Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 822, for Benjamin Standefer, North Carolina
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(3-1776)
SERVICE
N.C.
Benjamin Standefer or Standifer
Nancy
NUMBERS
W.822
BLWt 21,803-160-55-
CONTENTS
[blank]
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22.184
East Tennessee
Benjamin Standefer
Bledsoe Co. in the State of Tennessee who was a pri. & Srgt. in the company commanded by Captain Douglas of the Reg't. commanded by Col. Mayber in the N. Carolina line for 1 yr.-

Inscribed on the Roll of E. Tennessee at the rate of 55 Dollars -Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 16 day of Oct. 1833-  and sent to Jut. Whiteside Pikeville

Arrears to the 4th of  Sept. 1833 $137.50
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 March 34 27.50=
$165.00
{Revolutionary Claim,}
Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by Wm. Allison Clerk,
Book E Vol. 7 Page 61
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Dead
- Paid at the Treasury under the act of the 6 April 1838 from 4 Sept. 1838 to 13 March 1839. gt notified 12 Nov. 1839
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cis C.C Tucker Jany 26/56

Vol S2, page 74

122,286 Act Mach 3/[missing]
Nancy Standefer Widow of Benjamin Standefer Pri.
Capt.     Col     N.C. Vol.
was a Pensioner claimant is a Pensioner Rev. War
N.C. Mil:
Tenn. Feby 53-2167
ad:160 ac. Apl 10/56
Boyton. [Signature]

Chas. C. Tucker
R. Present
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Tennessee Pensioner
Nancy Standifer
widow of Benjamin Standifer
who served in the Revolutionary war N.C.
as a pri. & Srgt.

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 55 Dollars 00 cents per annum, to commence the 3d February 1853

Certificate of Pension issued day of and sent to John Elliott Charleston Ten.

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners Page 185 
Feb. 3 1853

1832

Reg S m 55-1222
[initials]
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4959
Benjamin Standefer Bledsoe Co.
E. Tennessee 
for-private
County & Sept.17
Pri. Cav. 6 mon $25.--
Srgt. 6 mos.  30.-=
55.00  P-38.

See let Nov. 12 1836
J A. Whiteside
Pikeville Ten.
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4959.
BRIEF in the case of Benjamin Standefer  of Bledsoe County in the State of  Tennessee (Act 7th June 1832.)
1.Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? In Open Court
2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?
3. How old is he? 68 years
4. State his service as directed in the form annexed.

[Headings]
Period. | Duration of Service. | Rank. | Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.

Volunteered | 3 Mos. | as an orderly Sergeant | Col. Dudley  Capt. Douglass 
Volunteered | 3 mos. | orderly Sergeant | Col. Maybin Gen'l Butler  Capt. Abraham Allen
Volunteered for 12 mos. | has no doubt but that he actually served - 6 mos. | mounted Rifleman | Col. ONeal  Capt. Grisham 

5. In what battles was she engaged? in engagement t Lindley's Mill
6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Orange County No. Carolina
7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? traditionary evidence
8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? 

I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.

Examining Clerk.
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4959.
Declaration
Benjamin Standefer
for a Pension
Page 9

State of Tennessee}
Bledsoe County} SS.

On this fifteenth day of August in the year 1832 personally appeared in open court before the Worshipful justices of the County Court of Bledsoe a resident of said county and state, aged sixty 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 Act of Congress passed June 7, 1832 - That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated that at the age of sixteen years an din the month of May, the precise year he does not recollect but by adding sixteen years the time he entered the service to 1764 the year in which he was born will make 1780, he entered the service as a volunteer under Captain Douglass who was under Colonel Dudley in Orange County in the state of North Carolina, for three months, that he marched from Orange county through the counties of Caswell Rowan, Chatham and Guilford in the same state and was thence discharged after serving three months as an orderly sergeant - in a few days after the expiration of the aforesaid tour he volunteered again and entered the service for three months under Captain Abraham Allen who was commanded by Colonel Maybin under the command of Brigadier General Butler. He was marched through Hillsborough North Carolina, then across Haw river to Lindley's mill he was in an engagement with the tories under the command of Colonel Oneal who was killed this engagement, he thinks was in the month of August - after he first entered the service from Lindley's mill he marched down to a place called Cross Creek where the tories had taken refuge in the swamps where he was again discharged after serving three months as orderly  sergeant - Shortly after the last aforesaid tour he again volunteered and entered the service under Capt. Dais Grisham for the term of twelve months, that during this term he performed [blot] short tour of service, not being required by his Capt. to be out long at any one time, but to be always
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in readiness to march on a moments warning to oppose the outrages of the tories upon the whigs and their families - He has no doubt but that he was in actual service under Captain Grisham six months - During the whole of his service he served as a mounted rifleman and was an orderly sergeant the first six months of his service - He has no documentary evidence of his service, nor does he know of any person whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his service - He further states that he was born in the state of Maryland on the 1th day of May 1766 - He lived in Orange county in the state of North Carolina where he entered the service from which he moved tot he State of Georgia where he resided about twenty five years when he moved to Bledsoe County Ten. where he has lived something over five years. He has stated the names of the officers as far as he can recollect and the general circumstances of his services - He never received a discharged, not believing it would be of any benefit to him - He states he is known in his present neighbourhood by John Dalton and George Walker clergyman Jesse Walker a Justice of the Peace for Bledsoe county, and William Walker a respectable farmer of said county and others but he thinks it unnecessary to extend the list - 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 state.- Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid-
This declarant further states that in the engagement at Lindley's mill Col. Littrell and Major Nalls were killed by the tories - That he has no record of his age, but from the statement of his parents he believes he is as old as he had stated. [Signature]
Benjamin Standefer X his mark

We John Dalton a Clergyman residing in the county of Bledsoe Walker and William Walker residing in said county hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Benjamin Standefer, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration: that we believe him to be sixty eight years of age;
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that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion. Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid - 
[Signatures] John Butler D. J.
Jesse Walker
William Walker

State of Tennessee
Bledsoe County, County Court August Session 1832
And the said court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories presented by the war Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary soldier and served as he states - And the Court for them certifies that it appears to them that John Dalton who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman resident in the county of Bledsoe and that Jesse Walker and William Walker who have also signed the same are residents in the county aforesaid, and are credible persons, and that their statement is entitled to credit. -
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The State of Tennessee,
I, Scott Terry clerk of the County Court of Bledsoe County, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Benjamin Standifer for a pension -
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and private seal (not having a seal of Office) this 16th day of August 1832 -
Scott Terry Clk
[seal]

State of Tennessee}
Bledsoe County} February the 1st 1833
Personally appeared before me, the undersigned a justice of the peace in and for the county of Bledsoe aforesaid Benjamin Standifer, the identical person who made the foregoing declaration
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Declaration
In order to obtain the Benefits of the 2d section of the act of 8th of February 1833

State of Tennessee}
Hamilton County} On this fifth day of May A. D> one thousand and Eight hundred and fifty three personally appeared before me the subscriber a Justice of the peace within and for the county and State aforesaid Nancy Standifer a Resident of Hamilton County  Tennessee aged Seventy three years who first being duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provisions made by the act of Congress passed on the third of February one thousand Eight hundred and fifty three granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the revolutionary war. that she is the widow of Benjamin Standifer deceased who was a soldier of the war of the revolution and in his life time in the receipt of a pension from the United states for said services at the rater of fifty five dollars per annum payable at Knoxville East Tennessee she states that she does not know under what act he was pensioned when admitted on the pension roll of the united States nor does not know in what company or reg't he served nor in what state he Entered the U.S. Services. She further declares that she was married to the said Benjamin Standifer on the 21st day of December one thousand Eight hundred and two in Oglethorpe County in the state of Georgia by one Eliza Hector a Justice of the peace and that her name
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before her said marriage was Nancy Echols and that her said husband died in Bledsoe County Tennessee on the 18th day of March 1839. She further declares that she is still a widow that she was not married to her said Husband prior to the second of January Eighteen hundred but t the time above stated as, on the 29th of December 1802. [Signature] Nancy Standifer X her mark.
Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year above stated. [Signature] E. G. Boyd J. P.
Justice of the peace

State of Tennessee}
Hamilton County} I Elliott G. Boyd a Justice of the peace within and for the county and state aforesaid do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Nancy Standifer who has sworn and subscribed to the above declaration (claiming a pension) and I do certify that I do not believe infirmity that she she is able to appear in court to swear to her declaration. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, this 6th day of May 1863
[Signature] E. G. Boyd
Justice of the Peace for C. C. Tenn.

State of Tennessee}
Hamilton County} this day personally appeared before me the subscriber a Justice of the peace within and for the county and state aforesaid
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Sarah Howard and Syntha Standifer to one well know and credible witnesses who after having been duly sworn according to law states that they were well acquainted with Benjamin Standifer deceased in his life time and who was a soldier in the war of the revolution & in receipt of a pension payable at Knoxville Tennessee they state that they saw him die that he died in Bledsoe County Tennessee on the on the thirteenth day of March 1839 they state that they are also well acquainted with his widow Nancy Standifer who has sworn and subscribed to the above declaration they state that she has not married since the death of her said husband Benjamin but that she is still a widow. Sworn to and subscribed before me this 3rd day of May 1853. [Signatures] Sarah Howard X her mark Syntha Standifer X her mark
E. G. Boyd Justice of the Peace for Hamilton Co. Tenn.

State of Tennessee}
Hamilton County}
I James Clift Clerk of the County Court of the county of Hamilton and State aforesaid do hereby certify that Elliott G. Boyd whose name appears to the foregoing declaration certificate and affidavits is now and was at the time of signing the same an acting Justice of the Peace within and for said county duly Elected Commissioned and sworn that he was commissioned on the 28th day of May 1849 and will expire on the 4th day of April 1834 due faith and credit
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is due all his official acts and that his signature as appear is genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my and and seal of office at office at Harrison this 21st day of May 1853
[Signature] James Clift clerk
of the County Court
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State of Georgia Oglethorpe County.

The Entry of the marriage License of Benjamin Standerford to Nancy  Echols were issued out of this office on the 26th day of December 1802. And stands on Record thus.

26th day of December 1802. Benjamin Standerford to Nancy Echols Making the N o. 422- -

State of Georgia} I Henry Britain Ordinary in and 
Oglethorpe County} for said County in said state do hereby certify that the marriage License of Benjamin Standerford to Nancy Echols were issued out from my office on the 29th day of December 1802 and I have no doubt were properly executed, but owing to the fact that there is no marriage Certificates Recorded in my office further back than 1806. I cannot furnish you with the certificate of the marriage of the above named parties. I further certify that I have examined most carefully and diligently in my office for the Certificate of the marriage of Benjamin Standerford & Nancy Echols, but cannot find any such Certificate of marriage owing to the fact as above stated, and that there is no such marriage Certificate Recorded in my office -  Given under my hand and seal of office at office in Lexington this 24th day of May 1853.
[Signature] Henry Britain Ordinary -

[seal]
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122,286
Nancy Standefer
Bounty Land
Claim under the
act of March 3rd 1857
Nancy Standifer
widow of Benjamin
Rev. Pensioner

Chas. C. Tucker
Atty. Present
Page 19

State of Tennessee} SS.
Hamilton County} On this 28th day of April A. .D. one thousand Eight hundred and fifty five personally appeared before me a Justice of the peace within and for the county and State aforesaid Nancy Standefer age about seventy four years a resident of Hamilton County in The State of Tennessee who being duly Sworn according to law, declares that she is the widow of Benjamin Standifer Deceased who was an Orderly Sargent in The Company Commanded by Captain   in the Regiment of North Carolina Volunteers commanded by Col   in the Revolutionary war of Resolution - That her said husband volunteered in Oring [Orange] County North Carolina as near as she can Recolect on or about the day and year mow recolected, for the term not recolected. and he continued in the Service of said war for the time not recolected. She further states that she was married to the said Benjamin Standefer in  Obel Tharp [Oglethorpe] County in the state of Georgia o or about the on the Last day of Decuter [December] in the year not recolected. By one Elijay Hester a Justice of the peace and that Her name before her said marriage was Nancy Acres, that her said husband died at his Mansion House in Bledsoe County Tennessee on the 13 day of March A. D. 1839 She makes this declaration
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for the purpose of obtaining the bounty Land to which she may be entitled under the act approved March 3rd 1855 She further declares that her said husband Benjamin Standefer drew a pension in his life time and since his death she made an application for a pension which she now draws fifty five Dollars per year. She further states that her certificate for a pension bares the following dates. The certificate is dated the twenty Seventh day of September 1853 & signed McClelland Secretary of the Interior & L. P. Waldo Commissioner of Pensions. She refers to the proof made by her which is now in file in the pension office for Evidence of her claim and she further states that she has never received a warrant for bounty Land nor made an other application for Bounty Land only the one now presented and she hereby constitute and appoints Charles C. Tucker of Washington D. C> hir attorney to present hir claim and receive hir warrant - Herby authorizing and Empowering hir said attorney to obtain from the proper authority at Washington City or elsewhere certified copies of any Army or Navy record of documents in which hir said husband served may be Recorded, and to procure any and all other evidence that may be necessary to Establish her claim as fully as she might or could do if personally present and revoking and and
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Countermanding all other authority that may have been given from the above specified purposes. [Signature] Nancy Standefer X hir mark [SS]

We nimrod Moore and Leroy Standefer residents of Hamilton county in the State of Tennessee upon our oaths declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Nancy Standefer widow of Benjamin Standefer Deceased, in our presence and that we believe from the statement and appearance of the applicant that she is the identical person she represents herself to be. [Signatures]
N. Moore [SS]   Leroy Standefer [SS]

The foregoing declaration and affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above written and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons, thus the claimant is the person she represents herself to be , and That I have no interest in this claim.
[Signature] C. E. Shelton
Justice of the peace for Hamilton County
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State of Tennessee}
Hamilton County} I James Clift Clerk of the County court of said county do certify that C. E. Shelton whose name appears officially to the foregoing Declaration and certificate is a Justice of the peace in and for said county duly commissioned and qualified that the foregoing signature purporting to be his are genuine that full faith and credit are due all  his official acts. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office at office in Harrison the 30th day of April 1855.  James Clift Clerk By J. B. Peters Dept. Clk [Signature]
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Rev. and 1812
Wars Section
W. 822
Benjamin Standefer
Old War Invalid File
No. 20377
Howell Harton

March 1, 1930.

My dear Senator Brock:

In response to your letter of February 25, 1930, I have the honor to advise you that you are herewith furnished the information desired by Mrs. Zella Armstrong of Chattanooga, Tennessee. From the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim W.822, it appears that Benjamin Standefer or Standifer was born May 17, 1764 in Maryland. While a resident of Orange County, North Carolina, he enlisted and served as a mounted rifleman with the North Carolina troops as follows:
From May 1780 or 1781 three months as orderly sergeant in Captain Douglas' Company in Colonel Dudley's Regiment; in 1781
three months as orderly sergeant in Captain Abraham Allen's Company in Colonel Mebane's Regiment, and was in the battle of Lindley's Mill. He then served various short tours amounting to six months in all, as a private in Captain Davis Grisham's Company.
He was allowed pension on his application executed August 15, 1832, at which time he was a resident of Bledsoe County, Tennessee.
He died March 13, 1839 in Bledsoe County, Tennessee. The soldier married in Oglethorpe County, Georgia, December 29, 1802, Nancy Echols. She was allowed pension on her application executed May 6, 1853, at which time she was a resident of Hamilton County,
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Tennessee, and was seventy-three years of age.
She died in Hamilton County, Tennessee, February 28, 1864. She was survived by the following children.
Joshua
Sarah Howard
Milly Chipman
Leroy.

A grandson, William Standefer, was living in Hamilton County, Tennessee in 1870, at which time he stated he was thirty-three years of age.

[note -Remainder of this letter
of Howell Harton, O. W. Inv. File 20377

*************
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1910 March 31 Hist.  to Mr. Edd Standefer V.L.M
1930 Mar. 1 hist to Hon. Wm. E. Brock See claim Howell Harton, O. W. Inv. File 20377.  MCS

WIDOW, &c.
Revy
File No. 822
Nancy Standifer
Widow of Benjamin Standifer
Pri. & Sergt. Rev War
Act Feb 3 1853.
Index:-Vol. M., Page 2387

[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 26

Mar 19 1910
Mr. Airy, Tenn.
3/16/10

Dept. of Interior
Bureau of Pensions,
Washington, D. C.

Dear Sirs:-'
Please give me the following information about Benjamin Standefer, Private & Sargent N.C. Militia, placed on pension Roll Oct. 16,1833 at the age of 70. I want to know his fathers name & add. at that time & his children's names & add. at that time. Where he died
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and when; and is Jas. Standifer, M.C. connected as shown in your records with this Benj. Standefer. James Standefer, M.C. was my great Grand father & I am anxious to find out all I can about the two men named above. Thanking you for this information.
I am truly -
Edd Standefer - [signature]
Page 28

[stamp - RECORD DIVISION MAR. 19 1910]

[stamp - U.S. PENSION OFICE E MAR 18 1910]
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DAVID A. REED. PA. CHAIRMAN
FRANK L. GREENE, VT.
DUNCAN U. FLETCHER, FLA.
W. H. MCMASTER, S. DAK.
MORRIS SHEPPARD, TEX.
ARTHUR R. ROBINSON, IND.
COLE. L BLEASE, S.C.
JOHN J. BLAINE, WIS.
DANIEL P. STECK, IOWA
FREDERIC M. SACKETT, KY.
HUGO L. BLACK, ALA.
BRONSON M. CUTTING, N. MEX. 
WILLIAM E. BROCK, TENN.
H. D. HATFIELD, W.VA.
ROSCOE C. PATTERSON, MO.
-
T. A. HUNTLEY, CLERK
H. S. PITTS, ASST. CLERK

United States Senate
COMMITTEE ON MILITARY AFFAIRS

February 25, 1930.

Honorable Earl D. Church,
Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington, D. C.

Dear Mr. Commissioner:

I enclose herewith letter from Mrs.
Zella Armstrong, Librarian, Chattanooga, Tenn. in which it will be noted that she desires such information as your office may be able to furnish with regard to the service of Howell Horton and the husband of Nancy Standifer, both of whom applied for pensions from Hamilton County, Tennessee.
Any information you can give in the matter will be appreciated and I will also thank you for the return of the enclosure for my file when it shall have served its purpose.
Very cordially yours,
W E Brock
M.

[stamp - OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER 
U.S. BUREAU OF PENSIONS FEB 26 1930]
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a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau. Benjamin Standefer Wid. File 822

[Headings]
DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. | LENGTH OF SERVICE. | RANK. | OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. | STATE.

May 1780 or 1781 | 3 mos. | Orderly Sgt. | Capt. Douglas | Col. Dudley | NC

1781 | 3 mos. |Orderly Sgt. | Capt. Abraham Allen| Col. Mebane | [blank]

1781 | 6 mos. | Mounted Rifleman | Capt. Davis Grisham | [blank]| [blank]

Battles engaged in, Lindley's Mill
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Orange Co. N.C.
Date of application for pension, Aug 15 1833 His cl. was al.
Residence at date of application, Bledsoe Co. Tenn.
Age at date of application, born in Md. May 17, 1764, died March 13, 1839 in Bledsoe Co., Tenn.
Remarks: Soldier married in Oglethorpe Co. Ga. Dec. 29th 1802 Nancy Echols who was allowed pension on an application executed May 5 1853 while a resident of Hamilton Co. Tenn. aged 73 yrs. She died in sd. Co. & State Feb. 28, 1864. The surviving children in 187? were Joshua , Danah Howard, Milly Chapman and Leroy. William Standifer 33 yrs old at that date was a grand-son & a res. of Hamilton Co. Tenn. P.O. addresses are not stated
Very respectfully,
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Brief in the case of, Nancy Standifer, widow of Benjamin, Hamilton County and State of Tenn:
act 3d Feby: 1853.

Claim, original
Proof exhibited, (if original.)

Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported b rolls? If either, state the substance.
Husband was a pensioner under the act of 7 June 1832. 
Record evidence of marriage.

(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?

John Elliott, Esqr.
Charleston Tenn.
Name and residence of Agent

S. C. Boynton
Examining Clerk.
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Benj. Standifer
Page 33

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of  Benjamin Standefer which require further proof or explanation. 
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? Yes
II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? Yes
III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so? 
IV. Has the declarant mentioned the periods of the war when he served? No
V. *Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amout [amount] of pension he is entitled? No
VI. Has he given the names of the officers under who he served, in conformity with the regulations? Yes
VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? Yes
VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? Yes
IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? Yes
X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? Private Seal,
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2
XI. has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? Yes
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it? 
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, as he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had? 
XIV. +If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service? Yes
If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses? 
Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct? 
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service?
XVI. ++Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? No
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? 
__________________________________________________

EXPLANATORY NOTES.
*Quere V.  In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:  "Personally appeared before me, the undersigned a Justice of the Peace, &c. A.B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and 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, and in the following grades; For _____year _____months, and _____days, I served as a ______ For ______months and _____days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension.
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3
It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service.  The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours; the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service.  This form of a declaration is highly objectionable.  It must in every case be clearly shewn under what officers the applicant served; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
(+) QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
(++) QUERE XVI. Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
[hand pointing right] In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, has no public seal of office, the certificate of a member of congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.

++ In every case where the Clerk of the Court, or other certifying officer has no public Seal of Office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and Signature of the certifying office, should be sent with the papers. Must prove Service as Sergeant
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State of Tennessee}
County of Hamilton} SS.

In the matter of claim for Restoration of Pension & Arrears of William Standifer Adam Estan of Nancy Standifer dec'd widow of Benjamin Private & sergeant in the war of the Revolution of Company............Regiment................Vols:
Personally came before me a Clerk of the County Court and for aforesaid County and State N. L. Rawlings and William Hughs citizens of the County of Hamilton, State of Tennessee, reputable and entitled to credit, and who, being duly sworn, declare in relation to aforesaid claim, as follows:
That they were well acquainted in her life time with the said Nancy Standifer nd with the family and with William Standifer Adm. of her estate and a grandson, of the said Nancy Standifer. Said Nancy Standifer died in Hamilton County Tenn. on the 28 day of February 1864 aged about 86 years. During her life after the the  breaking out of the rebellion she was loyal with Government split United States, and they were very feeble & evidently had but little and olive nor feudingly and ideas that an life might be spared any [illegible] to see Federal Soldiers and the off a [illegible] whilst States once now before she died. If ever there was a loyal person it was Nancy Standifer and her [illegible] was well known throughout the whole community. She died leaving surviving her four children, viz. Joshua Standifer who lives in Georgia, if living at all and whose service during the Rebellion afterwards was worthy assent he has not  returned to the county country & for many years, Sarah Howard who was lately removed from Hamilton County, Tenn. to Johnson County Arkansas, and who was a woman of unquestioned loyalty to the U.S. Government; Milly Chipman, who left this Section of the country before the Rebellion, has never since returned, and whose status during the Rebellion is not known with affiants and Leeroy Standifer who still lives in this community, and who was always known a a [illegible] man in his neighborhood and whom affiants know cohare been such. For many years beside when death said Nancy Standifer and with her saw Leroy, by whom, with the assistance of her pension She was supported none of the other children contributing [illegible] support. Affiants have for many years lived in the same neighborhood and knows Nancy Standifer well of the Estate of said Nancy and a grandson of hers and knows him to have  own been additionally Loyal [illegible] United States during the Rebellion and was that [illegible] instro whole community - where he resides.

The further declare that they have no interest in said claim and are not concerned in its prosecution.

Attest - when any affiant signs by mark, (2 persons.)

Signature of Affiants. N.L. Rawlings
William Hughs
Page 37

SWORN TO AND SUBSCRIBED BEFORE ME this day by the above named affiants; and I certify that I read said affidavit to said affiants, and acquainted them with its contents before they executed the same. I further certify that I am in nowise interested in said claim, nor am I concerned in its prosecution, and I certify that the affiants were resident persons during the Rebellion Loyal to the Govt. of the U. States and also that I am well acquainted with William Standifer the above and know him to have been loyal and such and always due his reputation.
Witness my hand and official seal this 13th day of June, 1870
Sign here R. H. Guthrie Clerk
County Court.

ADD SEAL HERE.

NOTE. - This should be sworn to before a CLERK OF COURT or JUSTICE OF THE PEACE. If before a JUSTICE, then CLERK OF COUNTY COURT must add his certificate of character on the back hereof, and not on a separate slip of paper.

I, ..........................., Clerk of the County Court in and for aforesaid County and State, do certify that ............................., Esq. who hath signed his name to foregoing affidavit, was at the time of so doing a .................................in and for said County and State, duly commissioned and sworn; that all his official acts are entitled to full faith and credit, and that hi signature thereunto is genuine.
Witness my hand and seal of office, this ..........day of ...................., 18
..................................
Clerk of the ...................................


CLAIM FOR

_________________

AFFIDAVIT OF
_________________

FILED BY
___________________________

[stamp - DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR PENSION OFFICE JUL 5 1879]
Page 38

Pri. act /53, Tenn;
Boynton
Page 39

Pension Office
23 Sept. 1853.
Sir.
Please Certify the time to which teh within named pension was paid or the date of his death.
Very Respectfully,

L. P. Waldo
Commissioner

Benjamin Standefer act 1832, $55.00 per an. Died 15th March, 1839, Paid to his death.

Francis Burt. Esqr.
Third Auditor hearing
Page 40

21.803
Wm. Ames
Page 41

122286
Benjamin Standifer

Bounty Land Act 1855
"additional"

Hon. J. Minot
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington, D. C.
Page 42

[stamp - DEPARTMENET7 OF TEH INTERIOR PENSION OFFICE JUL 5 1870]

Payment to be made at Knoxville by Isaac Lewis - 
Agent for paying Pensioners, in the Agency of Tennessee - 
Payable on the 4th September and 4th March

Recorded in the Pension Office on the Roll of Pensioners under act February 3d, 1853, Page 185 Vol. A
G. T. Getty Clerk
Page 43

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR.
WIDOW'S PENSION.

I certify that in conformity with the 2d section of the act of February 3, 1853, 

Nancy Standifer widow of Benjamin Standifer -
who was a private & Sergt. in the revolutionary war, is inscribed on the pension list at the rate of Fifty five - dollars and ----cent per annum, commencing on the 3d of February, 1853, and continuing for life, unless she should again marry; in which case the Pension is not payable after the time of such marriage.
Given at the Department of the Interior, this twenty Seventh day of September one thousand eight hundred and fifty three

[Signature]
R. McClellan
Secretary of the Interior.

Examined and Countersigned.
L. p. Waldo
Commissioner of Pensions.

(March 1957. Has resided in Hamilton county 18 years.)
Page 44

4959
Benjamin Standefer
Page 45

declaration who being duly sworn deposeth and saith, that it was in the month of May in the year 1780 or 1781 and from loss of memory he cannot state precisely which, that he entered the service of the United States, and that in the year in which he entered the service and the succeeding one he performed the services mentioned in his foregoing declaration - and he further states that by reason of old age and 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 and in the following grades - For Six months I served as an orderly sergeant and for Six months I served as a common soldier - all the time as a mounted rifleman, and for such service I claim a pension. [Signature] Benjamin Standefer X his mark 
Subscribed & sworn to before me the date above. [Signature] Alexander Boyd Justice of the peace for Bledsoe County

State of Tennessee,
I Scott Terry clerk of the County Court of Bledsoe County, do certify that Alexander Boyd whose signature appears to the foregoing Declaration and certificate of Benjamin Standefer, is now and was at the time of signing the same, an acting justice of the peace in and for said county of Bledsoe
Page 46

Duly commissioned and qualified, to act, and that due faith and credit are given his official acts as such -
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my private seal not having an official seal of Office, this 4th ay of February 1833 - [Signature] Scott Terry Clk
[seal - L.S.]

State of Tennessee,
I James Standefer member of the Congress from the third District of the State of Tennessee, certify that Scott Terry esq. whose signature appears tot he two preceding certificates is now and was at the time of making the same Clerk of the County Court of Bledsoe county; that due faith and credit are given his official acts as such that the same are his genuine signatures and that his said certificates are in due form of law, and that there is no seal of office for said Court
Given under my hand this 16th day of March 1833 - [Signature] James Standefer
Page 47

Application for Restoration to the Pension Rolls
Whose Names have been Dropped under the Act of February 4, 1862.

State of Tennessee County of Hamilton, SS.
On this 13th day of June, A.D. one thousand eight hundred and Seventy, personally appeared before me Clerk of the County Court Court in said State and County, the same being a Court of Record, William Standifer age thirty three years, a resident of Tyner  in the State of Tennessee, who, being duly sworn according to law declares that he is the Administrator for the Estate of Nancy Standifer deceased, who was a pensioner on the roll of the agency at: Knoxville Tenn., and whose pension certificate is herewith returned; that she resided since the first day of January, A. D. 1861, as follows: said Nancy Standifer resided until her death on the 28 day of February 1864 with her sons Leroy Standifer near Tyner's Lease not the sol. place of about 6 residents prior to her death, where she lived with her daughter. that during this period her means of subsistence were nothing but dependence upon her son Leroy Standifer, who supported her. She died leaving no property of value.  Applicant makes oath that he has no borne arms against the Government of the United States or he has not in any manner encouraged the reels, or manifested a sympathy with their cause; and the dec'd was last paid her pension on the 4th day of March, A. D. 1861. as recollected but in this he may be mistaken. This application is made for the purpose of securing a restoration of deceased name to the pension rolls, and of obtaining a new pension certificate, such as he may be entitled to under existing laws, reference being made to the evidence heretofore filed in the Pension Office to substantiate the original claim. And I hereby appoint J. R. Stanley of Chattanooga Town, my Attorney to present this my application, and perform all that is  necessary therein without revocation, as well as to receive my Certificate when issued. This application for the deceased expenses that may be [illegible]
[Signature] William Standefer
Also personally appeared N. L. Rawlings, a resident of [illegible] County and William Hughs a resident of Same County persons whom I certify to be respectable and entitled to credit,  and who, being by me duly sworn, say that they were present and saw William Standifer write his , make her to the foregoing declaration; and they further swear that they have every reason to believe, from the appearance of the applicant and their acquaintance with him that he is the identical person he to be; and they further swear that they have no interest in the prosecution of this claim. [Signatures] N. L.  Rawlings
William Hughs

Sworn to and subscribed before me, this thirteenth day of June A. D. 1870, and I hereby certify that I have no interest, direct or indirect, in the prosecution of this claim, and I certify that the expenses and indenture [illegible] in the declaration and Statements of expenses are made upon agency.
[Signature] R. H. Guthrie Clk
County Court

I, William Standifer do solemnly swear, (or affirm,) in the presence of Almighty god, that I will henceforth faithfully support, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States and the Union of the States thereunder; that I will in like manner, abide by and faithfully support all laws and proclamations which have been made during the late rebellion with reference o the emancipation of States: So help me God.
[Signature] William Standifer
Sworn to and subscribed before me,, this 13th day of June A. D. 1870
[Signature] R. H. Guthrie Clk
County Court
Page 48

State of_______________________
COUNTY OF__________________⎬ SS.

I, ______________________Clerk of the _______________ Court within and for said County, do certify that ________________________ Esq.,  before whom the foregoing declaration, affidavits and acknowledgement were made, was, at the time of taking the same, and still is an acting _____________________ within and for said County, duly commissioned and sworn, and that the several signatures, purporting to be his, which are appended to said declaration, affidavits and acknowledgement, are his genuine signatures.
In Testimony Whereof, I hereto set my hand and affix the seal of our said Court, at ________________________ this ___________________ day of _________________ A.D. 186__.

(Seal.)

__________________________________________________
INSTRUCTIONS.
FIGURE ( 1 ) -- Judge, Justice of the Peace, or Clerk having seal [NOTE. -- If a Judge or Justice of the Peace authenticate the papers, the signature must be verified in usual form by the Clerk of the Court.
( 2 ) He or She; Name of Applicant; His or Her; Him or Her; Himself or Herself, as the fact may be.
( 3 ) Name the place or places at which claimant has resided since last paid, and during the time for which original Pension has not been drawn.
( 4 ) Here name the employment or other means by which a livelihood has been gained. (4) Means of subsistence.
(5) Signature of Applicant. If X is made, two witnesses who can write must sign their names opposite the same.
(6) Names of Witnesses in full.
(7) State name of residence, City, Village, County, and State. If applicant resides in a
City or Village, name of street must be given, and where houses are numbered, the number of the house. 
8. Signature of Witnesses.
NOTES TO BE PARTICULARLY OBSERVED.
If the declarant, or any witness, sign by mark, the officer must certify that the contents of the paper were made known to the affiant and witnesses before signing.
In every case, the declaration or affidavit must be either signed by the affiant's own hand or else by mark, (X) Signed by another hand, when the party is able to write, or without a mark when the party is unable to write, is wholly inadmissible.
[hand pointing right] The allegations made in the applicant's declaration, must be sustained by the testimony of two credible and disinterested witnesses, to be certified as such by the officer before whom the testimony is taken. If the applicant be an Invalid Pensioner, he must be examined by an Army Surgeon, or by a Surgeon duly appointed by the Pension Office, as to the continuance of the disability.[hand pointing left]
If a Widow, she must prove by two credible witnesses (certified to in the usual manner, and under seal) her continued widowhood.
I remarried, the minor children, (under 16,) through their guardian can apply for the Suspended Pension, and if the guardian of a minor child be newly appointed, he or she must file the proper evidence of his or her appointment as such.
In all cases, the ORIGINAL Pension Certificate must be surrendered.

Application for Restoration
TO THE PENSION ROLLS.
Under Act of February 4, 1865.

APPLICANT' S ADDRESS:
William Standifer Applicant. 
Address. Estate of Nancy Standifer dec'd 
Tyner, Hamilton Co., Tenn.

FILED BY
L.R. Stansley
Chattanooga Tenn.
Printed and sold by W. H. Moore, 481 11th St.
Washington, D.C.

[stamp - DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR PENSION OFFICE JU. 5 1870]
Page 49

GIDEON, PRINTER

TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
SECOND COMPTROLLER'S OFFICE,
October 29th 1839.

Sir:

Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An Act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," The widow or Benjamin Standefer, a Pensioner on the Roll of the Knoxville, Tenn. Agency, at the rate of Fifty five Dollars and -- Cents per annum, under the law of the 7th June 1832, has been paid at this Department, from the 4th of Sept. 1838, to the 4th of March 1839, the day of his death.

Respectfully yours,

Albion K Parris [Signature]
Comptroller.

To the Commissioner of Pensions, Present.
Page 50

Washington, April 3'd 1856

Hon. J. Minot
Commissioner of Pensions

Sir:
I herewith enclose record evidence of the Rev. device of Benjamin Standifer. Please do us the favor to request another examination of the claim of the widow whose application No. 122.286 is lying suspended in your office.
Very Resp.
Your Obt. Srvt.
Chas. C. Tucker - [Signature]

Emf
Page 51

No
Letters Administration to William Standefer
Admin & 6
_______________
pd. 10th June 1870
Page 52

State of Tennessee,} County  Court, June Term 
Hamilton County.} 1870,
Whereas, It appears tot he  Court that Nancy Standifer is dead, having left no Will or Testament in said county, and application having been made by William Standifer for Letters of Administration to be granted him, and he having entered into bond, and was qualified as required by law. These are therefore to authorize and empower you, the said William Standefer - to enter into and upon the goods and chattles, rights and credits of the said Nancy Standifer and take the same into your possession, take whensoever to be found in this State: the just debts of the said Nancy Standefer you will pay so far as the same may extend, and the residue. if any, you will deliver to those entitled by law. Herein fail not.
Witness, R. H. GUTHRIE, clerk of said Court, at office in Harrison, the 10th day of June 1870.
[Signature] R. H. Guthrie Clerk

[seal] Clerk fee $3.00
Page 53

Charleston Tenn.
July 4th 1853

Sir

Enclosed you will please find the declaration and proof of Nancy Standefer who claims a pension on act of the revolutionary services of her husband Benj Standifer deceased which you are respectfully requested to Examine and if she is entitled please order the payment to be made at Knoxville Tennessee when you have Examined her claim please inform me of the result of your decision.
I am respectfully Yr. Obt. Srvt.
[Signature] John Elliott

L. P. Waldo, Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
D. C.
Page 54

Pikeville Bledsoe County E. Tenn
July 14th 1833.

Hon. J. L Edwards.

Dear Sir

I herewith return the papers in support of the claim of Benjamin Standifer for a pension - from the instruction from the department it appears that Mr. Standifer is required to prove his services as a sergeant, this, as far as his knowledge extends at present, he is unable to do,  and requests me so to inform you - the evidence in support of his claim is entirely traditionary and is of the character which papers the claim of a private soldier; and  I have not understood from the regulations or any other course that proof in case of an officer is required different from that of a private soldier. If it be so, Wm Standifer authorizes me to say to  you that you can consider his entire service as performed in the character of a private and regulate his pay accordingly - I would just remark that the claim of John Dalton of this county was supported by the same kind of testimony and authenticated in the same manner and a pension was given him for his services as a sergeant. - 
Very respectfully
Your Obt. Srvt.
James A. Whiteside [Signature]
Page 55

Standifer,




[stamp - DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR PENSION OFFICE JUL 5, 1870]
Page 56

Department of the Interior.
Pension Office. Aug: 28" 1866.

Sir:
In compliance with your request of the 4" Inst: I enclose herewith forms and instructions in reference to restoration cases. In the case to which you refer, the application should be made by the Administrator and proof should be filed showing that the pensioner did not in any manner encouraged the rebels. nor manifest a sympathy with their cause and that she did not intermarry after the last rev her pension. Proof of heirship, should be filed as well as the precise date of the pensioners death. In no case will an heir who was disloyal be allowed to receive the arrears. The administrator should be a person whose loyalty is established and he should return if possible the original certificate of pension.

I am yours very respectfully,
Jos. H. Barrett [Signature]
Commissioner.

J.R. Stanley Esqr.
Chattanooga Tenn:
Page 57

Department of the Interior
PENSION OFFICE.
Washington, D. C. July 6 1870.

Sir:

In the case of Mrs. Nancy Standifer widow of Benjamin Standifer, whose name, with others in the insurrecting States, was stricken from the pension rolls under the act of Feb. 4, 1862, you are informed that under a recent decision of this Department the amount of pension can be paid to her heirs as the dec'd without having re-established her claim - The claim terminated with the last payment
R

S. R. Stanley
Chattanooga
Tenn.
Page 58

State of North Carolina
Comptroller's Office

I, Geo W. Brooks Comptroller of the Public Accounts and for the State aforesaid, do hereby certify that it appears of record in my office among the payments made by said State to Sundry persons for Military Service in the Revolutionary was as follows - 

Benjamin Standeford, /or Benjamin Standefer
Book No. 4 Page 38 £16.12.. Specie. Hillsboro Dist. June 1783
In testimony whereof I have herewith Subscribed my name and affixed the seal of my office at Raleigh N. C. March 29th 1856.

Geo. W. Brooks [Signature]
Comptroller
N. Carolina

[seal]