Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 2,901, Thomas Devane, N.C.
Page 1

((illegible) - 1776)
Service  Number
N.C.  Devane, Thomas   R. 2.901
           Helen
Page 2

at she
State of North Carolina
County of New Hanover
On this the seventh day
of September A.D. eighteen hundred
and thirty nine
personally appeared,
before the Subscriber a Justice of the
Peace in and for said County
Helen Devane a resident of Upper
Black River district in the County
of New Hanover, State aforesaid
aged sixty eight who being
first duly sworn a 
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 Thomas Devane who was an
Ensign and private of Cavalry and
served in the War of the Revolution as
follows- That he entered in a company
of six months militia men as an Ensign
under Captain William Jones in 1778
Page 3


 the served six months, that he joined
Genl Ashe's army and marched through
South Carolina and into Georgia and
was in the defeat at Briar Creek
about the first of March 1779-
That said Thomas Devane served
one month as a private in a company
of New Hanover Cavalry under Capt
William Wright in 1781 and marched
and traversed said County of New Hanover.
that when he entered
the service he resided in said County
of New Hanover
She has no documentary
evidence in support of her claim,
She further declares
that she was married to the said Thomas
Devane on the sixth ___day
of June
in the year seventeen hundred and
ninety two
that her husband, the aforesaid 
Thomas Devane, died on the
twenty seventh day of January, eighteen
hundred and thirty one, that she
was not married to him prior to his
leaving the service, but the marriage
took place previous to the first of January Seventeen hundred and ninety four
viz at the time above stated.
Page 4

She further maketh oath that she
has not intermarried since the death of the
said Thomas Devane but continues his
widow. That they were married by the
Rev. Mr Lindsey a Presbyterian Clergyman
that she has no record of her marriage, that
she once had but the parts of the Bible wherein
it was recorded is wor out & missing
that she is aged, infirm & resides thirty
nine miles from the Court House of her
County & unable to travel that distance
to Court-
Helen Devane
Sworn to & subscribed the day & year aforesaid
before me & I hereby certify that said Helen
Devane is aged, infirm, and resides at the
distance of thirty nine miles from the Court
House of her County & that it might be
attended with danger to her health to
travel that distance to Court - and further
that she is well known to me and that her
statement is entitled to full faith & credit
that the word "Sampson, was erased before sworn to
subscribed
Chas Henry JP
State of North Carolina
County of New Hanover
On this the seventh day of
September A.D. 1839 before the Subscriber a Justice
Page 5

of the Peace in aforsaid County personally appeared 
Mary Murphy a resident of said
County of New Hanover N.C. aged sixty two
years who being first duly sworn according to law, 
maketh oath that she was present 
and witnessed the marriage between the
aforesaid Helen Devane, and Thomas Devane
deceased, that she believes it took place on
the 6th of June seventeen hundred and ninety two
and that the rites of Matrimony were
performed by the Revd  Mr Lindsey
 a Presbyterian Clergyman

Mary Murphy
Sworn to & subscribed the day & year aforesaid
before me & I do hereby certify that said Mary
Murphy is well known to me, is a credible
person & that her statement is entitled to full
faith and credit
Chas Henry JP
Page 6

James Devanes offidavit for Helen Dehave
Page 7


State of North Carolina
New Hanover County

On this the 22 day of Feb. A.D. 1839 before
the Subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said County
personally appeared James Devane aged eighty two next 
August, who being duly sworn maketh oath that Thomas
Devane now deceased, the Husband of Helen Devane
Widow -entered the service of the United States in the Revolutionary War an ensign in a company commanded by
Captain William Jones in 1778 or 79 and marched for
South Carolina or Georgia and was absent six months
This affiant was not with him. saw him upon his return in
1779. He was in the defeat at Brier Creek
said Thomas Devane entered again in a company
of New Hanover Cavalry in 1781 as a private under Capt
Wm Wright and served one month and marched and
traversed in said County of New Hanover
Sworn & subscribed this the 22 day
of Feb A.D. 1839 before me and
I hereby certify that said affiant
James Devane is well known to me
and is entitled to full faith & credit
Lewis (illegible)
James Dawson
State of North Carolina
New Hanover County
Court of Pleas & Quarter
Sessions, Sept Term 1839
At the Court aforesaid began held at the
Court House in the Town of Wilmington on the
Second Monday in September A.D. 1839, Satisfactory
evidence, was produced to the said Court 
that James Devane who has sworn to & subscribed
the foregoing affidavit is reputed to have served
as a Captain in the War of the Revolution, is
a credible respectable man & that the aforesaid
applicant Helen Devane & Mary Murphy are
credible persons & that their statements are in
titled to full faith & credit. And I do further
Page 8

certify that Lewis Highsmith and Charles
Henry Esquires are Magistrates as above
that the foregoing signatures purporting
to be theirs are genuine.
In testimony whereof I have
hereunto set my hand seal of
Office this the 9th day of Sept
A.D. 1839, in the 64th year of
American Independance
Thos Davis (illegible)
6431 Dec.10.18(illegible)9
Helen Devane
widow of Thomas
N.C.
Act 7 July 1838
⎬

Hon Wm King
State N.C. "
Page 9

State of North Carolina
New Hanover County, 
Know all men
by these presents that we Stewart
Devane & Rufus Devane, hereby
irrevocably constitute and appoint
William J. Devine of the County of
Sampson their true & lawful agent and
Attorney to prosecute the claim of
Helen Devan for any amount of
Revolutionary pension or increase of pension
that may be due; and we hereby authorize
said agent to examine all papers & documents
in relation to said claims on file in the
Department at Washington City or elsewhere
to file additional evidence or arguments and
to receive the certificate which may be (illegible)
for said claims & to appoint one or more
substitutes under him for the purpose here
expressed & to all things that they might do
were they present,
Herly revoking all former
powers & confirming all that the said agent
Attorney shall lawfully do in the presence
Witness our hand & seal this
day of
185 ┃
Stewart Devine seal

Rufus Devine seal
Signed in the
presence
of
Owen Fennell JP
Page 10


State of North Carolina ⎬ On this 31
New Hanover County December 1853.
before me an acting Justice of the Peace for
here Hanover County, came Stewart
Devine & Rufus Devine and acknowledge
the foregoing Power of attorney to be
their act and deed for the purpose
therein set forth
In testimony whereof I hereunto

affix my hand & seal, the day and year
above mentioned of
Owen Fennell J.P. Seal
State of North Carolina
New Hanover County
I Saml Bunting Cerk of
the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for
the County aforesaid, do certify that
Owen Fennell whose signature appears
to the foregoing certificate, is and was
at the date of the signing thereof are
acting Justice of the peace in and
for said County & the signature to be his
is genuine,
In witness whereof I have here
unto set my hand and affixed
the Seal of said county at office
in Wilmington the 9th day of Jany 1854
and the 78 year of of our Independance
Saml Bunting Clerk
Page 11


July 10, 1933
XXXX

Miss Clara De Vane   THOMAS DEVANE
Red Springs                R. 2901
North Carolina            BA-J/MLB

Dear Madam:

The date contained herein were obtained from the papers on file in the pension clain R. 2901 based on the Revolutionary War
service of Thomas Devane, of New Hanover County, North Carolina.
The date and place of soldier's birth and names of his
parents are not shown in the claim.
He died January 27, 1851, in New Hanover County, North Carolina.
Thomas Devane married June 6, 1792 in claden County, North Carolina, Helen, show maiden name was not given. 

On September 7, 1839, soldier's widow, Helen, aged sixty-
eight years and a resident of Upper Black River District, in
New Hanover County, North Carolina, about thirty-nine miles from
the courthouse, applied for pension that might have been due her
on account of the Revolutionary War service of her husband.
Thomas Devane,

She alleged that the soldier, while residing in New Hanover
County, North Carolina, enlisted in 1776 and served six months
as ensign in Captain William Jones' North Carolina company, and
that he was in the battle of Brier Creek; that he also served
in 1781, one month as a private in Captain William Wright's
North Carolina company of cavalry, he was also referred to as
Captain Thomas Devane,

Her claim was not allowed as she failed to furnish proof of
soldier's service as required by the pension law. She died
January 18, 1845.
Page 12

The following children of the soldier, Thomas Devane, and 
his wife, Helen, were referred to in the claim. Stewart and
Rufus Devane, who in (illegible) were living in New Hanover County,
North Carolina, where they were reared.

In 1839, one James Devane reputes by G C Ames Aug 10, 1852 to be soldier's brother died not state relationships as Jas Devane did ot give it in his affidavit - MLB who was born in August, 1757,
and who served as captain in the Revolutionary War, made affidavit
in support of the pension claim of soldier's widow, Helen,
but he did not state relationship to the soldier.

In 1853, one William S. Devane was living in Clinton,
Sampson County, North Carolina; his relationship to family also
not shown.

Very truly yours
---
A. D. HILLER
Assistant to Administrator
Page 13

Thomas Devane d' 31
Helen m. 1792
1778 (illegible) Ensign Genl Ash,
'81 (illegible) Capt Wm Wright
Page 14

State of North Carolina
County of New Hanover ⎬ Personally appeared
before me, L Highsmith a Justice of the Peace
in & for the County aforesaid, Mrs Margaret Fennell
who says she is Eighty years old and is
now receiving a pension from the United States for the Revolutionary
services of her Husband Nicholas Fennelll and
that she was raised in the neighborhood
where Capt Thos Devane lived in the County
aforesaid and continued to live near him
untill his death, and that she knows from
her own recollection, that he left home to
serve in the Revolutionary war and that
he was always reputed to have been Capt
Thos Devan, that she recollects, when he
was married to his wife Hellen in Bladen
County, and that she visited them soon
after he returned home with his wife,
and continued to visit them as neighbors
so long as they lived, and that she knows
Stewart and Rufus Devane, now living in
this county, and in the same neighbourhood, 
where there father Capt Tho Devard and
his wife Helen raised them
and
the children of said Capt Thos Devane
and his wife Hellen, and it has never been
thought otherwise
Entered before signing

Sworn to and subscribed
              her 
Margaret X Fennell
              mark
before me this 6th day Jany 1852
L Highsmith JP
J.
Page 15

State of North Carolina.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY.
I, L. H. MARSTELLER, do certify that L Highsmith
............, whose signature appear to the annexed
Deposition
was at the date thereof an acting Justice of the Peace for the County
aforesaid
Witness, L. H. MARSTELLER, Clerk of the County
Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions of New
Hanover County, at office, under the
seal of
said County, the Seventh day of
January A.D. 1852
L H Marsteller, Clerk
By Danl Dickson Clk
Page 16

seal this
State of North Carolina
County of New Hanover
I do hereby certify
that I am personally acquainted with his
Margaret Finnell, whose with deposition has
been taken before me and believe her to be
a Lady of high respectability and truth, and
of firm mind, and is therefore entitled to
full faith and credit
Given under my hand and seal this 
Sixth day of Jany
1852
L Highsmith JP Seal
Page 17

State of North Carolina
County of New Hanover
Personally appeared before
me D Lamont a Justice of the Peace in and for
the County aforesaid, John Rooks, who being duly
Sworn deposeth and sayeth, that in his Fathers life time
who was named Miles Books, that Capt Thomas Devane
frequently was at his Fathers house on Moores Creek in
this County, and that although he was but about Eleven
years of age, he recollects their talking whenever together
of their services in the Revolutionary war, both having been
solders in the war, as they stated; and he further
sayeth that he continued to be acquainted with Capt
Thos Devane, frequently saw him, up to his Capt Thos
Devane death, and that he was always reputed to be
Captain Thos Derane. He further sayeth that he is a
acquainted with Stewart and Rufus Devane now living in
this County, and they are reputed to be the sons of
Capt Thos Devane and his wife Helen. He further
sayeth that he was sixty six years of age last May
John Rooks

Sworn to and subscribed before
me this 14th day of December 1851
D A Lamont J.P.
State of North Carolina
County of New Hanover  I do hereby certify that I am personally
acquainted with Mr John Rooks, as above, and believe him
to be as old as he states. I further certify that he is a man
of respectability and truth, and is therefore entitled to
full faith and credit in his statement,
Given under my hand and seal
this 19th day of December 1851
DA Lamont JP
Page 18

State of North Carolina,
NEW HANOVER COUNTY.
I, L. H. MARSTELLER, do certify that D A Lamont
....., whose signature appear to the annexed
Deposition
was at the date thereof an acting Justice of the Peace for the County
aforesaid.
Witness, L. H MARSTELLER, Clerk of the County
Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions of New
Hanover County, at office, under the seal of
said County, the Seventh
day of
January A. D. 1852
L H Marsteller Clerk.
Danl Dickson Dy Clk
Page 19

State of North Carolina Court of Pleas &
New Haven County Quarter Sessions
September (illegible) 1857
I Louis H Marsteller Clerk of the Court of Pleas
and Quarter Sessions begun and held for county
of New Haven & State aforesaid on the 2 (illegible)
of September (illegible), do hereby certify that
satisfactory evidence was Thom (illegible), that Helen
Devane late of New Haven County (illegible) of
Thomas Devane a reputed officer of
Revolutionary War, died on the thirteenth day
of January A.D. 1845. leaving (illegible) 
the following named children to wit Rufus
Devane and Stewart Devane, who are the
only surviving children of the aforesaid
Helen, now known to be living 
In testimony whereof I have
hereunto subscribed my name
and affixed the Seal of said
Court at Office at Wilmington
on this 8th day of September
A.D. 1857
L H Marsteller Clerk
by Daw Dickson Dy Clerk
Page 20

Hon. W. R. King
Dec 12 '39
OC
Page 21

Depart. of War
Pension Office
Dec. 12 1839

Sir

I have examined the claim of Mrs. Helen Devane, widow of Thomas Devane
and have placed her papers upon our [illegible].
The widow alleges that her late husband
performed a tour of service of 6 mo. as Ensign,
and a tour of 1 mo. as private, in the NC
militia and that she was married in 1792.
In support of the first mentioned service, the
Commission, or other documentary evidence will be required, partially as to the grade in which he served. In proof of the date of the marriage, record evident as in all cases required, when it can be had; such as the Church or family register, or a certified copy of the marriage bond by the Clerk of the County, if [illegible] bond is upon his [illegible].
I have the honor
OC
July 7 1830
1431

Hon W R King
USS
Page 22

Hon. W. R. King
Mar 20. 1840
O.C.
Page 23



Pension Office,
March 20. 1840

Sir,
I have received the case of Mrs. Helen
Devane, widow of Thomas Devane dec'd.,
and regret to find that I cannot admit her claim without the production of such proof as the letter from this Office to you of the 12th December last, directs [crossed out] points
out.

Hon W. R. King
Senate U.S.
Page 24

{State of North Carolina
{Comptroller's Office
I, William J. Clarke, Comptroller of public accounts in and for the State aforesaid, do hereby certify that it appears of record in my office among the payments made
by said State to sundry persons for Military services in the Revolutionary War, as follows, to wit:

Thomas Devane
Book F. No. 2 page 12 [English pound symbol] 16  S10 specie
  "         No. 180   "   1 [English pound symbol] 16 S16

Wilmington large book 348 [English pound symbol] 1S4 specie
           "           "        "     892 [English pound symbol] 14 S12   
            "           "        "   3472 [English pound symbol] 20 S5      "  Twenty pounds five shillings
            "           long     "  page 67 [English pound symbol] 10 S7 D6 specie-

I furthermore certify that from a careful inspection of the books, from the location on the pay list next the Captain, and the amount of the payment, I am well convinced that said
Thomas Devane was a Lieutenant, though he is not registered as such.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto
subscribed my name and affixed my
seal of office this 20th day of May
A.D. 1852
Wm. J. Clarke Compt.

[square seal]
Page 25

Washington May 24, 1852
James E. Heath Esq.

Sir
I transmit herewith the certificate of the Comptroller of North Carolina also
several affidavits from respectable citizens of this state in support of the claim of Helen Devane widow of Thomas under the act of 7 July 1838.

Mrs. Devane in her declaration states that 
he [her] husband served as an Ensign
In this she must have been mistaken as
the amount of the several payments to him
as well as the position his name occupies
in the Pay Roll shows that he was a
Lieutenant. This is further sustained by
the fact that subsequently to the war he
was ever known and called Captain, as is
testified by all the witnesses where
affidavits are herewith enclosed.
The entries in the Comptrollers certificate are taken from the books lately received by him from Pension Office, and were not previously known to exist.
Very Respectfully
Yr ob sevt
Geo. C. Ames
Page 26

Clinton N.C. Dec. 10th/53

Commissioner of Pensions }

Dear Sir being
very recently authorized to make
application for a pension (that
was given to widows of revolutionary
soldiers by different acts of congress)
in behalf of the children of
Helen Devane the wife of Thomas
Devane. Permit me to trouble you
to inform me whether any one
(as there has been an agent employed
has filed any evidence in the
pension office to procure for and
children the amount she claimed
If there has been evidence filed
the nature of, or the reason
the application has never been
granted, or what evidence is
wanting, for I do not doubt
in the least even at this late
Page 27

that besides the evidence that can
be found on the roll in the office
but his service may be proven &
his marriage to Helen Devane and
that the present applicant Stewart
Devane & Rufus Devan are the
children of Thomas & Helen Devane
born in lawful wedlock
By noticing my inquiries you
will oblige very much

Yours Respectfuly [Respectfully]
Wm. S. Devane
Clinton N.C
Page 28

Wm. S. Devane,
Dec 20 / 53.
Page 29

311

Pension Office.
20th Decr 1853.

Sir,
I would inform you it is
against the rules of this Office to
give the information you ask in the
case of Helen Devane, unless you first
file a Power of Attorney, authorizing
your agency.

William S. Devane Esq.
Clinton.
N.C.
Page 30

6431 - N.C.
Helen Devane
widow of Thomas
Act 1838

Let to Hon. W. R. King [lined out]
12 Dec '39 same made [lined out]
20 1846 to Hon. W. R. King Dec 2[?7] [lined out]
Geo. C. Ames Aug 10 1852 [lined out]
to Wm. S. Devane 20th Dec. 1853 [lined out]
same Jny. 20 1854 [lined out]
Act 1838
Page 31

Clinton Jan. 12th/54

Dr Sir,

I enclose to you a power
of Atty. from Stewart & Rufus
Devane, the children and
heirs of Helen Devane Dec'd
& I will be much oblige to
you if you will write
me what evidence has
been filed immediately
for in such claims time
is becoming very precious
your Respt.
Wm. L Devane
Page 32

G. C. Ames
Aug 10/52
Page 33

139

Pension Office
Aug 10 1852

Sir
The additional evidence in the case of Helen
Devane of N.C. has been received and
filed. In her original declaration she
asserts that her husband was an ensign,
and her statement is supported by the
positive testimony of James Devane,
a brother of her husband, who swears
that to his knowledge he served as she
stated in her declaration. The certificate
of the Comptroller of N.C. a Thos.? Devane
declares him to have been a Lieutenant, and the traditionary evidence now filed by you, shows
that the Thos. Devane with whom the witnesses were acquainted-was always recognized as a Captain in the Revolution, [illegible] not necessary to state to you-who know so well the rules of evidence in such cases-What is necessary to complete a case, so far as identity is con-
Page 34

140
cerned, - If her husband had been
identified with the service admitted
to have been performed by a man
of his name. She has furnished no proof of marriage, that can be regarded as of any weight.

G.C. Ames Esq.
Present
Page 35

W. A. Devane
Jany 20/54
Page 36

375

Pension Office
Jany 20 1854

Sir

Helen Devane widow of Thomas of NC. asserted that her husband rendered seven months service in the war of the Revolution, six months as an Ensign and one month as a private, but failed to prove by any competent testimony that he ever served a day.
A certificate from the Comptroller of NC has been furnished showing that a Thomas Devane did under service, but he was evidently a different man, for he served in a different capacity than that claimed and for a much longer period of time. The date of her marriage has not been established. This must be done by record, public a private or its absence satisfactorily accounted for, or by the testimony of witnesses who can then how they are enabled to fix the date of that event.

W. S. Devane Esq.
Clinton
N C
Page 37

July 16, 1934
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Thomas Devane-R.2901
Nicholas Finnell [Fennell]-W.3970
BA-J/AWF

Mrs. John Eugene Wine
7 Paul Street
Harrisonburg, Virginia

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter in which you
request the Revolutionary War records of Thomas Devane and Nicholas Finnell [Fennell], both served from North Carolina.

The data furnished herein were obtained from
the papers on file in pension claims, based upon their service in the War of the Revolution.

Thomas Devane-R.2901

The date and place of birth of this soldier are
not shown in the claim, nor are the names of his parents given.

He married June 6, 1792 in Bladen County, North Carolina, Helen, whose maiden name is not stated.

Thomas Devane died January 27, 1831 in New Hanover County, North Carolina.

On September 7, 1839, the soldier's widow, Helan [Helen], aged sixty-eight years and a resident of Upper Black River District in New Hanover County, North Carolina, applied for pension that might have been due her on
account of the Revolutionary War service of her husband, Thomas Devane.

She alleged that he, while residing in said New
Page 38

2-

Hanover County, enlisted in 1778, served six months as ensign in Captain William Jones' North Carolina company, was in the battle of Brier Creek, and that he served in 1781, one month as private in Captain William Wright's North Carolina company of cavalry. He was, also, referred to as Captain Thomas Devane.

The claim was not allowed as she failed to
furnish proof of the service of her husband, as
required by the pension law.

The widow, Helen Devane, died January 13, 1845, survived by the following children: Stewart Devane and Rufus Devane, both of whom were reared in New Hanover County, North Carolina, and were living there in 1852.

James Devane was born in August, 1757 and
served in the War of the Revolution, in 1839 he
testified in the case in New Hanover County, North Carolina; in 1853, William S. Devane was living in Sampson County, North Carolina. It is not shown that they were related to each other or to the family of the soldier.

Nicholas Fennell-W.3970

Nicholas Fennell was born February 15, 1762,
place not stated, nor are the names of his parents given.

While residing in New Hanover County, North Carolina, he enlisted in August, 1778 and served as a private in Captain Thomas Devane's company under Major Robert Raiford in the North Carolina troops, about November 1, 1778, he was transferred to Captain
Anthony Sharpe's company, Colonel James
Armstrong's North Carolina regiment, and was in the battle of Stono and was discharged August 10, 1779 by Colonel William Thaxton.

Nicholas Finnell [Fennell] married March 27, 1786, Mar
Page 39

3-

garet Robinson. She was born January 13, 1772, place not stated, nor are the names of her parents given.

The soldier, Nicholas Finnell [Fennell], died January 6, 1838. His widow, Margaret Finnell [Fennell], was allowed pension on her application executed September 7, 1839,
than [then] a resident of New Hanover County, North Carolina. In 1846 she was living with a daughter about forty miles from Wilmington Court House, North Carolina, and in 1852 she was living in New Hanover County.

The children of Nicholas Finnell [Fennell] and his wife, Margaret

Elizabeth born April 27, 1788, married May 10, 180, Thomas Boykin

George       "  March 22, 1790, married January 26, 1815, Eliza Bryan

James          "  July 26, 1792, married November 13, 1819, Ann Bennerman

Tabitha        "  January 29, 1799, married October 27, 1825, Thomas M. Lee

Margaret Ann  "  July 1, 1801

Owen            "  October 30, 1803, married April 8, 1824, Elizabeth Herring

Mary Jane      "  January 13, 1806, married March 3, 1825, Amos Herring

Nicholas         "  April 8, 1808, married April 28, 1831, Julia Ann Moseley

John Milton     "  December 2, 1810

Ann Eliza or
Elisa Ann          "  May 19, 1813, married December 20, [? 1836?] Thomas Devane

Morris and Arthur Fennell, brother's of the soldier, Nicholas Fennell, served in the War of the Revolution. The widow, Margaret Fennell, referred to her brother, James Robinson.

Very truly yours

A.D. Hiller
Assistant to Administrator
Page 40

July 10, 1933
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

John Devane, W. 3961
Thomas Devine, R. 2901
BA-J/MLB

Miss Clara De Vane
Red Springs
North Carolina

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter of June 27, in which you request the records of John Devane and Thomas Devane, of New Hanover County, North Carolina, and of James Wright, from
Duplin County, North Carolina, all soldiers of the Revolutionary War.

Revolutionary War data furnished by this office are obtained from claims for pension and bounty land made to the United States based States upon military service of soldiers in that war.

You are furnished herewith the records of John Devane and Thomas Devane, of New Hanover County, North Carolina, as found in pension claims based upon their service in the Revolutionary War.

In order to identify the record of the particular soldier named James Wright in whom you are interested, should it be on file, as much as possible of the following data in regard to him
should be furnished: approximate dates of birth and death, places of residence at enlistment and after service and given name of
widow.

Very truly yours

A. D. HILLER
Assistant to Administrator
Page 41

[circular stamp] numbered 1-12
RECEIVED
JUN 30 1934
[illegible]
[illegible]

57 Paul St.,
Harrisonburg, Va.,
June 28, 1934.

Veterans' Administration
Bureau of Pensions,
Washington, D.C.

Sirs:

Please send me what record you have of the two men named below, who performed services in the Revolutionary War:

Nicholas Fennell - his widow Margaret received a pension.

Thomas Devane - his widow Nellie (or Helen) applied for a pension.

Both men lived and served in North Carolina.

Respectfully,
Mrs. John Eugene Wine [signature]
(Mrs. John Eugene Wine)
Page 42

1933, July 10 - Hist to Miss
Clara Devane (Rev ltr. 
clm W 3961 of John Devane)- MLB
1934 -July 16- first to Mrs. John
Eugene Wine AWL

2901
P.O.
Helen Devane
Service: wid. of Thomas
Printed List of suspended
Enlisted: or rejected claim    18  .
Discharged: of 1852 showed following  , 18  .
reason of suspension.
For proof or rank & duration
Application filed:        18  .
of service, and date of
marriage."
[cut off] ges:
enlisted:

Attorney:
P.O.
____ Recognized.
____ Cert. of Dis.
____ Contract.
Searched for ____, 18  .
Page 43

State of North Carolina }
County of New Hanover }
Personally appeared
before Dugall MacMillan a Justice of the Peace
in and for the County aforesaid, The Revd.
George Fennell; who being duly sworn
deposeth and sayeth, that he was raised
near the residence of Capt. Thoss Devane
a Reputed to have served in the Revolutionary war, that he was well acquainted with him, having ever lived near, and was frequently at his house during his life time, and that he was always reputed to be Capt. Thos. Devane, that he was also well acquainted with his wife Helen, that they were ever reputed to be
husband & wife, and never thought otherwise,
that he is also well acquainted with their
sons Stewart & Rufus Devane, who and
now living in or near the same neighbourhood [neighborhood] where their parents lived in
their life time, and that there is no doubt
but they are the sons of Capt. Thos. Devane
& his wife Helen, He further sayeth that
he is about sixty two years of age and has
ever lived near where he was raised in this County, and that he knew Capt. Thos. Devane and his wife Helen from the first of his recollection to their deaths, and the sons Stewart & Rufus up to this time.
Geo. Fennell
Sworn to & Subscribed before me }
this 16 December 1861 }
D. MacMillan J.P.
Page 44

State of North Carolina }
County of New Hanover }
I do hereby
certify that I am personally acquainted with the Rev. George Fennell as written, And I believe him to be as old as he states, I further certify that he is a highly respectable Gentleman, a man of truth, and a worthy minister of the Gospel, and therefore entitled to full faith and credit.
Given under my hand and
seal this 16th day December 1851
D MacMillan J.P.
Page 45

State of North Carolina, }
NEW HANOVER COUNTY. }
I, L. H. MARSTELLER, do certify that D Mac Millan,
whose signature appear to the annexed
Deposition
was at the date thereof an acting Justice of the Peace for the County aforesaid.

Witness, L. H. MARSTELLER, Clerk of the County
Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions of New
Hanover County, at office, under the seal
said County, the Seventh day of
said County, the Seventh day of
January, A. D. 1852.
L H Marsteller, Clerk.
By Danl.  Dickson Dy clerk

[circular seal] New Hanover
[illegible]