Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 7648, Edward Hancock, Va.
Page 1

SERVICE
Va.
Hancock, Edward,
Jane.
NUMBER
W. 7648
CONTENTS
Page 2

Virginia
Edward Hancock
of Bedford in the state of Virgina who was a pri- in the commander by Captain Early- of the Regt commander by Col Muhlenburg in the Viri - State Troops - for 12 mo.
Ser 3 mos
Inscribed on the Roll of Vir - at the rate of 65 Dollars 00 Cents per annum to commence on the 

4th day of March, 1831.
Certificat of Pension issued the 20 day of Feb. 1833 and sent 76 or H. Claiborne. Co. of Ref Arrears to 4th of Sep 1832 $82.00 Semi+amt. allowance ending Lideor 1833 23.80
   27.50
   82.50
$110.00

$55 per Annum   Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832
Recorded by E.D. Bullock. Clerk,
Book D Vol. 7 -Page 123
Page 3

4074
Virginia Richd

Jane Hancock
widow of Edward Hancock
Va
who was a Pri & Sergt
in the Revolution

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 55 Dollars ~ Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.

Certificate of Pension issued the 29th day of Dec. 1843 and sent to Pleasant Preston
Davis Mills
Va

[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A
Vol. 1 Page 149.

Reported

Date of widow's death not on A.B.
Page 4

State of Virginia
Bedford County} S.S.
On this 25th day of January 1833 personally appeared before me Bowker, Preston a justice of the peace for the said County of Bedford and State of Virginia Edward Hancock a resident of the County of Bedford and State aforesaid aged Seventy eight years who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on his Oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States under Captain Gross Scruggs, about the 1st February 1776 to serve a tour of two years in the revolutionary war in the Company Joshua Talbot, was first Lieutenant Joseph Early second Lieutenant and Barnabas Arthur Ensign that the Company rendezvoused at New London until they had marching orders they then marched & he believes crossed James River at Cartersville & thence on to Albemarle on the Rappahannock river then he stood a few days, from thence marched on to Williamsburg where he stayed two or three weeks he was from thence marched to Portsmouth where he was the most of the Summer from thence he was marched back to Williamsburg & from thence to Little York when he took shiping and landed at the head of Elk in the State of Maryland he from thence was marched to Wilmington in Pennsylvania & from thence to Chester in said State of Pennsylvania where his Brother Simon died who enlisted with him & marched with him he was then marched to Philadelphia when he took water & landed at Trenton he was there taken Sick and left the Army about the middle of November of the said year 1776 and came home & his Brother Samuel Hancock volunteered in his place & served out the tour this Company belonged to the 5th Virginia Regiment Commanded at first he thinks by Colo Muhlenburg and afterwards by Colo Seatt & he thinks was for two months a Volunteer in the Militia his Brother Samuel Hancock was the whole time with him they marched under Capt Jacob Early Wm Leftwich was the Colo. they marched from the County of Bedford to Petersburg he thinks in the fall or winter of 1779 a distance of 160 miles where he was stationed watching the movements of the British Shiping then in the mouth of James River till his tour expired. General Lawson was the Commander he has no written document by which he can prove the foregoing services
Page 5

& knows of no living witness which he can certainly prove them except his Brother Samuel Hancock who can prove that he enlisted under Captain Gross Scruggs & that he served a part of the time & was with him the whole of the tour to Petersburg. the next tour he Served was a tour of four months & for which he has a discharge (without stating the time of Service) given by Major Alexr Rose & Served in the capacity of a Sergeant, he marched from the County of Bedford in Virginia in the Spring of 1781 (the precise time he does not recollect) to Salisbury in North Carolina where he was stationed some time, he was from thence marched to Ninety Six in South Carolina where he joined General Green who had laid siege to the Fort in this Siege he received a slight would on the arm he Served in this Siege nineteen days when Lord Rodney came up & relieved the Fort & Green retreated & was closely pursued by the British to near broad river during which time we marched day & night until we crossed said River a distance he thinks of One hundred & twenty miles from ninetysix the distance from the County of Bedford in Virginia when he commenced his march in this tour to ninetysix in South Carolina is reputed to be the distance of three hundred miles that he was born in the County of Chesterfield in Virginia on the 15 day of November the year 1754 agreeable to his Fathers register of his age, that said regular or record or a Copy of it is now in my possession
That he cannot more particularly state the names of the Officers under whose command he was than he has done in the foregoing declaration & that the names of all the officers that he distinctly recollects are set forth herein
The names of the persons in my present neighbourhood to whom I refer to testify as to my Character and veracity and the belief of my Services as Soldier of the revolution is the Reverend John Ayers. - & Pleasant Preston. He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and he declares his name is not on the pension Roll of any agency in any State
Edward Hancock

Bedford County to wit
Sworn to & subscribed before me a justice of the peace for the County aforesaid the day & year aforesaid
Bowker Preston
I Bowker Preston a justice of the peace for the County of Bedford before whom the foregoing declaration of Edward Hancock was taken do hereby certify that from the appearance of Said Hancock he is unable to travel to the Courthouse to make his declaration
Given under my hand this 25th day of January 1833
Bowker Preston
Page 6

Jane Hancock
wid of Edwad
Va
Act July 7 1838
Married 1783
died 9 mar 1826
Allow $55 per ann
from Mach 9. 1836

Pleasant Preston
Davis Mills
Bedford Co
Va

[Vertical]
5757
Page 7

State of Virginia}
Bedford County to wit}
On the 1st day of June - 1839. Jane Hancock a resident of the State of Virginia in the County of Bedford aged Seventy Two, - 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 provisions 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 Edward Hancock, who was a private and Sergeant in the Army of the Revolution, and who received a pension of "Fifty five Dollars" under the act of Congress passed the 7th June 1832 and was enrolled on the pension list the 20th day February 1833. The Certificate authorising the Said pension to be drawn is numbered Book D. Vol 7 Page 123 - and the declaration and vouchers now in the possession of the War Department upon which the Said pension was granted, is respectfully refered by for the Nature and particulars of the Service rendered by her deceased husband Edward Hancock,
She further declares that she was married to the Said Edward Hancock on the 23rd December 1783. That her Husband the aforesaid Edward Hancock died on The 9th day March 1836. 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

Sworn to & subscribed on the on the 1st day 
day and Year above written before me

Jane Hancock
X her mark
Wm W Reese J.P.

Witness.
Pleasant Preston.
Page 8

Bedford County to Wit
I William W Reese a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid do hereby certify that Jane Hancock, widow of Edward Hancock, and who is the Within Claimant is from old age, weakness, and bodily infirmity, unable to attend Court to make the within declaration. that she is the widow of Edward Hancock deceased. That she is a lady of high respectability, and on whose declaration full reliance may be placed
Given under my hand this 1st day of June 1839
Wm W Reese J.P.

Bedford County to Wit
Be it known that on the 1st day of June 1839, before me a Justice of the peace in and for the County aforesaid personally appeared Benjamin Turner, aged Seventy Years and and made oath in due form of Law, that he was born and raised in the same neighbourhood of the Within mentioned Edward Hancock decd that he lived Within Five miles of the residence of said Edward Hancock at the time of his death that he was at his House the day after he died, but Cannot Say With positive Certainty the time he died but believes it was the time stated within, That is on the 9th March 1836. He is positive it was about that time, that the within-mentioned Jane Hancock is the widow of said Edward Hancock and that she is now a widow and has never since been married that she is a lady of high respectability and Character -
Given under my hand the day and year last above written
Wm W Reese JP.

Bedford County to Wit
Be it known that on The 1st day of June 18
before the subscriber a Justice of the peace in and for the County aforesaid personally appeared Samuel Hancock aged Thirty five years, and made oath in due form of Law, That he lived in the family of his father, the within named Edward Hancock at the time of his death that he died on the 9th day March 1836 that the Within named Jane Hancock is his mother & the widow of the said Edward Hancock, is now a widow, & has never since been married, Given under my hand the day and year last above written
Wm W Reese J.P.
Page 9

Bedford County to wit 

I, William Reese a Justice of the peace in and for the County aforesaid do hereby certify that  Benjamin Turner and Samuel Hancock, who have sworn to the annexed certificates are persons of respectability & on whose testimony full reliance may be placed- 
Given under my hand this 13 day June 1839 
Wm W Reese J.P. 

The unnnend erasure and interlination of the 18 day June in the place of the 1st day Aprill was made before the same was executed and the inestination of that he was at the House the day after he died in Benjamin Turners certificate was made before the said was executed. 
Wm W Reese J.P.
Page 10

I Robert C. Mitchell Clerk of the County Court of Bedford in the State of Virginia, do hereby Certify that the following is an extract from a Certificate of William Johnson a minister of the Gospel, certifying the marriage celebrated by him, returned and of recorded in in said Court Viz. "Edward Hancock and Jane Nichols married by me December 23rd 1783." meaning the twenty third day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred & eighty three. Given under my hand this 28th day of May one thousand eight hundred and thirty nine

R. C. Mitchell C.B.C.
Page 11

Virginia
At a Court of Monthly Sessions held
Page 12

Clerk of this Court is genuine.

In testimony where of I John R. Steptoe deputy for Robert C Mitchell Clerk of said Court, have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this 28th day of June 1839 in the 63rd year of the Commonwealth.

Jno. R Steptoe D.C.
for Ro. C. Mitchell CRSC
Page 13

Left Hand Side of Top of Page: 
Honorable William L. Nelson 
House of Representatives 
Washington, D. C. 

Right Hand Side of Top of Page:
November 18, 1936 
XIXXXIXIXIXXIX BA-J/MHF: M.B. 
Edward Hancock W. 7648 

My dear Mr. Nelson: 

Reference is made to your letters of November 12, 1936, and November 16, 1936, in behalf of Mrs. J. Frank Thompson, of 11 Kuhlman Court, Columbia, Missouri, and Mrs. James R. Short, of 997 Maryland Avenue, same city, whose letters you enclosed, Mrs. Thompson requests the Revolutionary War records of Leonard Claiborn, Benjamin Wray, John Cleburne and Francis Hughs, all recorded as pensioners, and Mrs. Short requests the Revolutionary War records of James Moore, Jane Hancock, recorded as pensioners, and of William Moore and James Arvin. 

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 each request pertaining to soldiers of that war, no matter how great the desire to do so. Revolutionary War pension claims contain from six to fifty, and oftentimes from seventy-five to one hundred pages of old faded manuscript. In the preparation of abstracts each page must be read with the greatest care and all data found in the claims must be verified, as far as it is possible to do, before being incorporated in official reports and released. 

Many persons have become engaged in the work of compiling Revolutionary War data for towns, cities, counties and even states and have made requests for Revolutionary War records in bulk and in no instance has it been possible for this office to comply with requests of that nature. 

Provision has been made by law for research workers to examine and collect data from Revolutionary War claims for pension, in accordance with office regulations. This has been done in numbers of instances
Page 14

where extensive research was involved, and may be accomplished by Mrs. Thompson and Mrs. Short, or by some responsible person designated by you or by them. Every courtesy will be extended the person who calls to do the research work. 

The record of Leonard Claiborne is enclosed for Mrs. Thompson, and that of Edward Hancock, husband of Jane, for Mrs. Short, which will aid them in part. 

In regard to the lists of Revolutionary War pensioners which have been printed at various times, which Mrs. Thompson requests, those volumes are now very rare and expensive, but might be obtained, possibly, from some secondhand bookstore 

The letters of Mrs. Thompson and Mrs. Short, addressed to you, are enclosed herewith. 

Very truly yours 

A. D. HILLER 
Executive Assistant to the Administrator 

-2-
Page 15

November 18, 1936 
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX 
EDWARD HANCOCK 
W. 7648 
BA - J/MLB 


Mrs. James R. Short 
997 Maryland Avenue 
Columbia, Missouri 


Dear Madam: 

In compliance with the request of Honorable William L. Nelson, you are furnished herein the record of Edward Hancock as found in pension claim, W. 7648, based upon his service in the Revolutionary War.

Edward Hancock was born November 15, 1754, in Chesterfield County, Virginia. The names of his parents are not given.

Edward Hancock enlisted with his brother, Simon Hancock, about February 1, 1776, served as private in Captain Gross Scruggs' company, Colonel Scott's 5"" Virginia Regiment, marched from Bedford County, Virginia, to Chester, Pennsylvania, where Simon died, then on to Trenton where Edward was taken sick about the middle of November, 1776, left the army and returned home when his brother, Samuel Hancock, took his place and served the remainder of the two years' term for which Edward enlisted. He volunteered in the fall or winter of 1779, served two months as private in Captain Jacob Early's company, Colonel William Leftwich's Virginia regiment (his brother, Samuel, served this entire tour with him). He enlisted in the spring of 1781, marched from Bedford County, Virginia, served one month as private and three months as sergeant under Major Alexander Rose in the Virginia troops, was stationed at Salisbury, North Carolina, for some time, thence to Ninety Six, South Carolina, was in the siege at that place, during which he received a slight wound in his arm and was discharged July 31, 1781. 

The soldier was allowed pension on his application executed January 25, 1833, while a resident of Bedford County, Virginia. He died there March 9, 1836. 

Edward Hancock married December 23, 1783, place not stated, Jane Nichols or Nickols. Their marriage was recorded in the County Clerk's Office of Bedford County, Virginia. No reference was made to any other marriage of the soldier.
Page 16

Soldier's widow, Jane Hancock, was allowed pension on her application executed June 1, 1839, at which time she was aged seventy-two years and a resident of Bedford County, Virginia. The date and place of her birth are not shown. 

In 1839, Samuel Hancock, son of Edward Hancock and his wife, Jane, was aged thirty-five years and residing in Bedford County, Virginia. No other reference was made to children. 

Soldier's brother, Samuel Hancock, in addition to his military service, served also several terms as a member of the Virginia State Legislature, was also high sheriff for Bedford County, Virginia, and in 1833 was coroner and presiding justice of the peace for that county. 

In order to obtain date of last payment of pension, the name and address of the person paid and possibly the date of death of soldier's widow, you should write to the Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, this city, and cite the following data: Jane Hancock, widow of Edward Hancock, certificate No. 4074, issued December 29, 1843, rate $55 per annum, commenced March 4, 1843, Act of March 3, 1843, Virginia Agency. 

Very truly yours 
A. D. HILLER 
Executive Assistant to the Administrator -2-
Page 17

October 29, 1934 
XXXXXXXXXXXXX 
Edward Hancock, W. 7648 
John Swanson, W. 1900 
BA-J/MLB 

Mr. Walter L. Hopkins 
Law Building 
Richmond, Virginia 

Dear Sir: 

Reference is made to your letter of October 24, in which you request the records of Edward Hancock and John Swanson, soldiers of the Revolutionary War. 

The claims for pension of John Swanson and his widow, Sarah, are on file in this office under W. 1900, and the claims for pension of Edward Hancock and his widow, Jane, are on file under W. 78. 

All papers under both files have been examined carefully and the date as found therein are furnished you herewith. 

Very truly yours 
A. D. HILLER 
Assistant to Administrator
Page 18

October 29, 1934 
XXXX XXXX 
EDWARD HANCOCK 
W. 7648 
BA-J/MLB 

Mr. Walter L. Hopkins 
Law Building 
Richmond, Virginia 

Dear Sir: 

You are furnished herein the record of Edward Hancock, as shown in the papers on file in pension claim, W. 7648, based upon his service in the Revolutionary War. 

Edward Hancock was born November 15, 1754, in Chesterfield County, Virginia; the names of his parents are not stated. 

He enlisted with his brother, Simon Hancock, about February 1, 1776, served as private in Captain Gross Saruggs' company, Colonel Scott's 5"" Virginia Regiment, marched from Bedford County, Virginia, to Chester, Pennsylvania, where Simon died, then on to Trenton where Edward was taken sick about the middle of November, 1776, left the army and returned home when his brother, Samuel Hancock, took his place and served the remainder of the two years' term for which Edward enlisted. He volunteered in the fall or winter of 1779, served two months as private in Captain Jacob Early's company, Colonel William Leftwich's Virginia regiment (his brother, Samuel, served this entire tour with him). He enlisted in the spring of 1781, marched from Bedford County, Virginia, served one month as private and three months as sergeant under Major Alexander Rose in the Virginia troops, was stationed at Salisbury, North Carolina, for some time, thence to Ninety Six, South Carolina, was in the siege at that place, during which he received a slight wound in his arm and was discharged July 31, 1781. 

He was allowed pension on his application executed January 25, 1833, while a resident of Bedford County, Virginia. 

He died March 9, 1836, in Bedford County, Virginia.
Page 19

Edward Hancock married December 23, 1783, place not stated, Jane Nichols or Nickols; their marriage was recorded in the County Clerk's Office of Bedford County, Virginia. No reference was made to any other marriage of the soldier.

Soldier's widow, Jane Hancock, was allowed pension on her application executed June 1, 1839, at which time she was aged seventy - two years and a resident of Bedford County, Virginia. The date and place of her birth is not shown.

In 1839, Samuel Hancock, son of Edward Hancock and his wife, Jane, was aged thirty-five years and residing in Bedford Country, Virginia. No other reference was made to children.

Soldier's brother, Samuel Hancock, in addition to his military service, also served terms as a member of the Virginia State Legislature, was also high sheriff for Bedford County, Virginia, and in 1833 was coroner and presiding justice of the peace for that county.

In order to obtain date of the last payment of pension, the name and address of the person paid and possibly the date of the widow's death, you should write to the Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, records Division, this city, and cite the following data:- Jane Hancock, widow of Edward Hancock, Certificate No. 4074, issued December 29, 1843, rate $55 per annum, commenced March 4, 1843, Act of March 3, 1843, Virginia Agency.

Very truly yours

A. D. HILLER
Assistant to Administrator

-2-
Page 20

October 22, 1934.
XXXXXXXXXXXXX
BA-J/MMHF/ady
Edward Hancock, W. 7648
John Swanson, W.1900

Mr. Walter L. Hopkins
Law Building
Richmond, Virginia

Dear Sir:

Reference is made to your letter in which you request photostatic copies of papers on file in the Revolutionary War Pension claims of Jane Hancock, Bedford County, Virginia, Elisha Walker, Franklin County, Virginia, and John Swanson, Wilkes County, North Carolina, all reported as pensioners in 1840.

The Census of Pensioners cited by you was compiled from the returns of the marshals of the several judicial districts under the act of Congress for taking the sixth census, and without reference to the pension records of this office, hence it is not always possible to verify the statements contained therein. Many persons reported in that volume as pensioners, were not United States pensioners, but were state pensioners.

No claim for pension has been found based upon service in the Revolutionary War of an Elisha Walker from any state. He was possibly a pensioner of the State of Virginia.

The claims for pension have been found based upon service of John Swanson and Edward Hancock.

Photostatic copies of papers on file in these claims will be furnished you at the rate of twenty-five cents a page. The number of pages to be copied in the claim based upon service of Edward Hancock, the husband of Jane (W.7648) is eighteen, and the number to be copied in claim based upon service of John Swanson(W.1900) is twenty-five.
Page 21

Please make remittance by money order drawn to the order of the Treasurer of the United States.

If you obtain photostatic copies of these papers, of course all data in the claims will be shown which would be included in abstracts prepared by this office. If you should decide that the abstracts will be all you need in your research, they will be mailed to you promptly without charge, upon request.

Very truly yours

A. D. HILLER
Assistant to Administrator
Page 22

October 12, 1934
Mr. E. E. Jones
114 Spring Grove Avenue
Bluefield, West Virginia
EDWARD HANCOCK
W. 7648
BA-J/MLB
Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letter of October 7, with further reference to the wife, or widow, of Edward Hancock, W. 7648, whose record was furnished you October 3, 1934.
In the report which was furnished you on above date, a part of the date meant to be included, were inadvertently omitted.
You are furnished herewith a corrected report to be used in the place of the one formerly furnished.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Assistant to Administrator
Page 23

October 12, 1934
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

EDWARD HANCOCK
W. 7648
BA-J/MLB

Mr. E. E. Jones
115 Spring Grove Avenue
Bluefield, West Virginia

Dear Sir:

You are furnished below the record of Edward Hancock, as shown in the papers on file in pension claim, W. 7648, based upon his service in the Revolutionary War.

Edward Hancock was born November 15, 1754, in Chesterfield County, Virginia; the names of his parents are not stated.

He enlisted with his brother, Simon Hancock, about February 1, 1776, served as private in Captain Gross Scruggs' company, Colonel Scott's 5" Virginia Regiment, marched from Bedford County, Virginia, to Chester, Pennsylvania, where Simon died, then on to Trenton where Edward was taken sick about the middle of November, 1776, left the army and returned home when his brother, Samuel Hancock, took his place and served the remainder of the two years' term for which Edward enlisted. He volunteered in the fall or winter of 1779, served two months as private in Captain Jacob Early's company, Colonel William Leftwich's Virginia regiment (his brother, Samuel, served this entire tour with him). He enlisted in the spring of 1781, marched from Bedford County, Virginia, served one month as private and three months as sergeant under Major Alexander Rose in the Virginia troops, was stationed at Salisbury, North Carolina, for some time, thence to Ninety Six, South Carolina, was in the siege at that place during which he received a slight wound in his arm and was discharged July 31, 1781.

He was allowed pension on his application executed January 25, 1833, while a resident of Bedford County, Virginia.

Edward Hancock married December 23, 1783, place not stated, Jane Nichols or Nickels; their marriage was recorded in the County Clerk's Office of Bedford County, Virginia. No reference is made to any other marriage of the soldier.
Page 24

Soldier's widow, Jane Hancock, was allowed pension on her application executed June 1, 1839, at which time she was aged seventy-two years and a resident of Bedford County, Virginia.

In 1839, Samuel Hancock, son of Edward Hancock and his wife, Jane, was aged thirty-five years and residing in Bedford County, Virginia. No other reference was made to children.

Soldier's brother, Samuel Hancock, in addition to his military service, also served several terms as a member of the Virginia State Legislature, was also high sheriff for Bedford County, Virginia, and in 1833 was coroner and presiding justice of the peace for that county.

In order to obtain date of last payment of pension, the name and address of the person paid and possibly the date of widow's death, you should write to the Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, this city, and cite the following data:- Jane Hancock, widow of Edward Hancock, Certificate 4074, issued December 29, 1843, rate $55 per annum, commenced March 4, 1843, Act of March 3, 1843, Virginia Agency.

Very truly yours
A. D. HILER
Assistant to Administrator

-2-
Page 25

[Handwritten]
This inquires for military & connected history -
This one not to be copied again-

[Typed]
October 3, 1934
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

EDWARD HANCOCK
W. 7648
BA-J/MLB

Mr. E. E. Jones
115 Spring Grove Avenue
Bluefield, West Virginia

Dear Sir:

Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of Edward Hancock who served as private and sergeant from Bedford County, Virginia, and received a pension.

You are furnished below the record of Edward Hancock, as shown in the papers on file in pension claim, W. 7648, based upon his service in the Revolutionary War.

Edward Hancock was born November 15, 1754, in Chesterfield County, Virginia; the names of his parents are not stated.

He enlisted with his brother, Simon Hancock, about February 1, 1776, served as private in Captain Gross Scruggs' company, Colonel Scott's 5" Virginia Regiment, marched from Bedford County, Virginia, to Chester, Pennsylvania, where Simon died, then on to Trenton where Edward was taken sick about the middle of November, 1776, left the army and returned home when his brother, Samuel Hancock, took his place and served the remainder of the two years' term for which Edward enlisted. He volunteered in the fall or winter of 1779, served two months as private in Captain Jacob Early's company, Colonel William Leftwich's Virginia regiment (his brother, Samuel, served this entire tour with him). He enlisted in the spring of 1781, marched from Bedford County, Virginia, served one month as private and three months as sergeant under Major Alexander Rose in the Virginia troops, was stationed at Salisbury, North Carolina, for some time, thence to Ninety Six, South Carolina, was in the siege at that place during which he received a slight wound in his arm and was discharged July 31, 1781.

He was allowed pension on his application executed January 25, 1833, while a resident of Bedford County, Virginia.

He died March 9, 1836, in Bedford County, Virginia.
Page 26

1 Edward Hancock married December 23, 1783, place not stated, Jane Nichols; their marriage was recorded in the County Clerk's Office of Bedford County, Virginia. [Handwritten: no reference is made to any outer near of the soldiers.
2 Soldier's widow Jane Hancock, was allowed pen. on her appl. ex. June 1, 1839, at which time she was aged 72 yrs & a res. of Bedford Co., Va]

3 In 1839, Samuel Hancock, son of Edward Hancock and his wife, Jane, was aged thirty-five years and residing in Bedford County, Virginia. No other reference was made to children.

4 Soldier's brother, Samuel Hancock, in addition to his military service, also served several terms as a member of the Virginia State Legislature, was also high sheriff for Bedford County, Virginia, and in 1833 was coroner and presiding justice of the peace for that county.

Very truly yours
[Handwritten: 5. In order to obtain date of last payment etc]
A. D. HILLER
Assistant to Administrator

-2-
Page 27

[Handwritten]
Revol. War Sec - [illegible] 1841-1857

[Header]
WILLIAM L. NELSON
SECOND MISSOURI DISTRICT
_________
WASHINGTON ADDRESS:
225 HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING
________
HOME ADDRESS:
COLUMBIA, MISSOURI

MEMBER:
COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE

Congress of the United States
House of Representatives
Washington, D.C.

[Typed]
November 16, 1936

Mr. A. D. Hiller, Assistant Administrator
Veterans Administration
Washington, D. C.

Dear Mr. Hiller:
Enclosed is letter from Mrs. J. Frank Thompson, State Secretary of the D. A. R., who makes inquiry concerning the pension of John Cleburne and Francis Hughs. If you have any records pertaining to these two men, it would be appreciated if you could supply us with this knowledge.
When the enclosure has served your purpose, please return it for our files. Thanking you, I am

Sincerely yours,
[Signed] Wm W. Sterrett
Secretary to Mr. Nelson

S

[Stamp]
RECEIVED
NOV 17 1936
CONGRESSIONAL
Mail Sub-Div.
Page 28

[Header]
WILLIAM L. NELSON
SECOND MISSOURI DISTRICT
_________
WASHINGTON ADDRESS:
225 HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING
________
HOME ADDRESS:
COLUMBIA, MISSOURI

MEMBER:
COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE

Congress of the United States
House of Representatives
Washington, D.C.

[Typed]
November 12, 1936

Mr. A. D. Hiller, Assistant Administrator
Veterans Administration
Washington, D. C.

Dear Sir:
Enclosed are letters from Mrs. J. Frank Thompson and Mrs. James Short of Columbia, who make inquiry concerning various pensioners and their records. Kindly advise us in these premises. When the enclosures have served your purpose, please return them for our files.

Thanking you, I am
Sincerely yours,
[Signed] Wm W. Sterrett
Secretary to Mr. Nelson

[Stamp]
RECEIVED
NOV 13 1936
MAIL SUB-DIV.
VETS ADM.
CONO. #1
Page 29

II5 Spring Grove Ave
Bluefield, W.Va
Oct 7th-34

Veterans Administration
Washington D.C.

Attention Mr. A.D.Hiller
-------------------------
Dear Sir:
Yours relative to Edward Hancock,who served in the revolution,received and for which I thank you very much.There is left unanswered,however,the most important question,namely.Was Edward Hancock's pension continued in the name of Sarah his wife or was it continued in the name of Jane his wife,or was the pension continued at all after his death on March 9th.I836.
The above refers to pension claim,W.7648.Edward Hancock of Bedford Co.Va.Revolutionary War.
I of course know that he married Jane Nickols and I believe that she was living at his death but there is a chance that Jane died and that later he married Sarah Womack and that Sarah was living at his death,any way if the pension is continued after Edward Hancock's death in the name of either Sarah or Jane the matter is settled.Edward Hancock was my great grandfather,I am not sure as to whether it was Sarah or Jane who was my great grandmother.Thanking you again I am most truly yours.
[Signed] E.E.Jones
E.E.Jones

[Stamp]
RECEIVED
OCT 9 1934
MAIL SUB-DIV.
READER 19
VETS. ADM.
Page 30

II5 Spring Grove Ave
Bluefield W.Va.
Sept 4th-34

Department of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Gentlemen:-
I am interested in the Revolutionary war record of Edward Hancock private and sergeant Virginia continental line of Bedford county Va.
Edward Hancock was pensioned Feb 20th-I833 aged 79 years.He was on pay roll of Cart.Gross Scrugg's company 5th Va,being commanded by Col.Charles Scott from Sept. 28th to Nov.28th I776.The auditors account Richmond Va shows thatJune 24th-I783 warrant was issued to Edward Hancock for his services as malitia-man in Capt Cobb's company,ordered from Bedford county Va to the aid of the southern states.
My information is that Edward Hancock above refered to was issued a pension Feb 20th-I833 and that upon his death in I836 that the pension was continued for some time in the name of his wife Jane Hancock; I will certainly be glad to be fully advised as to the facts relating to Edward Hancock of Bedford county Va. and especially whether the pension was continued after I836 in the name of his wife JANE;it is just possible that the pension was continued in the name of his wife SARAH.
Most truly yours
[Signed] E. E. Jones
E.E.Jones
II5 Spring Grove Ave
Bluefield W.Va.

[Stamp 1]
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
SEP - 5 1934
WAR DEPT.

[Stamp 2]
RECEIVED
SEP 6 1934
[illegible] records
Divison
A. G. O.

[Stamp 3]
15 Received A. G. O. SEP 5 1934
Page 31

1934 Oct 3, Hist to E E Jones - NEB
1934. Oct. 12 - Corrected hist. sent. E. E. Jones - MM&FT
1943 - Oct. 23 - Walter L. Hopkins ass coos of [illegible] MMF
1934 Oct. 29 - Hist. to Walter L Hopkins (see ltr in claim W.1900 of John Swanson)-MLB
1936 Nov. 18 - Hist to Ms Jas R Short - MLB

Revy WIDOW, &c.
File No. 7648
Jane Hancock
Wid:
Edward Hancock
Sergt, Rev: War

Act: Mach. 3"/43
Index:-Vol. A, Page 304
[Arrangement of 1870.]
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Edward Hancock Sergt in the Virginia Militia from Bedford having performed his Tour of Duty is in Order of the Honl May
Genl Greene Discharged -
Gen Henr Goff May
July 31st 1781
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Davis Mills Va
July 6th-}
Free
P. Preston PM

Mr. J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City

[Vertical]
5757 July 12
Va
July 7. 1838
Jane Hancock
wid. of Edward

[Upside down]
Edward Hancock
Va
Page 34

Davis Mills Bedford County
Virginia July 6th 1839
Dear Sir,
Enclosed I send Mrs. Jane Hancock Declaration
and the evidence relied on as comprising
all that is necessary to enable her to draw a pension in conveyance of the Survivors rendered by her husband, Edward Hancock in the Revolution, for which he drew a pension in his life time as is more fully set forth in the enclosed papers -
She hopes it will be in [ ? ? ] to give
the papers an early examination and report thereon through me to his
Very Respectfully
Pleasant Preston
Page 35

4142
Richmond Virginia
Jane Hancock
widow of Edward Hancock decd.
who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832
and who died on the 9th March 1836
of Bedford Co in the State of Va
who was a Pri & Sgt in the Comp.
commanded by Captain Earley of the Regt
commanded
by Col Muhlenberg in the Va
line for 12 mos. Private
& Sgt.
Inscribed on the Roll of Richmond Va.
at the rate of 55 Dollars -- Cents per annum,
to commence on the 9th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 7th day of Sept 1839 and to wit Pleasant
Preston Davis Mills Va.
Arrears to the 4th of Sept 1839 $192.50
Semi=annual allowance ending 4 Mar. 1840 $27.50
$220.00
Act July 7,
1838.
Recorded by D. D. Addison Clerk,
Book A Vol. 2 a Page 178
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4526
Jane Hancock
$55 per annum
Pleasant Preston
Davis Mills
Va.
Page 37

State of Virginia
Bedford County SS
On this 12th day of September 1843
before me Christopher Morgan a Justice of the peace in and for the County aforesaid personally appeared Mrs. Jane Hancock a resident of said County aged Seventy four years who having been 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 on the 3rd day March 1843
Granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war
That she is the widow of Edward Hancock deceased of said County who was a solder in the Revolutionary war and served several towers - The particulars of which she cannot recollect distinctly enough to give a detail, account of, but the facts will appear by reference to his declaration and proof of service filed in the war department, upon which he was allowed a pension of fifty five Dollars Annum under the act of Congress of the 7th June 1832, and that he the said Edward Hancock died on the 9th day of March, 1836. and that the annual amount of pension which she received from the General Government, as the widows of the aforesaid Edward Hancock under the act of Congress of July 7th 1838 was fifty five dollars, to wit, from the 4th day March 1836 to the 4th day March 1841 and further declares that she is still a widow
her
Jane X Hancock
mark
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year above written before me
Chris Morgan, J.S.
State of Virginia Bedford County SS
I Christopher Morgan a Justice of the peace in and for the County aforesaid do hereby certify that Mrs. Jane Hancock who has this day sworn to and subscribed the foregoing Declaration before me is the widow of Edward Hancock Deceased of said County who died about the 9th day of March 1836 and
Page 38

who was a United States pensioned for said County at $55 per annum under the act of the 7th June 1832, and whose Widow June Hancock is personally known to me as the Identical person who received a pension from the General government under the act of July 7th 1838 for five years, to wit, from The 4th March 1836 this 4th day March 1841 and is the person referred to in the foregoing declaration and I further Certify that Mrs. Jane Hancock before mentioned is still
alive, and a widow, and that she is too infirm to attend Court,
Given under my hand this 12th day of September 1843
Chris Morgan J.P.
Page 39

Virginia: County of Bedford SS
At a Court of Monthly Session holden for the County of Bedford at the Courthouse on Monday the 25 day of September one thousand eight hundred and forty three
The declaration of Mrs. Jane Hancock was read in Court claiming a pension under the act of Congress of the 3rd of March 1843 granting
pensions to the Widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War. together with the certificate of Christopher Morgan. And the Court being satisfied that the same is genuine, doth order it to be certified to this War Department that Mr. Jane Hancock named in the foregoing declaration is the widow of Edward Hancock Deceased of the said County
of Bedford who was a soldier in the Revolution and served as such several Militia tours, and who died on the 9th day of March 1836 leaving his present widow Jane Hancock above named, and who is the identical person who received a pension from the General Government under the act of Congress of July 7th 1838, as the widow of the said Edward Hancock for five years at the rate of fifty five dollars per annum from the 4th of March 1836 to the 4th day of March 1841, and that she is still alive and a widow. And that Christopher Morgan is an acting Justice of the peace in and for the said County of Bedford, duly commissioned and qualified according to law, and that the signatures purporting to be his are genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto
Set my hand and affixed the seal of said
Court this 26th day of September one thousand eight hundred & forty three.
R.C. Mitchell C.B.C.
Page 40

Bedford County S.S.
Mr. John Ayres
a Clergyman and residing in said County & Pleasant Preston residing in the same hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Edward Hancock who has subscribed and Sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be about seventy eight years of age that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the
Revolution & we concur in that Opinion
John Ayres made solemn affirmation to the foregoing certificate & Pleasant Preston made oath to the same this 25th day of January 1833
John Ayres
Pleasant Preston
Bowker Preston
Bedford County S.S.
This day Samuel Hancock came before me Bowker Preston a Justice of the peace for said County & made Oath that his Brother Edward Hancock as he understood about the first day of February 1776 enlisted under Capt. Gross Scruggs in the revolutionary Army and he well recollects he marched away from home under Capt. Scruggs & was gone between nine & ten months & returned home sick & that he enlisted in his place for the balance of the tour, & that he well recollects that the said Edward Hancock served a tour in the Virginia Militia & was Marched from Bedford County to Petersburg he thinks in the hall of the year 1779 Given under my hand this
25th day of January 1833
Bowker Preston
Bedford County to wit
I Bowker Preston a justice of the peace for
said County do hereby certify that Samuel Hancock who swears to the foregoing affidavit is reputed to be a man of veracity & on whose statements released ought to be placed, that he has several times been a member of the Legislature of Virginia that he has been high Sheriff for the County of Bedford & now is Coroner & providing Justice of the peace for said County. Given under my hand this 25th day of January 1833
Bowker Preston
Page 41

Edward Hancock
Declaration for a
Pension
made 28th Jan 1833.
Bedford County Va.
admit
pri - 12 mo
Ser - 8 mo
$100
N H Claiborne
1 1/2 mth
Sergeant. 20
Private
12 mths
40S60
Page 42

Bedford County to wit
Personally appeared before me the undersigned a justice of the peace for said County Edward Hancock who being duly sworn deposeth and saith, that by reason of old age & 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 & in the following
Grades for nine months as set forth in my declaration I served as a volunteer Soldier under Capt. Scruggs in the year 1776 for two months a Militia Soldier under Capt. Carly for one month served in my tour to the South as a Common Soldier & three months I served as a Sergeant in the Spring & Summer of 1781 & for such service I claim a pension. Given under my hand this 25 day of January 1833
Bowker Preston
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State of Virginia Bedford County Jct.
I Robert O. Mitchell Clerk of the County Court
of said County, do hereby certify that Bowker Preston before whom the within declaration of Edward Hancock was made, and whose signature is annexed to the foregoing certificates is an acting Justice of the place in aforesaid County duly commissioned & qualified according to law and that said signatures are genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court
this 2nd day of February 1833.
R.C. Mitchell