Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 8,131, John Isham Bethell, Va.
Page 1

[INDEX CARD]

SERVICE Va

Bethell, John Isham or Bethel

Margaret

NUMBER W. 8,131
B.L.Wt. 30,607-160-55.
Page 2

22.289
East Tennessee

John Isham Bethel of Jefferson in the State of Tenn who was a Private in the Compy commanded by Captain Prosser of the Regt commanded by Col Wordson in the Va line for 13 1/2 months

Inscribed on the Roll of East Tenn at the rate of 45 Dollars - Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 18 day of Oct 1833 and Sent to D Barton [CROSSED OUT: Dandridge] Tenn (Rutledge

Arrears to the 4th of Sep 33 $112.50
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Ma. 34 - 22.50
$135.

{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.}

Recorded by Dan'l Boyd Clerk,
Book E Vol. 7 Page 37
Page 3

January Term 1833

State of Tennessee 
Jefferson County } [CROSSED OUT: County Court Dec. Sessions 1832]

On this 22nd day of January [CROSSED OUT: December] 1832, personally appeared in open Court (the same being a Court of record, having a Clerk and seal) John Isham Bethel, a resident of said County, aged about seventy seven 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 June 1832.

That he was drafted in Henrico County, State of Virginia - the year he cannot recollect, but it was the first draft made in that County, during the war: - that he rendevoused in the City of Richmond, under the command of Captain Reuben Whitlock, and marched thence to Hillsboro N.C. where they remained a few days - from thence they marched to Camden S.C. where they joined the Southern army under the command of Gen'l Gates - He does not recollect the number of the Regt. to which his company was attached, but it was commanded by Colo. or Maj. Woodson - He states, that from the length of time, he cannot recollect the names of the other officers, attached to the army. That they lay there some two or three weeks, when they had an engagement with the British army under the command of Col. Tarlton [Tarleton] & other officers: this was in the month of July or August. The Americans were drawn up in order of battle - they stood two or three fires of the enemy, when Genl. Gates wheeled and run and his army followed him. After the battle of Camden Capt. Whitlock's company, was marched to Newgate in S.C. where they remained some time, when they were discharged by Capt. Whitlock, and
Page 4

returned home. The applicant got home in Henrico County Va. the last of Sept. or 1st of Oct. having been absent on duty four months.

This applicant states, that in the spring or summer following, he was again drafted under the command of Capt. Thomas Prosser they renderoused at Richmond, and marched to a place near the sea shore in Va. called Rich Neck, at which place, as well as he can now recollect, they joined Genl. Neilson, and were stationed there some five or six weeks. From thence, they were marched to Norfolk, which place had previously to that time been burned by the British, who had left the place; they were stationed there several weeks, when they were marched back to Rich Neck & discharged by their Capt. This was called a three month tour, but the applicant was absent [CROSSED OUT: more than three months, say] three & a half months.

The applicant then remained at home for some time, until the spring before the close of the war, where he was again drafted- his captain's name, he cannot recollect - they rendevoused at Bottom's Bridge, near Chickahomny [Chickahominy] swamp - his Col.'s name was John Pleasant, his Genls Neilson - from thence they marched to Four Mile Creek on James River, & camped at a place called Matthis [Matt's] Spring at that place they were stationed two or three months, watching the British, who frequently ascended the River in plat bottom boats, many of which were taken by the Americans. From this place they marched to a place called, Mobbin's Hill where they were stationed ten or fifteen days - from thence they marched to Maho's Old field near Richmond, where they encamped a few days. They then had orders to retreat to the Chickahomany's [[Chickahominy] Swamp at the New Bridges, to take up the bridges & burn them which they did - the British followed them & crossed at the same places, when the American's crossed the bridges, they were in Hanover County, then in Louisa
Page 5

then in Orange, then in Culpepper [Culpeper] - while they were in Culpepper [Culpeper], the British got before them, and made the nearest route they could to Richmond, to which place the Americans followed them: but the enemy had left that place before their arrival. Near Richmond they were joined by Genls. Green & Wayne, after which junction they marched to a little place called, Old James Town, where they had a skirmish with the British, who retreated. - At this place, the applicant was discharged, by his Capt, whose name he cannot recollect, having been out on that tour five months

This applicant further states, that during the winter following the surrender of Lord Cornwallis, he was called out with others upon a months tour to guard the magazine at Richmond, the British [CROSSED OUT: at that time having brought them] arms & ammunition [CROSSED OUT: up in boats.] having been brot. up in boats. They were then under Capt. Wm Smith.

This applicant cannot remember the Regts. to which [he] was attached during these several tours - he recollects that on one tour, a Capt. Madill [or Masdill] commanded. He was born in Henrico County Va. 15th Dec. 1755, as informed by his parents - he has no record of his age - at the time he was called in service, he lived where he was born, in the year 1789 he removed to New River Va. from thence he removed to Jefferson County Tenn, where he now lives - Genl. De Kalb was at the battle of Camden, in which he was killed. he knew a Genl. De Marquis, a frenchman, who commanded a troop of regulars - that he is acquainted with John McCampbell, John Coldwell [Caldwell], & others signed to this declaration in his present neighborhood, who can testify to his character for veracity, & their belief of his services as a soldier of the revolution

This applicant states that he has lost all his discharges, and has no documentary evidence, nor does he know of any living witness, by whom he can
Page 6

prove his services. He hereby relinquishes every claim to a pension except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of any agency in any State.

Sworn to in open Court this 22d January 1833 Thod J Bradford, John J Bethell

We, John McCampbell & John Caldwell residents of the County of Jefferson, do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with John J. Bethel, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration, that we believe him to be seventy seven years of age, that he is a man of veracity and integrity - that he is reputed & believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution, and we concur in that opinion

John McCampbell
John Caldwell
John Caldwell Esq.
James L Coile
Anthony Caldwell
Jeremiah Shelby
Thos. Elmon
James Box
Ai Thornburgh
Jacob G. Chase
John Chase
Benton Allin [Allen]
Thomas Davis
Wm Chase
Henry H. Huffar
Levi Branson Jr
Wesley Chittom [Chittum]
Jacob Matix [Mathis]
ssm you [illegible]
Thomis [Thomas] Dickson
James Caldwell
Ben Famanty/Gamanty [illegible]
George Mathis


Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.

Sworn to in open Court the 22d  January 1833 Theod J Bradford DC

And the said Court
Page 7

No 22569
John Isham Bethel
Tenn
Jefferson Co

from private 13 1/2 months $45.

East

D Barton [CROSSED OUT: Rutledge] Dandridge
Grainger County
Tennessee
Page 8

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
183

Sir:

The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: } ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your
claim.

A Statement, shewing the service of John I. Bethel Jefferson County Tenn. 

Period when the service was rendered. Drafted

Duration of the claimant's service.
Years.
Months. 4
Days.

Rank of the claimant. Priv.

Name and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served. Capt. Whitlock

Names and Rank of the General and Field officers. Col Wordson

Battles in which the applicant was engaged. Skirmish Camden

Country through which he marched. Va, NC, SC

Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period. Aged about 77 Henrico County Va.

Evidence by which the declaration is supported. Traditionary
-----
Period when the service was rendered. " [Drafted]

Duration of the claimant's service.
Years.
Months. 3
Days. 15

Rank of the claimant. " [Priv]

Name and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served. Prosser

Names and Rank of the General and Field officers.

Battles in which the applicant was engaged.

Country through which he marched. Va

Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period.

Evidence by which the declaration is supported.
-----
Period when the service was rendered. 1781 ~

Duration of the claimant's service.
Years.
Months. 5
Days.

Rank of the claimant. " [Priv.]

Name and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served.

Names and Rank of the General and Field officers. Pleasant

Battles in which the applicant was engaged.

Country through which he marched.

Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period.

Evidence by which the declaration is supported.
------
Period when the service was rendered. 1781 ~

Duration of the claimant's service.
Years.
Months. 1
Days.

Rank of the claimant. " [Priv.]

Name and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served. Smith

Names and Rank of the General and Field officers. 

Battles in which the applicant was engaged. " [Skirmish Camden]

Country through which he marched. Va

Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period.

Evidence by which the declaration is supported.

I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,

J. L. Edwards,

Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 11

768
Tennessee, Knoxville
Margaret Bethel
widow of John I. Bethel who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Private

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 45 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
 
Certificate of Pension issued the 9th day of April 1851 and sent to 
James R. McAnally
Redwood
Granger Co. [Grainger]
Tenn.

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act July 29, 1848, Page 180 Vol. 8
Page 12

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of the 29th of July 1848

State of Tennessee
Grainger County }

On this 5th day of February 1849 personally appeared in Open Court Margaret Bethel aged seventy two years on the 28th day of April next and made oath in due form of law to the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 29, 1848 Granting pensions to certain widows, That she is the widow of John J Bethel [John I. Bethel] who was a private in the Revolutionary War and late a Pensioner of the United States at the Knoxville Agency Tennessee at the rate of $45 per annum She further declares that she was married to the said John Bethel on the 10th day of August 1798 that her husband the aforesaid John J Bethel [John I. Bethel] died on the 17th day of December 1848 That she was not married to him Prior to the 1st day of January 1794 but that it took place previous to the 1st day of January 1800 Viz at the time above stated She further swears that she has no record proof of her marriage but was married by William Porter a minister of the Baptist order in Wythe County in the State of Virginia by licence

Margaret Bethel
her X mark

Sworn and subscribed in open court before the Justice of said Court the day and year last above mentioned

I certify that the foregoing proceeding were had in Court as above stated In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said court at Rutledge this 5th day of February AD 1849

Edward Tate Clerk of the County Court of Grainger County
Page 13

State of Tennessee Grainger County

Personally appeared in open Court Soloman Noe and Wm Watson and made oath that they were well acquainted with John Bethel late a Revolutionary Pensioner of the US

That he died on the 17th day of December 1848 in Grainger County that he left a widow who is still living

Sworn and Subscribed in open Court this 5th day of February 1849

Solomon Noe
Wm. Watson

Tennessee State Grainger County

The said County Court of the County of Grainger aforesaid do hereby certify that Margaret Bethel who has subscribed and sworn to the within declaration and Solomon Noe and William Watson who has subscribed and sworn to the above affidavit, are all persons of Unquestionable Credit and truth

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at Rutledge this 5th day of February AD 1849

Edward Tate Clerk of the County Court of Grainger County
Page 14

179.799 Act Mar 3d }1855
June 28th [ }1855]

Margaret Bethel
John I. Bethel
Pri

Revolutionary Pension
SS Tenn Grainger 768

W: 160 AC; June 4/56
B O [illegible]

SS Massengill
Rutledge
Grainger Co
Tenn

Vol. B1-94

No 30607 iss. June 13/56
Page 15

Bounty Land Claim of Margaret Bethel
179.799
Mar 1776

Send Warrant to SS Massengill
Rutledge
Grainger Cty
Tennessee
Page 16

STATE OF TENNESSE

County of Grainger

On this 2nd day of May 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, Margaret Bethel aged Seventy eight years, a resident of Grainger County, in the State of Tennessee, who, being duly sworn according to law, declares that she is the widow of John I Bethel, deceased, who was a Private in the company commanded by Captain     , in the     regiment of     , commanded by     , in the war of the Revolution or War of 1776.* that her said husband     at     , on or about the     day of     , A. D.     for the term of     , and continued in actual service in said war for the term of     , and was honorably discharged at     on the     day of     , A. D.     

She further states that she was married to the said John I Bethel in Wythe Cty. Va on the 10th day of August, A.D. 1798, by one William Porter, a Minister, and that her name before her said marriage was Margaret Brabston; and that her said husband died at Grainger Cty Ten, on the 17th day of December, A.D. Eighteen Hundred and Forty eight, and that she is now a widow.

She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the bounty land to which she may be entitled under the "act approved March 3, 1855." For proof of all which she refers to proof now on file - she being a Pensioner under the United States.

Margaret Bethel
her X mark

We, William Smith and S S Massengill, residents of Grainger County, in the State of Tennessee, upon our oaths, declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Margaret Bethel, in our presence, and that we believe, from the appearance and statements of the applicant, that she is the identical person she represents herself to be.

S S Massengill

*She is now in receipt of Revolutionary Pension recorded in Vol A Page 18 [or 180]
Page 17

for the term of     , and continued in actual service in said war for the term of     , and was honorably discharged at     on the     day of     , A.D.     

She further states that she was married to the said John I Bethel in Wythe Cty. Va on the 10th day of August, A.D. 1798 by one William Porter, a Minister,  and that her name before her said marriage was Margaret Brabston; that her said husband died at Grainger Cty Tenn, on the 17th day of December, A.D. Eighteen Hundred and Forty eight, and that she is now a widow.

She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the bounty land to which she may be entitled under the "act approved March 3, 1855." For proof of all which she refers to proof now on file. he being a Pensioner under the United States.-

Margaret Bethel
her X mark

We, William Smith and S S Massengill, residents of Grainger County, in the State of Tennessee, upon our oaths, declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Margaret Bethel, in our presence, and that we believe, from the appearance and statements of the applicant, that she is the identical person she represents herself to be.

S S Massengill
Wm Smith

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; that the claimant is the person she represents herself to be, and that I have no interest in this claim.

John Douglass
Justice of the peace J. P.
for Grainger County

State of Tennessee.
Grainger County }

I certify that John Douglass Esq., before whom the foregoing declaration and affidavit were sworn to, and whose genuine official signature is thereto attached, was, at the time of signing the same, a Justice of the Peace of and for said county and State, and I have no interest in this claim.

Witness my hand and official Seal at Office in Rutledge this 5th day of June, 1855.

James K McAnally
Clerk County Court of said County
Page 18

Rev. and 1812 Wars Section

AWF/HMM
OM

March 25, 1930.

Mr. Edwin S. Bethel
209 B Street N. E.,
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sir:

I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim W. 8131, it appears that John Isham Bethell was born December 15, 1755 in Henrico County, Virginia.

While residing in said Henrico County, he enlisted and Served as a private with the Virginia troops as follows:

From the summer of 1780 four months in Captain Reuben Whitlock's Company, Colonel Woodson's Regiment and was in the battle of Camden; in the spring of 1781 three and one-half months in Captain Thomas Prosser's Company, and later in 1781 five months in Colonel John Pleasant's Regiment and was in the battle of Jamestown; in the winter following the surrender of Cornwallis, one month in Captain William Smith's Company and guarded the magazines at Richmond.

He was allowed pension on his application executed January 22, 1833, at which time he was living in Jefferson County, Tennessee.

He died December 17, 1848 in Granger [Grainger] County, Tennessee.

The soldier married, August 10, 1798, in Wythe County, Virginia, Margaret Brabston, who was born April 28, 1777, and was a step-daughter of Mary May.

She was allowed pension on her application executed February 5, 1849, while a resident of Granger [Grainger] County, Tennessee.

There are no data as to children.

This is the history of the only soldier surnamed Bethel or Bethell that is found on the Revolutionary War records of this bureau.

Very truly yours,

E. W. MORGAN
Acting Commissioner.
Page 19

Revolution
Virginia

WIDOW, &c.

File No. 8131
Marg't Bethel 
Wid: John I. Bethel
Pvt. Rev. War

Act: July 29th/48
Index:-Vol. A, Page 50
 
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Mil. Hist. to J. W. Caldwell. Knoxville, Tenn. MEC

30.607

160 acres

1917 Feby. 17. Hist to Hon. Wm P. Borland ¢

1928 Nov 12 [" " Hist to] Union N. Bethell CWF

1930 Mch 25 [" " Hist to] Edwin S. Bethel CWF
Page 20

M350
Margaret [CROSSED OUT: Elizabeth] Bethel
Ten

Let. to J. K. McAnally
July 2 1849
to the same 10th/July 1850
Hon A. G. Watkins July 16/50
" [Hon] to same 21 Aug't/1850

Act 29 July 1848

Let Jas K. McAnally 10 June 1850

John I. Bethel (Knoxville agency) Tenn. Act 7 June, 1832. $45. per ann. Is what time paid?
F. F. C. Tipertt [illegible]
Pension Office
March 22 1851

Died 17 Dec'r 1848,
pd to his death
BLB
Page 21

Pension Declaration of.
John I. Bethel
Jefferson County.

22569

Return to David Barton Rutledge Tennessee
Knoxville agency E. T.
Page 22

And the said Court, do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after pulling the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant, John Isham Bethel, was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states; and the Court further certifies, that it appears to them, that John McCampbell, who has signed the preceding certificate, is a regular minister of the gospel, of the presbyterian denomination, and is a citizen of Jefferson County, and that John Caldwell, who has also signed the preceding certificate, is a citizen of said County, and that their statement is entitled to credit.

D Powell [illigible]
A Judge of the Circuit Courts of the State of Tennessee

State of Tennessee
Jefferson County }

I Napoleon B. Bradford Clerk of the circuit court of said County certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings in the
matter of the application of John I. Bethel for a pension. Given under my hand and private seal having no official seal at office
in Dandridge 26th January 1833

{Seal}

[PAPER SEAL AFFIXED]

Napoleon B Bradford Clerk
Page 23

State of Tennessee
Jefferson County }

I certify that the within & foregoing certificate is in the proper handwriting of Napoleon B Bradford Esqr. who is clerk of the Circuit Court of said County & that he has no public of office Given under my hand this 11th June 1833

John Blair
[s]tate M C
1st Congressional District Tenn'e
Page 24

State of Tennessee
Grainger County }

This day personally appeared before me John Calison [Callison] a Justice of the peace in and for said County Rhoda Bridgeman aged 77 years, (who is a creditable Witness) and make oath in due form of law that she was well acquainted with John I Bethell late a Revolutionary Pensioner and also his wife Margaret Bethel, and that the said John I and Margaret were married in the State of Virginia in the year 1778 this witness thinks in the month of April that the sd John and Margaret lived and cohabited together as husband and wife from the time of said Marriage 1798 to the day of the death of the said John I Bethel which was in December 1848. This affiant is enabled to affix the date of the Marriage of John and Margaret Bethel with certainty in the year 1798 from a well remembered fact that they were married near the time of the birth of her 2nd child and the record of the age of her children shows to born in 1798

Sworn and subscribed this 26th day of January 1850

Rhoda Bridgeman
her + mark

Before me
John Callison
Justice of the peace

I further certify the above affiant is personally known to me and that she is entitled to full Credit in all matters of evidence

Given under my hand and seal this 26th day of January 1850

John Callison
Justice of the peace for Grainger County

{Seal}
Page 25

State of Tennessee
Grainger County }

I Edward Tate Clerk of the County Court for said County Do Certify that John Callison Esqr. whose name is Signed to the Within Affidavit and Certificate is now and was at the time of Signing the same an acting Justice of the peace in and for said County duly Elected Commissioned & qualified according to the Constitution and Laws of the State of Tennessee And that his Signature is in his own proper hand writing

In Testimony Whereof I have hereunto Set my hand and affixed the Seal of my Office at Office in Rutledge this 28th Day of January A.D. 1850

Edward Tate Clk of Grainger County Court

[PAPER SEAL AFFIXED]
Page 26

State of Tennessee
Grainger County }

Before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said County Personally appeared Margaret Bethel widow of John I Bethel and made oath that she has no record Evidence of her marriage with the said J I Bethel. But that said marriage took place on the 10th day of August 1798 in the State of Virginia But that she cannot find any record of said marriage either public or private But is certain of said date

Margaret Bethel
her + mark

Sworn and subscribed this 1st day of July 1850 Before me 

W B Cunningham
Justice of the peace 

I further certify that the above affiant is a person credit & truth and has an uncommon good memory 

W. B. Cunningham
Justice of the peace

State of Tennessee Grainger County ss

Before the Subscriber a Justice of the Peace for said County Personally appeared Mary May and made oath that Margaret Bethel widow of John I Bethel (is her step daughter) that she was married to the afore said John I Bethel in the month of August 1798 that she is enabled to fix the date of said marriage by the record of the birth of one of Children

Mary May
her X mark

Sworn and subscribed this 1st day of July 1850 Before me 

W. B. Cunningham 
Justice of the peace

I further certify the above affiant is a person of unquestionable veracity 

Given under my hand July 1st 1850

W. B. Cunningham
Justice of the peace
Page 27

State of Tennessee 
Grainger County }

Before the subscriber a Justice of the peace in and for said County personally appeared Isbael Campbell and makes oath in due form of law that she knew John I Bethel and his wife Margaret that they were married in the year 1798 and lived and cohabited together as husband and wife until the death of said John I. Bethel which was in Decr 1848 That the aforesaid Margaret is yet a Widow

Isbael Campbell
her + mark

Sworn and subscribed this 1st day of July 1850 Before

W. B. Cunningham
Justice of the peace

I further certify that the above affiant is a creditable witness
Given under my hand July the 1st 1850

W. B. Cunningham
Justice of the peace

State of Tennessee Grainger County ss

I Edward Tate Clerk of the County Court of the State and County aforesaid do certify that William B Cunningham Esq whose name appears to the foregoing certificates & affidavits is an acting Justice of the peace in and for the County aforesaid duly Elected commission and qualified and that his Signature is in his own proper handwriting

Given under my hand and Seal of Office at office in Rutledge this 1st day of July A.D. 1850

Edward Tate Clerk

[PAPER SEAL ATTACHED]
Page 28

M350
[CROSSED OUT> Elizabeth] Margaret Bethel
Wd of John I
Ten
Act 29 July 1848
Page 29

State of Tennessee
Grainger County

On this 28th day of February 1849 Personally appeared before me Wm B Cunningham an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County Mary May and makes Oath that she was well acquainted with John I Bethel That he intermarried with Margaret Brabson her Step daughter on the 10th day of August 1798 (She can give the date with precision by the the birth of one of her children) she further swears that said John I. Bethel & Margaret Lived and cohabited together as husband and wife from that time to the day of his death which was in last December

Mary May
her X mark

Sworn to and subscribed the day and year above mentioned Before me W. B. Cunningham Justice of the peace

I certify the above affiant is personally known to me and that she is a person of credit and truth Given under my hand this 28th day of February 1849

W. B. Cunningham
Justice of the peace

State of Tennessee Grainger County

I Edward Tate Clerk of the County court of said County do certify that William B Cunningham Esq whose name appears to the above certificate is an acting Justice of the peace in and for said County duly Elected and qullfied that his signature appears to be Genuine Given under my hand and seal of office at Office in Rutledge this 9th day of March AD 1849 

Edw'd Tate Clk
By Wm T. Tate DC
Page 30

Margaret Bethel
Wid of John I.
Tenn

Act 29 July 1848
Ad'd 13 1/2 M Pri.
$45 per ann pen
[CROSSED OUT> 4th decr 1848] 17th
Dec, 1848, when her husband died.
Page 31

House of Reps August 5th 1850

Hon J.L. Edwards

Sir

I enclose you the additional evidence in the case of Margaret Bethel Widow of John I Bethel of Tennessee which you informed me
some time since was wanting to perfect her claim

Most Respectfully
your obt Servant

A. G. Watkins

Hon J L Edwards 
Comm of Pensions
Washington
Page 32

Feb 13. 1850
Mr Ams
[illegible Addl ?? oath
Jas 29 Feby]
Margaret Bethel and
Mary May Ten - 48-3102


Rutledge Ten
Feby 2d }

Col J L Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
DC

Free
Page 33

February the 1st 1850

Sir

I herewith send you additional evidence in the case of Margaret Bethel, Widow of John I Bethel for a pension if the Proof is satisfactory Please send her certificate to me at Rutledge Tennessee
W0960

I also wish you to inform me if you please if the Representatives of Wm Brabston whose widow Mary May was admitted on the Pension list is some time since  entitled to bounty land for said Wm Brabstons service in the Revolutionary War

I have the honor to be with great respect

Your Obt Servant
James K Mcanally

Col J L Edwards
Page 34

Rutledge, Ten.
March 10th

Free

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

March 19 48
Cl John I. Bethel
Margaret Bethel
29 July 1848
Tenn, 32
Pens
Page 35

March the 9th 1849

Sir

Inclosed is the Declaration of Margaret Bethel Widow of John I Bethel for a pension under the act of of July 29th 1848 if satisfactory send her certificate to me at Rutledge Tennessee I have the honor to be

Your Obt Servant

James K McAnally

Col J L Edwards
Washington City DC
Page 36

House of Repr June 25th 1850

J. L. Edwards Esqr

Sir

I enclose you the letter of Mr McAnally concerning claims which he has pending in the Pension office He desires to be informed through me. You will do me the favor to return [CROSSED OUT>me] the letter & give me such information as Mr McAnally wishes

Most Respectfully
Your obedient Servant

A. G. Watkins

J. L. Edwards
Com of Pensions
Page 37

Pension Office.
November 21, 1850

Sir,

Your letter of the 20th ultimo, containing the certificate of the Clerk of the Court of Wythe County, Virginia, as to the marriage of John I. Bethel and Margaret Brabson, has been received; but as you did not state the nature of the claim, we cannot refer to the papers. Please say whether it is for pension, Revolutionary bounty land, or bounty land under the act of February 11. 1847, or September 28. 1850.

I am, very respectfully
your Ob't Sev't

J L Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions

James K. McAnally
Red-wood
Granger County [Grainger]
Tennessee
Page 38

Grainger County Decr 2d 1850

Sir

In answer to the letter on the preceding page I beg leave to inform that the Wythe County Va Clerks certificate respecting John I Bethel & Margaret
Brabstons Marriage was forwarded to your office to secure the aforesaid Margaret a Pension under the Act of July 29 1848 for the Revolutionary service of her husband John I Bethel

I have the honor to be your Obt Sert

James K Mcanally

Please send her certificate to me at Red Wood Grainger County Tennessee
Page 39

JOSHUA W. CALDWELL,
ATTORNEY AT LAW,
ROOMS 19 & 20,
DEADERICK BUILDING,
KNOXVILLE, TENN.

Knoxville Tenn
Jany 3, 1895,
not I.

Hon. Com'r of Pensions,
Washington D.C.

Dr Sir,

John Bethel was a Revolutionary pensioner from Tennessee, Can I find in what Command he served? Does it appear on the rolls of your office?

Yours vy truly

J.W. Caldwell
Page 40

SIXTY-FOURTH CONGRESS.

JOHN J. FITZGERALD, N. Y. CHAIRMAN.
SWAGAR SHERLEY, KY.
ROBERT N. PAGE, N. C.
GEORGE W. RAUCH, IND.
JOSEPH W. BYRNS, TENN.
THOMAS UPTON SISSON, MISS.
WILLIAM P. BORLAND, MO.
JAMES MC ANDREWS, ILL.
WILLIAM SCHLEY HOWARD, GA.
JOHN M. EVANS, MONT.
JOHN J. EAGAN, N. J.
JAMES P. BUCHANAN, TEX
JAMES A. GALLIVAN, MASS.
FREDERICK H. GILLETT, MASS.
JAMES W. GOOD, IOWA.
FRANK W. MONDELL, WYO.
CHARLES R. DAVIS, MINN.
WILLIAM S. VARE, PA.
JOSEPH G. CANNON, ILL.
WILLIAM H. STAFFORD, WIS.
C. BASCOM SLEMP, VA.

MARCELLUS C. SHEILD, CLERK.
WILLIAM A. RYAN, } ASSISTANT CLERKS.
FRANCIS J. KELLY, [} ASSISTANT CLERKS.]

Committee on Appropriations,
House of Representativesm
Washington, D. C.

February 15, 1917.

Hon. G.M. Saltzgaber,
Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington, D. C.

My dear Mr. Commissioner:

The enclosed explains itself. Will you kindly have the records searched for the information desired, and greatly oblige,

Yours very truly,

Wm P Boreland

Enc.
John I. Bethel Jefferson Co Tenn

[STAMP]
U. S. PENSION OFFICE
G
FEB [illegbile] 1917

[STAMP]
CONGRESSIONAL
Page 41

270 UPPER MOUNTAIN AVENUE
UPPER MONTCLAIR
NEW JERSEY

Feby 4, 1928

To the
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.

Dear Sir

At your convenience will you kindly let me know what, if anything, the records of your office show as to service in the
Revolutionary War of:

1) William Bethell, of North Carolina;

2) Thomas Sampson (or Thomas or Sampson) Bethell, of North Carolina or South Carolina;

3) John Isham (or John or Isham) Bethell, of North Carolina or South Carolina.

[CLERK'S NOTES: "0" written above William, Sampson, Thomas, Sampson; "July" written above John Isham]

Such attention as you may be good enough to give this request will be greatly appreciated by

Yours respectfully

Union N. Bethell
Page 42

209 B. St N.E. Washington DC
Jany 27, 1930

Commissioner of Pensions
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sir:

Will you please furnish me with what information you have relative to men surnamed Bethel, or similarly surnamed, who served in the Rev.
War. I wish the designation of the organizations in which they served, the name of the state, periods of service, date and place of birth and death or age, place of residence names of wife and children and whatever information that would be valuable for family purposes.

I have what record is shown of men surnamed Bethel from the Adjutant General's Office, but the records of that office show nothing except military service and that is incomplete. I thank you for any record you may send me.

Yours truly

Edwin S. Bethel

[STAMP]
U.S. PENSION OFFICE O
JAN 27 1930
Page 43

In reply to your request of     received     for a statement of the military history of John Isham Bethell 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.
W. 8131

[Line 1]

DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. [illegible] 1780

LENGTH OF SERVICE. 4 mos.

RANK. Private

OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.
CAPTIAN. Reuben Whitlock
COLONEL. Woodson

STATE. Va

[Line 2]

DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. Spring 1781

LENGTH OF SERVICE. 3 1/2 mos.

RANK.

OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.
CAPTIAN. Thomas Prosser
COLONEL. [checkmark indicating ditto=Woodson]

STATE.

[Line 3]

DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. [* referring to down the page=July 6 '81]

LENGTH OF SERVICE. 5 mos.

RANK.

OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.
CAPTIAN. [checkmark indicating ditto= Thomas Prosser]
COLONEL. John Pleasant

STATE.

[Line 4]

DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. [illegible] Cornwallis Surrender 

LENGTH OF SERVICE. [illegible]

RANK.

OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.
CAPTIAN. William Smith
COLONEL. [checkmark indicating ditto= John Pleasant]

STATE.
----
Battles engaged in, [illegible] Camden S.C. [illegible J???] *July 6 '81
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Henrico Co. Va.

Date of application for pension, Jany 23 1833
Residence at date of application, Jefferson Co. Tenn.

Age at date of application, born Dec 15 1755 in Henrico Co. Va.

Remarks: soldier married Wythe Co. Va. Aug 10, 1798 Margaret Brabston born Apl 28, 1777, step daughter of Mary May
He died Dec 17, 1848 Grainger Co. Tenn. & she was allowed pension on her application executed Feby 5, 1849 while a resident of Grainger Co. Tenn.
There are no data as to chil.

Respectfully,

Commissioner
Page 44

Rev. War Section.

February 17, 1817.

Hon. William P. Borland,
House of Representatives.

My dear Mr. Borland:

In response to your letter dated the fifteenth instant, requesting information for Mr. William E. Bridges of Kansas City, Missouri, I have the honor to advise you that the papers in the claim of John Isham B Bethell, W. File No. 8,131, Rev. War, show that he was allowed pension on his application executed January 22, 1833 while a resident of Jefferson County, Tennessee.

He stated that he was born in Henrico County, Virginia where he resided and was drafted under Captain Reuben Whitlock, Colonel or Major Woodson; was in Gen. Gates Defeat at Camden, South Carolina, and returned home the last of September or first of October, having served four months.

Drafted in the spring or summer following under Captain Thomas Prosser, marched to Norfolk and Rich Neck; served three and a half months.

Drafted the spring before the close of the war, and was under Colonel John Pleasants in the skirmish at Jamestown; serv-five months.

Called out during the winter following the surrender of Lord Cornwallis, under Captain William Smith, and guarded the magazines at Richmond; one month.

John Isham Bethell married in Wythe County, Virginia, August 10, 1798, Margaret Brabston who was born April 28, 1777. He died December 17, 1848 in Grainger County, Tennessee, and she was allowed pension on her application executed February 5, 1849, while a resident of Grainger County aforesaid.

She was the daughter of William Bradston [Brabston] who died February 9, 1801.

Very truly yours,

G M Saltzgaber

Commissioner.
Page 45

November 12, 1928

Union N. Bethell
270 Upper Mountain Avenue
Upper Montclair, New Jersey

Sir:

I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, W. 8131, it appears that John Isham Bethell was born December 15, 1755, in Henrico County, Virginia.

While residing in said Henrico County, he enlisted and served as a private with the Virginia Troops as follow:

From the summer of 1780, four months in Captain Reuben Whitlock's Company, Colonel Woodson's Regiment and was in the battle of Camden; in the spring of 1781, three and one-half months in Captain Thomas Prosser's Company and later in 1781, five months in Colonel John Pleasant's Regiment and was in the battle of Jamestown; [CROSSED OUT>and] in the winter following the surrender of Cornwallis, one month in Captain William Smith's Company and guarded the magazines
at Richmond.

He was allowed pension on his application executed January 22, 1833, at which time he was living in Jeffers[on]
Page 46

[Jeffer]son County, Tennessee.

He died December 17, 1848, in Granger [Grainger] County, Tennessee.

The soldier married, August 10, 1798, in Wythe County, Virginia, Margaret Brabston, who was born April 28, 1777 and was a step daughter of Mary May. [HANDWRITTEN: Par] She was allowed pension on her application executed February 5, 1849, while a resident of Granger [Grainger] County, Tennessee.

There are no data as to children.

Respectfully,

WINFIELD SCOTT
Commissioner.

only soldier with surname Bethel or Bethell on Rev War rec of this bureau