Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 3214, Christopher Eaton, N.C.
Page 1

Service N.C.
Eaton, Christopher
Eater or Volentine, Valentine
Susan
Number R3214
Page 2

16.249
North Carolina
Christopher Eaton
Sany.
Col. Armstrong
[illegible]

Let to P Mure
Aug 4 1833
and [illegible]
July 28 1834

23 1836
[illegible]
[illegible] to
[illegible] 1838

Hardinen
20

[illegible]
[illegible] to Hon W.K.
28 Feb 1838
Hon A.H.
March 31

24 July '33
[illegible] R
Mincheson, Salem NC
March 1833 H0
& Sept 10
& 20

N. Rice, Clerk
Vol. __ Page 59
Page 3

19.438
Pension Claim
Christopher Eaton
otherwise called
Christopher Valentine
Aged 76 years
Served in N.C. line & in Va. also in N.C. Mil.
3y. 6m. in all

proof of service required, not on rolls, 
see W. Hills certificate

Hon. A.H. Shepperd HR

R. Murchison
Salem N.C.

Return answer to R. Murchison att. for the applicant  at Salem, [illegible] County , N. Carolina
Page 4

19.438
Pension Claim
Christopher Eaton
otherwise called 
Christopher Valentine,
Aged 76 years
Served in N.C. line & in Va. also in N.C. Mil.
3y. 6m. in all

proof of service required, not on rolls,
see W. Hills certificate

Hon. A.H. Shepperd HR

R. Murchison
Salem N.C.

Return answer to R. Murchison att. for the applicant at Salem, [illegible] County , N. Carolina
Page 5

State of North Carolina County of Surry
Court of pleas and quarter sessions
November Term 1832

On this the 13th day of November A.D. 1832 personally appeared in open court before the justice of the County Court of pleas and quarter sessions for the said county of Surry, now sitting, Christopher Eaton, formerly called Christopher Valentine, a resident of this Surry county in the state of North Carolina, aged seventy-six 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 in the act of Congress present June 7, 1832. That he enlisted in the army of the United States in the year 1777, with Joseph Philips, a recruiting officer, at Erickson's then Surry Courthouse N. Carolina and served in the regiment of the N. Carolina line under the following named officers: viz. Col. John Armstrong til we got to Richmond Va. in the company commanded by Captain Laban, or Labourn,  Leiut. forgotten, Ensign forgotten. When I enlisted I lived in the county of Surry in the state of North Carolina with one Gray Bynum to whom I was bound. My name at this time was commonly called Christopher Valentine and spelled "Valentine". I expect (as I cannot read or write) and have since been called Eaton, that being the English name given to my father and family in this country, he having been a German, and called Valentine. After I enlisted we marched toward Richmond in the state of Virginia, where we joined some other troops. I was here kept under the Col. Alxd. Martin. We next marched towards Philadelphia. We were stationed sometime at a place (name forgotten), we joined the forces under Gen. Washington at his camp at Brandywine. I, the said Christopher fought in the Battle of Brandywine, with the Americans under Gen. Washington against the British. This battle took place as I believe sometime in September in the year 1777. The Americans lost about 1200 men in this battle.
Page 6

After the battle of Brandywine we marched in various directions, being often shifted about. We were placed under the command of Gen. Arnold. We were at one time stationed at a place called White Plains at which time we were under Gen. Nath. Green. We passed at one time a place called West Point, we were for some time stationed in the state of New Jersey, but I am not certain whether it was before or after the battle of Brandywine. I was in several skirmishes with small parties of the British. When Gen. Gates was appointed to head the southern army, I was sent with him and marched southerly to HIllsborough in the state of North Carolina. When we reached this place my time being out, I was discharged and received a written discharge from my captain Labourn which discharge was burned in my house which was burned several years ago. I served in this service in all three years and about six months, as near as I can ascertain. My discharge was dated as I verily believe in the month of May 1780. I the said Christopher, then came home to Surry County N. Carolina, and in the month of June 1780 I volunteered in the North Carolina militia, in the company commanded by Captain Absalum Bostick, we marched from Richmond, Surry court house N.C. to Salisbury in North Carolina near which place we joined head quarters under Gen. Rutherford. We then marched to a place called Cherand Hills in South Carolina, where we joined the army under Gen. Gates. We then marched towards Camden till we met the British near Camden S.C. about the 15th of August 1780, where the Battle of Camden ensued. I fought in said battle with the Americans under Gen. Gates, against the British under Cornwallis. We were defeated, and got home the best way we could (the army being scattered). In this tour I served about three months. Joseph Darnel, who
Page 7

is now living in the county of Stokes, served in this tour with me and will testify to that effect.
I the said Christopher Eaton was born in the county of Surry in the state of North Carolina in the year 1756. A record of my age was made in a Bible which then belonged to my father [illegible] which is now in the possession of my son.
I took the oath of allegiance before Joseph Winston on the 1st day of November in the year 1776 a certificate of which I have now in my possession, ever since the Revolutionary war. I lived in the same neighbourhood in which I now live in the said county of Surry in the state of North Carolina.
He the said Christopher, hereby relinquishes every claim 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, territory or district.
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
Christopher Eaton - > his mark
John Wight CC
By FK Armstrong

And the said court do hereby declare their opinion that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary soldier and served as he states.
The Court
R.H. Parks Chairman
J. Whitaker
Geo. Ageruis

I John Wright clerk of the court of pleas and quarter sessions in the county of Surry in the State of North Carolina, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of Christopher Eaton for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this the ___ day of November A.D. 1832
John Wright CC
by FK Armstrong DC
Page 8

Germantown 15 Apl. 1833
[illegible] [illegible] a [illegible] but have if they want [illegible] proof of service. No [illegible] [illegible] application and [illegible] [illegible] I hope will be [illegible]. I know I have long known the [illegible] cant & keep Boyles troops [illegible] a John Venables and believe [illegible] all to be [illegible] witness. I also know that the two other [illegible] which [illegible] [illegible] they are [illegible] a such as were passed upon by the church.
A.H. Shepperd
Page 9

C. Eaton
additional affidavit
Page 10

State of North Carolina Stokes County
On this the 12th day of June 1833, personally appeared before me Charles Banner, one of the acting Justice of the peace in and for the county of Stokes aforesaid, Christopher Eaton, a resident of the county of Surry in the state of North Carolina, being the same identical person who made his declaration in the County Court of the said county of Surry in November term 1832, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following affidavit as an amendment to his said declaration, viz. That he knows of no person living by whom he can prove the  fact that he enlisted or served in the regular service, they all being dead, but this affiant swears positively and unequivacably that he did inlist under Captain Joseph Philips at Richmond Surry County N.C. in the month of November 1777 or 1778 (for he cannot positively swear which year of the two it was) that he received the Bounty from the hand of the said Joseph Philips in presence of Henry Waller who enlisted at the same time, also Richard Philips called black Dick Philips, who was a regular soldier, Daniel Scott, who enlisted on the same day and died the next, James Glenn, Jacob Dial (or Dyer) & others. Some soldiers and others citizens who were present amongst them. This affiant swears he recollects one John Harper a regular soldier, but all these are dead or gone from the country, and none of them known or believed to be alive now. That while in said Jos. Philip's company he was marched from Richmond Surry County N.C. some distance toward the east and then were marched to Richmond Va. having passed
Page 11

through Salem N.C. to Hillsborough, Newborn & Edenton N.C. and several other villages. At Richmond Va. Capt. Philip's company of which this affiant positively swears he was a member, joined other forces under the command of Col. Alexander Martin under whom has marched on to the Jerseys. This affiant being then in a company commanded by Capt. Laban or Labourn. marched through Philadelphia & joined the army under Gen. Washington at his camp near Brandywine Creek. That he fought in the battle of Brandywine when Washington lost about twelve hundred men. After this battle we marched to Write Haines where we were stationed for a long time, being under Gen. Arnold. This affiant swears that he was in several skirmishes with parties of the British during the time he was under Gen. Arnold. That he continued under the command of said Arnold till the said Arnold ran away after attempting to betray the army under him. Previous to this as he thinks, was the battle of Monmoth in which this affiant fought. That when Gen. Gates set out for the south, this affiant marched under his direction, on to Hillsborough N.C. where this affiant was honourably discharged by his Captain Laban having served three years at least. That the discharge which received was burned in his house several years ago. That he soon after getting home entered the service as a militia man, volunteer, under Capt. Bostick & Col. John Armstrong in which tour he served three months at least and that in the fall of the year 1780 he served his last tour of service of three months, making in all three years and six months at the least which
Page 12

he served and for which he claims a pension having served as a private soldier the whole time of three years and six months, from the year 1777 to 1780 inclusive. This affiant further swears that in consequence of great age and infirmity and the consequent loss of memory that he cannot recollect the whole of the officers under whom he served now. The whole of the circumstance connected with his service as a regular [illegible] that he knows of no means in his power whereby he can prove the same, or any additional proof to what he has already adduced, but he is very certain that he served three years and six months as above stated. He further swears that he is entirely illiterate, and does not know how to spell his name. That when young he did not understand the English Language properly, consequently he expects he may be mistaken as to names of places and persons. That he was sometimes called Valentine, sometimes called Eater or Eator, and at other times Ette or Hetty, so that he is not certain by what name he was put on the muster roll and that sometimes his Christian name was called Christopher at other time "Christian". That he is very infirm and quite destitute of the means of support, and earnestly solicits his country to  remunerate him for services rendered in the prime of life.
Sworn to and subscribed before the said Charles Banner on the 12th day of June 1833.
Christopher Eaton - X his mark

C. Banner J.P.
Page 13

State of North Carolina County of Stokes ss
I, John Hill clerk of the Court of pleas and quarter sessions hereby certify that Charles Banner whose signature appears to the foregoing affidavit is a magistrate as therein named and that the signature purporting to be his is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my seal of office and subscribed my name, this June 13th 1833.
Jno. Hill, Clk
Page 14

State of North Carolina Stokes County
In amendment to a Declaration [illegible] [illegible] in the War Office, by Christopher Eaton also Eater, for the purpose of obtaining a pension under the Act of Congress passed June 1832. This 15 day April AD 1832 said Eaton appeared before me Alexander King one of the Justice of the Peace of said county and made oath. This [illegible] unable to find any proof as to the regular service, as stated by him in his declaration, and [illegible]. The [illegible] [illegible] one more bearer the rolls of the army [illegible], in order to ascertain if his [illegible] [illegible] found, he states that which his name is Eaton, he has gone and been called Eaton or Aton and in a certificate now in his possession given to him when he took the oath of alegience by Joseph Winston, he is called Christopher Valentine. He states again that [illegible] his regular service as stated in his Declaration, he served six months in the militia, I vet a three month tour under Capt. Hils of Surry County North Carolina in which tour he was at Gate defeat. He then served another three months tour under Capt Bostick or Capt Lewis in what serviced he [illegible] in guarding prisoners
Page 15

taken at the Battle of King Mountain. At the old town, and in conducting them from old town to Saterburg. He states that of the service in not properly states in his [illegible] declaration, it is [illegible] to a [illegible] recolection by [illegible] old age or an [illegible] in his [illegible] to put in down.
Christopher Eaton - X his mark

Sworn & subscribed before me the 11 April AD 1836
Alexr. King JP

State of North Carolina Stokes County
This 15 day of April 1836 came John Vannable before me Alexander King one of the Justices of the peace of said county and made oath, that he is acquainted with Christopher Eaton. that he knows nothing of his regular service. This of his [illegible] service he knows this. This to the best o his recolection. He saw him at Gates defeat in service. I [illegible] appears did serve himself, although he did not serve in same company with him. Another he recolects of same Eaton serving in the militia, in guarding prisoners at old town and at [illegible] [illegible] in [illegible] that they served under one Captain [illegible] Capt. Bostick. [illegible] further states
Page 16

that he made an [illegible] out formerly, to the above facts or contrary said facts on [illegible].
J Venables

Sworn to and [illegible] before me this 15 April AD 1834
Alex King JP

I Alexander King one of the Justice of the peace for Stokes County certify that he believes the facts sworn to  of Christopher Eaton to be . As [illegible] the facts sworn to by John Venables they being both credible persons. April 15, 1834.
Alex King JP

State of North Carolina Stokes county
I John Hill Clerk of the Court of Pleas & quarter sessions for Stokes County certify that Alexander King whose name appears to the foregoing is a magistrate as above & that his signature is genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my seal of office & subscribed my name this 16th April 1834.
J Hill CCC
Page 17

Declaration
In order to obtain the pension of the acts of Congress of the 7th June 1832, 7th July 1838, 3 March, 1843, and 17th June 1849, Granting Pensions to certain widows.

State of North Carolina Stokes County
On this 11 day of June 1846, personally appeared before the undersigned one of the acting Justices of the Peace and a member of the Court of Pleas and quarter sessions in and for said County; Susannah Eaton a resident of said county and state, age eighty three years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following Declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the above named acts of Congress.
That she is the widow of the late Christopher Eaton decd. who was a private in the War of the Revolution, that said Christopher Eaton was placed on the N. Carolina Pension Roll for Surry County, July 24th 1833, at $20 per annum and dropped from said roll August 13th 1833. The cause of which is unknown to her. That her husband said Christopher Eaton never received any pension. The reason of this the [illegible] that he was unwilling to receive the small amount of $20 per annum, for his Revolutionary service. That he died on the 5th July 1839, eighteen hundred and thirty nine, and she still remaining his widow.
That to the best of her recollection she was married to said Christopher Eaton in the year seventeen hundred and eighty one in Surry County N. Carolina. That she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first of January 1794. And that from old age and infirmity of body, she is unable to attend Court to make her said declaration.
Sworn to and subscribed the 2nd day of June A.D. 1846, before
Jaes Gorden
Susannah Eaton - X her mark
Page 18

I James Gorden do certify that I have been well acquainted with the foregoing declarant Susannah Eaton for twenty five years past, and also was very well acquainted with her husband Christopher Eaton decd. and that from old age & infirmity of body she is not well able to attend Court to make her said declaration, and she is a woman of truth, and her statements are [illegible] to credit.
Given under my hand this 2nd June 1846
Jaes Gorden [illegible]

State of North Carolina Stokes County
I John Hill Clerk of the Court of pleas & quarter sessions now in session do certify that the foregoing Declaration of Susannah Eaton widow of Christopher Eaton and in application for a pension was read & examined & approved by said Court. I also certify that James Gorden is a magistrate as above and that the foregoing purporting to be his are genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my seal of of office & subscribed my name this 13th June 1846
Jno Hill C.C.C.
Page 19

State of North Carolina County of Stokes ss
On this 15th day of June 1836 personally appeared in open court before the Justice of Peace of the Court of pleas and Quarter Sessions now sitting for the County aforesaid, at the Court house in Germantown, Christopher Valentine a resident of the County of Stokes aforesaid aged seventy six years the 7th day of September next, who being 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 entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein after stated. That in the month of November 1778 he entered the service as a private enlisted solder in the regular service under a Captain Joseph Philips at old Richmond in Surry County North Carolina in Coll. John Armstrongs Regiment & recd. thirty dollars bounty, in what was then called continental money. He having first taken the oath of allegiance before Major Joseph Winston a Justice of the peace as per his certificate which accompanys this declaration dated the 1st Novemb. 1778. He being an apprentice & bound when an infant to a certain Gray Bynum of Surry county aforesaid, from whom he ran away & enlisted as above mentioned and after remaining some time about Surry old Court house when his Captain had recruited & made up his company, he marched from thence in Virginia to the City of Richmond and at that town was put into a company commanded by Capt. Laborn or Labon he does not know how his name written. From thence marched on to Baltimore, & there joined a General Arnolds army & marched to near White Plains & joined to General George Washingtons army and was stationed there a considerable length of time. He does not recollect how long. Meanwhile detachments of Washingtons army had several scirmishes with the British. One of which he (this applicant) was engaged in, at a place called the bridle ford, the water course he dont remember the name, but it was about thirty miles from New Yourk, and after remaining about in the country around about & at White Plains about 8 or 10 months, was marched under the command of General Gates in a Captain Luffs company various routes through the Eastern States untill we reached Hillsboro in Orange County N. Carolina at which place the term of eighteen months for which this applicant had enlisted expired & he received a writen discharge he thinks in May 1780. He recd. his discharge for one year six months & has since lost the same by being burn in a house &c. And after having served the aforesaid eighteen months he returned to Surry County N. Carolina to a Captain William Boyles, who lived in the neighborhood of
Page 20

of his brother John Valentine when this applicant was informed that his said brother had started in the service a few days before in a company commanded by a Capt. William Hulett of Surry County aforesaid and this applicant being desirous to see his brother and becoming so well acquainted and with the manner of living in the camps, he was induced to pursue his brother & went to Salisbury in Rowan County N. Carolina at which place he overtook his brother in Capt. Huletts company. He thinks it was in the month of May 1780. Then & there his applicant volunteered himself as a private for three months in said Capt. Huletts company from which company he was trasfered to Capt. William Bosticks company in General Rutherfords army and marched from there to Charlotte in Mecklinburg N. Carolina, then to the Cheraw Hills in South Carolina, then cross Santee River & a party of Tories fired on us. We immediately return the salute, they wounded two of our company & we kill 2 or three of them then they run & forted themselves in a large church house (we having taken five British & five Tories) the next morning we fired on their fort & they left it & run when we saved but one of them & burnd the house, then Genl. Rutherford ordered a detachment to march the River Santee, this applicant being one of the company. We captered Tories & British & two boats then conveyed the 12 prisoners to the main army at a place called Rugeleys Mills, where we remained there for some weeks, during which time a detachment was sent to assist Genl. Sumpter against the enemy towards the Colobu River. But before we reached said Sumpter, we were informed that he had been defeated by the enemy. Then we marched back to head quarters of the said Mills and in a few days after marched under Genl. Gates west towards Camden & had an engagement at the notorious Battle of Gates defeat, in which this applicant was taken prisoner by the British and sent off by a guard of British & on the night after said battle, this applicant with fourteen other prisoners, broke & made their escapes & went unmolested untill we met General Greens Army at the Yadkin River in Rowan County N. Carolina. When this applicant & the others went to Genl. Green with whom he was well acquainted, when the General
Page 21

ordered rations to be given to this applicant & others & sent him and them home in this expedition this applicant faithfully served three months.
The next & last service he entered as a volunteer in the [illegible] under the command of Capt. Wm. Shepperd mounted his own horse & was marched from Richmond in Surry Cty. N. Carolina to the old Moravian Town in said County of Surry at which place we met with the prisoners that were taken at the Battle of Kings Mountain. When Col. Cleveland was the head commander and ordered our company to later, charge of them, & conveyed them to Hillsboro N. Carolina & there we safely delivered said prisoners & put them into a prison called Stockading prison. And at that place this applicant with others were discharged & returned home to W. Bayles in Surry County in this last service he claims at least forty days. All of which services he claims a pension, that is to [illegible] 18 months as a regular enlisted soldier three months in the Gates defeat tour & the last forty days in the [illegible]. He has no documentary evidence to prove his service & knows of no person who can testafy the same except indirectly the testamony of John Venables Esq. & Hugh Boyles as a part of his service. The court proceeded to propound the seven questions required to be done by the Department of war. The first he says he was informed that he was born in the state of Pensylvania.
2nd he has no record of his age only by information as stated in the foregoing preamble.
3d & 4th he states that he entered all the services in Surry County N. Carolina. First enlisted, the others as a volunteer & has resided in the same neighborhood ever since which from the division of Surry is now Stokes County.
5th he states that he has forgotten a number of the names of officers that he then knew. But has already named
6th And he recd one writen discharge from some officer legally & has lost it by being blown into a fire
7th I believe will certify as to my veracity & belief of my services in the Revolution
Page 22

he hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of the Agency of any state. Sworn to and subscribed the year & day first above mentioned in open court.
Christopher Valentine - X his mark
List Jno Hill

We Philip Kiser & Charles Banner, residents of Stokes County aforesaid do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Christopher Valentine who has sworn & subscribed the above Declaration that we believe him to be seventy six or seven years of age. That he is reputed & believed in the neighborhood where he lives to have been a soldier of the Revolution and that we concur in that opinion. Sworn & subscribed the day & year first above writen.
Philip Kiser
C. Banner
Jno Hill

And the court aforesaid do hereby declare their opinion after the investagation of the matter & after puting the  interogatories prescribed by the War department that the above named Christopher Volentine was a Revolutionary soldier and served as he states and the court further certifies that it appear to them that Philip Kiser and Charles Banner is residents of the county of Stokes aforesaid and is credible persons and their statement is entitled to credit.
Given under our hands the day above there being no clergiman convenient.
Bolyack JP
Hon Cox JP
Jno Hill
Wm Brynt JP
Page 23

Hon A.H. Shepperd
HR
Page 24

State of North Carolina Stokes County ss
Be it known that on the 14th day of June 1836, before me Charles Banner a Justice of the peace for said county personally appeared Hugh Boyles, aged sixty seven or eight years, a respectable resident of the county aforesaid who being sworn according to law to declare what he may remember of Christopher Volentines services in the Revolutionary as a soldier. He declares that he remembers when said Christopher lived at his neighbor Capt. Bynums in Surry County, a bound apprentice, and that his play fellows would vex & plague him for being a glutton & give him the name of Eater and that said apprentice runaway from his master and enlisted as I was informed as a Continental soldier under a Capt Jo. Philips of said county with whom I was acquainted, and said Christopher Volentine was gone for a year & a half at least; when he returned to my father Wm Boyles in said county of Surry, said Christopher gave a history of [illegible], [illegible] & dangers that he had encountered in his routes to the north. I cannot remember half what he related, but shortly afterwards said Christopher started to go to his brother who had marched in a company commanded by a Capt Wm Hughlett towards Salisbury & never returned for the space of three or four months; when he came back almost bare naked for clothing & stated that he had been in more battles one of which he said was Gates defeat, and after some time elapsed he fixed himself & started a horse back into the service in Capt Shepperds company. I cannot remember how long he was gone in this tour, but he returned to my fathers with his horse & a parcel of Continental money that he said he had recd. for his services & that it was of but little value as it had depreciated &c. Sworn & subscribed the day & year first above mentioned before me.
H. Boyles
C. Banner J.P.
Page 25

State of North Carolina County of Stokes ss
I Charles Banner one of the Justices of the peace for said county do hereby certify that the within deposition of Hugh Boyle was taken on oath this day before me, that said Boyles has always maintained the character of a man of respectability & for veracity & truth and that his statement and oath is entitled to credit. Given under my hand this 14th day of June 1836.
C. Banner JP

State of North Carolina County of Stokes
I John HIll Clerk of the Court of Pleas & quarter sessions certify that Charles Banner is a magistrate as above, and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his is genuine. In testamony whereof I have hereunto affixed my seal of office and subscribed my name this 14 day of June 1863
Jno Hill
Page 26

State of North Carolina County of Stokes ss
I Charles Banner an acting Justice of the peace for said county certify that the foregoing Depositions of John Venables Esquire & Joseph Banner [illegible] were taken on oath before me and that they are both men of veracity for truth and that their statements is entitled to credit. Given under my hand this 16th day of June 1836
C. Banner J.P.

State of North Carolina County of Stokes
I John Hill clerk of the Court of pleas and Quarter Sessions of Stokes County aforesaid, certify that Charles Banner is a magistrate as above and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his is genuine.
In testamony whereof I have hereunto affixed my seal of office and subscribed my name this 17th day of June 1836.
Jno Hill
Page 27

I John Venables of Stokes County in the state of North Carolina, by a request of a revolutionary soldier that I have been acquainted with ever since the year of 1773, have written & given from under my own hand the following deposition, relative to what I know of the services rendered by the said soldier in the war of the revolution.
And this man may perhaps fail in obtaining his right to a pension by a mistake or mistakes which may have been made relative to the name or names by which this man has went by, I think it proper to give an explanation relative thereto, to wit this man was first called Christian Eater to call him by this name it seemed to give him an offence and would state his name to be Christopher Eaton, also I have lately seen in his possession a certificate from under the hand of Major Joseph Kinston dated 1778, before whom it appears he had taken the oath of allegiance to the state of North Carolina. In this certificate it appears his name is written Christopher Vollentine. And now let this mans proper name be what it may. I testify and say under the solemnity of an oath to the best of my recollection I saw this same identical man in the service of the United States, in the army of the revolution, commanded by General Gates in the summer of the year of 1780 and which was defeated by the British troops under the command of Lord Corn Wallace on the 16th day of August in the same year. I also testify that in the fall or autom of the same year I saw the same man serving as a soldier gaurding the army of prisoners taken at Fergusons defeat on Kings Mountain but as to the length of time that this soldier served in the revolutionary war, I know not. This deposition closed and signed J. Venables

Sworn to & subscribed this 15th day of June 1836
C. Banner J.P.
Page 28

I John Venables of Stokes County in the state of North Carolina, by a request of a revolutionary soldier that I have been acquainted with ever since the year of 1773 have written & given from under my own hand the following deposition, relative to what I know of the services rendered by the said soldier in the war of the revolution.
And as this man may perhaps fail in obtaining his right to a pension by a mistake or mistakes which may have been made relative to the name or names by which this man has went by; I think it proper to give an explanation relative thereto, to wit this man was first called Christian Eater. To call him by this name it seemed to give him an offence and wants  states his name to be Christopher Eaton. Also have lately seen in his possession a certificate from under the hand of Major Joseph Winston dated 1778 before whom it appears he had taken the oath of allegiance to the state of North Carolina. In this certificate it appears his name is written Christopher Vollentine. And now let this mans proper name be what it may. I saw this same identical man in the service of the United States, in the army of the revolution commanded by General Gates in the summer of the year of 1780 and which was defeated by the British troops under the command of Lord Corn Wallace on the 16th day of August in the same year. I also testify that in the fall or autom of the same year I saw the same man serving as a soldier gaurding the army of prisoners taken at Fergusons defeat on Kings Mountain but as to the length of time that this soldier served in the revolutionary war I know not. This deposition closed and signed J. Venables

Sworn to & subscribed this 15th day of June 1836
C. Banner J.P.
Page 29

State of North Carolina Stokes County ss
Be it known that on this 16th day of June 1836 before me, Charles Banner one of the acting Justices of the peace for said county personally appeared Joseph Banner [illegible] a respectable aged old man a resident of said county & he having sworn according to law saith on his oath that he has been acquainted with a certain [illegible] man called Christopher Valentine, some times called Eater & Eaton but his right name he believes is Valentine and the other name was only used as [illegible] names when he was young. As this deponant knew him at the time he was an orphan boy bound to a certain Capt. Gray Bynum in the then Surry County, who was a neighbor of this deponant, & before said Christopher served his time or arive to 21 years of age he ran away or obsconded from his master and enlisted himself a continental soldier, under a Captain Joseph Philips which this deponant said done at Surry old Courthouse or Richmond and said Christopher was marched in the service of the United States northwardly. He was absent from the neighborhood a year & a half at least. He does not recollect the exact length of time but thinks he enlisted for eighteen months and after he returned to a certain Wm Boyles in the neighborhood of this deponant he immediately went in the service again, in the militia of the U. States and as he was informed by his brother in law a Charles McNally, who was in the service & battle near Camden, called Gates defeat & that said Christopher was in the battle & he then expected he was killed or taken prisoner as he was missing. But some time after he returned home to Wm Boyles and afterwards this deponant saw him in the service at the old Moravian  Town under Capt. William Shepperd in the cavelry a guarding & conveying the prisoners that were taken at the battle of Kings Mountain towards HIllsbory when this deponant understood they were lodged. As to the particular dates of the above occurances this deponant cannot exactly say. But it appears to him that it happened after the year 1777 during the Revolutionary War. Sworn & subscribed the date first above written.
Joseph Banner
C. Bann J.P.
Page 30

State of North Carolina County of Stokes
I John Hill Clerk of the County Court of pleas and Quarter Sessions of said county, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the Court in the matter of application of Christopher Volentine for a pension. In testamony whereof I have hereunto affixed my seal of office and subscribed my name this 17th day of June A.D. 1836
Jno Hill, ccc
Page 31

State of North Carolina, Surry County.
These are to certify, that Christopher Volentine hath taken the Oath of Abjuration and Allegiance to this State, as by Law prescribed.
[illegible]
Page 32

N. 12929
Susan Eaten NC
Rejected
Let to John Morrow
Aug 21 '46
Page 33

Susan Eaton widow of Christopher
Page 34

Christopher Valentine born '66
Nov 78 Capts Labun & Philips Col Armstrong 
18 mo
May '80 Hulet 3 mo
Shepperd Cleaveland Cavalry 1 10
Page 35

Department of War, Pension Office
May 7 1833
Sir
The declaration and accompanying papers and additional proof in support Christopher Eaton's claim have been examined and are again returned. Of the additional witness, Henry Bailey, Jno. Cox, Hugh Boyle, Jos. Darnall and Vanables, the two latter only speaks from any personal knowledge of the service of Mr. Eaton. [illegible] however does not state positively that he saw Eaton at the time of Gates defeat, but thinks he was there, but says nothing of his having enlisted nor of the time he had been in service. He is positive as to the service of the applicant in his term of militia duty in 1780. Wm Memelt says that he also knew one Eaton in the same service, but no direct testimony is adduced to prove that Eaton enlisted and served as he alleges. Without that proof his claim cannot be admitted.
I am respectfully your obedient servant
J L Edwards

R. Murchison Esq.
Salem N. Carolina
Page 36

Salem N.C. June 15th 1833
Sir
I had the honour to receive your favour (within) and have delayed answering in order to ascertain whether Mr. Eaton could obtain any proof of his having enlisted. He has found no direct proof nor does he think he can find any. He has again made oath to his services and that the persons who saw him receive the bounty are all dead. The old man is illiterate and I may add extremely ignorant, for he does not even know, certainly, how his name was called when he was in the service. These facts he states in his affidavit. Of the two last tours he served there can be no doubt [illegible] he proves the fact by two respectable witnesses and of his having enlisted there is no question in his  neighborhood. One circumstance in point is this. It is well known that the applicant when a boy was bound by indenture to one Gray Bynum who lived in Surry County, now to Germanton Stokes C.H. (for Stokes County was taken off Surry since the Rev. War). It all being Surry at that time. He was dissatisfied with his situation, and some years, say two or three, before his freedom he went to Col. Winston and asked what he must do to get off from Mr. Bynum & Col. Winston advised him to go and enlist. There being a recruiting officer then at Surry C.H. accordingly
Page 37

he (Eaton) took the oath of allegiance before Col. W, who was also a justice of the peace, and the very next day left his masters service, and went to Capt. Philips and enlisted. This is known in the neighbourhood of Germanton to be true by the sons of Col. Winston and Mr. Bynum, who also know that Eaton was gone from that time and that it was currently reported and believed that he was in the service, though none of these gentlemen can testify that he enlisted or served because they did not see it. It is well known, also, that Capt. Philips did raise a company in and about Surry, and marched the company towards the north. I have no doubt myself but that his (Eatons) name wont be found on the rolls in the Department. If he could ascertain what his name was called at the time (see his [illegible]). On the certificate of his swearing allegiance he is called Christopher Valentine. Now among [illegible] in this section of country the names "Christopher" & "Christian" or "Christ" are often applied to the man who has either of these names. It might happen that his name was transposed or by some means placed in the roll different from what the names (for it seems he had served) by which he was called. This inducted me when the papers were first returned to procure the certificate of a clergyman, Henry Baily, and such other proof is would be sufficient had his services been entirely in the militia. It is a lamentable fact that
Page 38

regular soldiers who were the "bone and sinew" of the defense of American Liberty are in a worse condition in relation to the proof required their militia men are. This is not said in diparagement of those who served in the militia. But you know, Sir, that it is much easier for a militia man to prove his service then it is for a regular soldier simply for this reason. The militia commonly went in bodies from neighbourhood and returned after service to the same places, where they lived and died, and if any of there service they [illegible] them. Not so with the regulars. They were caught up by recruiting officers where & when they could be found, many of them were slain in battle, and many others had no homes to return to so that those who escaped with their lives, were scattered hither & thither, and scarcely any two of them now can be found in the same neighbourhood of our thinly settled section in the south. In conclusion I by leave to [illegible] that you misapplied the word "think" in the certificate of John Venables Esqr. that word is applicable to the Col. under whom Eaton served and not to the fact that he was in the service. I have seen Venables and am authorised by him to say that was his meaning, viz. he is positive that Eaton was in the service at Gates defeat, and thinks that it was under Col. Armstrong that he served, not being positive but it might be Col. A. or some other of the American Colonels.
I am respectfully your obedient servant
R. Murchison

James L. Edwards Esqr.
Com. Pensions, War Dep.
Page 39

State of North Carolina
Secretary of States Office
22nd Janry 1833
James L Edwards Esqr
Sir
I do not find the name of Christopher Eaton or Christopher Valentine on the musterrolls or warrant book in this office.
Very respectfully your most obt. servt.
W. Hill
Page 40

Pension Claim
Christe Eaton
additional proof & certificate
Page 41

State of North Carolina Stokes County
Court of pleas and Quarter Sessions [illegible] term 1833. On this the 13th day of March 1833 personally appeared in open court Henry Bailey a clergyman residing in Stokes county N.C. and made oath in due form of law that he is acquainted with Christopher Eaton, who has applied for a pension under the act of Congress passed June 7, 1832 (he having made his Declaration in Surry county court Nov. term 1832.) That he believes the said applicant to be as old as stated in said declaration, that it is reported and believed in the neighbourhood where the said applicant resides that he was a Revolutionary soldier and that he the said Henry Bailey concurs in that opinion. Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
Henry Bailey
Jno Hill CCC

I Joshua Cox a resident of Stokes county N.C. also appeared in open court the day and year aforesaid, and also made oath in a form of law, that he is well acquainted with the said applicant Christopher Eaton. That he has known him for forty or fifty years. That he is reported and believed in the neighbourhood where he lives to have been a soldier of the Revolution. That the report has always been such, and that he concurs entirely in that opinion.
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
Joshua Cox
Jno Hill CCC
Page 42

And the said court hereby certify that it appears to them that Henry Bailey who has signed and sworn to the foregoing certificate is a clergyman residing in Stokes county N.C. and that Joshua Cox [illegible] who has also done the same is a respectable & credible person residing in said county and that their statement is entitled to credit.
M. Manchowaer 
[illegible] JP
R. Folger 

State of North Carolina Stokes County 
March [illegible] 1833
I John Venables Esqr. do hereby certify that I was in the United States service at the time of Gates defeat at Camden S.C. in the year 1780 and that Christopher Eaton who made his Declaration in Surry county N.C. Nov. term 1832, was in the service at that time under Gen. Rutherford, and I think that the said Eaton was in the regiment commanded by Col. Martin Armstrong. I also saw the said Eaton in another tour of service in North Carolina in the fall of the said year 1780. He was then guarding prisoners at Moravian old town in Surry County.
Sworn to and subscribed in open court this the 13th day of March 1833.
J. Venables
Jno. Hill CCC
Page 43

I Wm. Merritt of Stokes county N.C. do hereby certify that I was in the service at the Moravian old town in the year 1780 and that there was one Eaton in the service at that time guarding the prisoners taken at Kings Mountain and that I believe the aforementioned Christopher Eaton to be the same man. Sworn to and subscribed in open court the 13th day of March 1833.

The justices of the said court do hereby certify that John Venables Esqr. who has sworn and subscribed the foregoing certificate is a respectable and credible person residing in this county and that his statement deserves credit and belief.
Zak Wall J.P.
R. Folger J.P.
Geo Linvill J.P.
Jno. Hill CCC

I John Hill clerk of the county court of Stokes County in the state of North Carolina do hereby certify that the foregoing proceedings were had, and affidavits & certificates made in open court during March Term 1833. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of my office the 15 day of March 1833.
Jo. Hill CCC
Page 44

Washington Jun [illegible] NC
James L. Edwards Esq
Sir
Pardon me for troubling you with the [illegible] declaration of Christopher Eaton [illegible] Valentine. I know him well. He is old & [illegible] & a [illegible] opinion [illegible] in his neighborhood. That he was a good soldier in the revolution. He was allowed a pension a year or [illegible] [illegible], for [illegible] defect of testimony the Department reconsidered the claim & [illegible] it. I know Boyles Banner Venables &c., their affidavits may be confidently relied on. I shall be highly gratified if his claim is allowed.
Yrs [illegible] A.H. Shepperd
Page 45

Pension claim
C. Eaton
Certificates of Jos. Darnall & Hugh Boyles
Page 46

State of North Carolina County of Stokes
Court of pleas and Quarter Sessions
September term 1832
Joseph Darnall personally appeared in open court and was [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] of law to the following certificate vis.
I do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Christopher Eaton, that I believe him to be about seventy six years of age. That he now resides in the county of Surry in the state of North Carolina. That to my personal knowledge he, the said Christopher Eaton served faithfully as a Revolutionary soldier in the militia service in the company commanded by Capt. Absalum Bostick, in the regiment commanded by Col. Armstrong, under Gen. Rutherford. That he the said Christopher Eaton entered the said service in the county of Surry State of North Carolina, sometime in June 1780, marched to Salisbury N.C. near which place we joined head quarters. Then marched to a place called the Straw Hills in South Carolina, where we joined the army under Gen. Gates. Then marched toward Camden, till we fell in with the British where the battle ensued between the Americans under Gen. Gates and the British under Cornwallis. That he the said Joseph Darnall was not in the battle but the said Christopher Easton as he verily believes was in the battle. That the American army was
Page 47

rout in the said battle and got home such as could do so the best way they could and that this tour lasted about three months, and that he the said Joseph Darnall served with the said Christopher Eaton during the said tour, therefore he knows that he the said Christopher Eaton did serve the said tour.
Sworn to and subscribed in open court this 13 day of September 1832.
Joseph Darnall - X his mark
Jno. Hill, CCC

Hugh Boyles [illegible] maketh oath in open court as aforesaid. That he is well acquainted with Christopher Eaton who is about as he believes about the age of seventy six years. That he knows of said Christopher Eaton in the time of the Revolutionary war, and that he always understood at that time that the said Christopher Eaton served as a regular soldier for three years and also served some time in the militia and that he the said Hugh Boyles verily believes that the said Christopher Eaton did serve as was reported. That he has been acquainted with the said Christopher Eaton ever since the Revolutionary war, that he is a man and always has been a man of truth and veracity and that he never heard the fact of the said Eaton having served as aforesaid doubted.
Sworn to and subscribed in open court this 13 day of September A.D. 1832.
H. Boyles
Jno. Hill C.C.C.
Page 48

And the said court do hereby certify that Joseph Darnall and Hugh Boyles who have sworn and subscribed to the foregoing certificate are credible persons residing in the county of Stokes aforesaid and that their statements are entitled to credit.
Wm Cox JP
John [illegible] JP
Wm C. Cole J.P.

I John Hill clerk of the county court of pleas and quarter session for the county of Stokes in the state of North Carolina, do hereby certify that the foregoing preceedings were had in open court.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of my office this the 13th day of September A.D. 1832.
Jno. Hill C.C.C.
Page 49

Salem [illegible] May 6th 1833
Dear Sir
A few days ago I had the pleasure of [illegible] a persons certificate in favour of Christopher Eaton for Twenty dollars pension but being of opinion that there must be an [illegible] in filling up the certificate. I take the liberty of troubling you once more on the subject. My impression is that it ought to be more or nothing at all in as much as the applicant claims for (as near as I can recollect) upwards of three years service [illegible] soldier and about three months as a militia man. My reason for thinking as I do is that the 8 mo tour does not entitle him to the [illegible] and that the 3 years tour does entitle him to a good deal more according to the Act of Congress. Perhaps the department is governed by some provision unknown to me [illegible] [illegible] doubtful does, if not so I cannot persuade myself that there is not an error in filling up the Certificate. Perhaps the word twenty was mistook for seventy ($20 instead of $70).
This suggestion can not [illegible] through [illegible] or with any other but he best and most friendly feelings towards you and all others in teh Department, but soly for the purpose of having the error corrected if there is one and to enable me to satisfy the old man why the pension is so small provided there is no error.
Page 50

I hope Sir that you will have the goodness to cause the matter to be looked into again so far as may be necessary to ascertain whether or not there is any mistake. The Certificate dated July 24 1833 signed by Mr. Robb, no. 16.299, Recd. Book E Vol 6 p 39.
By giving me some further information on the subject you will, sir, very much oblige the old soldier (Eaton) and your obt. humble servt.
R. Murchison

James L. Edwards Esqr.
Com of Pensions
Page 51

Payments to be made at Fayetteville by the Presd. U.S. N. Rice, Agent for paying Pensioners , in the Agency of N Carolina

Recorded in the Pension Office, in Book E Vol. 6 Page 39 by N. Rice clerk.
Page 52

War Department Revolutionary Claim.
I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7th June, 1832, Christopher Eaton of the state of North Carolina who was a private in the war of the Revolution is entitled to receive Seventy dollars and -- cents per annum, during his natural life, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi-annually on the 4th of March, and 4th of September, in every year.
Given at the War Office of the United States, this 24 day of July one thousand eight hundred and thirty-three.
John Robb, Acting Secretary of War.

Examined and Countersigned.
J L Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions.