Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W 2087, John Fenn, Va.
Page 1

(3-1776)

Service
Va.

Fenn, John
Sarah

Number
W2087
B.L. Wt. 31.425-160-55

Content
Page 2

23 352
Virginia
[illegible] of [illegible] in the State of [illegible] who was a [illegible] in the Compy commanded by Captain Willis of the Regt. commanded by Col [illegible] in the Virginia line for [illegible]
[illegible]9th per $27 ' ' ' 2

Inscribed on the Roll of Va at the rate of 27 Dollars ' ' Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 5th day of June 183[illegible] Hon [illegible] HR

Arrears to the 4th of Nov 24 
Semi-anl. allowance ending July

83.00
13.83 1/2
__________
$96.83
__________
{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by J. T. Sprague Clerk,
Book 6 Vol. 4:2 Page 13

[Second Page]
Let to P Chapt J Hon. J Y.
Mason H.R Mar 21 1836
Page 3

1071 
Virginia R.
Sarah Fenn
widow of John Fenn
who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a Private
Virginia Mil.
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 27 Dollars 66 
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 19th day of October 1853.
and sent to W. L. Watkins
Petersburgh
Va

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act July 29, 1818, Page 123. Vol. a

(1832)

[Second Page]
1853 - Nov. 5
Let to Pension Agt. Richm'd. Va.

[Vertical]
Date of death not on A3.

194786.
Page 4

State of Virginia
on This 10th day of September 1833 personally appeared in open Court before John Rubles, Samuel Harmutt James H Belscher & Edward H Wiblett Justices of the County Court of Prince George now sitting & being a court of record. John Fenn a resident of the said county of Prince George and State of Virginia aged seventy three years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed the 7th of June 1832
He says he was placed on the muster Roll as soon as he arrived to the age of sixteen years which must have been about the year 1777 He was drafted into the service of the United States and was stationed first near Petersburg at a place called Hardaway's under the command of Capt Richard Williams where he served he thinks about a fortnight 
He was a second time drafted into the service of the United States and even marched under the command
Page 5

of Capt Peter Williams to Stoner's Mill and was in service as well as he recollects about two months, Stoner's Mill in the neighborhood of Suffolk. Genr'l Mauhlenburg commanded the division of the Army. Col. Dechi commanded the Regt he was in & Major Boyce & Hoffler were the Majors of the Regt. He acted as Corporal in his company this term he was regularly discharged
He was a third time in service of the United States being drafted and was marched under James Field as Capt & Wm Call Lieut. to Chuckatuck Church between Smithfield & Suffolk
He was in Decli's Reg't and Muhlenburg commanded the division of the Army he served at this time he thinks about two months and was discharged.
He was again drafted into service and was marched from Prince George Courthouse under the command of Capt Rich'd Williams to Sleepy Hole Ferry near Suffolk and joined the Army at that place and after arriving there he was permitted to choose officers when he made choice of Timothy River for his Captain. This division of the Army was commanded by Genr'l Muhlenburg Capt River's Co was attached to Col Decli's Reg't. He was then in a REgt of L. Infantry which guarded by frequent marches the country between Suffolk & Norfolk and thereas he served two months & was discharged
Page 6

He was again drafted into service and placed under the command of Richard Williams and marched from Prince George Courthouse [illegible] James River at Nunge's Ferry & went from there to James Town & from there crossed James River and marched to [illegible] Southfield here we joined the main body of the Army commanded by Gen'l Muhlenburg
He was in service as well as he recollects about six weeks and was regularly discharged
He was again called into service and went under the command of Capt. Timothy River and was stationed between Surry Courthouse & Smithfield and with about two other companies on detached service & marched from that place to Surry Courthouse from there to Cabin Point & marched from Cabin Point to Merchant's Rope Church where he was discharged he thinks he was in service about two weeks. He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any date
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
John Fenn
Page 7

Prince George County To Wit
at the day of making the aforesaid Declaration Joel Cheives appeared in open Court and first being duly sworn deposeth and sait: That he was in the service with John Fenn in the Revolutionary war when we were stationed at Chuckatuck near Smithfield in Jas Fields Company & where Genr'l Muhlenburg commanded
Joel Cheives

at the same time Abram Alley also appeared in open Court and being duly sworn deposeth and sait: That he from what Mr. Fenn states of the history of the war knows that he was in service with him in the Revolutionary War at Stoney Mill & Chuckatuck & near Portsmouth.
Abram Alley

The Court of Prince George County now in session certifies in the opinion John Fenn served in the Revolutionary War as he has before stated in his Declaration & that Joel Cheives and Abram Alley are entitled to credit & are men of good reputation
State of Virginia
Prince George County
at the time of making the foregoing Declaration the said John Fenn being duly sworn on his oath that by reason of old age & the feeble state of his memory and the length of time since the Revolutionary War - he cannot swear positively to the dates or times he was called into service or the precise times of his discharges from it nor to the time he actually served but to the best of his recollection he served as he has stated in his Declaration altogether eight months & nine days sworn to in open Court This 10th of Sept 1833
N. B. Sturdivant, Clk P.G.C.
Page 8

I Nathaniel B. Sturivant clerk of the Court of Prince George County do hereby Certify that the foregoing Contains the Original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of John Fenn for a pension
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and seal of my office this 20th day of May 1834. and in the 58th year of American Independence.
N. B. Sturivant CC
Page 9

30.954
John Fenn.
Virginia
from 1777 R
8 m 9 days.
$27.66

Hon. J. Y. Madon
Page 10

No
Sarah Fenn
Widow of John
Virginia

act 29 July 1848

W. L. Watkins
Petersburg
Va

[Vertical]
Declaration of
Sarah Fenn
Page 11

State of Virginia
County of Prince George } ss
On this 14th day of April AD one thousand eight hundred and fifty three personally appeared before the County Court of Prince George County, in the state of Virginia, which is a Court of record, Sarah Fenn a resident of the said County and State aforesaid aged Seventy two years, who being 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 29th July 1848: That she is the widow of John Fenn who was a private in the Virginia Militia in the war of the Revolution, that she does not know and cannot say what regiment or corps he served in, but that he resided in Prince George County in the state of Virginia when he entered the service in the said war of the Revolution: That her said husband the said John Fenn was a pensioner of the United States and as well as she remembers was inscribed on the pension list under the act of Congress passed the 7th June 1832, and she thinks he was placed on the pension roll sometime in June 1834, and that at that time he resided in the said County of Prince George in the state aforesaid, and she refers to his declaration and proof filed therewith as showing his service in the proher Department
She further declares that she was married to the said John Fenn on the ____ day of September AD Seventeen hundred and ninety eight, that her husband, the aforesaid John Fenn, die don the 23 day of April AD 1843
that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage
Page 12

took place previous to the second of January eighteen hundred, viz, at the time above stated. She further swears that she is now a widow and that she has never before made any application for a pension.
That her said husband knew his pension in Richmond, Virginia
Sarah Fenn
Sworn to and subscribed in open Court on the day and year above written.
Ro: Gilliam Clk

State of Virginia
County of Prince George} ss
On this 14th day of April 1853 personally appeared before the County Court of Prince George County in the state of Virginia which is a court of record Jas W Scarborough, Thomas Fenner and Richard M Harrison who being duly sworn according to law swear that they were personally acquainted with the late John Fenn dec'd who served in the Revolutionary war as stated in the declaration dated this day and subscribed by Sarah Fenn, that he died in 1843 leaving the said Sarah Fenn his widow
That they were before the death of the said John Fenn and ever since that time acquainted with the said Sarah Fenn and know her to be still a widow and that she has never married again since his death
That the said John Fenn died in the County of Prince George in the state of Virginia at the time before stated. The said J W Scarsborough further swears that he wrote the obituary notice
Page 13

of said John Fenn deceased, that he has no personal acquaintance with the said Sarah Fenn & consequently cannot say whether she has ever married since said John Fenn's death, but the said Fenner & Harrison are & have been acquainted personally with her & know that she has never married since his death
J W Scarborough
Rich. M Harrison
Thomas G Fenner
Sworn to and subscribed in open court on the day and year above written and the Court certifies that in its opinion they are credible witnesses.
Teste    Ro Gilliam Clk

State of Virginia County of Prince George to wit:
I, Robert Gilliam, Clerk of the County Court of Prince George County (which is a court of record) in the state of Virginia, do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true copy of the Declaration of Sarah Fenn this day made in open court on oath, and also of the statement made by M Scarborough, Rich'd M Harrison and Thomas G Fenner who were sworn and examined in open Court touching the matters set forth in said declaration and statement, and the Court doth certify that the said Scarborough, Harrison and Fenner are credible witnesses.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court this 14th day of April 1853.
Page 14

194786 Acc Mar 34
July 21st '55

Sarah Fenn wid
John Fenn
Private

Sarah w: plm Fenn. Va. Mil.

revolutionary War

Pension [illegible]
July 48 - 1071

Ad: 16000 July 7/56
Boynton

John Mason
Petersburg Va

[2nd page]
Vol. F. 30.

[Vertical]
No 31425 for July 11th

Sep 8/56 - writ to from Post Office Kencil's to Jno Mason Petersburg Va
M
Page 15

Sarah Fenn
application for
Bounty Land
194.785

Presented by
John Mason
Petersburg
Va
Page 16

State of Virginia
County of Prince George, to wit}
On this 15th day of June AD One thousand eight hundred and fifty five personally appeared before me, a justice of the peace within and for the County and State aforesaid Sarah Fenn aged 74 years, a resident of the County of Prince George, in the State of Virginia, who being duly sworn according to law declares that she is the widow of John Fenn deceased, who was private in Captain .... Company, in the .... Regiment Virginia Militia Commanded by ..... in the revolutionary war.
That her said husband went from the County of Prince George and continued in actual service in said war more than fourteen days and was honorably discharged.
That her said husband was a revolutionary pensioner of the United States, having been placed on the pension roll, the 4th day of June 1834; and that she is now a pensioner of the United States; that her certificate of pension is recorded in the Pension office on the Roll of Pensions under act February 2nd 1848. Page 123. Vol: A and dated 19th October 1853. She refers to the papers in the department, filed by herself and husband, when they obtained their certificate of pension, for the proofs of service &c. of John Fenn dec'd 
She further States that she was married to said John Fenn in the County of Surry on the 7th day of September 1798, by one Beverly Booth, and that her name before said marriage was Sarah Watkins; that her said husband died in the County of Prince George on the 22nd day of April 1843. and that she is now a widow
She makes the declaration for the purpose of obtaining the Bounty Land to which she pray be entitled under the act approved March 3d 1855.
She also declares that she has never applied for nor received under this or any other act of Congress, any Bounty Land
Page 17

warrant whatever. She further declares that no public or private record of her marriage exist or can be procured. Sarah Fenn

We David Harrison and Winfield S McCann residents of Prince George County in the State of Virginia upon our oaths declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Sarah Fenn in our presence; that we know, from our own personal knowledge, that the applicant is the identical person she represents herself to be.
And we further declare that we were well acquainted with Sarah Fenn (widow of John Fenn deceased, a revolutionary Soldier and pensioner) whose name is signed to the foregoing declaration, that they know her and her said husband well for many years previous to his death; that they verily believe that the said John Fenn and Sarah Fenn were lawfully married in asmuch as they lived together respectably and raised a family of Children and were universally recognized as husband and wife by all their acquaintances and friends in the County of Prince George and elsewhere until the death of the said John Fenn which occurred in the County aforesaid on or about the 23rd day of April 1843, where the fact of his death is and was publicly and generally known said affiants further state that they know said Sarah Fenn is still a widow.
David Harrison
Winfield S. McCann

The foregoing declaration of Sarah Fenn and affidavit of David Harrison and Winfield S McCann were subscribed and sworn to before me on the day and year above written. And I certify that
Page 18

the Claimant is the person she represents herself to be and that I know the affiants to be credible persons, and that I have no interest in this claim.
R. G. Dunn J.P.

The Commissioner of Pensions will please send my Land Warrant to John Mann Esq Petersburg Va who will have sent the same to me. Given under my hand this 15th day of June AD 1855
Sarah Fenn

Subscribed and acknowledged before me on the day of May 1853 by Sarah Fenn.
R. G. Dunn J.P.

State of Virginia
County of Prince George to wit}
I W. B. Boyo Deputy Clerk of the County Court of Prince George County in the State of Virginia, do hereby certify that R. G. Dunn whose genuine signature is signed to the Certificate to the foregoing declaration, affidavit and Power of Attorney, is and was at the time of signing the same, a justice of the peace within and for the County and State aforesaid; duly elected and qualified as such the same appearing from the records of the said Court.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court this 18th day of June - 1855
W. B. Boyo D.C.
Page 19

Know all men by these present: That we John Fenn and John Watkins, senior are held and firmly bound unto his Excellency James Wood esquire Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia in the sum of one hundred and fifty dollars to be paid to the said James Wood Governor as aforesaid, and to his success to which payment well and truly to be made we hold [illegible] our heirs, executors, and administrators jointly and Severally joining by those presents sealed with our seals, and dated this Sixth day of September 1798.
Whereas there is a marriage shortly intended to be soleming between the Said bound John Fenn and Sarah Watkins agreeably to the ceremonies of the church of which they are members. Now the condition of this obligation is, that if there be unlawful course to Contract the said marriage there the said obligator to the vid, otherwise to remain in full force over virtue.
John Fenn {Seal}
Jno. Watkins {Seal}

Signed sealed and declared
In presence of
Jacob Faulson

State of Virginia
County of Surry ss
I William S. Underwood Clerk of the County Court of Surry County in the state aforesaid do hereby Certify that the foregoing is a true copy of a bond now remaining on file in my office, and further certify that after the most diligent search I am unable to find the Certificate of the Minister who solomonized the marriage between John Fenn and Sarah Watkins recorded in my said office.
Given under my hand and seal of said County Court Given this twenty eighth day of September one thousand eight hundred and fifty three
W S Underwood C.C.
Page 20

June 20, 1938

BA-J/AWF
John Fenn
W. 2087
Thomas Fenn
B.L.Wt.767-200

Mr. Sam K. Leming
Waldron
Arkansas

Dear Sir:

Reference is made to your letter in which you request information in regard to the following soldiers of the War of the Revolution, from Virginia- John, Philip, Thomas, Peter, and Vinet Fine, Fenn or Finn.

The Revolutionary War records of this office have been searched and no claim for pension or bounty land found based on the service of either Philip or Vinet Fine, or of a Peter Fine of Virginia. The surname was searched under similar spellings.

The Revolutionary War records of John and Thomas Fenn are furnished you herein.

John Fenn-W.2087

The data which follow concerning John Fenn were obtained from papers on file in pension claim, W. 2087, based on his service in the Revolutionary War.

The date and place of birth of John Fenn were not given, nor were the names of his parents stated.

While residing in Prince George County, Vir-

[Handwritten]
His letter is in the claim
John Fenn - W.2087
Page 21

2-

ginia, John Fenn, served in the Virginia troops, as follows, definite dates of service not given-
Two weeks, as private in Captain Richard Williams' company, stationed near Petersburg; two months, as corporal in Captain Peter Williams' company, stationed at Stoner's Mill, near Suffolk; two months in Captain James Field's company, stationed near Smithfield; two months in Captains Richard Williams' and Timothy Rives' companies, guarding the country between Suffolk and Norfolk; six weeks in Captain Richard Williams' company; two weeks in Captain Timothy Rives' company. Part of the time, he served under Colonel Dick.

John Fenn was allowed pension on his application executed September 10, 1833, at which time he was seventy- three years of age, and living in Prince George County, Virginia.

He died in Prince George County, Virginia, April 22, or 23, 1843.

John Fenn married September 7, 1798 in Surry County, Virginia, Sarah Watkins. The date and place of her birth and names of parents were not stated.

The widow, Sarah Fenn, was allowed pension on her application executed April 14, 1853, at which time she was seventy-two years old, and a resident of Prince George County, Virginia. She was allowed also one hundred sixty acres of bounty land on her application executed June 15, 1855, still a resident of Prince George County.

They reared a family of children, names not designated.

John Watkins was of Surry County, Virginia in 1798, and W. L. Watkins was of Petersburg, Virginia in 1853; it was not stated that they were related to
Page 22

3-

the widow, Sarah Fenn.

The papers on file in this claim contain no further discernible data relative to family.

In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, name and address of person paid, and possibly the date of death of the widow, Sarah Fenn, you should address the Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, Washington, D.C., and furnish the following data-

Sarah Fenn, widow of John Fenn
Certificate #1071
Issued October 19, 1853
Rate $27.66 per annum
Commenced March 4, 1848
Act of July 29, 1848
Virginia Agency.

If you desire information in regard to location of land referral to herein, you should address The Commissioner of the General Land Office, Washington, D.C., and furnish the following data-

Warrant #31425-160 acres- Act of 1855.

**************

Thomas Fenn-Wt. 767-200- Lieutenant

The records of this office show that Warrant #767, for two hundred acres of bounty land was issued May 21, 1794 to Richard Smyth, assignee, on account of the service of Thomas Fenn, Lieutenant in the Virginia Line, War of the Revolution.

There are no further data on file on account of
Page 23

4-

his service, and no data in regard to family, due to the destruction of papers in such claims when the War Office was burned in 1814.

If you desire information relative to location of this land, you should address The Commissioner of the General Land Office, this city, and furnish the following data-

Warrant #767- 200 acres- issued May 21, 1794.

Very truly yours

A.D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
Page 24

State of Virginia
County of Mecklenburg} ss
On this 11th day of June
AD eighteen hundred and fifty three, personally appeared before me, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid, Susan Wilson aged about sixty one years, who being duly sworn according to law, testified as follows, to wit:
That Sarah Fenn, the widow of John Fenn was lawfully married to the said John Fenn deceased late of Prince George County Virginia, on the ___ day of September AD Seventeen hundred and ninety eight; and that they were married in Surry County in the state of Virginia by the Rev'd Beverley Booth a Baptist minister
That she the said Susan Wilson is enabled to testify as above because she was present at the marriage and saw them the said Sarah Fenn and John Fenn married. She further testifies that the name of the said Sarah Fenn before her said marriage was Sarah Watkins. She further testifies that she was well acquainted with the said John Fenn before his death and has heard him say that he was a soldier in the war of the Revolution and that for his services as such in said war he had received a pension from the Government of the United States, and she further states that she has no interest whatever in this matter.
Susannah Wilson
Sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above written by said Susan
Page 25

Wilson who is, I believe a credible witness.
Tho. L. Jones J.P.

State of Virginia
County of Mecklenburg} ss
I Richard B. Baptist clerk of the County Court of the County aforesaid, in the state of Virginia, which is a Court of record, do hereby certify that Thomas L. Jones whose genuine signature is affixed tot he foregoing Affidavit, is and was at the time of signing the same, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid, duly elected and qualified according to law
In Testimony whereof, I have hereto set my hand and the seal of said Court this 11th day of June AD1853 in the seventy seventh year of our Independence.
R.B.Baptist c
Page 26

REV. WIDOW, &c.
___________
File No. 2087
Sarah Fenn,
Widow
John Fenn.
Priv. Rev. War.
___________
Act: July 29, 1848.
Index:-Vol. A, Page 233
[Arrangement of 1870.]

[2nd Page]
1938. June 20 - list to Sam K. Leming- Certif.
Page 27

Waldron, Ark., May 21, 1938

Veterans Administration,
Washington, D.C.

Gentlemen:
I have the honor respectfully to request such family data as may appear on your records concerning the following Virginia Revolutionary soldiers:
John Fine (Finn or Fenn) Virginia State Library list Bounty Warrant; Report of Secretary of War 1835, Pen.2, 189 Rom. 30; Pitts 41.

Philip Fine (Finn or Fenn) Virginia State Library list War 4, 184, Bounty Warrant; Saffel 22.

There also is a Capt-----Fenn listed for bounty warrant. And Thomas Fine, Fenn, Finn, as Lieut. and Capt.

It appears from History of Shenandoah Co. Va., that the above soldiers served 1775 under Capt. John Tipton's Company, Col. Abraham Bird, and Col. Mueehlburg at Boston and Charleston
And that they also served 1778 with Col. John Tipton, Brig. Gen. Muehlburg, and in the 8th Va. Reg.
Major Peter Fine under Colonel John Tipton "State of Franklin" 1783.
In my grandfather's biographical sketch he stated his ancestor married Elizabeth Fine, and often spoke of Peter Fine, and that Vinet Fine was killed in East Tenn. near Newport, Cocke Co.

Upon investigation I find Major Peter Fine and his brother Vinet Fine were on an Indian expedition 1783 in Cocke and Haywood Counties when Vinet was killed. I find also that this was Philip Peter Fine ancestor. It probably is that Vinet is Thomas or John.
I desire to ascertain which one, and get my lineage.

Very respectfully,
Sam K Leming
Sam K. Leming

[Stamp]
RECEIVED
MAY 24 1938
MAIL SUB-DIV.
[illegible] 
26
Page 28

No. 1286.
Sarah Fenn
Wid of John
Va.
W L Watkins Sep 23/53

Ack 9 July 1848

D'd 43
Page 29

Pension Agent Office Richmond
Va

L. P. Waldo Esq.
Commissioner of
Pensions
Washington
D.C.

[Vertical]
M Chase
Mr Cole

[Stamp]
RICHMOND VA
NOV
3
5
Page 30

The Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City

[Vertical]
Nov 15 1855
No D'd Co. in case
Sarah Fenn,
Widow of
John

W. L. Watkins,
Petersburg,
Va

[Stamp]
PETERSBURG Va
OCT 
14
5 CTS
Page 31

Department of the Interior,
Pension Office, Official Business.
J. Minot

Jno Mason Esq
Petersburg
Va

[Stamp]
WASHINGTON DC
[illegible]
Page 32

FREE

Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
D.C.

[Stamp]
PETERSBURG Va
JUL 25
3 cts
Page 33

Aug. 13, 1853.
Appl. of Sarah
Fenn, widow of
John Fenn,
Virginia.

Act 29th July, 1848.

W. L. Watkins,
Petersburg,
Va.

[Vertical text]
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
PENSION OFFICE. OFFICIAL BUSINESS
Page 34

FREE
To
The Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City.
DC.

[Stamp]
PETERSBURG Va
[illegible]
12
Page 35

To.
The Commissioner of Pensions.
Washington City.
DC.

[Vertical]
Oct 1. 1853.
No d'd ev in case of Sarah Fenn widow of John.

W. L. Watkins,
Petersburg
Va
Page 36

31.425

Mr Ams

John Fenn, Va. roll - act 7 June 1832,
at $27:66 per annum - Be pleased to say as to what time his stipend appears from your books to have been paid?
Pension Office
Mar 21. 1836
Page 37

Hon. J. L. Edwards
Comm. of Pensions.
War Department.

[Vertical]
Mar 21.
In attention
Jno. Fenn
Va line

Hn. J. Y. Mason
HR
Page 38

House of Representatives.
March 17th 1836.

Sir
I enclose you a Caller from John Fenn of Virginia to which I ask your attention, at as early a day as convenient. Be pleased to write to me on the subject.

Very Respy yr. Ob. Servt. &
J. Y. Mason
Page 39

State of Virginia
City of Petersburg} ss
On this 14th day of October AD 1853 personally appeared before me, a Justice of the Peace in and for the city aforesaid, in the state aforesaid Susannah Wilson who being duly sworn according to law deposeth, declares and says that she was present and saw John Fenn and Sarah Fenn married. That the said Sarah Fenn's name before her marriage was Sarah Watkins - That she distinctly remembers they were married in Surry County in the State of Virginia in the year of our Lord One thousand seven hundred and ninety eight by Beverly Booth a Baptist preacher. This she is enabled to state because as she before said she was present at the marriage and saw them married. And she further declares and says that she has no interest whatever in the matter
Susannah Wilson

Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year above written and I certify that in my opinion the said Susannah Wilson is a credible witness
John Kevan J.P.
Page 40

State of Virginia
City of Petersburg} ss
I, D M Bernard, Clerk of the Hurtings Court for the City of Petersburg, in the state of Virginia (which is a court of record) do hereby certify that John Kevan, whose genuine signature is affixed to the annexed affidavit, is and was at the time of signing the same, a Justice of the Peace in and for the City and State aforesaid duly elected and qualified according to law.
In testimony whereof, I have hereto set my hand and the seal of said Court, this 14th day of October AD 1853 in the 78th year of our Independence.
D M Bernard Clk
Page 41

To
The Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
Page 42

Petersburg Va Oct 14 1853

Dr Sr
I sent you a few days since the certificate of the Clerk of Surry County in relation to the marriage of John Fenn and his wife Sarah. I now enclose you the affidavit of Susannah Wilson who was present & saw the parties married. I had thought before receiving your letter that Mrs. Wilson stated the same fact in her affidavit which was sent with the other papers.
Very respectfully
W. L. Watkins
Page 43

The Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
Page 44

Petersburg Sept 13 1853

To
The Commissioner of Pensions
Sir
Enclosed you will find the Clerks certificate of the marriage of Wm Ford and Mary A Ford (formerly Mary A Jones). 
Very respectfully
W. L. Watkins

Be so good as to let me know whether the declaration of Sarah Fenn a revolutionary claimant has been received - It was sent some time ago
Page 45

Richmond Nov 3d 1843

Sir
In Obedience to your instructions of October the 18 33 I inscribed on the Roll the name of Sarah Fenn widow of John under Act 29 July 1848, yesterday the pensioner made application for payment, The Certificate was issued under Act 2 February 1848. please state whether her name must remain on the Roll under Act 29 July 1848 - or put under Act 2 Feb 1848 & conform & the Certificate in her possession. Very Respectfully Your Obedient Servant, Morris D. Newman
Pension Agent at 
Richmond Va

L. P. Waldo Esq,
Commissioner of
Pensions
Washington
D.C
Page 46

To
The Commissioner of Pensions
Page 47

Petersburg Va Sept 30th 1953

To
The Commissioner of Pensions
Sir.
Since receiving yours of the 23d incl I write to the Clerk f Surry County to ascertain if there was anything in his Office relative to the marriage of John Fenn with Sarah Watkins - He had previously written me that there was no return made by the minister who married them. You will see from the enclosed copy of the marriage bond that the marriage must have taken place in 1798; and you will also see from the Clerks certificate that he has been unable to find the certificate of the minister who married them. If this is not sufficient I will write to Mrs Fenn and ascertain from her whether there is any other person than the one whose affidavit was sent with her declaration, that knows at this late day anything about her marriage.
Very respectfully
W. L. Watkins
Page 48

Brief in the case of Sarah Fenn Widow of John
County and State of Virginia
act 29 July 1848

Claim, "original"

Proof exhibited, (if original.)

Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Husband was a pensioner at $27.66 per annum under act of 1832. (service proved in his papers)
Record and part proof of marriage, 
Record being marriage Bond Paid heirs the affidavit of Sarah Wilson, Certificate to be
[Typed]
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
[Handwritten cont.]
Credible who saw her married and identifies her as the widow of the pensioner.

Thornton Triplett
Examining Clerk.

Name and residence of Agent
W. L. Watkins Esq
Petersburgh
Va.
Page 49

Sarah Fenn
Widow of John Va
Admin. 29 July 1848
8 mos & 90 pri $27.66
per annum from
4 March 1848

Cert to 
W. L. Watkins Esq
Petersburgh
Va
Page 50

Pension Office
Oct 13 1833

Sir
John Fenn, Virginia Rolls, act June 7 1832, at $77.66 per annum, Please state what time paid
Very Respectfully
S. Cole
Ass Comm of Pensions

F Burt Esq.
3 Auditor

Died 22d.. April 1848, Paid to his death.
F. Burt
Auditor.
Page 51

Petersburg Augt 12th 1853

To The Commissioner of Pensions
Sir
Enclosed I hand you the declaration of Sarah Fenn with the accompanying evidence. The records of Surry County in which she and her husband John Fenn were married do not show any return of the minister marrying them, but you will find the affidavit of Susan Wilson who was present at the marriage.
You will please send Mrs. Fenn's certificate of pension to me
Very respectfully
W. L. Watkins