Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 7592, for Robert Stark, Virginia
Page 1

(3-1776)

SERVICE
Va.

Stark, Robert
Graham, Sally
(former widow)

NUMBER
W. 7592

CONTENTS
Page 2

8671.
North Carolina
Sally Graham dec’d formerly widow of Robert Stark Va who was a private in the Revolutionary War

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 100 Dollars ---- Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843 terminating Nov 3, 1843

Certificate of Pension issued the ninth day of Aug 1844 and sent to James F. Simmons of N. C. Present

[Acts of March 3, 1843, [strikethrough] & June 17, 1844. [strikethrough]].

Recorded in Book A Vol. 2 page 155

lett J F Simmons August 23-49
to same 14th Jany 1850
to Hon J. R. J. Daniel. March 1860

Payable to Edward Graham & Catherine Faucett children
Page 3

State of North Carolina 
Halifax County}

On the 15th day of February 1847 Personally appeared before the court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions for the county aforesaid Edward Graham a resident of the aforesaid county aged about Fifty two 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 July 7th 1838 entitled an act granting half pay and pension to certain widows That he the said Edward Graham resident as aforesaid and his sister Catherine Faucett who is a resident of the County of Northampton and State aforesaid are the legal heirs of Sally Graham - and the only children she had which survived her. - that he frequently heard his mother - state the following circumstances - Viz’ that the name of her first husband was Robert Stark that he the said Stark - was soldier in the Revolutionary war that he went from the county of Greensville in the state of Virginia - that he served both in North Carolina and Virginia she would some times say “at the North” That he was [strikethrough] a ??? [strikethrough] much of the time while in the army under Col Wm Washington That he belonged to a company of calvary and received a wound in some battle. that after the war Col Washington called to see her husband & proposed to him to go and live with him. The Col which Stark declined - a short time afterwards
Page 4

he died  - and Colonel Washington came to see her and said if she would go home with him she never should suffer. The said Edward further declares that he received no education - that his mother had no family record and that if there ever was any county, Parish, church or family record made either of the marriage of his mother and Robert Stark or the death of said Stark he has not been able to hear of it - and he has used all the names his limited circumstances & capacity enabled him, in order to collect all the evidence he was advised was material in the case. He also declares that - the only means he has of proving the time at which Robert Stark died is by the evidence of Capt John Robinson - which may be seen in his testimony - to which he would add that he had always understood from - this mother that Nr. Stark died not long after this marriage He therefore declares that he supposes said Stark must have died in the year 1783. He further declares that his mother lived till the third day of November Eighteen hundred & forty three 1843 on which day she died.
X his mark
Edward Graham

Sworn to & Subscribed before me this 15th day of Feby 1847
Richd B Parker
Page 5

Know all men by these present that we George Graham and Mark Sexton are held and firmly bound unto the Commonwealth of Virginia in the sum of £45 pounds current money, to which payment well & truly to be made we bind ourselves, and heirs & jointly and severally firmly by these presents, sealed with our seals dated the 7th day of Oct. 1786.

The condition of the above obligation is such that whereas there is a marriage shortly intended to be had & solemnized between the above bound George Graham & Sarah Stark widow according to law.  Now if there shall be no lawful cause to obstruct the said intended marriage then the above obligation to be and is to remain in full force.
George Graham 
(there is a hand drawn seal)

X his mark
Mark Sexton
(there is a hand drawn seal)

Sealed & Delivered in presence of Lockett Mitchell}

State of Virginia, Greenville County Court

I Jos Turner, Clerk of the County Court for the said County of Greenville in the State of Virginia do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true copy of a bond on file in my office

In testimony whereof, I hereto set my hand and annex the seal of the said Court this 8th day of June 1847.
Jos. Turner C. C.

Virginia - Greenville County Court:

I M. H. Hobbs presiding Magistrate of the County Court for the said County of Greenville in the state of Virginia do certify, that Jos. Turner who hath given the preceding certificate, is Clerk of the said Court; and that his attestation is in due form.

Given under my hand this 8th day of June 1847
M. H. Hobbs P. M.
Page 6

Revy WIDOW, &c.
File No. 7592

Sally Graham
for, Wid. of 
Robert Stark
Prvt. Rev: War

Act: Mch: 3of48

Index: - Vol. A, Page 287

[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 7

10.705
North Carolina
Sally Graham, deceased
formerly Widow of Robert Stark who was a pensioner under the Act of -- and who died on the ---, 1783 - of Halifax Co in the State of North Carolina who was a private in the Cavalry commanded by Captain ----- of the ----- commanded by Col. Washington in the Virginia line for 2 years.

Inscribed on the Roll of North Carolina at the rate of 100 Dollars ---- Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836, & terminating March 4, 1841.

Certificate of Pension issued the ninth day of Aug 1849 and deliv’d Jar F. Simmons of N. C. Present.

Total amount, $500.00
[Act July 7, 1838.}

Recorded by Henry Robinson Clerk, Book D Vol. 11 Page 291

Payable to Edward Graham & Catherine Faucett children
Page 8

Novm 4 ‘47
Asking a re-examination case of Sally Graham

J. L. Edwards Esq
Washington City
D. C.

There is a stamp
WEIDON
NOV 2

for free
Page 9

Weldon 2nd Nov 1847

J. L. Edwards Esq

Dear Sir,

At the repeated requests of Mr Edward Graham & his sister I am indeed to write you in relation to the claim which they set up against the government. I have no doubt that many are claiming & some perhaps obtain certificates unjustly and therefore the third proof which you require is regarded as nothing more than duty both to yourself & the government for which you are acting.

By your note to Dr. Collins of the 26th of June last I learn that the evidence is deemed insufficient - because it does not fully identify Sally Graham as the widow of Robert Stark who was revolutionary soldier. Having no doubt of your desire to do justice to all parties, and also having a strong conviction of the purity of this claim - I trust you will pardon me for asking you in behalf of the needy Claimants to review the testimony on file - 

Robinson proves the marriage between Sally Sexton and Robert Stark also proves his services in the army, which is additionally proven by the certificate of Mr. Heath. The declaration identifies Sally Graham & Sally Stark is the same person which is materially strengthened by the certificate of the clerk of Greenville County Court by which it is shown that “Graham married Sally Stark a widow”

The character of Edward Graham (who makes the
Page 10

declaration) is well supported by two Magistrates which if true (and I have no doubt very important point is) establishes the fact you now require further evidence upon - ie that the mother of the claimants was the widow of Stark the soldier  I learn from Mr Graham that he has traveled several days in Virginia in search of further testimony upon that point but has failed to find any thing stronger than “hearsay” which it is presumed would not strengthen the case - under the circumstances the claimants desire me to ask you to review the case under a hope that you will come to a favorable conclusion

This is the first (and in all probability will be the tail) case I have ever had any thing to do with and if you regard me as troublesome have the kindness to consider me as moved by a desire to serve merit & poverty.

I am Very Respectfully yours
Ja Simmons
Page 11

James Simmons Esq.
Weldon N. C.

There is a stamp
HICKSFORD
MAR
17
VA
Page 12

Clerks office of Greenville County Wickford}
March 17th 1847

Dear Sir,

I can not find in this office any marriage bond of Robert Stark to Sally Sexton, nor can I find any record of a marriage between these persons. Our records furnish no evidence of any will, nor of the settlement of any account on the estate of Robert Stark: and they also do not show that any administration were granted on his estate in this Court.

This County was not established until 1781 - it was formed from Brunswick County. It is probable the marriage bond you allude to is in the Court of that County. I find here a marriage bond, dated 9th October 1786, of George Graham to Sarah Stark “widow”

Respectfully yours
Jos Turner, Clk
Page 13

Paid S. S.

PAID

Honorable J. R. J. Daniel
Halifax
N. C.

There are two stamps
19

WELDON
MAR
16
N.C.
Page 14

Weldon 16th Mar 1849

Honorable J. R. J. Daniel

My Dear Sir

I duly received your message left with my son and accordingly have obtained the enclosed certificates which I trust will be entirely satisfactory to you.  RH Garner will be recollected by you as the Deputy Sheriff under E I Peebles and as no doubt known to you as a man of good standing. H. Garner is his brother and a Magistrate in Northampton [obscured] Collins & Lee are as respectable as the Messers Garners. But even without the statement of these gentlemen I presume the statements of Messers Gary and Moody would be sufficient. Hoping now that all difficulty is removed I ask the further favour of you to ask Mr. Edwards to communicate with me upon the subject as early as he can conveniently do so or enclose to me the letter you may write Mr E. and I will enclose it to him - as I expect to write him in a few days.

I Hope it is [?] for me to apprised you that both Mr Graham and myself feel properly grateful to you for the very great favors which you have done in this business.

I am very truly yours
Ja Simmons

*V.B.  I am so [?], misinformed in business of this nature that I do not know how I am to get the money after the claim is allowed - please inform me.  If it is necessary to send on my son will go.
J. S.
Page 15

Jas Simmons

To Clerk of Greenville County Dt
1847
June 8th To copy of marriage bond of George Graham to Sarah Stark is march 18 annexing County seal to same 37} 73C

Rec.’d payt: by Mr. Henry Sledge
Jos. Turner C. C.
Page 16

We the undersigned, neighbors of Edward Graham, believing that he is ‘entitled’ to the pension which he claims at the hands of the General Government, respectfully request of you a close investigation of the evidence he has adduced before you that his claim is a good one.

Mr. Graham, though poor and illiterate, is a worthy man and we do not hesitate to say that it is our decided opinion that the facts set forth in his declaration are substantially true

After the death of Mr. Stark the duty devolved upon Mr. Graham to take care of, and provide for, his aged mother, which he did with credit to himself, to the hour of her death.

We deem it our duty to say that we have not been prompted to this act of justice to Mr. Graham, either by himself or any one at all interested.

We are very respectfully yours,
Rich’d B. Parker
J.W. Heptinstall
W. Browning
Hamlin Allen
B. W. Bass
William Richard
John Ivey
J.T. Jones
L. Willcox
Jesse W. Burton
Daniel G Briggs
EW Allen

J. L. Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City 
D.C.

Novr. 28 1848
Page 17

To be filed in the case of E Graham & al For pension

for J. Simmons
Page 18

State of North Carolina
Northampton County}

Rebecca Moody came before me William A, Moody one of the acting justices of the peace in and for the county aforesaid who being duly sworn deposeth and sayeth as follows. In a former deposition which was given before H Garner some time last winter I stated that I was about Eighty years old my attention now being particularly called to my age and I have no record thereof I [?] state a circumstance from which my age can be judged. From which [?] being [?] will clearly appear to others that I was mistaken for my oldest sons would have been in his [?] year if he had lived until this date, and according to my recollection now, from the fact aforesaid upon my mind that I was Eighteen years old at the birth of my said son I knew Robert Stark very well he was living with my Father when he enlisted as a Light Horseman to go to that old war. He was gone a long time and returned to my Fathers with several severe scares that he had received while in the army. I knew the captain, and some of the other officers he served under but I have now forgotten their names. While Stark was at my Fathers in the county of Greensville Virginia a party of the British came in the neighborhood and said Stark &, others took guns and went out and have fight with them. In that fight he received a cut
Page 19

upon his head he then returned to my fathers [?] and my mother dressed and [?] the wound. I also was well acquainted with Sally Sexton we were first to gather and lived in a quarter of a mile of each. After peace was made Robert Stark and Sally Sexton were married and two or three thereafter Stark died and his widow was married to a man by the name of George Graham - after the marriage of said Sally Stark and George Graham they moved to North Carolina
X her mark
Rebecca Moody

Subscribed and sworn to before me this 30th day August 1848
Wm A Moody JP

State of North Carolina
Northampton County}

I John P. Odom clerk of the Court of Pleas and quarters session for the County and state aforesaid do certify that William A Moody whose signature appears to the above certificate is and was at the time of signing the same an sitting Justice of the Peace for the County of Northampton state aforesaid having been duly subscribed, commissioned and sworn as such and that his signature is genuine.

Given under my hand and seal of office at office this 4th day of September A. D. 1848
Jno. B. Odom C.C.C.
Page 20

I William Barrow chairman of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Session for the County of Northampton, State of North Carolina, do certify that John B. Odom whose signature appears to the above certificate is and was at the time of signing the same the acting clerk of our said Court having been duly elected, qualified and sworn as such that his after taken above - is in due form, and that full faith and credit should be given to all his official acts as such. Given under my hand this 4th Sept. 1848.
Wm Barrow Chm C. Ct.
Page 21

Edward Graham
Catharine Faucett} children of Sally Graham former widow of Robert Stark

husband died 1783
widow died 3rd Nov. 1843
Page 22

No 13260

Sally Graham
NC

Let to Hon G.E. Badger Feby 24, ‘47
let to Dr. Wm Collins June 26, 47
Let to J. Simmons Nov 11 ‘47
Let to Hon I. G. Mason July 22. 48
Let to Slenn Oct. 12. 48
Let Hon J.R.J. Daniel Feb 5 1849
Let Hon J.R.J. Daniel July 6, 1849

Act 7 July 1838

Let to Hon. J.R.J. Daniel
August 8. 49
Page 23

State of North Carolina
Halifax County} 

Court of Pleas and quarter session Feby Term 1847

Satisfactory evidence being adduced before the court now in session. That Edward Graham and Catharine Faucett are the only surviving legal heirs of Sarah Graham, formerly the widow of Robert Stark both by their conviction of the truth of the declaration of Edward Graham as well as by the depositions of John Robinson, John Vinson and Wm Richards. The same is ordered to be certified

State of North Carolina
Halifax County}

I William W Daniel Clerk of the court of pleas and quarter sessions for the county aforesaid do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true transcript of the record of our said court and I do further certify that Thomas Ousby and Richard B Parker whose proper signatures appears on the declaration of Edward Graham and the depositions of Wm Richards & John Vinson - are acting justices of the peace in & for our county aforesaid duly Commissioned and qualified and that due faith & credit is due their respective acts as such

In testimony whereof I hereto set my hand and affix my seal of office this 16th day of February 1847
Wm W Daniel Clerk
Page 24

Halifax N. C.
Augt. 16/49.

Dear Sir,

On the other side of this sheet you will see what Mr. Edwards says in relation to the credibility of the witnesses in Mr Graham case & the want of the magistrates certificate. My last letter I easily brought to his mind the view I submitted to him but he still objects to the manner in which Their credibility is testified to. If you pursued my directions given you may [?] from Washington. I think the case ought to be allowed if not when I get to Washington. I will give you the necessary directions I believe this case a good one and no
Page 25

effort on my part can be spared to obtain it.

Very respectfully yours
JRJ Daniel

W James Simmons
Weldon
N.C.
Page 26

Pension Office
August 8, 1849

Sir

In reply to your letter of the 13th ult., in the case of Mrs. Sally Graham, dec’d, formerly widow of Robert Stark under act 7 July 1838. I have to state that the evidence heretofore exhibited is not deemed sufficient to authorise the admission of the claim. I have no evidence file with her papers as to the credibility of the witnesses. The certificates the Magistrates before whom their affidavit was made should be produced showing that they are credible and respectable persons.

I have the honor to be Very Respectfully Your obt Servant
JL Edwards

Hon J.R.J. Daniel
Halifax 
North Carolina
Page 27

Weldon NC
Jany 2 1850

Sir

Robert Stark & Sally Graham intermarried previous to the time of the former’s leaving the army. A pension has been allowed to Edward Graham & Catherine Faucett as heirs of Sally Graham, if I mistake not under the acts of ’36 & ’41 - The heirs claim a pension under a previous act & that they are entitled to it, I have no doubt. Will you be good enough to inform me what papers are necessary in order to establish the claim

Very Respy
J. F. Simmons

Col J.L. Edwards
Page 28

Hon’l J.R.J. Daniel
Washington City
D.C.
Page 29

Garysburg Northampton County N.C. March 15th 1849

Honl J.R.J. Daniel

Dear Sir, 

I have been requested by Capt. Simmons to write you what I know of Mrs. Rebecca Moody and Capt. John Robinson - I have known then both from my earliest recollection and never heard either of their veracity questioned - Capt. Robinson was in the Revolutionary war and taken prisoner at Belfield - he is and has been an acting Justice of the Peace for Greensville County Va for a great many years - and no one stands higher as a Gentleman & christian - 

Your’s very respectfully - 
Irwin Moody
Page 30

Weldon 17th April 1848

J.L. Edwards Esq

Dear Sir

In January last I forwarded to you through the kindness of the Hon’ble G.E.. Badger an affidavit made by a Mrs Moody in behalf of Edward Graham and others who are seeking a pension. I have hoped to hear from Mr Badger upon the subject but presume his more important arrangements have prevented his writing to me

At this almost perplexing requests of both Graham & his sister I write to inquire if the papers have been examined since the filing of the last affidavit & if to do me the favor to let me know your decision

I presume I can form some idea of your press of business particularly while Congress is sitting. But you can form no idea of the trouble my unfortunate neighbors have given me in this matter.

According to your several letters to Mr Badgers and myself upon the subject I have a strong hope that the evidence affixed removed the difficulty which has heretofore prevented the allowance

Very Respectfully yours
Ja Simmons
Page 31

Weldon 8th May 1848

J.L. Edwards

Dear Sir

Mr Edward Graham for whom I have been so troublesome to you, has called again and expects that I make enquiry about the situation of his claim

A man in this county some years since commenced preparing the papers for their claim and owing to some cause not known to me Mr Graham [strikethrough] stop [strikethrough] dismissed him which gave offence to the agent. And Graham has been informed that the dismissed agent has publickly declared that Graham Never Should get The Claim. Whether there is any truth in the report or not is a matter with which I have nothing to do and as I presume you act from the written testimony filed I cannot suppose and individual although disposed to do so could [strikethrough] not [strikethrough] interfere with the facts and merits of the claim If you could but know how I am teased about this business you would excuse my frequent letters

Please write me

Very Respectfully yrs
Ja Simmons
Page 32

State of North Carolina
Northampton County}

Mrs. Rebecca Moody came before me Henry Garner one of the acting justices of the peace in and for the County aforesaid who after being duly sworn deposeth and saith as follows viz
“I am nearly Eighty years old. I was born and raised in the county of Greenville in the State of Virginia. I knew Sally Sexton well as we were girles together - her father and mine living within a quarter of mile of each other. I was also [strikethrough] was [strikethrough] well acquainted with Robert Stark - who was a solder in the Revolutionary war he was frequently at my fathers in time of the war and afterwards. He belonged to a troop of cavelry and while in the army he received a severe wound soon afterwards came to my fathers and my mother dressed & cured his wound - After the war the said Robert Stark returned to our neighbourhood and him and the aforesaid Sally Sexton were married - together a year or two after their marriage the said Stark died - and his widow married a man by the name of George Graham -

The word ‘was’ is interlined before this affidavit was signed or sworn to.
X her mark
Rebecca Moody

Sworn & subscribed to before me this 26th day of January 1848
H. Garner JP
Page 33

State of North Carolina 
Northampton County} 

I John B. Odom Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Session for the County aforesaid, do certify that Henry Garner whose genuine signature appears to the foregoing affidavit of Mrs. Rebecca Moody is and was at the time of signing the same, an acting Justice of the Peace for the County of Northampton as aforesaid having been duly appointed, Commissioned and sworn according to law as Such.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office, at my office in the Town of Jackson this 27th day of January AD 1848
Jno. B. Odom C.C.C.

There is an affixed seal.

State of North Carolina 
Northampton County} 

I William Barrow Chairman of the Court of Pleas and Quarter sessions for the County aforesaid, do certify that John B. Odom whose signature appears to the above certificate is and was at the time of signing the same the acting Clerk of our said Court having been duly elected, sworn and qualified as such according to law, that his attestation above is in due form of law, and that full faith and credit are due and should be given to all his official acts as such. Given under my hand this 27th January A.D. 1848}
Will. Barrow chm. @. ct.
Page 34

State of North Carolina
Northampton County} 

I Henry Garner hereby certify that I have been well acquainted with Mrs. Rebecca Moody - (Who made the annexed affidavit) for many years - and from my knowledge of her good character I fully believe that statement which she has made in said affidavit

Given under my hand this 26th day of January 1848
H. Garner
Page 35

13260

Sally Graham
dec’d widow of 
Robert Stark
N.C.

Act 7 July 38
Married before 1794
submitted to comiss and
admitted

Pr: Cavy 2 yrs $100 - 
from 4 March 1836
to 4 March 1841

children Edward Graham &
Catharine Faucett

& under act 3 March 1843 
from 4 March 1843 to
3rd Nov. 1843

Jas. F. Simmons
Present


reason to
Page 36

I Richard B Parker one of the acting justices of
the peace in and for the County of Halipuh
State of No Carolina do hereby certify that
I have known Edward Graham Several
years and from my knowledge of his
general charter feel satisfied of the counties
of the anexed declaration witnessed by me
Given under my hand and seal this
15th
day of Feby 1847
Rich B. Parker J.P.
State of North Carolina
Halifax County
John Vinson came before me
Thomas Ourby
---
one of the acting Justices of the peace in & for the County
aforesaid and after being duly sworn deposeth and
saith as follows. I knew old Mrs. Graham the mother
of Edward Graham she was a very old woman
when I first knew her. She lived with her son
the said Edward who resided mar me in the year
Eighteen hundred and forty three 1845, and in the
month of November of that year. Mrs Graham
died and I aided in burying the Corps
Sworn & subscribed to
his
before this 15th day of
John & Vinson
February 1847-
Mark
Tho Cusby J.P.
I Thomas Ourby before whom the above affidavit
was taken do hereby certify that I believe John
Vinson whose signature appears above to be a
man of good character & have no doubt his
Statement is true. Given under my hand
the 15th day of Feby 1847
T Ousby J P
Page 37

I Thomas Ousby before whom the above affidavit was taken do hereby certify that I believe John Vinson whose signature appears above to be a man of good character - & have no doubt his statement is true. Given under my hand this 15th day of Feby 1847
Tho Ousby J.P.

State of North Carolina
Halifax County}

William Richards came before me Thomas Ousby one of the acting justice of the peace in & for the county aforesaid who being duly sworn deposeth & saith - I knew Mrs. Graham the mother of Edward Graham & Catherine Faucett. She lived to an old age was probably more than Eighty year old when she died - which was a few years since I have heard repeatedly (and I have no doubt correctly) that her maiden name was Sexton - She was a widow when I first knew her and & remained so until her death. I am satisfied she came from the State of Virginia
William Richards

Sworn & Subscribed to before me this 15th day of Feby 1847.
Tho Ousby JP

I Thomas Ousby before whom the above affidavit was made do hereby certify that from my long acquaintance with Wm Richards whose signature appears above I have good reason to believe his statement in said affidavit is strictly true.

Given under my hand this 15th day of Feby 1847.
Tho Ousby J.P.
Page 38

This is to Certify, That it appears from a List in this Office of such officers and Soldiers of the Virginia Continental Line, during the Revolutionary War, as settled their Accounts, and received Certificates for the balance of their Full Pay, according to an Act of Assembly, passed the November Session 1781, that a Certificate issued on the 4th day of July 1783, in the name of Robert Starke as a Soldier of Cavalry for £84.5.8, which Certificate appears to have been delivered to Mr. Towers and was given for services prior to the 1st January 1782.

Given under my hand at the Auditor’s Office, Richmond, this 11th day of February 1847.
Jas E. Heath

p268. {No Seal of Office}

State of Virginia 
Greensville County}

Personally appeared before me Thomas Johnston one of the acting justices of the peace in and for the county aforesaid John Robinson of the aforesaid County who being duly sworn saith [strikethrough] that he k [strikethrough] knew Robert Stark - and saw him soon after the Battle at Guilford Court House or some other battle in North Carolina - he came home badly wounded by a cut of a sword which cut he said he received in said battle. The correctness of which statement I then believed and still believe - From information [strikethrough] was [strikethrough] received during the war which I then believed and still believe to be correct. Said Robert Stark was under Col Wm Washington a considerable portion of the time he was in the army - and I am satisfied said Stark was in the army at least twelve months if not two years In the year 1781 or 1782 I went to the residence of Samuel Sexton where I found a considerable number of neighbors assembled. Upon my arrival I was informed that Robert Stark & Sally Sexton had
Page 39

battle. The correctness of which statement I then believed and still believe - From information [strikethrough] was [strikethrough] received during the war which I then believed and still believe to be correct. Said Robert Stark was under Col Wm Washington a considerable portion of the time he was in the army - and I am satisfied said Stark was in the army at least twelve months if not two years In the year 1781 or 1782 I went to the residence of Samuel Sexton where I found a considerable number of neighbors assembled. Upon my arrival I was informed that Robert Stark & Sally Sexton had just been married - The said Robert & Sally lived together thereafter as man & wife and I have no doubt they were legally married - Robert Stark died soon after the war terminated -

My age is about Eighty two years - 
John Robinson

Sworn & subscribed to before me the 11th day of Feby 1847
Tho Johnson JP

State of Virginia: Greensville County Court:

I Jos Turner Clerk of the County Court {document is torn} County of Greensville in the State of Virginia
Page 40

do hereby certify that Thomas Johnson before whom the foregoing certificate or affidavit of John Robinson was made is and was at the time an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid duly commissioned and sworn, that his signature hereto is genuine and that full faith and credit are due to all his official acts as a Justice of the Peace as aforesaid.

In testimony whereof I hereto set my hand and annex the seal of this Court, this 12th day of February 1848
Jos Turner C.C.

Virginia: Greensville County Court

I M.H. Hobbs Presiding Magistrate of the County Court, for the said County of Greensville in the State of Virginia do hereby certify that Jos. Turner who hath given the preceding certificate is Clerk of the Said Court: and that his said attestation is in due form

Given under my hand this 12th day of February 1848
M.H. Hobbs P.M.
Page 41

Mr. Edwin Graham
Weldon
N.C.

MMMM
Page 42

State of Virginia
Greensville County}

Personally appeared before me Daniel Robinson one of the acting Justices of the peace in aforesaid County John Robinson and him being first duly sworn makes The following statement That Robt Stark was united to Sally Sexton about the year 1781 or 1782 as I witnessed, The performance of the marriage ceremony between the said Stark and the said Sally Sexton, And that I also saw said Stark a short time after the battle at gilford courthouse Northcarolina and said Stark was wounded very badly and from the best information, I have no doubt that it was in said battle, and also from the best information I have no doubt that said Stark served some time at the north under Colo Wm Washington, Sworn and Subscribed before me this 3th day of Dec 1846
Test
John Robinson

Daniel Robinson J.P.
Page 43

State of Virginia, Greensville County Court

I Joseph Turner Clerk of County Court for the said County of Greensville in the State of Virginia, do hereby certify that Daniel Robinson before whom the foregoing affidavit was made, was at the date thereof and still is, an acting Justice of the peace in and for the County aforesaid in the State of Virginia duly commissioned & sworn and that full faith and credit are due to all his official acts as such

In testimony whereof I hereto set my hand and annex the seal of the said Court this fifth day of December AD. Eighteen hundred & forty Six
Jos Turner C. C.

State of Virginia, Greensville County Court

I Meredith H. Hobbs presiding Magistrate of the County Court for the said County of Greensville in the State of Virginia do hereby certify that Joseph Turner who hath given the preceding certificate is Clerk of the said Court, and that his said attestation is in due form.

Given under my hand this --- day of Decem 1846
M.H. Hobbs P.M.
Page 44

13261
Sally Graham
N.C.
Let to Wm G.E. Badger
71 at 24 at’47
let to Wm Collins
June 26 tt ‘47
Let to J. Simmon’s
Nov. 11 ‘47
Act 7th July ‘38
Page 45

Halifax N.C.
March 19, 1849

Col JL Edwards
Com. of Pensions}

I herein enclose you the certificate of personal highly respectable gentleman in regard to the character and standing of Rebecca  Moody and John Robinson of Greensville County Virginia who are witnesses in the application Edw’d Graham and Catharine Faucett in right of their mother Sally Graham who first married a man by the name of Stark/ Robert if I recollect right / on account of the services of the said Stark in the revolutionary war. I send you also the letter of James Simmons to me in relation to the several [?] who have made statements respecting the character and standing of R. Moody and J. Robinson. Mr. Simmons is among the most respectable and reputable citizen of this county. He was born and raised in and was for a great many years Sheriff of the County and afterwards clerk of the county court and his statement may be implicitly which upon in regard to all the gentlemen of whom he speaks. R. H. Garner & Jas M Moody and R.
Page 46

B Gary acquainted and known to me the two latter being intimate acquaintances - and are regarded as among the most worthy and reputable citizens of the County of Northampton, and I know no men whose statement respecting any matter within their knowledge would be more entitled to credit. I know the statements have not been made under oath, nor do I apprehend it to be necessary as they have been given namely to impart information respecting the character of witnesses whose affidavits furnish the evidence upon which the action of the Department is to be grounded

With the information furnished by the state records I forward you I flatter myself you will find no hesitation in issuing a certificate to the claimant, and as they are needy your prompt action will confer a favor upon them and upon 
your obt. serv’t
JRJ Daniel

P.S. You will place a direct any communication you may have to make to Mr James Simmons at Weldon N.C. who attends to the matter for claimants.
JRJD
Page 47

Ho of Reps
Feby 11. 1850

Col J.L. Edwards Com. Pen.

Sir,
The Papers I forward you were enclosed to be filed in the case of Sally Graham I presume for an additional allowance, as something I understand has been allowed.
very respectfully
JRJ Daniel
Page 48

Pension Office
August 23, 1849

Sir,
In reply to your letter of the 21st inst, in the case of Sally Graham, dec’d, formerly widow of Robert Stark, under act 7 July 1838, I have to state that the claim asserted by the children was under act 7. July 1838 which provides for those widows who were married after the termination of their husbands service, and before 1794, and makes the pension to commence 4. March 1836.

To obtain a pension under 4. July 1836, under which the pension commences 4th March 1831, the marriage should take place before the termination of the service of the husband. There is no evidence exhibited with the papers of Sally Graham, clearly designating at what time her husbands service terminated, or is there satisfactory evidence
Page 49

of the date of her marriage. Record evidence of the termination of the service, and of the date of the marriage, showing that it took place before the termination of the service, will be required to establish a claim under act 4th of July 1836.

I am respectfully
Your ob. Servant
J.L. Edwards

J.F. Simmons, Esq.
Weldon,
North Carolina.
Page 50

Halifax, NC
June 22, 1849

Dear Sir,

I examined the Papers in the case to which reference is made in the enclosed letter, and called your attention to the nature of testimony before I left Washington, and understood from you the claim would be allowed upon satisfactory evidence of the credibility of the witnesses whose affidavits were on file. This I made known to Capt Simmons & promised to send on such evidence as to the witnesses & I suppose has done so. If he has it does seem to me from my recollection of the case that it ought to be allowed. I hope as the case has been on file some time you give it your personal attention at your earliest convenience. The parties are in great want of this little pittance and unless I have been deceived I think are entitled to it under the existing laws
Very respectfully
your obt serv’t
JRJ Daniel

Col J.L. Edwards
Com. Pensions
Washington DC
Page 51

[stamp] WELDON JAN 2 N.C.

PREE New
Col J. L. Edwards
Com of Pensions
Washington City
-
Jan 4/-7
Selby Graham
86-11-43
mb
Mr Ames
Page 52

Gen J.L. Edwards
Com of Pensions
Washington City
DC

There is a stamp.
WELDON
AUG
21
N.C.

Sally Graham

W.M. Allison
with [?] now
Page 53

Weldon NC Aug 21’ by

Dear Sir

You entirely omitted to notice one part of my letter of 13th. I wished to be informed if Mrs Sally Graham widow of Robert Stark dec’d is not entitled to something previous to the year 1836. The two certificates you have allowed are thought by me of our [?] of Congress not to be enough, but that the widow or her children are entitled to [?] pain to 1836. Should you find on examination that such is the case please forward the certificate to me without delay.
Very Respt
J.F. Simmons

Col J Edwards
Page 54

State of North Carolina
Northampton County}

I Richard H. Garner of the county aforesaid hereby certify that I have been well acquainted with Mrs Rebecca Moody of our said county and Mr. John Robinson of the county of Greensville State of Virginia, for many years. They are both very old and of as unblemished character as any persons of my acquaintance

Given under my hand this 15th day of March 1849
Rich H Garner

We the undersigned neighbours and acquaintances of Mrs. R Moody & Mr Jno Robinson named in the above certificate, most fully concur in the statement made by RH Garner Esq
H. Garner
Joseph Collier
William W Lee
Jno Moody
Page 55

State of North Carolina
Northampton County}

This to certify that I have been acquainted with Capt. John Robinson of Greensville County VA for many years. Mr. Robinson is a very old man one of the remaining Patriots of the revolution as to character & reputation for truth is not surpassed by any man

R. B. Gary P. master
Garysburg N.C.
Page 56

State of North Carolina
Northampton County}

Joseph Collins came before me this 4th day of Sept 1848 & being duly sworn deposeth & say as follows I have known Mrs Rebecca Moody of this county for many years she is the oldest Lady of my acquaintance. From her general character I regard her as a Lady of good character and would believe any statement by her on oath
Joseph Collins

Sworn & subscribed to before the day & year above mentioned
Wm. M Crocker J Peace

I John B Odom Clerk of the Court of Pleas and quarter session for the County of Northampton, State of North Carolina, do certify that William M. Crocker whose name appears to the above certificate is an acting Justice of the Peace for said County, having been duly appointed, sworn and commissioned as such

Given under my hand and seal of office at office this 4th Sept. 1848.
Jno. B. Odom C.C.C.

There is an affixed seal

I William Barrow chairman of the court of Pleas and quarter sessions for Northampton County, State of North Carolina, do certify that Jno. B. Odom is the acting clerk of our said Court having been duly elected, sworn and qualified as such, that his attestation is in due form, and that full faith should be given to all his official acts as such.

Given under my hand this 4th Sept. 1848. -
Will Barrow Chrm. C. Ct.
Page 57

Weldon 5th Apl 1849

J.L. Edwards Esq.

Dear Sir

On the return of the Honble J.R.J. Daniel from Washington this spring he informed me that you would allow the claim of Edw’d Graham & al, if the good character of Mr John Robinson & Mrs Martha Moody (witnesses in the case) could be established.

Immediately after that information was received Mr. Graham procured such certificates as entirely satisfied Mr Daniel upon the subject. Which certificate I learn have been forwarded to you and Mr Graham is frequently calling to know if I have heard from you upon the subject

His pressing necessities, with the supposition that the claim is now established induces me in his behalf to ask the favour of you to write me as early as you can conveniently do so. Possibly I can better imagine the multiplicity of your business than you can the very frequent calls & inquiries which Mr G. makes here - I believe I would not be so troublesome on my own account and as I am acting in behalf of another and he in great want I trust you will excuse me.

Very Respectfully yours
Ja Simmons
Page 58

Halifax NC
July 13/49

Col JL Edwards

Dear Sir

Yours of 6 Mch is at hand If Sally Graham the widow of Benjamin Starke has applied for land for services of her first husband it would make the proof of identity fuller it is true; but if that which has been submitted is amply sufficient to produce that certainty which is sufficient in law to establish a fact why require more: If my recollection serves me you will find independent of the evidence of witnesses where credibility is I apprehend sufficiently sustained, facts mentioned in the declaration which strengthen the proof of duty. Besides if she nor her heirs have not applied surely that fact which may have resulted from ignorance of that right ought not to destroy proof but for that amply sufficient.
Very respectfully
J.R.J. Daniel
Page 59

Pension Office
June 26th, 1847

Sir,

I have the honor to return, herewith, Mr Simmons letter and to inform you that the additionally evidence in the case of Sally Graham, formerly widow of Robert Stark a satisfactory to establish the date of their marriage prior to 1794; But the proof identifying Mrs Graham as the widow of Robert Stark to whom a depreciation certificate for £84.5.8 as a soldier of Cavalry was issued, required by my letter to the Hon G.E. Badger of the 24th February last has not been produced. This evidence is necessary to authorize the issuing of a pension certificate to her children.
I have the honor to be, 
Very respectfully,
Bone Obs. Derot.
JL Edward

Doct. William Collins
1st Auditor
Treasury Department
Page 60

Washington 18 For. ‘47

Dear Sir

I send herewith the papers prepared according to your intentions in respect to the pension case which I submitted to you last month - I beg your early attention to them and that you will [?] to in the decision.
Very Respectfully
your Obed. Serv.
Geo. E. Badger

JL Edwards Esq