Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 31,662, John Edwards, Va.
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SERVICE: Va
Edwards, John
NUMBER: S. 31,662
CONTENTS:
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let to Hon H. A. Haralun Jan 4

23.831.
Georgia

John Edwards Decd:
of Merriwether in the State of Geo:
who was a pr: in the - commanded by Captain Eldridge of the Rgt commanded by Col: Ellet in the Virginia line for 15 mo 12 days. - Cer: issued to Sterling Edwareds & other heirs - David Decd.

Inscribed on the Roll of Geo:
the rate of 57. Dollars 33 Cents per annum, commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 9- day of Apl. 34.
and Sent Wm. B. Ector
Greenville. Ga

Arrears to the 4th of -
Semi-anl. allowance ending -
Amt due up 22 Mar: 33 $105.22
the day of his death.
{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by Nath: Rice. Clerk,
Book E Vol. 6 Page 89.
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State of Georgia
Meriwether County} SS
On this nineteenth day of September 1832. personally appeared in open Court before me Walter T. Colquitt Judge of the Superior Court of the County & state aforesaid, now sitting, John Edwards, a resident of Meriwether County & State of Georgia, aged seventy three (73.) years & upwards 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, & served as herein stated. - He resided in Brunswick County Virginia where he was born entered service there sometime in the Spring of the year 1780 as a private volunteer militia Infantry against the British discharged at Raccoon Muster house Sussex County Virginia, discharge lost, service then about fifteen days, say half a month. - 
2ndly - Next entered & served as a private drafted militia Infantry soldier, resided at the same place, under Captain John Clayton, his Colonel Richard Ellett, served with & under them six months, entered the Spring or Summer of the year 1780, the first three months stationed principally at Cabin Point, Virginia. -
3rd. - Entered & served the Spring of the year 1781 three months & a half including part of the winter months in that year, was a private militia Infantry, served under Turner Bynum Captain, Richard Lowman major, & Raleigh P. Downman colonel, was
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stationed principally about Portsmouth & Suffolk County Virginia.
4th.- Entered (& served) May 1781 under James Harrison captain, two brothers named Duvall were major & Colonel, this service performed in the general defence of lower Virginia ranging, scouting & reconnecting, - this service three months. - Served as a private of Infantry. -
5th. - Entered, served & continued in service under Captain John Clayton, Thomas Edmunds major & Richard Ellett Colonel, was a private militia Infantry, stationed at Harny Court House & Swans point above York, Virginia, this in the Fall of the year 1781, from thence marched to the Siege of York in which he was & fought. - This regiment was called Elletts Virginia regiment & he recollects Howell Eldridge who was one of its Captains. This service was three months, was discharged at Swans point Virginia after the surrender of Earl Cornwallis by Colonel Ellett who gave him a discharge which he has lost & all other Revolutionary documentary evidence, discharged immediately after the battle of York in the Fall of the year 1781 -
He knows of no person whose testimony he could procure who could testify to his service except one person, Johan Rainey, who could testify to his services in part, but who resides about one hundred & fifty miles from him, he is very old, infirm & poor, to attempt to procure it would subject him to great inconvenience & delay &C.-
Summary of service - 1st 1/2 months; 2 - 6 months; 3 - 3 1/2 months; 4 - 5 - months; 5 - 3 months} Making 16 months service in all. -
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He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, & declares that his name is not on the Pension roll of the agency of any State.-
Sworn to, & subscribed the day & year aforesaid
Wm Colquitt JP
John Edwards

We, John Keith, Clergyman, & Mark Thornton Jr both residing in the County of Meriwether state of Georgia hereby certify that we are well acquainted with John Edwards who has subscribed & sworn to the above declaration, that we believe him to be seventy three years of age and upwards; that he is reputed & believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the revolution & that we concur in that opinion.-
Sworn to & subscribed the day & year aforesaid
W T Colquitt J,I,C John Keith, Clergyman
Mark Thornton, Jr

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, & after putting the Interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the abovementioned applicant was a Revolutionary soldier & served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that John Keith & Mark Thornton Jr. who have signed the preceding certificate have truly represented themselves, in their signatures, that they are residents of the County of Meriwether State of Georgia, that they are credible persons & that their statement is entitled to credit. -
W. T. Colquitt JI.C
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I, Levi M. Adams, clerk of the Superior Court of Meriwether County State of Georgia do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of John Edwards for a pension. 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office this nineteenth day of September 1832.
Levi M. Adams
Clk.
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John Edwards
No. 4. 9586
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Georgia
Meriwether County,} Personally appeared before me, W. B. Ector, a justice of the Inferior County Court in & for said County, Sterling Edwards son of the above John Edwards, now deceased, who being first duly sworn according to law, deposeth & saith that said John Edwards died on the 22nd. day of March 1833 at the house of this deponent in the County & State first aforesaid, of Dropsy & old age. -
And the said Sterling Edwards further deposeth & saith that said John Edwards, deceased, left no widow; that his children surviving him at the time of his death & yet living so far as this deponent knows & believes are four, one son & three daughters: to wit: himself said Sterling Edwards residing in Meriwether County, Georgia; Miss Martha Edwards residing in Brunswick County, Virginia, never married; Palmela Rainey wife of John Rainey both residing in Jasper County Georgia; & Mary Crowder wife of George Crowder both residing in Henry County, Georgia.-
Sworn to before me & subscribed
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by said Sterling Edwards this 19th day of November 1833. 
W. B. Ector. J.I.C.- Sterling Edwards

Georgia} I, Edward W. Hussey, Clerk of the
Meriwether County} Inferior or County Court in & for said County do hereby certify that W. B. Ector is a legal acting Justice of the Inferior or County Court in & for said County, & that the above signature, purporting to be his, is genuine. 
Given under my hand & seal of office this 19th day of November 1833-

Edward W. Hussey
Clk.
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John Edwards
Ga.
No. 19586.

Admit as private
15 mo & 12 days 5133

Issue certificate to
Sterling Edwards,
Martha Edwards,
Palmela Rainey, wife of Jno Rainey, and
Mary Crowder, wife of Geo Crowder, children
& heirs at law of Jno Edwards
decd. - And due 22d March
1833 - $105.22
W. B. Ector
Greenville Meriwether Co. Ga
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WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
April 16 1833

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 show 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, showing the Service of John Edwards
Period when the service was rendered.
[1] Spring 1780 vol.
[2] Spring or Summer 1780 drafted
[3] Spring 1781
[4] May 1781
[5] Fall "
Duration of the claimant's service.
Years.
[Total] 1
Months.
[2] 6
[3] 3
[4] 3
[5] 3
[Total] 3
Days.
[1] about 15
[3] 12
[Total] 27.
Rank of the claimant.
[1] Pri.
[2] "
[3] "
[4] "
Name and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served.
[1] Capt. Edwd. Wilkins
[2] Capt. Jno. Clayton
[2] Capt. T. Byman
[4] Capt. Jas Harrison
[5] Capt. Jno Clayton
Names and Ranks of the General and Field officers.
[2] Col. Richd. Ellett
[3] Richd. Lowman
[4] Col. R. P. Downman
[5] Col. Duvall, Maj. Thos. Edmunds Col. Richd. Ellett
Battles in which the applicant was engaged.
Siege of York
County through which he marched.
From Surry C H to Little Yk
Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period.
73 years
Brunswick Co. Va.
Evidence by which the declaration is supported.
Traditionary

I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
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2
 REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832 
The following regulations have been adopted: This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and Store Keepers, &c. Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of Private Armed Vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service. Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law: 1. The Regular Troops. 0 2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers. 3. Persons employed in the Naval service. 4. Indian Spies. As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in the Department, all persons, claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record. DECLARATION, In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832. State, Territory, or District of } County of } ss. On the _____day of _____personally appeared (a) before _____ A.B. a resident (b) of _____ in the county of _____ and State, Territory or District of _____ aged (c) _____ years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) _____, with _____ and served in the _____ (e) regiment of the _____ line, under the following named officers: [Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. [pointing hand symbol]This form is to be varied as as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.] He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of ____ Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. [And then will follow the certificate of the court.] And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. I _____ of the Court of _____ do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of _____ for a pension. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this _____ day of _____ &c. If, on examination of the proper record the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out. Every Applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz: (k) We, A.B., a Clergyman, residing in the _____ and C. D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with _____, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be _____ years of age; 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 and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. [And then will follow the certificate of the Court.] 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. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the ___ and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the ____ and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit. I, _____ Clerk of the Court of _____ do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of _____ for a pension. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this _____ day of _____ &c. 
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of a least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstance connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction. 
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his alleged service, as they are known at the Department.  A very full account of the services of each person
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will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case.  The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected.  All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County, in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
1. Where and in what year were you born?
2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?
3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?
5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.
6.{To a Soldier {Did  you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given and what has become of it?
{To an Officer {Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons--one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if  one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion.  If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify, to the character and standing of other persons, giving such certificates.
The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party.  And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
  Applicants unable to appear in Court by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
  Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, of by a Justice of the peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
  No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in [illegible] death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
_____
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity: in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resided.  If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, 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.  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 that the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:  __ For ____ year _____ months, and _____days, I served as a_____.  For ____ year _____ months, and _____days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."
  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 that 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 shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement, the particular place or places where the service was performed; 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.
  [f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
 [g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
 [h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
 [i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has not 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

Mode of authenticating papers
  In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers 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.

Proof of Service.
 [j] 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's 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.
  The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
 [k] This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
 [l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
 [m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration. 

Unless the applicant present his claim as required by the rules I cannot reach a favorable action.
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in reply to your request of ______, received _____ for a statement of the military history of John Edwards, a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his application for pension on file in this Bureau. S. File 31,662
DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT.
[1] Spring 80
[2] Sum 80
[3] Spring 81
[4] May 81
[5] Fall 81
LENGTH OF SERVICE.
[1] 1/2 mo.
[2] 6 mos.
[3] 3 1/2 mos.
[4] 3 mos.
[5] 3 mos.
RANK.
Pri.
OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.
CAPTAIN.
[1] Edmund Wilkins
[2] John Clayton
[3] Turner Bynum
[4] James Harrison
[5] John Clayton
COLONEL.
[1] [checkmark]
[2] Richard Ellett
[3] Raleigh P. Downman
[4] Duvall
[5] Richard Ellett
STATE.
Va

Battles engaged in, Siege of Yorktown.
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Brunswick Co. Va.
Date of application for pension, Sept 19. 1832.
Residence at date of application, Meriwether Co., Ga.
Age at date of application, 73 yrs & upwards, born Brunswick Co. Va.
Remarks: he died in Meriwether Co. Ga Mch 22, 1833 at the res of his son Sterling - leaving no widow, and his pension was allowed to his surviving children: Sterling Edwards, Martha Edwards, Palmela wife of John Rainey and Mary wife of George Crowder.
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Copied from
letter by M.M.H.F.
dated Oct. 27, 1924

Rev. & 1812 Wars Section
MEE/eel

November 16, 1928

A. J. Woods
R.R. $ 2
Gadsden, Alabama

Sir:
I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim S. 31662, it appears that John Edwards was born in Brunswick County, Virginia.
In the spring of 1780, he enlisted in Brunswick County, Virginia, and served as a private as follows:
One-half month in Captain Edmund Wilkins' Company. 
In the summer of 1780, six months in Captain John Clayton's Company, Colonel Richard Ellett's Regiment.
In the spring of 1781, three and one-half months in Captain Turner Bynum's Company, Colonel Raleigh P. Downman's Regiment.
In May 1781, three months in Captain Harrison's Company, Colonel Duvall's Regiment.
In the fall of 1781, three months in Captain John Clayton's Company, Colonel Richard Ellett's Regiment, all in the Virginia Troops. He was at the Siege of York.
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Pension was allowed on his application executed September 19, 1832, at which time he resided in Meriwether County, Georgia, aged seventy-three years and upwards.
He died March 22, 1833, in Meriwether County, Georgia, at the residence of his son, Sterling, leaving no widow. The following children survived him; Sterling Edwards, Miss Martha Edwards who resided in Brunswick Co, Va - never married; Palmela, wife of John Rainey, of Jasper Co. Ga; and Mary, wife of George Crowder of Henry Co. Ga.

Respectfully,

WINFIELD SCOTT
Commissioner.
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MMHF

Rev. and 1812 Wars Section

October 27, 1924

L. B. Rainey
Gadsden National Bank Bldg.,
Gadsden, Ala.

Sir:
I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim S. 31662 it appears that John Edwards was born in Brunswick County, Virginia.
In the spring of 1780 he enlisted in Brunswick County, Virginia and served as a private as follows:
One half month in Captain Edmund Wilkins' Company.
In the summer of 1780, six months in Captain John Clayton's Company, Colonel Richard Ellett's Regiment.
In the spring of 1781, three and one half months in Captain Turner Bynum's Company, Colonel Raleigh P. Downman's Regiment.
In May 1781, three months in Captain Harrison's Company, Colonel Duvall's Regiment.
In May 1781, three months in Captain Harrison's Company, Colonel Duvall's Regiment.
In the fall of 1781, three months in Captain John Clayton's Company, Colonel Richard Ellett's Regiment,
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MMHF

all in the Virginia Troops. He was at the Siege of York.
He was allowed pension on his application executed September 19, 1832 while a resident of Meriwether County, Georgia aged seventy-three years and upwards. He died March 22, 1833 in Meriwether County, Georgia at the residence of his son Sterling, leaving no widow, and his pension was allowed to his children then surviving: Sterling Edwards, Palmela wife of John Rainey, and Mary wife of George Crowder.
Bounty land was not allowed by the United States on account of his services. For information relative to land that may have been granted him by the state of Georgia, you should consult the archives at the capital of that state.

Respectfully,

Commissioner.
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AW
MMHF
[penciled note: also see further correspondence dated May 18, 1923 with Hon C. B Brand relative to this smaller locked up in cupboard with special correspondence

Mr Roanmaker Chief Clerk,
Consulted before writing this letter & said it was OK to furnish 2 records only AW]

May 4, 1933

Honorable C. B. Brand
House of Representatives

My dear Mr. Brand:

I have to advise you that owing to the great pressure of current work, the large number of similar inquiries, and the lack of a clerical force available for such a purpose, the Bureau has been unable to furnish the history of more than two pensioners of the Revolution to any one person or organization. You or any one designated by you or Mrs. Rucker may examine and collet data from Revolutionary War pension claims by calling at the Bureau. Herewith are furnished the histories of David Waters and John Edwards, War of Revolution:
From the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim S. 7845 it appears that David Waters enlisted in Abbeville District, South Carolina at commencement of War of Revolution and served as Private at various
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times, amounting in all to twenty months and five days, in Captains John Wilson, Hugh Wardlaw, Thomas Sanders, Samuel Moore and Robert Maxwell's Companies, Colonels Andrew Pickens and Robert Anderson's Regiments, South Carolina Troops. He was in the battles of Kettle Creek and Ninety Six.
He died October 4, 1844 in Jasper County, Georgia. His wife, name not stated, died previous to his death. His only surviving children in 1856 were Thomas, Rachel Henderson and Mary Phillips; all lived in Jasper County, Georgia in 1844. In 1856 Mary Phillips was living in Randolph County, Alabama, and Rachel Henderson and Thomas Waters in Spalding County, Georgia. Pension was allowed the surviving children upon the application of Thomas, executed June 7, 1856 while a resident of said Spalding County aged fifty-two years.
*********************
From the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim S. 31662 of John Edwards it appears that he was born in Brunswick County, Virginia.
In the Spring of 1780 he enlisted in Brunswick County, Virginia and served as a Private as follows: one half month in Captain Edmund Wilkins' Company;
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summer of 1780, six months Captain John Clayton's Company, Colonel Richard Ellett's Regiment; Spring 1781 three and one half months Captain Turner Bynum's Company, Colonel Randolph P. Downman's Regiment; May 1781 three months, Captain James Harrison's Company, Colonel Duvall's Regiment; Fall of 1781 three months, Captain John Clayton's Company, Colonel Richard Ellett's Regiment, Virginia Troops. He was at the Siege of York.
He was allowed pension on his application executed September 19, 1832 while a resident of Meriwether County, Georgia aged seventy-three years and upwards. He died March 22, 1833 in Meriwether County, Georgia at the residence of his son Sterling, leaving no widow, and his pension was allowed to his children then surviving:
Sterling Edwards, Palmela wife of John Rainey, and Mary wife of George Crowder.

Sincerely,
Washington Gardner
Commissioner.
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Hon Winfield Scott 
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington DC
My Dear Sir I would be more than glad if you would send me A Coppy of the War Record of one John Edwards a Revilutionary Soldier Whose Wife Was Named Elizabeth Raney Before Marriage They Married
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June 29th 1785.
The Said John and Elizabeth Raney Edwards Had one son Stearling Edwards Who was born in Brunswick Co. Va Oct 11, 1788
The Said John and his son Lived in Merriwether Co Ga and Perhaps died there My Wife is a Decend and Said Sterling and John Edwards and is a Member of the SC Eparative
Please let me hear from you
Respty A. J. Woods
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PS
Elizabeth Edwards
Wife of John Edwards
Died Feb 4 1792

The Mothr of the following Children
Patsy Edwards was born May 14, 1786
Stearling " " Oct 11th, 1788
Permelia " " May 11th, 1790
Mary E " " Aug 19th, 1791

A. J. Woods

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FEB
U. 15 S.
1928
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[header]
SONS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION
District of Columbia Society
of the
Sons of the American Revolution
Washington, D. C.
OFFICE OF THE REGISTRAR
501 QUINCY STREET N.W.

PRESIDENT
MR. SELDEN MARVIN ELY
VICE-PRESIDENTS
MR. SAMUEL HERRICK
REAR ADMIRAL FRANK F. FLETCHER
JUSTICE JOSIAH A. VAN ORSDEL
SECRETARY
MR. KENNETH SANFORD WALES
TREASURER
MR. HILLEARY L. OFFUTT, JR.
REGISTRAR
CAPT. OVERTON C. LUXFORD
ASSISTANT REGISTRAR
MR. CHARLES M. BRYANT
HISTORIAN
MR. HENRY WHITE DRAPER
LIBRARIAN
MR. WILLIAM L. BOYDEN
CHAPLAIN
REV. JAMES M. NOURSE

BOARD OF MANAGEMENT
CONSISTING OF THE OFFICERS EX-OFFICIO AND THE FOLLOWING COMPATRIOTS.

MR. CLARENCE A. KENYON
DR. EDWIN A. HILL
MR. FREDERICK D. OWEN
MR. EUGENE E. STEVENS
MR. GEORGE R. IDE
MR. ALBERT D. SPANGLER
DR. MARK F. FINLEY
MR. MERRITT L. DAWKINS
MR. JOHN S. BARKER
DR. THOMAS J. W. BROWN
ADMIRAL GEORGE W. BAIRD
COL. FREDERICK C. BRYAN
MR. WILLIAM A. MILLER
MR. ALFRED B. DENT
MR. WILLIAM S. PARKS

[typed body]
April 27th, 1922.

Mr. Charles M. Bryant,
C/o Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington, D.C.,

Dear Mr. Bryant:-
An application for membership in this Society has ben filed with me showing the ancestor as one John Edwards who enlisted from Virginia and served in the Revolutionary War. It is also stated that the soldier applied for and was granted a pension, his application having been filed September 19, 1832, from Meriwether, Georgia. I dislike to impose on your time but will very much appreciate it if you will cause a transcript of the above patriot's record to be made and sent to me in order that the application may be approved and forwarded to the Committees for action.
Thanking you in advance for your courtesy in the matter, I am, 
Cordially yours,
O. Luxford
Registrar.

[handwritten note]
This to be answered thro desk of Mr C. M. Bryant Dep. Commr. Room
recd in Rev
War Sect.
Apr 28
Page 26

LAW OFFICES OF
L. B. RAINEY
NOS. 11 AND 12
GADSDEN NATIONAL BANK BUILDING
GADSDEN, ALA.

Oct. 23d., 1924.

Department of Interior,
Attention Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington, D. C.

Gentlemen:
Please examine the inclosed file and give to Mr. Jones the information desired, if you have same. I shall be very grateful to you for a prompt compliance with this request.

Very truly,

L. B. Rainey.
Page 27

RFD 1 - Hokes Bluff,
Ala. october, 1st., 1924.

[stamp 1]
[OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER
OCT 25 1924
U. S. BUREAU OF PENSIONS]

War Department,
Washington, D. C.
Gentlemen:
In re: John Edwards - Revolutionary Soldier.
Please give me the disclosures of the records of this soldier. I have the following information for your guidance:
He was enlisted in Brunswick County, Va; he was born in Englad; the U. S Pension Department granted to him 3,000 acres of land in Merriwether Co., Ga. near the town of Greenville. He died in Merriwether Co. Ga. Mch 22, 1833; his wife was Elizabeth Edwards; he was 73 years of age at his death. The information desired also is: the names of his parents, record - if any - as to the disposition of his land grant. If you are not prepared from your records to give the information desired please refer this letter to the Pension Department. I am old and feeble and he being a relation of mine I am anxious to know something of his history, and I will appreciate if you will write me as early as convenient.
Very truly yours,

M. S. Jones,
Hokes Bluff, Ala.
RFD 1

[stamp 2]
ASSISTANT AND CHIEF CLERK
OCT - 3 1924

[stamp 3]
RECEIVED OCT 4 1924
OLD RECORDS DIVN.

[stamp 4]
17 Received A. G. O. OCT 3 1924
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Mail

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PENSION
A
APR
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1916
OFFICE.
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One 2 c stamp ret'
J. N. M. Rev.
Stamp retd - W

TAMPA, FLORIDA Apr. 25 1916

[stamp 1 and 2]
DEP'T OF THE INTERIOR
RECEIVED
APR 27 1916
TO BUR. PENSIONS
SECT'S OFF. MAILS & FILES

[typed body]
Dept. of Interior

Dear Sirs:
I will be very grateful to you if you willplease send me the Revolutionary War record of John Edwards who was my my greatgrandfather. HE enlisted at Brunswick,Co., Va. in 1780. HE died at Meriwether, Co., Ga

Respectfully
Geo. T. Lucas.

416 Stella, St.,
Tampa,
Fla.
Page 30

Chamber of Commerce
Birmingham, Ala
Nov 9th / 11

Department of the Interior;
Bureau of Pensions;
Washington, D.C.

Record Division 3-525. G.C.K.
T.S.C.
Sur. File 31662
Rev. war.

Please send to following address the military history of John Edwards, as contained in his application for pension on file in your Bureau
Respectfully,
S Burton Lucas,
Chamber of Commerce Bl'dg,
Room 626, Birmingham, 
Ala.
Page 31

Rev. - 1. C.B.H.

Tampa Fla.
April 23 1916

Department of the Interior
Bureau of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Gentlemen: Please forward me Rev. War record of John Edwards, of Meriwether County, Ga. Who enlisted in Brunswick County Va. I am his great-grand son.
Yours Respectfully
Troup Lucas Biglow

Box 172 A. Boulevard.
Tampa
Florida.
Page 32

3-871.
RECORD DIVISION.
Department of the Interior,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.

Briefed by W. T. Conboye
Claim No. March 1, 1910.
Certificate No.
Claimant Made an ap. for pen Sept. 19, 1832
Soldier John Edwards
Service Rev. War.
Additional Service
No ____ claim, State records ______, 190_
No claim, combination records _______, 190_
REMARKS:
Can't Identify O.W. Sur. File 31662
by Sur. File 10610
made ap. Oct. 20 1832
W. 19222 - Sept 9. 33
Chief Division
MAR 30 1910
Page 33

Mobile Ala
Jan 30/12
Department of the Interior
Bureau of Pension Washington DC.
Dear Sirs:-
Will you kindly forward me a copy of the record of John Edwards served in the Revolutionary War, also of the Land Grant which was given him as a pension for service in said War.
Please send on soon as you can and oblige
Yours Respectfully
Mrs) L. E. Tinsley
109 N. Jackson St.
Mobile Ala.
P.S. The said John Edwards was my great-grand father.
Page 34

BIRMINGHAM, ALA.
March. 20. 1910.
Commissioner of Pensions-
Washington - D.C.
Dear Sir -
I understand there were five "John Edwards in the War of the Rev. Will you kindly give me the official record of Jno. Edwards who resided in Meriwether Co. Ga. & applied for Pension from that place Sept. 19-1832. He enlisted in Brunswick Co. Va.
I am not sure - but I think the record will be found in File 31662. Any information will be very gratefully received -
Very Truly
Mrs. Joseph R. Estes-
Cor 12 in St. & 10th Ave. S. Birmingham Ala
Page 35

E c

[STAMP]
[illegible] War & Navy
Apr 4 1898
[illegible]

Atlanta Ga
Mch 30/98

Commissioner of Pensions
Washington DC.
Dear Sir
Being desirous to join the Daughters of the Revolution here, I write to ask you to look on or examine your pension roll, and see the names of Jno or Johnathan my great grand Father, I think the name was John Edwards who I am informed was for 12 years a Continental Soldier  There was a pension drawn
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in favor of his heirs -, I think about in 1842 or near that time, - I think my Father's JW.B Edwards who was a lawyer and lived in Troup or Merriwether County Georgia and through him the pension was Granted, he drew the papers.
Your Kind Attention will Oblige
Respectfully yours
Mrs J.D Carter
75 West Peachtree
Atlanta Ga

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PENSION
APR
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1898
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P.S.
I have in my possession a weapon my Great Grand Father used in the Revolutionary War - and Know that he was in the war but I desired information in regard to him -

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PENSION
APR
U. 1 S.
1898
OFFICE.
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31662
Revy INVALID.
File No. 31,662
John Edwards
Priv Rev War
Act: June 7" 32"
Index:-Vol. 2, Page 120
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Apr 13 '98
Mrs. J. D. Carter
Atlanta Ga
1910 Apl. 1, Hist to Mrs. Jos. R. Estes c
1911 Nov. 18. S. Burton Lucas. c
1912 Feb. 13. Mrs. L. E. Tinsley. c
1914 Nov. 14, Mrs. Chas. R. Nesbit. letter in S. 3322 William Edwards. c
1916 May 2. Troup L. Biglow c
1916 May 3. George T. Lucas. c
1922. May 10. Hist. to O. B. Luxford. AW
1923 - May 4 - Hist. to Hon. C. H. Braud for Mrs. G. G. Rucker - MMHF.
1924 - Oct. 27 - Hist. to L. B. Rainey for M. S. Jones - MMHF
1928 - Nov. 16, Hist to a. g. Woods, M E, E,
Page 39

Washington 1st Jany 1845.

Sir,
Herewith I send you a letter from Sterling Edwards, of Meriwether County Georgia asking certain information - Please read it, look to the Books in your office, & let me have the information he desires - Please also forward to me such forms as it may be necessary for them to observe in getting what may be due them - And if your books show any thing new due them please inform me how much, & the steps to be taken to get hold of it -
Jas L Edwards} Respectfully
Commissioner &C.} Hut Harolson
Washington
D.C.

Please return with your answer Mr. Edwards letter.
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Pension

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WASHINGTON
Feby 27
GEORGIA
Page 41

Lexington
25 February 1834
Sir,
The original declaration of John Edwards and the paper sent from the war department were sent to me with a request that I would procure the [illegible] of [illegible], a man of great respectability.
That Testimony is herewith sent .  That [obscured] services were rendered by Mr. Edwards is no doubt in the minds of any who knew[?] him.  He is now dec'd and if the [obscured] furnished does not [illegible] by the Department , the case is hopeless.  If the claim is allowed you can send the certificate to W.B. Ector Meriweather County
Respectfully 
B.F. Hardman
Page 42

Sterling Edwards
Martha Edwards
Pamela Rainey
wife of Jno R.
Mary Crowder wif of Geo C.
Page 43

Georgia
Oglethorpe County
Personally came before me James W. Davenport a Justice of the peace in and for said County Isham Rainey the person referred to in the accompanying declaration of John Edwards and being duly sworn deposeth and saith that he was well acquainted with John Edwards during the Revolutionary War and since - that his character for truth and veracity was never questioned.  Deponent says that from the length of time that has elapsed from the occurrences to which he is called upon to testify, he is unable to swear definitely to any thing - He states that during the Revolutionary War he lived within two miles of the said John Edwards - He states positively that he knows of Edwards having
Page 44

been frequently in the army, in the service of the United States during the Revolutionary war.  The precise time he served this deponent is unable to state - This deponent has heard said read the declaration of the said Edwards and does not doubt its truth
Isham Rainey Sere.

Sworn to & subscribed before me this 25 February 1834
James W. Davenport J.P.
Page 45

John Edwards dec'd. Georgia Roll, act June 7, 1832 at $51.33 per annum

He died March 22d 1833.  Was the pension paid from 4 March 1832 to that date?

Pension Office
Jan 3d 1845


Paid to the day of his death, in full.
B.L. Bogan