Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 8935, Joseph Higdon, Continental Md.
Page 1

1776)
SERVICE
Continental
Md.
Higdon, Joseph
              Margaret
NUMBER
W.8935
CONTENTS
Page 2

25469
Kentucky
Joseph Higdon
Of Barren in the State of Kentucky
who was a private and corporal in the com commanded
by Captain Modock of the regt commanded
by _________Md line for 2 mos private of Infantry
8 mos of Cavaly
14  mos corporal 
---
Inscribed on the Roll of Kentucky
at the rate of 110 Dollars - Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 13 day of Jan
1833 and Han
 Tompkins He ic

Arrears to the 4th of Sept
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 March
  275.00
    55.00
$330.00
{Revolutionary Claim,}
{Act June 7, 1832.      } 
Recorded by Danl Boyd Clerk,
Book E Vol 7 Page 21
Page 3

Reps
Let H. Grider
Aug 24. 1846.

Kentucky
1819
Margaret Higdon
widow of Joseph Higdon
who was a Pr. Corpl of Inf. & car.
Armand Legion
in the Revolution

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

Certificate of Pension issued the
6th day of Sept, 1843
and sent to James Murrill
Glasgow, Ken

[Act of March 3, 1843.}

Recorded in Book A Vol 1 Page 169,
Page 4

William Halbrook
Born the 11th Day of March
year of our Lord 1784
Gabriel Higdon  was born 
February 5th  1787
---
John Higdon was of born 
August 8 1788
---
Mary Higdon was born 
February 12th 1790
Susannah Higdon was born
October 11 1792
Jane Higdon was born 1793
H Higdon was born 
August 22nd 1794
Page 5

Rebecah Higden  was born 
March 17th 1795
Ishmale Higden was born 
December 14th  1797

Joseph Higdon was born 
October the 10th 1780
[illegible, scratched out]
Margaret Higdon was born 
September the 23rd 1800
Page 6

Joseph Higdon

from 1781 private
of Cavalry & Infantry &
Corporal of Cavalry
2 yrs



Pri Infy 2 mo        6.66
Pri Cavalry 8mo. 33.33
Corpl Cavalry       70.00
                         $100.00
Armitage Corps
in the hills he off

G. Brew G. er certificate
to filed with additional
evidence


Jan 26
Hon. C. Tompkins
P. 218.
Page 7

[Print form with handwritten answers]
Brief in the case of Joseph Higdon
County of Barren in the State of Kentucky
 (Act 7th June, 1832)
1.  Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge?  Court
2.  If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?  ----
3.  How old is he?  73
4.  State his service, as directed in the form annexed.
[Table]
Period |  Duration of Service |  Rank | Names of General and Field Officers
Vol. In 17 | Years --- 3 Months 20 Days  |
As a private | Capt. Modock, Major Oxford
enlisted 1781 30 Oct. | 2 years 15 days | private & corporal | Capt. L. Brown, Col. Armony
5.  In what battles was he engaged?  Yorktown
6.  Where did he reside when he entered the service?  Montgomery City Md.
7.  Is his state supported by living witnesses by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls?  Neither
8.  Are the papers defective as to form or authentication?  and if so, in what respect?  Correct
I certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.  F. Waugh  Examining Clerk.
Page 8

5275
The Declaration of Margaret Higdon of
Barren County Kentucky
Page 9

State of Kentucky } set
Barren County
On this the 12th day of April in the year 1839, personally appeared before the undersigned one of the Commonwealth Justices of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid Margaret Higdon, a resident of said County and State, aged seventy three years on the 17th day of February 1839, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following Declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed July 7th 1838 entitled an act granting half pay and pension to certain widows."
That she is the widow of Joseph Higdon late of Barren County who was a soldier of the Revolution.  She further declares that she was married to the said Joseph Higdon on the 6th day of April 1786 and that her husband the aforesaid Joseph Higdon died on the 7th day of February 1836 in the County and State aforesaid, that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service but the marriage took place previous to the 1st of January 1794 but on the 5th day of April seventeen hundred and eighty six, as above stated and that her said husband Joseph Higdon was a pensioner of the United States at the time of his death and that she has become so helpless and frail from old age and disease that it is wholly out of her power to attend in Court to speak this Declaration, living twelve miles from the nearest Courthouse.  Witness my hand and seal the day and year first above written.  Signed, sealed, and sworn to before me at the house of said affiant Higdon in the County & State aforesaid this 12th April 1839.  James Murrell J. P. [illegible]
 Margaret Higdon her mark X  [illegible]
This day Joseph Higdon Jr. personally appeared before me and made oath that the record he now produces to me is the original family record of Joseph Higdon, dec. the late husband of the above named Margaret Higdon, from which, family record, I certify the following is a true extract, "Joseph Higdon was married to Margaret Halbrook on the 5 day of April 1786"  Given under my hand this 12th day of April 1839.  James Murrell J. P.[illegible[
Page 10

Declaration of Joseph Higdon
Hon. C. Tompkins  H. R.
Page 11

Declaration of Joseph Higdon
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June the 7th 1832
State of Kentucky County of Barren on this fifteenth day of October personally appeared in open Court before the Justice of the Court now sitting for Barren County Ky Joseph Higdon a resident of the County & State aforesaid, aged 73 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 the 7th 1832.  That he entered the service under the following named officers and served as herein stated.  I volunteered in the County of Montgomery State of Maryland under Capt. William Modock, the other company officers not recollected. Major Oxford had the command until we joined the army at [sp?]  Litte Yourk.  We marched by the way of Annapolis & there on to Georgetown and since on to the siege at Yorktown and was there at the surrender of Cornwallis.  The above term was for five months.  Previous to the expiration of that time say one month & ten days, I enlisted on the 30th day of October 1781 in the service of the United for the term of three years.  In June 1782 I rec'd the appointment of Corporal and in October following I was sent to Maryland for the purpose of enlisting more men and returned back to [illegible] in November following Capt. Lee Brown, De Belea, Lt. Dicketteer Caranet, Wm Modock, the company war horsemen, Col. Armony, Major Shapner
Page 12

had the command, we marched to Little York in Pennsylvania and there discharged by Col. Armony being in the regular service 2 years and fifteen days. And believing that my discharge would be of no further service to me I gave it to one of my little ones to play with and what he done with it, I do not know.
I hereby relinquished every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declare that my name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State.  Sworn to and subscribed the and year aforesaid.  Joseph Higdon
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states.
I William Logan, CLerk of the County Court of Barren Ky. do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceeding of the said Court in the matter of the application of Joseph [paper covers writing] for opinion.  In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 16th day of October 1832.
W. Logan Clk
Page 13

Additional Evidence in the case of 
Margarett Higdon of Barren County Kentucky
Write to J. R. Underwood about these 5 [illegible]
Hon. J. R. Underwood H. R.
Page 14

State of Kentucky Barren County Set
On this 22nd day of January 1840 Joseph Higdon Jr. personally appeared before me and made oath in due form of law to the following statements, to wit, that the sheet [insert] or leaf hereto attached from which the following is a true and correct extract, a Joseph Higdon was married to Margarett Halbrook on the 5th day of April 1786 in the true original family record of Joseph Higdon dec'd. who was the husband of Margaret Higdon Barren County and that the same was cut from the book containing the s. family record by him this day.
Sworn & subscribed before me on the day & date above.  
Joseph Higdon Jr.
Thomas Feland J. P.  B. C.
Barren County Set, I Thomas Feland one of the Commonwealth acting Justices of the Peace in & for the County and State aforesaid do hereby certify that Joseph Higdon Jr. this day subscribed and swore to the above affidavit before me and that he cut the (sheet or leaf) referred to in this affidavit from the family record of Joseph Higdon dec'd in my presence and that the said Joseph Higdon Jr. is a reputable citizen of Barren County and entitled to full credit when on oath.  Given under my hand this 22nd day of January 1840.  Thomas Feland J. P B. C.
Page 15

State of Kentucky Barren County Set.
I Thomas J. Helm Clerk of the Court of Barren County certify that Thomas Feland is a Magistrate as above and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my seal of office and subscribed my name this 24th day of January 1840.
Thomas J. Helm Clerk of the Court of Barren County 
by William Garnett Deputy Clerk of said Court
[black patch covers some writing]
Page 16

Salley Bennett
Seth [illegible]
William Johnson his hand and [illegible] he may [illegible] when
[illegible] Joseph Higdon
Page 17

Joseph Higdon was married to Margit Halbrook on the 5 [illegible] day of April 1786
Margaret Higdon was born February the 17th 176[illegible]
Thomas Higdon was born August 4 1804
Enoch E. Higdon was born on Saturday 3 day of May 1806
Sarah Higdon [insert Davis] was born 13th March 1810
Page 18

August 21, 1934

BA-J/EEL
Joseph Higdon - W.B936

Mrs. L. P. Redford
Glasgow
Kentucky

Dear Madam

Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War service of Joseph Higdon, of Barren County, Kentucky; you also ask whether there are any records of Stephen Waller and Bartlett Foster, soldiers of the war.

A careful search of the Revolutionary War records has been made and no record found of a claim for pension or bounty land having been made to the United States based upon the military service in that war of a Stephen Waller or Bartlett Davis.  The record of Joseph Higdon has been found and his history is given herein, the data for which were obtained from the papers on file in Revolutionary War pension claim W. 8936, based upon his military service in that war.

It is suggested that as a possible means of obtaining information in regard to the military service of soldiers of that war, you apply to the Adjutant General, War Department, this city.

Joseph Higdon was born July 18, 17[illegible]9, in Charles County, Maryland.  The names of his parents are not shown.

While residing in Montgomery County, Maryland, Joseph Higdon volunteered June 10, 1781, served as a private in Captain William Murdock's Maryland Company [handwritten insert:  He said "under Major Oxford" but found no sol. of that name in Md. archives.  Capt. Murdock was in 2" Md & the major was Benj Ford.  So left out the major] and was at the siege of Yorktown and surrender of Cornwallis; he volunteered October 30, 1781, served as private in Captain Le Br[illegible] de Beles (probably meant for Le Brun de Bell[illegible] [handwritten insert:  found this man in Armand's Corps.] troop of horse, Colonel Armand's Corps; in June 1782 was appointed corporal and was discharged November 15, 1783.

In 1784, he moved to North Carolina, lived there for about thirteen years then moved to Tennessee and lived until about December 1801; thereto to Barren County, Kentucky of which county he was a resident when he was allowed pension on his application executed October 16, 1832.

He died February 6,1836 in Barren County, Kentucky.
Page 19

August 21, 1934

BA-J/EEL
Joseph Higdon - W.B936

Mrs. L. P. Redford
Glasgow
Kentucky

Dear Madam

Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War service of Joseph Higdon, of Barren County, Kentucky; you also ask whether there are any records of Stephen Waller and Bartlett Foster, soldiers of the war.

A careful search of the Revolutionary War records has been made and no record found of a claim for pension or bounty land having been made to the United States based upon the military service in that war of a Stephen Waller or Bartlett Davis.  The record of Joseph Higdon has been found and his history is given herein, the data for which were obtained from the papers on file in Revolutionary War pension claim W. 8936, based upon his military service in that war.

It is suggested that as a possible means of obtaining information in regard to the military service of soldiers of that war, you apply to the Adjutant General, War Department, this city.

Joseph Higdon was born July 18, 17[illegible]9, in Charles County, Maryland.  The names of his parents are not shown.

While residing in Montgomery County, Maryland, Joseph Higdon volunteered June 10, 1781, served as a private in Captain William Murdock's Maryland Company [handwritten insert:  He said "under Major Oxford" but found no sol. of that name in Md. archives.  Capt. Murdock was in 2" Md & the major was Benj Ford.  So left out the major] and was at the siege of Yorktown and surrender of Cornwallis; he volunteered October 30, 1781, served as private in Captain Le Br[illegible] de Beles (probably meant for Le Brun de Bell[illegible] [handwritten insert:  found this man in Armand's Corps.] troop of horse, Colonel Armand's Corps; in June 1782 was appointed corporal and was discharged November 15, 1783.

In 1784, he moved to North Carolina, lived there for about thirteen years then moved to Tennessee and lived until about December 1801; thereto to Barren County, Kentucky of which county he was a resident when he was allowed pension on his application executed October 16, 1832.

He died February 6,1836 in Barren County, Kentucky.
Page 20

Joseph Higdon married April 5, 1786, Margaret Halbrook, who was born February 17, 1766.  The place where their marriage took place was not shown.
Soldier's widow, Margaret, was allowed pension on her application executed April 12, 1839, while a resident of Barren County, Kentucky.
Children of Joseph and Margaret Higdon:
Gabriel Higdon born February 5, 1787 - resided in Barren County, Kentucky in 1840
John Higdon  August 8, 1788
Mary Higdon February 12, 1790
Susannah Higdon October 11, 1791
Jane Higdon August 30, 1793
Mays Higdon June 23,1795
Rebecca Higdon March 17, 1797
Ishmale Higdon December 14, 1798
Joseph Higdon October 10, 1800, was living in Barren County, Kentucky, in 1839
Marget Higdon September 23, 1802
Thomas Higdon May 3, 1806
Sarah Higdon March 13,1810
The following also appears:
William Halbrook born March 11, 1784. no relationship to the family shown.  There are no further family data.
Very truly yours,
A.D. Miller Assistant to Administrator
Page 21

State of Kentucky Barren County Set
I Thomas J. Helm Clerk of the Court of Barren County certify that James Murrell whose signature is attached to the foregoing declaration and certificate is a Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his are genuine and that full faith and credit should be given to all his acts as such.  In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my seal of office and subscribed my name this 16th day of April 1839.
T. J. Helm C B bb
State of Kentucky Barren County Set April Term 1839
Satisfactory proof was this day made in open court by the oaths of William Elliott, Jesse Smith, and Jeremiah Bailey that Joseph Higdon a revolutionary pensioner departed this life on the sixth day of February 1836 in the County and State aforesaid; that Margaret Higdon is the widow of the said Joseph Higdon and is now living and resides in the County and State aforesaid and that they have known said Joseph and Margarett Higdon for thirty years past and that said Joseph Higdon was always reported to be a soldier of the Revolution and was receiving a pension up to the time of his death.
State of Kentucky Barren County Set
I Thomas J. Helm Clerk of the County Court for the County aforesaid do certify that the foregoing is a true and correct extract from the records in my office.  Given under in hand this 16th day of April 1839.
T J. Helm CBbb
Page 22

dec 23, 1839
Additional proof to the Declaration of Margaret Higdon

Additional proof
_____________________

Hon. J. R. Underwood
Page 23

State of Kentucky Barren County November Term 1839
This day Joseph Higdon Jr. personally appeared in open court and [insert made] oath to the following statements to wit that Margaret Higdon of Barren County Ky is the widow of Joseph Higdon decd. who was a pensioner of the United States and died on the 6th day of February 1836 in the County of Barren and that the said Margaret Higdon has never married since the death of the S Joseph Higdon and she is still living and resides in Barren County and that the record he now exhibits in open court is the original family record of Joseph Higdon decd.
Signed seal & sworn to }  Joseph [illegible] Higdon Jr. (Seal)
in open court the 18th day of November 1839.
James Jameson J. P. B. C.
State of Kentucky Barren County November Term 1839
I Thomas J. Helm Clerk of the County Court in & for the County aforesaid do hereby certify that the above and foregoing affiant was taken subscribed and sworn to in open court as therein stated, and that James Jameson is the presiding Justice of the Peace in & for S County and that the signature [inserted above] purporting to be his is he genuine signature and that
Page 24

to the foregoing affidavit is a reputable citizen of Barren County and entitled to full credit when on oath.  And that the following is a true and correct extract from the family record this day exhibited added now in open court which record is the same product in court this day by Joseph Higdon Jr. and sworn to as being the original family record of Joseph Higdon decd. referred to in the affidavit on the other side of this sheet.  To wit "Joseph Higdon was mared to Margaret "Halbrook on the 5 day of April 1796."
In testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand and affixed the seal of office this 18th day of November 1839.  T. J. Helm C.B.bb
Page 25

[Side page:]
R
Date of death not an AB
[Main page:]
Kentucky 5111
Margaret Higdon widow of Joseph Higdon decd. who was pensioner under the Act of 1832 and who died on the 7 February 1836 of Barren Co in the State of Kentucky who was a pvt. for Inf & Army the company commanded by Captain Modock of the regt commanded by Col. Armand in the [crossed out Virginia] Md line for 2 m pri Inf  } 14 m corp 8m in Cavy
Inscribed on the Roll of Kentucky at the rate of 110 Dollars __________Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 29 day of Feby 1840 & sent to Hon. J. R. Underwood H. R.
Arrears to the 4th of Septr 1839 $385.00 Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Mch 40  55.00
$440.00
{Act July 7 1838}
Recorded by D. M. Curdy Clerk,
Book A. Vol. 2 Page 211.
Page 26

Gabriel Higdon is the oldest child of Margaret Higdon and is a respectable citizennow residing in Barren County his age or birth will be seen on this leaf
Page 27

Rev.&1812 Wars Section..
ady
Veterans Administration
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
August 16, 1930
Mrs. W. B. Smith,
Wayside
Glasgow, Kentucky
Dear Madam:
You are advised that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, W.8935, it appears that Joseph Higdon, widow Margaret, enlisted in Montgomery County, Maryland in 1781.
Th above noted is the only soldier of that name found on the Revolutionary War records of this bureau.
Very truly yours,
E. W. Morgan, Acting Commissioner
Page 28

[partially covered] Section.
[illegible]
October 4, 1912
Prof. George R. Chatburn,
The University of Nebraska,
Lincoln, Nebraska.
Sir:  In addition to the military history of Joseph Higdon, V. File No 8,935, Rev. War, you are furnished the following data from the family record.
William Halbrook was born March 11, 1784.
Gabriel Higdon the oldest child of Margaret Higdon, was born February 5, 1787. {handwritten l. Barren p in 1840]
John Higdon born August 8, 1786
Mary Higdon   "    February 12, 1790
Susannah Higdon  "  October 11, 1791
Jane Higdon  "  August 30, 1793
Hays Higdon  "  June 22, 1795
Rebecah Higdon  "  March 17, 1797
Ishmale Higdon  "  December 14, 1798
Joseph Higdon  "  October 10,1800 [handwritten 1839 li Barren ]
Marget Higdon  "  September 23.1802
Thomas Higdon  "  August  4, 1804
[blacked out]  "  May 3, 1806
Sarah Higdon  "  March 13,1810
Very respectfully,
Commissioner
Page 29

[Corner of page damaged]
3-525
Department of the Interior
cord Division.
[illegible] F. 8.935
Bureau of Pensions,
Washington, D. C..____________, 19___
_______________
In reply to your request of __________, received ____for a statement of the military history of Joseph Higdon 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
[Table} Dates of Enlistment on or Appointment.
June 10, 1781
Oct. 30, 1781
Length of Service
Oct 19, 1781
Nov. 15.1783
Rank
Pvt.
Pvt. & Corp
Officers Under Whom Service was Rendered
Captain 
William Modock
Le Brun Bellecour
Colonel 
Armand
State. Continental
Battles engaged in, surrender of Cornwallis
Residence of soldier at enlistment  Montgomery Co. Md.
Date of application for pension Oct. 15, 1832 His cl. al
Residence at date of application, Barren Co. Ky
Age at date of application {born Charles Co. Md. July 18,1759 {died Barren Co. Ky. Feby 6, 1836
Remarks:  Soldier mar. Apr 5, 1786 Margaret Halbrook.  She was [inserted b. Feby 17, 1766, and was] dl. pens. on an application executed Apr. 12,1839 while a resident of Barren les. Ky.
See supplement herewith for family data.
Very respectfully, Commissioner.  6-2856
Page 30

War Records Division

3-525
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Bureau of Penions
Washington D.C.

S.F. 8935

In reply to your request of blank received blank for a statement of the military history of Joseph Higdon 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.

Dates of Enlistment or Appointment
1. June 10, 1781
2. Oct 30, 1781

Length of Service
1. Oct 19, 1781
2. Nov 15, 1783

Rank
1. Pvt
2. Pvt & Corp.

Officers under whom service was rendered
Captain
1. William Madock
2. Le Brun Bellecour

Colonel
1. checkmark
2. Armand

State
1. Blank
2. Continental

Battles engaged in - Surrender of Cornwallis
Residence of soldier at enlistment - Montgomery co., MD
Date of application for pension - Oct 15, 1832 His cl was al. (His claim was allowed)
Residence at date of application - Barren Co, Ky
Age at date of application - Born in Charles Co MD July 18, 1759, Died in Barren Co KY Feby 6, 1836

Remarks - Soldier married Apr 5, 1786 Margaret Halbrook she was born on Feby 17, 1766, she was allowed pension on application executed Apr 12, 1839 while a resident of Barren Co Ky

See supplement herewith for family data.

Very respectfully, 
Commissioner.
Page 31

2155
June 2 43  [postmark Glasgow June 14 Ky]
Ken 
Mar 2
Cl [illegible]

S. Key
A. McGinnis
M. Higdon
R. Burton
S. Coleman

Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City D. C.
Page 32

Glasgow Ky. June 13th 1843
Dr. Sir,
I here enclose five declarations for widows pensions, the reason why they were not sent on to Washington immediately after they were made out is that I deigned sending all the cases in this County at the same time.  There are however 3 other cases in this County not yet sent on.  Please enclose the pension certificates to this place if the cases are correctly made out.
Respectfully yrs
James Murrell
Page 33

Washinton Jul 28th "46
J. L. Edwards Esq.
Dr. Sir, Permit me to enclose you Mr. Robt. Murell's letter and ask an examination of the facts suggested in his letter.  What is coming to the heirs of Joseph Higdon whose widow now draws a pension of $110 (about)?  Can you inform me further of any thing further being due Thos Green mentioned in Mr. Murrell's letter.  Any thing that will enable me to answer Mr. Murrell's letter satisfactorily will be thankfully rec'd and I guess their declarations for pensions will share the facts or history of the case compared with the rolls of War Department.  I am very respectfully your friend
H. Grider
P. S. 
Could you give me an early answer?  Please send Murrell's letter back!  H. Grider
Page 34

[Postmark] Glasgow May 16 Ky.
May 24
Free
J.L. Edwards Esq.
Com. of Pensions
Washington City
file
[illegible]
Page 35

Glasgow Kentucky 13th May 1839
J. L. Edwards Esq. Com. of Pensions Dr Sir,
I enclosed to the Secretary of War some time last month the declarations [illegible] on applications for pensions of three persons (to wit, John Duff, Mary Gibson, and Margaret Higdon, I did not know of the necessity of my informing the Department by whom they were sent, but upon receipt of your printed letter this evening I readily see the necessity of such a requisition, and thank you kindly for the information.  I have been acting as an agent for a few pensioners in this County for several years and two of the declarations are the widows of two of those pensioners.  I will endeavor to put the Department to as little trouble as possible in attending to the claims I may send.
Respectfully yr
James Murrell
Page 36

Jos. Higdon
  "      "
Brief

G.G. Brewer
April letter 11 [illegible] 33

[Side page writing upside down]
Page 37

See letter 26 Jun 33
to Mr. C. Tompkins

[Side page writing upside down]
Page 38

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Joseph Higdon          which require further proof or explanation.
I.  Does the declaration show where the applicant resides?  Yes
II.  Did the declarant made 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 period or periods of the war when he served?  Yes
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 amount of pension he is entitled?  ["yes" crossed out]  No.
VI.  Has he given the names of the officers under whom 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 Jun 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?  Yes
Page 39

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?  No
XII.  If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it?  No
XIII.  If the applicant has not documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such cannot be had?  No
XIV.  If the applicant has produced a witness or witnesses as to his service, has the magistrate who administered the oath certified that he, she, or they are persons of credibility?  ------
Has the official character and signature of the magistrate been certitifd by the proper officer under his seal of office? ----
[illegible] not on Roll
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?  Yes
XVII.  Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily?  And, if not, which of them is not so answered?  1. 2. 7.
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, 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 ______ month and _________days, I served as a ______.  For _______ months and ___________days, I served as a ___________; and for such service I claim a pension."
Page 40

3
It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which the applicant served, and the particular rand 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. 
[dagger] 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 claimant entering their service, and the time and manner of the 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. 
[double dagger] QUERE XVI. Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticated 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 of narrow ribbon, the end of which must pass under the seal of officer of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper f rom being improperly attached to the certificate.
Page 41

5275
Margaret Higdon
of Joseph 
Kentucky
admitted
Pr and Capt Inf. and Ca(illegible) H 110
Capt Murdock A Armand
died 6 Feb. 1836
Act 7 July 1838
Hon J R Underwood NR
Page 42

Magaret 
Joseph Higdon Ken: Act 7 June 1832

to what time paid?
Pen Office
July 25, 1839
died '36
Died 6th Feb 1836 s paid to that time
SK N
Page 43

Margaret Higdon
Kentucky
suspended

See let 25 July 1837 
to James Murrell
Let 23 Dec 1839 to J R Underwood

Act 7 July 1838
Page 44

Land Office, Annapolis, December 14th, 1833
Sir:
You're of the 11tgh Inst. with the declaration of Joseph Higdon enclosed was received. IN reply, I have to inform you, that it appears by a paper on file in this office, headed as follows: "A return of the man belonging to the State of Maryland, who served in the first Partisan Legion, Commanded by Brigadier General Armand, Marquis De La Rourie, Discharged Nov the 15th 1793". that the name of Joseph Higdon appears upon said return or roll, to have enlisted in 1781, and held the rank of Corporal, the day of the month he listed, or the time he was promoted, is not stated upon that roll.  Nor do I find his name upon any of the pay rolls, except at Militia pay roll, a certifi9cate of which was furnished you same months ago; The above mentioned returns were enclosed in a letter from Genl Armand, Marquis De L Rouarie, dated the 15th of July 1784; to the Governor of Maryland, and which is also on file in the this office; in his letter he states, that the return was made in consequence of a resolve passed in Congress the 13th of February 1779, the non commissioned officers and privates of the legion under his command, were to be counted in the quote of the state wherein they had been enlisted, the return (therefore)
Page 45

therefore contain all those who enlisted in the State of Maryland, in the Legion under his command, and were discharged on the 15th of November 1783. As Joseph Higdon's name appears upon the return there can be no doubt I presume of his having served. the declaration is herewith returned; 
I am very respectfully
Your obedient servant.
GG Brewer
J L Edwards Esq.
Page 46

Joseph Higdon
Kentucky

file with additional evidence

Hon C Tompkins
Page 47

Land Office; Annapolis Jany 28th 1833;
I hereby certify that it appears by an alphabetical list remaining in this office; endorsed List of Discharged Soldiers of the two Battalions of Militia raised to serve nine months or until the 10th day of December 1781; That the name Joseph Higdon appears upon said list to have received 10"8"4
George G Brewer
Regt Lt Off W S Md
Page 48

Jos Higdon
Declaration [illegible] for Pension
Barren County
Page 49

State of Kentucky
Barren County Sct   }

On this 21st day of October 1833 personally appeared before the Justice of the Barren County Court now sitting, Joseph Higdon a resident of the County and State aforesaid aged 74 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 7th June 1832:  That he entered the service under the following named officers and served as herein stated.  He volunteered in the County of Montgomery and State of Maryland [inserted:  about the tenth day of June 1781 for a term of six months] under Capt. Wm Modock.  The other company officers not recollected.  Major Oxford had the command until they joined the army of Little York - said Higdon does not recollect the name of the Colonel who had the command of the Regiment after his arrival of Little York - before his arrival at that place there was no higher officer than the major aforesaid.  The said Higdon was marched with the troops by the way of Annapolis, thence to Georgetown and thence on to the siege of York, where said Higdon remained in the service until the surrender of Cornwallis on the 19th October 1781.  The said Higdon further saith that previous to the expiration of the said term of six months, viz:  about [crossed out word] 30th of October 1781 he enlisted in the regular service of the United States for the term of three years in a troop of horse commanded by Capt. de Brown de Beles, the subaltern officers were Lieut. Dicketeer & Colonel William Modock.  The said company belonged to the corps commanded by Col. Armand or Armong.  Said Higdon continued to serve as a private in said company or troop until June 1782 when he was appointed Corporeal and served in that capacity until the time of his discharge as hereinafter mentioned.  In October 1782 said Higdon was sent to Maryland for the purpose of enlisting more men, and he did accordingly enlisted the following men viz: Bazil Low, Robert Henwood, Joseph Wharton, Benj. Gilpin, Benjamin Carlisle, George tucker, Philip McDade & Barney Thompson & Edward Jinkins, and with these recruits he returned & joined the army at Winchester in
Page 50

Virginia.  In December 1782 the said Higdon was marched with the troop to Little York in Pennsylvania, where he remained in the service until 15th November 1783 when he was discharged by written discharge signed by Col. Armand or Armong.  Having been in the regular service two years & fifteen days, the applicant being discharged before the expiration of the term for which he enlisted because as he presumes peace had been made.  He states that his said discharge has been lost or destroyed and cannot now be produced.  The said Higdon in answer to the interrogatories provided by the War Department saith:  that he was born in Charles County, Maryland in the year 1759 July 18th.  He has no record of his age.  That when he entered the service he lived in Montgomery County, Maryland, in the year 1784 he moved to North Carolina where he resided about thirteen years.  He then migrated to Tennessee where he resided until December 1801 or thereabouts when he moved to Barren County Kentucky where he resided ever since and now resides.  In addition to the officers already named said Higdon recollects Major Shaffner and Captain Sharp who belonged to the same corps.  The sixth question is already answered.  The following are some of the persons in his neighborhood to whom he is known:  Joel Yancy, Andrew Nuckols, Samuel Marshall, Richard Baily, William Elliott.
The said Higdon 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 & year aforesaid.   Joseph Higdon
We Andrew Nuckols a clergyman residing the County of Barren in the State of Kentucky and James Gillock residing in the said County and State do herby certify that we are well acquainted with Joseph Higdon who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be 74 years of age; that he is reputed and believed in the  neighborhood where
Page 51

he resides, to have been a soldier of the revolution and that we concur in that opinion.  Sworn & subscribed the day & year aforesaid.
Andrew Nuckols
James Gillock

And the said Court do here declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named affiant was a revolutionary soldier & served as he states.  And the Court further certifies that it appears to them that Andrew Nuckols who has signed the presiding certificate is a clergyman resident in the said County of Barren.  That James Gillock who has also signed the said Certificate is a resident in said County and is a credible person and that their statement is entitled to credit.
William Logan Clerk of the County Court in [inserted & for] the County of Barren in the State of Kentucky do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Joseph Higdon for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and seal of said Court at my office this 11th day of November 1833 
 Wm Logan Clerk of the Court of Barren County
Page 52

Revy WIDOW, &C.
File No. 8935
Margaret Higdon
Wid. of 
Joseph Higdon Pvt. Rev. War
Act:  Mch 3 [illegible]
Index:  Vol. A,  Page 334
[Arrangement of 1870.]

[Side page}
1912 Oct 4 Hist to Prof. Geo R. Chatburn
1930 Aug 16 Mrs. W. B Smith adv date & place of enl. A. D.
1934 Aug 21 - Hist to Mrs. L. P. Redford [illegible]
Page 53

2690 Marg. Higdon
$11- per ann

James Murrell
Glasgow Ken

[writing upside down]
Page 54

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefits of the Act of Congress of the 3rd of March 1843 granting pensions for one year to certain widows who have received pensions under the Act of 7th July 1838
State of Kentucky }
Barren County  SS
On this the 31st day of March 1843 personally appeared before the undersigned a Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid Margaret Higdon a resident of Barren County Kentucky aged seventy six years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress passed on the 3rd March 1843 granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War.  That she is the widow of Joseph Higdon who was a soldier in the Revolution and that she received a pension of one hundred and ten dollars per annum under the act of July 7, 1838.  She further declares that she is still a widow and resides in the County aforesaid.
Sworn and subscribed on the day and year above written before me  James Murrell J. P. B. C. } Margaret Higdon  X her mark
State of Kentucky }
Barren County
I James Murrell and acting Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid do hereby certify that Margaret Higdon whose name is signed to the above Declaration sworn to and signed the same before & in my presence on the 31st day of March 1843 as therein
Page 55

stated that I am personally acquainted with the said Margaret Higdon, that she is the widow of Joseph Higdon dec'd. who drew a pension of one hundred and ten dollars per annum that she the S. Margaret Higdon drew a pension of one hundred and ten dollars per annum under the act of Congress of July the 7th 1838 and that she is still a widow and resides the County of Barren and State of Kentucky.  Given under my hand this 13th day of June 1843.
James Murrell J. P. B. C.
State of Kentucky  }
Barren County Set
I Thomas J. Helm Clerk of the Court of Barren County certify that James Murrell is a magistrate as above, and that the foregoing signatures purporting to be his are genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereto affixed my seal of office and subscribed my name this 13th day of June 1843. Tho. J. Helm Bbc
[illegible]
Page 56

Pension Office
[Stamp]  Interior Dept. Received Sep 30 1912 
Office of the Secretary
Miss Wilson  [Stamp] To Chf ----------Div.
Action---------Sep 30 1912 Commissioner

The University of Nebraska Lincoln
Department of Applied Mechanics and Machine Design
George R. Chatburn, Head Professor
Philip K Slaymaker, Associate Professor
J. E. Rasmusen, Assistant Professor
Clark E. Mickey, Adjunct Professor
Station A, September 26, 1912
[Stamp] Dept. of the Interior Received Sep 30 1912 To BSR. Pensions Secy's Off. Mails & Files
Dear Sir:
I am seeking some information relative to my wife's great-great-grandfather, Joseph Higdon, who, according to a memorandum we have, received a pension of $110, January 13, 1834, for services rendered to the cause of liberty during the Revolutionary War.  I would like to ask you the favor of having the record of this man looked up if it be accessible and a brief synopsis of the same sent to me.  To be more explicit I should like to know, if possible, the following:
Where and when Joseph Higdon was born
Where and when he died
Who was his wife, where and when married
Names of children if shown by the record
What was the nature of the service he rendered during the Revolution.  He was connected with a Virginia regiment.  Thanking you in advance for any thing that you may be able to do for me in this matter, I am,
Yours very truly,
Geo. R. Chatburn
Page 57

Glasgow Ky.  July 15, 1930
Dear Sir:
In record of Revolutionary soldiers in Barren Co. Ky. appears the name of Joseph Higdon who received a pension as did his wife Margaret up to 1840 - he died about 1836 - born about 1759 served as Corp. in Virginia Militia.  Can you tell from your records from what co. in Va he enlisted also the year?  He came to Kentucky from North Carolina.  Trying to locate the family in Va. before his emigrated to N.C. and thence to Ky.
Respectfully,
Mrs. W. B. Smith
Wayside, Glasgow Ky.   [Stamp] Pension Office Julu 17 1930 US
Page 58

Mrs. Louis P. Redford
Historian Edmund Rogers Chapter
Glasgow, Kentucky
Bureau of Pensions
Washington, D.C.
Gentlemen:
Please send data from application for pension for Revolutionary War service of Joseph Higdon, Barren Co. Kentucky, giving if possible names of wife and children.
Do your records also show service of Stephan Waller and Bartlett Foster
Thanking you,
Ruby Page Redford (Mrs. L. P.)
[Stamp] Received Aug 6, 1934 [illegible]