House of Representatives
Page 20

this affiant and the said John Tatum volunteered for a short term of service as Militiamen and were employed at Hillsborough in Orange County in North Carolina in making Shoes for the Soldiers, and were discharged before their term of service expired in consequence of peace being proclaimed -

This affiant further states that he was not present at the marriage of his brother the sd. [said] John Tatum with his wife Mary Tatum who is now applying for a pension, but that they lived in the same Neighborhood, and he ^knew them to live together as man and wife, that they stated they were married and they were reputed to be man and wife wherever they were Known from the time of their marriage untill [until] the death of the sd. John Tatum; that they had Eleven Children with whom this affiant is well acquainted;  and who have inherited and recieved [received] [received] the property which belonged to their father the sd.  [said] John Tatum in his lifetime - 

This affiant further states that his brother John Tatum removed first to Georgia and then to Dickson County in Tennessee, where he resided untill his death which took place about Sixteen or Seventeen Years ago - 

He further states the marriage took place after the sd. [said] John Tatum left the service as a Soldier and previous to the first of January 1794 - and that the said Mary Tatum is now a widow. and has so remained ever since the death of her said husband John Tatum. - 

William Tatum [His T mark]

Sworn to in open Court.

Wm Hightower[,] Clerk
Page 21

[Occasional spacing has been included, to make the long text block easier to read.]

State of Tennessee[,] Dickson County:
I[,] William Hightower[,] Clerk of the County Court of said County do hereby Certify that the feregoing [foregoing] Declaration of Mary Tatum made for the purpose of obtaining the benefit of the Act of Congress passed 7 July 1838 entitled "an Act granting half pay and Pensions to certain widows," and also the affidavits of Benjamin Clearwaters [or Clearwater] and William Tatum were made in open court, and were sworn to in and before said County Ciurt [Court] of Dickson County in due form of law;

and I further certify that I am acquainted with the said Benjamin Clearwater and William Tatum who are both reputed to be Revolutionary Soldiers and Pensioners of the United States, and believe them to be worthy of credit on their Oaths.  

In testimony whereof I have here unto [hereunto] set my hand and Seal if [of] office in Charlotte [? North Carolina] this 3rd day of November 1840.

Wm. Hightower[,] Clerk
[To the right of the preceding signature, there is a piece of paper folded multiple times, covering what looks like a ribbon with wax on it, probably covering the seal of office.]

State of Tennessee[,] Dickson County.
I[,] Thomas Palmer presiding Justice of the County Court of Dickson County aforesaid do hereby Certify that William Hightower whose name appears to the firegoing [foregoing] Certificate, is Clerk of the County Court of Said County, that full
Page 22

faith and credit should be given to all his official acts, and that his said certificate and attestation are in due firm [form] of Law.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 3rd. day of November 1840.

Thos Palmer (Seal)
Presiding Justice [here it looks like "for" has been stricken through, replaced with "of] Dickson County Corte [Court] 

I am acquainted with the Clerk and the presiding Justice of the County Court of Dickson - [nearly illegible two words, stricken-through, possibly:] as well as with their handwriting - the preceding Signatures are in their handwriting 
C Johnson
Page 23

[Occasional spacing has been included, to make the long text block easier to read.]

State of Tennessee)
Dickson County) [?] S ct

This day James Tatum personally appeared before me Thomas Palmer an acting Justice of said County and made Oath in due form on the Holy Evangelists of Almighty God that he has a record of his age which was taken from his father's family Bible containing the ages of all of his Children, which shews [shows] that he was born on the 12th day of February 1785 and that he verily believes that to be correct from all the circumstances connected with the history of the family - 

He states that his father John Tatum and his Mother Mary Tatum lived together as man and wife from his earliest recollection untill [until] his fathers [father's] death which took place in the year 1826 and were esteemed and reputed as man and wife.

He further states that his father and mother had and raised Eleven Children and that he the said James is the oldest of the whole number- 

He further states that the record which he has of his age was taken from the family Bible twenty odd years ago, while the same was in his father's possession, and that said bible which is now very much worn from time and use, is in the possession of his brother Richard Tatum who lives at a remote distance from this place.  

He states further that his father from his from his earliest recollection was reputed and Known as a Revolutionary Soldier

[Signature] James Tatom [or Tatam]

Sworn to before me this 24th April 1841.
Thos. [Thomas] Palmer JP [Justice of the Peace]
of Dickson County[,] Tennessee
Page 24

[Occasional spacing has been included, to make the long text block easier to read.]

George W. Tatum also personally appeared before me Thomas Palmer a Justice of the Peace for sd. [said] County, and made Oath in due form, that he is the son of John Tatum and Mary Tatum, and that he took a transcript from the old family Bible which belonged to his father and contained the ages of all his children,

and that it appeared as stated in said Bible that he the said George W. [Tatum] was born on the 22d day of October 1802 and that he has the most undoubted confidence in its correctness - He states that he is the eighth child his parents had, and that there are three younger than himself -

He states that his father and mother [John Tatum and Mary Tatum] lived together as man and wife from his earliest recollection untill [until] his father's death in the Year 1826, and they were always reputed as man and wife -

He states that his Mother Mary Tatum is now a widow and has been ever since the death of his father in 1826, and that she is now claiming a pension under an act of Congress on account of services rendered in the Revolutionary War by her husband the said John Tatum, who has always from the earliest recollection of the sd. [said] George W. [Tatum} been esteemed and reputed to be a Revolutionary Soldier -

He states further that the old family Bible which belonged to his father and contains their ages is at this time in the possession of his brother Richard Tatum who resides at a remote distance from this place -

He [George W. Tatum] states that he has undoubted confidence in the correctness of the statement of his brother James Tatum as to his [apparently meaning George W. Tatum's] age which is corroborated by his [apparently George W. Tatum's] appearance and his [apparently George W. Tatum's] having a large family of children and grandchildren 

[Signature] GWTatom [G W Tatom]

Sworn to before me this 24th April 1841.

Thos. [Thomas] Palmer JP Justice of the peace for Dickson County
Page 25

State of Tennessee) 
Dickson County) S.S.

I[,] William Hightower, Clerk of the County Court of the County of Dickson and State of Tennessee do hereby Certify that Thomas Palmer Esqr. [Esquire] before whom the foregoing affidavits were sworn to, was at that time, and is now, an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County, having full power and authority by Law to administer an oath, and that due faith and credit ought to be given to his official acts -

Witness my hand and Seal of Office at Charlotte in Dickson County this 3rd day of May A.D. 1841.

Wm Hightower[,] Clerk
By his Deputy[,] Tho. [Thomas] J. Kelly

[Near the left margin, there is a faint impression of a round paper with serrated edges with a slightly darker inside, possibly covering the wax impression of a seal of office.]

[Along the lower right hand margin, appearing perpendicularly:]  Hno. [Hon.] C. Johnson, HR [House of Representatives]
Page 26

Bur.  (No. 2.)  Rev War
Widow's Division.
Name of pending claim, -
Nature of pending claim, Arrears
Soldier, John Tatum
Pensioner, Mary Tatum

Certificate No. - Nashville
Last Agency, Tennessee
Cause of termination, Died
Date of termination, Died. Nov 4/61 [1861] 
To what date paid.
Lewis C. White[,] Examiner.
Dec. 30, 1874, Room No. 40

FINANCE REPORT.
Accounts examined up to _____
Pensioner paid to Mch [March] 4, 1861.
Objections, _______, 187_:
________ Clerk.
Page 27

[On left side of record:] 
Letter to Hon E. H. Foster 29 Feb. 1844

[On right side of record:]
4412
West Tennessee
Mary Tatum
widow of John Tatum
who was a private in the N Carola [North Carolina] Line

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 80 Dollars 00
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.

Certificate of Pension issued the Sixteenth day of Jany [January] 1844 and sent to Ezra Holstead
South Harpeth[,] Tennessee

[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A
Vol. 1 Page 222
Page 28

[Left side of record]
Reported to Agent
Let [Letter] to P. Agt [probably Pension Agent] July 16. 1842.

[Right side of record]
6664
West Tennessee
Mary Tatum
widow of John Tatum.
[Here "who was a pensioner under the Act of" is stricken through] and who died on the 3rd. August 1824
of Dickson Co. [County] in the State of Tennessee who was a Private in the company commanded by Captain Dickson of the regt. [regiment] commanded by ______ in the N.C. line for 2 years

Inscribed on the Roll of Nashville [Tennessee] at the rate of 80 Dollars _____ Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.

Certificate of Pension issued the 27th day of May 1842 and sent to Hon. C. Johnson[,] House of Representatives

Arrears to the 4th of March 1841 $400.-- [$400.00] 
["Semi-annual allowance ending" is stricken through]
(Act July 7, 1838.)
Recorded by D. Brown[,] Clerk, 
[Missing word at left margin, probably Book] A. Vol. 2. Page 209
Page 29

[Postmark] _ASHVILLE [NASHVILLE] TE [TENNESSEE]
Jul 11

FREE

[Perpendicularly, along the right margin:]
Oct [October] [?] 48 [? 1848]
Tenn [Tennessee] 
4412 [or 4472]

Jas. L. Edwards.
Comr. [Commissioner] of Pensions
Washington City[,] D.C.
Page 30

Nashville [Tennessee] 10th July 1848.

Sir
We enclose you Mrs Mary Tatum's declaration (under Act 2d February 1848) for Extension of 
Widows' Pensions- 

You will please Enclose her [or due] Pension Certificate to us at this place.

Respectfully
Your Mo Obt Serv't's] [Your Most Obedient Servants]
Smith and Kendrick

J. L. Edwards
Comr [Commissioner] of Pensions
Washington LC [D.C.]
Page 31

Pension Office
Nashville Tenn: [Tennessee]
July 7th 1842

Sir
Agreeable to your instructions of 3rd June, ultimo [3 June 1842] I herewith enclose the pension Claim of Mary Tatum for Examination.

Very Respectfully
Your Obedient Servt. [Servant]
J. M Smith
Pens [Pension] Agent
Page 32

[Perpendicularly, on the left side:]
No [Number] 7535
Jan [or Jun] [either January or June] 15. 1841
Tenn [Tennessee]
July 7. 1838
Mary Tatum.

J. L. Edwards Esqr. [Esquire]
Com. [Commissioner] of Pensions
Washington City

[Perpendicularly, on the right side:]
Hn. [Hon or Honorable] C. Johnson
HR [House of Representatives]
Page 33

Washington
[Illegible] Jun [or Jan] [June or January] 7 1841

Dear Sir, 
Allow me to ask your early attention to the enclosed petition for a pension.

Your friend
C Johnson
Page 34

May 25. '42 [1842]
Tenn. [Tennessee]

J. L. Edwards Esq [Esquire]
Com [Commissioner] of Pensions

Hon. C. Johnson
HR [House of Representatives] 

[There is small triangular piece of paper pointing down, possibly covering what looks like a faint wax impression.]
Page 35

H of Rep [House of Representatives]
May 24th, 1842

J. [?] Carter,
I enclose further evidence upon the application of Mary Tatom [Tatum] - I know all the parties except the old lady - John Tatom [Tatum] is a man of respectibility [respectability] and entitled to credit - I also Kno [Know] the Justics [Justices] and his signature and also the clerk and their respective Signatures - allow me to ask your earlier attention to this

respectfully
Your friend
C Johnson
Page 36

7535
Mary Tatum
[blank, probably meaning widow] of John
Tennessee
Nashville

Admitted

Private 2 yrs [years] $80.__ [$80.00]
Cap [Captain] Dickson[,] Col, [Colonel,] _N.C. [North Carolina]

died 3rd Augt [August] 1824
E
Act July 1838

Hon C. Johnson
Page 37

DECLARATION, 
In order to obtain the benefits of the Act of Congress, of 2d February, 1848, entitled "An Act making further provision for surviving Widows and Soldiers of the Revolution."

State of Tennessee)
Dickson COUNTY) SS.

On this First day of July 1848 personally appeared before the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace in and for the State and County aforesaid, Mary Tatum a resident of Tennessee in the County of Dickson aged eighty three years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the Act of Congress, passed on the 2d February, 1848, granting pensions to Widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War:-

That she is the widow of John Tatum[,] Deceased who was a Private in the Regiment, commanded by Col. Walton and that she drew a Pension of Eighty dollars per annum, under the Act of 17th June, 1844.  She further declares that she is still a widow.

Mary Tatum [her X mark] [L.S. is printed in a roughly oval stamp form.]

Sworn to and subscribed on the day)
and year above written before me,)
James Thedford[,] JUSTICE OF THE PEACE.
Witness W H [?] Horner

STATE OF Tennesee[,] Dickson COUNTY: Sct. 
I, James Thedfo [Thedford] a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, do hereby certify that Mary Tatum, the above declarant, is personally known to me.  Given under my hand, this 1st day of July 1848[.]
James Thedford- JUSTICE OF THE PEACE.

STATE OF Tennessee)
Dickson COUNTY.)

I, Thomas McNeilly[,] Clerk of the County Court of said Dickson County, hereby certify that James Theadford [Thedford] whose name appears signed to the foregoing affidavit and certificate is, and was at the time of signing the same, an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, duly commissioned and qualified as such according to law, and that the foregoing signatures, purporting to be his, are genuine.

[At the left bottom corner, there is what looks like a serrated-edge paper, covering what appears to be a wax impression of the seal of office.]  
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed my seal of office, at office, in the Town of Charlotte this 8th day of July 1848[.]
Tho. [Thomas] McNeilly[,] Clerk of Dickson County.
Page 38

State of Tennessee)
County of Dickson) SS.

Personally appeared before me an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the county and State aforesaid. Being duly qualified to administer Oaths.  Mary Tatum and after being duly Sworn according to Law, declares that She is the Identical Mary Tatum who is a Pensioner of the United States, on account, of the Revolutionary Services of her deceased Husband, John Tatum, that her Pension certificate is dated, the first day of August, 1848. and, No. 1067 - and that she draws, as a Pension, Eighty Dollars per annum, 

She farther [further] declares that She has never applied for nor received any Military land Warrant, or Bounty land, or Script, of any kind for the Military services of her deceased husband John Tatum and that, except in this case, she has never applied to the General Government) [(]United States) for any. 

Sworn to and acknowledged before me this 23rd July, 1855)
Mary Tatum [her X mark]

J: C: Anglin[,] Justice of the Peace.

Dates in the sixth line Interlined before assigned) [signed])

J:C: Anglin[,] Justice of the Peace
Page 39

Mary Tatum
of John [probably meaning widow of John Tatum]
Tennessee

Suspended

See let. [letter] 18th Jany [January] 1841, to Hon C. Johnson, let: [letter:] to [illegible] 26 June 1841

Act of July 1838
Page 40

34.534
[Two illegible words]
Page 41

Rev War [Revolutionary War]
WIDOW, &c. [and etcetera] 
File No. 999
Mary Tatum
Widow
John Tatum
Priv. Rev. War. [Private in the Revolutionary War]
Act: Feb 2, 1848
Index:- Vol. M., Page 262
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 42

[Left side] Nov. [November] 13
[Right side] / 75 [probably meaning a letter was written on Nov. 13, 1875] Letter to Homer for [illegible] of widow and heir, and date of death. [Possible surname] While or White

[Left side] July 
[Right side] 26/76 [probably meaning July 26, 1876]  Rejected [illegible] and Atty [Attorney] [illegible]

[Left side] Aug [illegible]
[Right side] 31/76 [probably meaning August 31, 1876] Letter to Hon. [?] Sozalty and date of deth [death.] [Possible surname] While or White
Page 43

Charlotte [?TN] [? Tennessee]
Sept. [September] 23rd

[Stricken through] 70 [or 10] [probably postage amount]

To the Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D-C

[Perpendicularly] Mary Tatum
1067

W. Cole's 
[Illegible]
Page 44

Charlotte[,] Dickson County[,] Tenn [Tennessee]
Sept [September] 17th 1849

Sir
At the request of the parties concerned, I write you, to ascertain if Mary Tatem [Tatum], widow of John Tatem, [Tatum], a pensioner under the act of Feby [February] 2nd 1848, and recorded on the roll of Pensioners - Page 311 Vol 3 - be entitled to any [?] kind under the act -  I have been unable to procure the act, and therefore compelled to trouble you.  The Pension is for the revolutionary services of the husband -

Very Respectfully
Your obdt Servt [Your obedient Servant]
Sylvester L Finley

2.
The Commissioner of Pensions
Washington DC
Page 45

[Perpendincularly] [?] A293&1N [or ? C293HJr]
[? Jno or ?Mrs] R [?]Sutterfin
Jenkins 

Comr [Commissioner] of Pensions
Washington
Page 46

Cert. [Certificate] No 1067
Revolutionary War,
For
Rejected Files,
July 25th/76 [July 25, 1876]
Page 47

[Perpendicularly] June 25, 1841
Tenn [Tennessee] 
[illegible]

J. L. Edwards Esqr [Esquire]
Com [Commissioner] of Pensions

[Perpendicularly]
Hon C. Johnson
HR [House of Representatives]
Page 48

Washington
26th. May 1841

Dear Sir,
I enclose you additional evidence in the case of Mrs. Tatum [Tatum of] Dickson Co [County] Tenn. [Tennessee.]  I have been many years acquainted with Jos [or Jas] [possibly either Joseph or James] and G. W Tatom [Tatum];  the Witnesses both are men of unquestioned integrity and I should rely upon their Statements as soon as any men living.  you will much oblige me by giving an early examination of the case.

I am respectfully
your friend
C. Johnson

[Along the right margin, there is a small, round, partially-blotted image of what looks like a seal of office impressed onto wax, showing through from the other side of the document.]
Page 49

[Perpendicularly] Nov 4. 1843
Tenn [Tennessee]
Mar [March] 3d 1843,
Mary Tatum
$80 per an [per annum]

[Perpendicularly]
Ezra Holstead
South [?] Harpeth [or Harselt] 
Tenn. [Tennessee] 

4762

J. L. Edwards Esqr. [Esquire]
Commr. [Commissioner] of Pensions
Washington City
D.C.

[The following section is faint, with some parts hard to read for certain. It appears to read:]
_ held at the Dead letter office [space] being among the Qur [or Qair, possibly meaning Quarterly] Returns
Page 50

South Harpeth[,] Tennessee
October 10th 1843

J.L Edwards[,] Esqr [Esquire]
Dear Sir

Enclosed you will receive the application of Mrs. Mary Tatom [Tatum] of Dickson County[,] Ten. [Tennessee] for a pension under the act of March 3d 1843 -  If the within document is sufficient you will please forward a Certificate to me at South Harpeth[,] Davidson County[,] Ten. [Tennessee] and you will much oblige[.]

Your Obedient Servt [Servant]
Ezra Holstead
Page 51

Rev. War. [Revolutionary War] Restoration.
INCREASE BRIEF.

Certificate No. 1067
Soldier, John Tatum
Lewis C. White, Ex'r. [Examiner]
Room No. 20 1/2
Submitted for rejection
July 21/76 [July 21, 1876]
Page 52

[Occasional spacing has been included, to make the text easier to read.]

WAR OF THE ["REBELLION" is stricken through] Revolution
Rejected
Acts of July 25, 1866, and subsequent acts.
Restoration 
["INCREASE" is stricken through] Of Widows PENSION.
Agency, Nashville [Tennessee]

Mary Tatum (Decased) [Deceased] WiD [Widow] of John Tatum
(Rank, Private
(Company) ______
(Regiment, Rev. [Revolutionary] War.

Present Guardian, (alleged,) W. H. Horner (bore funeral expenses)
Residence, Dickson County, and State of Tenn. [Tennessee]
Post Office, Dickson, Dickson Co. Tenn. [Tennessee]
Attorney, -
Fee, $ -
No contract, and no material evidence filed since July 8, 1870. _____
Rate of pension, $___ per month, commencing _ , 18__, the date- at which the original pension commenced, and two dollars per month for each of the following children:

[Perpendicularly, on left side] By former marriage.

(Born, ____, 18__  . )
(Sixteen, ___, 18__. ) Commencing ____, 18 ___.

(Born, ____, 18__  .   )
(Sixteen, ___, 18__  . ) Commencing ____, 18 ___.

(Born, ____, 18__  .   )
(Sixteen, ___, 18__  . ) Commencing ____, 18 ___.

(Born, ____, 18__  .   )
(Sixteen, ___, 18__  . ) Commencing ____, 18 ___.

[Perpendicularly, on left side] By last marriage.

(Born, ____, 18__  .   )
(Sixteen, ___, 18__  . ) Commencing ____, 18 ___.

(Born, ____, 18__  .   )
(Sixteen, ___, 18__  . ) Commencing ____, 18 ___.

(Born, ____, 18__  .   )
(Sixteen, ___, 18__  . ) Commencing ____, 18 ___.

(Born, ____, 18__  .   )
(Sixteen, ___, 18__  . ) Commencing ____, 18 ___.

Former Guardian, _______

Payments on all former certificates covering any portion of the same to be deducted.

[Illegible stricken through word], Rejected July 21, 1876. Lewis C. White, Examiner.
APPROVED, July 25, 1876  H. S. [?} Hiller, Reviewer.
_______, Chief of Division.

DATES SHOWN BY PAPERS.
Increase application filed, Dec. 24, 1874.  Marriage of soldier to 1st wife, about, ["18" is partially overwritten] 1780

Death of the solider, in, ___, 1826   Marriage of soldier to 2d wife, __________ [blank line is overwritten above the following: ___, 18  .]
Widow paid to Mar. [March] 4, 1861.  Remarriage of widow, [blank line is overwritten above the following: ___, 18  .]
_________, 18 ___    Death of widow, November 4, 1861.
Page 53

INCIDENTAL MATTER.
Widow drew pension up to March 4 1861

W. H. Homer claims pension from March 4 1861 to November 4 1861 the date of the widows death.

Claim rejected under ruling 110 of the Commissioner confirmed by Hon. [Honorable] Secretary. Parties concerned informed.

SUMMARY OF PROOF.
No DATES OF BIRTH OF CHILDREN.

No DATES OF DEATH OF CHILDREN.

No CUSTODY OF CHILDREN BY FORMER MARRIAGE.

No REMARRIAGE OF WIDOW.

DEATH OF WIDOW. November 4 1861
Shown by statement of W. H. Homer.
Page 54

[Occasional spacing has been included, to make the long text block easier to read.]

[Near the top of the record, very faint:] This pension last paid [illegible] March 4 1861 [illegible]

Dickson Tenn [Tennessee] Dec [December] the 16th 1874

Dr [Dear] Sir
Mary Tatum widow of John Tatum who was a private in the Revolutionary War is inscribed on the Pension List at the rate of Eighty dollars per annum Commencing on the 4th of March 1848 and Continueing [Continuing] for life unless she should again marry[.]  she lived a widow as long as she did live[.]  She died Nov [November] 4th 1861[.]

She drawed [drew] her Pension regular up to the 4th of September 1860 or up to the 4th of March 1861[.]  I am not Certain which[.]  I think she did not draw any thing after the 4th of September 1860. 

You will please examine the Receords [Records] and see if there was not $80 due her when she died[.]  The last draw she made the Power of Attorney was made to John M. Hay[.]  I think it was To draw the Pension due her from the 4th of March 1860 to the 4th of September 1860[.]  

she made a Deed of Gift [overwritten word, which looks like:] of every thing she had To (my wife) Sousan Horner and Nancy Tatum before she died and had it duly Recorded in the Registers office at Charlotte[,] Dickson Co [County] Tenn [Tennessee]

I wish to Know if the above named Sousan Horner [or Homer] and Nancy Tatum Can draw The ballance [balance] due her when She died[.]  Please write what is due them and state how they will have to proceed to get it.  Send me ablank [a blank] suitable for the occasion[.]  Your early attention will Very much oblige[.]
W. H. Horner   Dickson Tenn [Dickson, Dickson County, Tennessee.]
Page 55

Respectfully returned with the information that your application should be made to Hon [Honorable] J A Baker [or Boxer,] Commissioner of Pensions, Washin__ [Washington] DC.
Respectfully, Shelley

[Printed stamp] ___ARTMENT [DEPARTMENT] OF THE INTE___ [INTERIOR]
Dec 24 1874
PENSION OFFICE

Dickson [Dickson, Dickson County] Tennessee
Dec [December] 21st 1874  
Dear Sir
I Sent this application to the US Pension agent at Nashville Tenn [Tennessee.]  He returned it with the above information.
Your early attention will Very much oblige[.]
W H Horner [or Homer]
Page 56

[Occasional spacing has been included, to make the text block easier to read.]

Dickson Tenn [Dickson, Dickson County, Tennessee] Nov 6th 1875
Hon [Honorable] Commissioner of Pensions
Washington DC

Mary Tatum[,] widow of John Tatum who was a private in the revolutionary war is inscribed on the pension list Recorded in the Pension office on the Roll of Pensioners under act February 2d 1848 Page 311 Vol 3.

She drawed [drew] her pension up to [here "Nov 4th" is stricken through] Sept the 4. 1860 or March the 4, 1861[.]  She died Nov the 4th 1861[.] She was on my hands blind and helpless for the last 12 months of her life[.]  She left no assets to reimburese [reimburse] me for last sickness &c [and etcetera.]

I wish to know if I can draw enough to reimburse me for expense &c [and etcetera.]  if I can please send blank with full information[.]  Your early attention will very much oblige
W.. H.. Horner
Dickson
Dickson Co [County] 
Tenn [Tennessee]
Page 57

[Partial stamped imprint]

___ARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
NOV 10 1875
PENSION OFFICE.
Page 58

[Illegible] JM
[Illegible]

Department of the Interior
PENSION OFFICE.
Washington, D.C. Jany [January] 28 1875

Sir: Be pleased to inform this Office if a deed of gift from Mary Tatum, widow of John, is of record in your Office.  She is said to have died Nov. 4. 1861.  If such record is found[,] please state whether the gift was of real or personal property and of what probable value.

Please return this letter with your reply.
Very respectfully
J H [or J A] [?] Baker
Commissioner

The Register
Charlotte
Dickson Co [County]
Tenn. [Tennessee]
Page 59

Charlotte[,] Dickson Co [County] Tenn [Tennessee]
Feby [February] 4th 1875.

Sir I rec [received] your Communication this morning And find On Record in my office a deed of Gift from Mary Tatom to her two Doughters Nancy & Susan Tatom which is as Follows[:]  All of my house hould [household] & Kitchen furniture  Also all other Moneys that I should be possessed of at My death, Also all property or debts or Notes or dues Whatever[.]

[Stamp imprint]
__ment of the Inter___ [Department of the Interior]
Feb 8 1875
PENSION OFFICE

[The deed of Gift was] dated July 26th 1843

The probable value I do not no [know] but I Would Suppose Not a great eal [deal]
yours[,] H. A. Bibb[,] Regr [probably meaning Registrar]
Page 60

[In the top left corner, diagonally:] W.JM.
[Illegible]

[Imprinted stamp:] 
__MENT OF THE INTER [DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR]
JAN 26 1875
PENSION OFFICE.

[Letterhead:]
Department of the Interior
PENSION OFFICE
Washington, D.C. January 12th 1875

In reply to your letter of [here "of" is repeated] of 21st ult [meaning the 21 of last month, or December 21, 1874] asking information relative to the balance of pension supposed to be due on the pension certificate issued to Mary Tatom, widow of William, under Act of Feby [February] 3, 1853, I have to state:  that it appears that payment has been made to [?] M?ch [possibly March] 4, 1861, as shown by the Records of his Office, and having been unclaimed since, the name has been dropped from the roll.  Unless she left minor children no payment whatever can be made under existing pension laws, except under the provisions
Page 61

[Occasional spacing has been included, to make the long text block easier to read.]

Dickson Tenn [Dickson, Dickson County, Tennessee] Jany [January] 21st 1875

You will see according to your own statement that Mary Tatum Widow of William is inscribed on the pension list under Act of Feby 3" [February 3rd] 1853 and that payment has been made to Mch [March] the 4th 1861

Mary Tatum Widow of John Tatum is Recorded in the Pension Office on the Roll of Pensioners under act Feb [February] the 2d 1848 page 311 Vol 3[.]  I think you will find by looking at the Records that payment was only made to Sept 4th 1860[.]

She lived with me from August 1860 to her death which [here "accured" was revised to:] occured [occurred] Nov 4th 1861[.] She did not leave any assets to reimburse me for expenses of the last sickness &C [and etcetera.]
Page 62

Department of the Interior
PENSION OFFICE.
Washington, D.C. _______ 18__

of a section hereinafter quoted.  

If she left assets, however, sufficient to provide for expenses of last sickness and burial, and no minor children, the unpaid balance can not be paid to any one.

Very respectfully,
[?] Jos [?] Dockey [or ? Lockey]
Act'g [Acting] Commissioner

W. H. Harner [or Harmer or Hamer] Esq [Esquire]
Dickson[,] Tenn 
Dickson Co. [County]
Mis. Vol. Page 105.
Page 63

[Near the right upper corner of this record, there is:] M [appearing diagonally, with a stamped imprint below:] __ARTMENT [DEPARTMENT] OF THE INTERIOR
JAN 26 1875
PENSION OFFICE

Please send me blank in form of application so that I can obtain expenses incured [incurred] during last sickness &C [and etcetera] with full information how to proceed to obtain it[.]  also how much was due the said Mary Tatum when she died.

Your early attention
will Very much oblige
W.. H.. Homer [or Horner]
Dickson Tenn [Dickson, Dickson County, Tennessee]
Page 64

State of Tennessee)
County of Dickson) SS

On this 30th day of September 1843 personally appeared before me, an acting Justice of the peace in and for the County of Dickson and State of Tennessee.  Mrs. Mary Tatom. aged 76 years. who being first duly Sworn, according to Law doth on her Oath, make  the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the provision, made by the Act of Congress pased [passed] on the 3d. March 1843. granting pensions, to Widows of persons who Served during the Revolutionary War.  

that She is the, widow of John Tatom. who was a private in the continental line, Under Gen. [General] Washington. and that She received Eighty Dollars annually under the act [of] July 7th 1838,  She further declares that, She is Still a widow Sworn to and; Subscribed on the day and year above written before me.

Mary Tatom [her X mark]

John A. Petty [or Pitty]
Justice of the peace for Dickson County [Tennessee] 

Sighned in pressence [Signed in presence] of us Henry [?] Goodich [and] Allen Bowen [or Bower]
Page 65

I hereby certify that I have been personally acquainted with Mrs. Mary Tatom who has made oath to the within declaration and affixed her mark for fifteen years and that in consequence of her infirmities She is unable to write her name, and that She still continues the widow of John Tatom given under my hand this the 30th day of September 1843

John A Petty [or Pitty]
Justice of the peace for Dickson County [Tennessee]

State of Tennessee)
Dickson County) I Tho. [Thomas] McNeilly Clerk of the County Court of said County do hereby Certify that John A Petty whose signature appears to the foregoing Certificates is and was at the date of the same an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County and that I believe the same to be genuin. [genuine.]  Given under my hand and seal of Office this 3rd day of October 1843.

Tho McNeilly [or McNeilley,] Clerk

[Near the lower left corner of this record, there is a round serrated-edge paper covering what looks like a wax impression of a round seal of office.]