Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 8537, for Nicholas Proctor, Virginia
Page 1

(3-1776)
SERVICE
Va. 

Proctor, Nicholas
Catharine

NUMBER W.8537
B.L. Wt.26634-160-55
CONTENTS
Page 2

Illinois  26.296.

Nicholas Proctor 
of Hamilton in the State of Ill. who was a Pr- in the Company commanded by Captain Holden of the Regt commanded by Col - in the Virginia line for - Militia 

2 Ys p $ 80.00

Inscribed on the Roll of Ill at the rate of 80 Dollars [struck: Cents] per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831. 

Certificate of Pension issued the 3d day of May and Send to 1837 W.B. Scales, Salem, Ill. 

Arrears to the 4th day of Mc '34    240.00
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sept   40.00
                                                        280.00

Revolutionary Claim, 
Act June 7, 1821

Recorded by J.T. Sprague Clerk, 
Book 6  Vol 8   Page 60
Page 3

State of Illinois
County of Hamilton 

On this 19th day of March in the year of our Lord 1834 personally appeared in open court, before the circuit court of Hamilton county in Said State now in sitting, Nicholas Proctor, a resident of Hamilton county in said State aged 78 years.  who being first duly sworn according to law., doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832. 
That he entered the service of the United States following, under the following, named officers, and served as herein stated He was born in Brumsick county in the State of Virginia in the year 1756. and at the age of 5 or 6 years he left Virginia & moved to North Carolina Rowan county, whe he lived until he was a-bout the age of 19 years. He entered the service in the year 1778. near Holstein River in the State of Virginia, as a volunteer, under Capt Cornelius Riddle. for the purpose of defending the Virginia- frontier. He rendezvoused at Powells valley on the 10th of March 1778. Where he was under the command of Lieutenant Hargrave (Capt [illegible]- being along.) marched throug the Wilderness to a garrison called Boonsborough, where we were attached to Capt Berg. Logan.s company to continued under his command 2 or 3 months. He then volunteered inmediately under Capt John Holder [illegible]. being promoted to the command of the 1st Regiment we were employed in guarding the garrison day & night and ranging throo the country, to spy out the enemy, when they came into the country. Four hundred and forty four. Indians with some British and French. came on the 18th August 1778 and demanded the surrender of the Fort we fought them ten days and nights in succession keeping up a constant fire we kept the fort having lost 2 men killed and four
Page 4

wounded: we killed and wounded a good number of the enemy, but he does not recollect the number in the foregoing service under the several capts  he was engaged in all together six months.  he knew Col's Danl Boon and Richd Callaway.  Soon after
this Col Bowman came on from Virginia with one hundred and sixty men, which formed the 2nd Regiment in that country, he this deponent still being under the com-mand of Capt Holder was attached with Holder's command to Col. Bowman's command & Regiment. & still continuing in service all the winter & spring was some time in July 1779 sent on a campaign [struck: of Bowman] under the command of Col Bowman to old Chilicothe, against the Shawnee, where he met with the enemy and fought them about four hours and were compelled to retreat, sustaining a loss of nine men and one wounded.  The enemy pursuing, over-took us when we gave them battle again.  We fought about two hours and sustained our position and kept the ground We then returned home to Boonsborough, ranging & spying and fighting the enemy occasionally as we encountered them, continuing constantly in service, either in the field or in garrison.  Which is the 2nd period of my service, ending in September 1779, making one year form the end of my first period of service of 6 months ending in September 1778.  I still con-tinued in service under Capt Holder when Genl. Clark arrived, who some time in ^the summer or ^ the fall of the year 1782 called out a Regiment on the campaign against the Pickaway towns on the Scioto & against the Miami & Sandusky & Scioto Indians. We rendezvous'd at Cincinnati.  We took the towns at old & new Chilicothe & Wills's town. des-troyed all their corn & produce, burnt their towns, killed 17 Indians & took 30 prisoners.  This campaign lasted aobut 63 days, in which we lost some killed &
Page 5

were wounded, we returned home to Boonsborough and some time after I was sent to Estill's station on guard and served as a spy under Captain James Estill's, under whom I served until the close of the Revolutionary war.  In March 1783 we encountered a body of Indians about 25 in number who attacked Estill's station, containing 3 men.  The Indians killed one girl who was out of the Station.  he was out on a scout at the time: the Indians also took one negro- man & two horses and the scouts getting news followed, overtook & killed 17- the rest escaped.  we lost 7 killed and 4 wounded  the whole time of his service under Capts Holder & Estill from the end of his 2nd period of service in Sept 1779 to the end of the Revolution was four years making in all.  Of my service, under Capts. Riddle, Logan, Holder and Estill five years & 6 months.  I have stated all the remarkable transactions that took place within my knowledge.  I knew Genl Clark, Col's Boon, Bowman Callaway & Logan & Major Smith:  my whole service was as a volunteer.  I got no regular discharge: nor have any documentatary evidence of my service.  I had no record of my age.  Since the Revoluton I have lived in Madison county KY then I moved to Butler KY.  I then moved to Hamilton county state of Illinois where I have lived ever since.  I know of no persons who can
Page 6

testify as to my service in the Revolution, except Joseph Proctor, Little Page Proctor, Matthias Horn and William Horn, whose affidavits are hereto annexed.  I am known to Isaac Hale a clergyman and James Hall, Merril Millis, Lewis Lane, William Lane, Jesse Hiatt and a great many others his neighbours who can testify as to their belief of his service as a soldier of the Revolution and as to his veracity and respectability & integrity. 
Questions propounded by the court

Where & in what year were you born? 
     In Brunswick county Virginia, in the year 
     1756

Have you any record of your age & if so, where is it? 
     I have none

Where were you living when called into service?  Where have you lived since the Revolutionary War. & where do you now live? 
     I was moving to Ky when on the Virginia 
     frontier when I entered into service.  I have 
     lived in Madison & Butles counties K_y. 
     and Hamilton county Illinois where I now 
     live. 

How were you called into service:  were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute, & if a substitute, for whom? 
     I volunteered

State the names of some of the Regular officers who were with the troops where you served; such continental & Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your service. 
     I have the stated the names of such officers as I knew & such Regiments as I knew.  Whether the officers be Regular
Page 7

 lars or the Regiments be Continental or Militia I do not know; and the general circumstances of  my service I have stated. 

Did you ever receive a discharge from the service & if so, by whom was it given & what has become of it? 
     I never received any discharge & in answer to the 7th interrogatory I have already stated the names of ^some of ^ the persons who whom I am known in my neighborhood. 

he hereby relinquishes every claim ^whatever ^ to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his names is not on the pension-roll of the agency of any state.  Nicholas Proctor his X mark

Sworn to & subscribed the day & year aforesaid. 

We Isaac Hale, a clergyman residing in the county of Hamilton & state of Illinois and James Hall residing in the same, hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Nicholas Proctor, who has subscribed & sworn to the above declaraion:  that we believe him to be 78 years of age; that he is reputed and believed in the neighbour-hood where he resides to have been a soldier of the rev-
olution, and that we concur in that opinion.

Isaac Hale 
James Hall 
Sworn & subscribed the day & year aforesaid
Jesse C Lockwood Clk

Be it remember that Little Page Proctor appeared in open court on the day & year aforesaid, who being first duly sworn, deposes and says that he is personally knowing the truth of the facts & tours of service as related in the foregoing declaration of Nicholas Proctor for a pension:  that this affiant served with & was a mess mate of the said applicant for a greater part of the time, & knows of his personal knowledge
Page 8

that the said Nicholas did serve as he states and at the times he states from the Spring of the year 1778 until the close of the [interposed: Revolutionary] war, and that he acted as a brave and orderly soldier.  He also personally knows of the greater part of the battles as related by the said Nicholas; and that the said Nicholas is a man of integrity, veracity, and respectability in his neighbourhood. 

Little Page x Procter

Sworn to & subscribed in open court the day & year aforesaid. 
Jesse C. Lockwood, Clk. 

And the said court - do hereby declare, their opinion after the investigation of the matter and putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War department that the above named applicate was a Revolutionary Sol-dier, and served as he states, and the court further cer-tifies that it appears to them that Isaac Hale, who has signed the preceding certifcate is a clergyman, resident in the county of Hamilton & State of Illinois.  that James Hall who has [interposed:  also] signed the same is a resident in the same and are credible persons, and that their statements are entitled to credit; and the court do further certify, that the said Little Page Proctor, who has subscribed & sworn to the foregoing affidavit is also a respectable & credible person and that his statements are entitled also to credit

I Jesse C. Lockwood Clerk of the Circuit Court for said county do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court, in the matter of the application of Nicholas Proctor for a pension
     In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 19th day of March  Anno Domini 1834

Jesse C. Lockwood Clk c.c. H.c. 
[seal]
Page 9

State of Kentucky Estill County /LS/

The affidavit of Joseph Procter Mathew Horn William Horn states that Nicholas Procter enlisted as a private soldier on Holstien under Capt Riddle in the latter part of the year 1777 - or the beginning of the year 1778 and in the spring of the year 1778 was brought to Kenty and Served under Capt Logan during the year 1778 and was stationed at Boonsboro-ugh and during the year 1779 he remained at Boonsborough under Capt Holder in the year 1780 and 1781 - he served at Estills Station under Capt. James Estill Saml Estill Lieutenant - he also served at McGee's Station [interposed: under] Capt Dulin James McGuire lieutenant.  the time served there we annot recollect.  We also served during the War or until peace was made and during the two years he was stationed at Estills Station he was employed the quarter part of the time as an Indian spy, and acted as Such  He was also in the battle at the siege of the fort at Boonsborough and acted as a brave soldier - he went on campaign with a small number of men, to the Indian Towns we think at old Chilicothe.  he also went on Clark's campaign and messed with these affiants, they are also of opinion
Page 10

he served on other campaigns, but the names or times of them they cannot recollect.  He was a private soldier during the whole time of his servitude and he served Six or eight years or more -  Given under our hands as this 9th September 1833

Joseph Proctor 
his X mark 

Mathew Horn 
his X mark 

William Horn 
X

State of Kenty Estill County 

This day Joseph Procter Nathew Horn and William Horn whose names are subscribed to the the Statement, personally appeared before me the undersigned a Justice of the Peace for the County aforesaid and made oath that the facts as made in their foregoing statement respecting the servitude of Nicholas Procter are true to the best of their knowledge and recollection - I further certify that Joseph Procter is a citizen of Estill County and a Clergiman of long and high standing and that Mathew Horn and William Horn are also citizens of Estill County and that they are creditable men.  Given under my hand this 9th day of September 1833

Benjm Straughn, J.P.
Page 11

State of Kentucky 
County of Estill [illegible]

I Robt Clark clerk of the Court for the County aforesaid do certify that Benj-amin Straughn is a Justice of the Peace as before stated and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his is genuine.  In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my Seal of office and subscribed my name this 9th day of September 1833

Robt Clark

[seal]
Page 12

Increase 4. [illegible]

Illinois
Catharine Proctor
widow of 
Va Nicholas, Procter
who served in the Revolutionary 
war, as a Private, 
Inscribed on the ^ Militia Rool at the rate of 96 dollars ~cents per annum, to commence on the Ded paymnts made since  27 July 1868 

Certficate of Pension issued
10th day of Nov r" 1868
and sent to McElvain & Hamill 
McLeansboro
Ills

Recorded on the Roll of Pensioners under act February 3, 1853, Page 244  Vol II
July 27, 68  J.N. Smith 

Date of widow's death not on AB.
Page 13

State of Illinois 
Hamilton County ss

On this 19th day of April 1854 personally appeared before the [struck: State] county Court of the State of Illinois Catharine Proctor a resident of Illinois in the county of Hamilton and State aforesaid aged sixty nine years who first being duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaraion in order to obtain the benefits of the privision made yb the Act of Congress passed on the 3d February 1853, graning pensions to widow of persons who served during the Revolutionary war  That she is the widow of Nicholas Proctor who was a Revolu-tionary Soldier. 

 She further declares that she was married to the said Nicholas Proctor on the 27 day of January 1820.  That her said husband died on the 26th day of July 1835.  That she was not married to him prior to the second of January Eighteen hundred but at the time above stated.  She further declares that she is now a widow.

For further evidence she refers your honor to her said husbands pension papers on file in the pension office Department. 

[Struck?: Sworn to and subscriberd on the day and year above written before]
Catharine Proctor
her X mark

Test
Alfred Moore
Jno McElwain

State of Illinois
Hamilton County  ss

Sworn to and subscribed before me the 19th day of April 1854, and I certify that the above named Catharine Proctor is a person entitled to credit, and that I am wholly disinterested in this application for a pension.  I further certify that the above was signed and sworn before the County Court of said county of Hamilton, in open court, the said court being then and there in session.  I further certify that one Interlineation was made in the said Delaration before
Page 14

the same was signed and sworn to. Also two lines at the bottom of the declaration.  In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said Court at McLe-ansboro this 19th day of April 1854
Saml A Martin Clerk 
by Jno McElwain Deputy
Page 15

No 26634 f May, 20/56

42075
Acct Search 3/55
Office           6/55

Catharine Proctor wid of 
Nicholas Proctor  pr-

Revolutionary War

Widow Rev Pensioner
Lef 53  4126

W: 160 [illegible] May 16/56
Boynton
R
Hon Brinkley
[illegible] Leansboro, Ill 

Ills. 
Feb 53- No 4126

Civ. W. Brinkley  Sept 4/18[?]5
Cet: "        "         Oct 12 27"  "
Vol P. page 142
Page 16

State of Illinois 
Hamilton County SS

On this 27th day of March one thousand Eight hundred and fifty five personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace within and for the County and State aforesaid Catharine Proctor age 70 years a resident of the County of Hamilton in the State of Illinois who being duly sworn according to law declares that she is the widow of Nicholas Proctor deceased who was a Revolutionary Soldier (the company and regiment and the serives of her husband not recollected by refer your honor to her husbands papers on file in the pension [interposed] office for further evidence, and she also refers your honor to her papers on file in the pension office which she obtained a pension under act of Congress passed the 3rd of February 1853. for further evidence)

She further states that she was married to the said Nicholas Proctor on or about 27th day of January 1820, that her said husband died on or about the 26th day of July 1835 and that she is a widow at the date of executing this her declaration and has never obtained any bounty land under {interposed} any act of Congress.  She makes this [obscured] the purpose of obtaining the bounty land [struck: for evidence] which she may be entitled under act of Congress passed the 3rd of March 1835.  She also declares that she has never received nor applied for Bounty Land under this act or any other act of Congress except above stated. 

Catharine Proctor
her X mark
Page 17

W 42075
Page 18

State of Ilinois        ss
Hamilton County 

On this 27th day of March 1855 personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace within and for the County and State aforesaid
O.D. Getting and Mary Jane Wilson residents of the Sate of Illinois and County of Hamilton who being duly sworn according to law declare that they are personally and well acquainted with Catharine Proctor who saw her make her mark to the within declaration that they know her to be the identical person there in represented and that she is now a widow and they swear that they are disinterested witnesses. 
O.D. Getting
Mary Jane Wilson

Sworn to and subscribed before me 
the day and year above written
J A Wilson J.P. 

State of Illinois     ss
Hamilton County 

I Samuel A Martin Clerk of the county Court in and for the County and State above named do hereby certify that James M. Wilson Esq. before whom the foregoing declaration and affidavit were made and who has hereunto signed his name was at the time of so doing a Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State above named july commissioned and sworn that all his official acts as such are entitled to full faith and credit and that his signature thereto is denuine, and that I am in no manner interested. 

In testimony whereof I have hereunto signed my name and affixed my official seal this 28th day of march 1855. 
Saml A martin  Clk
Page 19

February 14, 1936
XXXXXXXXX

Mr. B. J. Walter
Wabash Post #423, American Legion
Mount Carmel, Illinois

NICHOLAS PROCTOR
W. 8537
BA-J/MIB

Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of Nicholas Proctor who served with the
Virginia troops during the Revolutionary War and received pension while residing in the State of Illinois.
You are furnished herein the record of the only soldier named Nicholas Proctor, under any spelling, found in the Revolutionary War
records of this office. The data therein were obtained from the papers on file in pension claim, W. 8537, based upon his service in the Revolution.
Nicholas Proctor was born in 1756 in Brunswick County, Virginia; the names of his parents are not stated. When five or six years of age he left Virginia and moved to Rowan County, North Carolina, where he lived until about nineteen years of age.
While moving to Kentucky or the Virginia frontier, Nicholas Proctor volunteered in the latter part of 1777 or the spring of 1778,
near the Holston River in Virginia, under Captain Cornelius Riddle for the purpose of defending the Virginia frontier, marched under Lieutenant Hargrave through the wilderness to the garrison at Boonsborough, Kentucky, there joined Captain Benjamin Logan's company, served two or three months then volunteered under Captain John Holder (Captain Logan being promoted to commander of the 1st Regiment), and while guarding the garrison day and night, was in a
ten day siege and in the battle in August, 1778, at Fort Boonsborough,  with the British, French and Indians, and was discharged in September, 1778, after having served a tour of six months. He immediately volunteered and served as private in Captain Holder's company, Colonel Bowman's Virginia regiment, in July, 1779, went on a campaign
to Old Chillicothe against the Shawnee Indians, engaged in ranging, spying and fighting the enemy occasionally, was in two battles with them, one lasting about four hours, the other two hours, and was discharged in September, 1779, after having served on this tour one year.
Page 20

Marginal note: 

Widow's cft jacket missing where this hits. was written.
Page 21

Sarah Proctor wid: Little Page.  Ill: 53  No 2,088 $80 per an: 
Catharine "  "  Nicholas " " " 4,126 """"

Sarah Proctor Wid: of Little Pape[sic]  Proctor,& Catharine Proctor wid: Nicholas Proctor   Now receiving pen:  Their pensions ceased in 1848.  Why I know not & began in 53.  Since there is an arrears of 5 years in each case I want to obtain the arrears, & all other rights they may have

R.W. Townshern  Apl. 10" 1865
Letter surrendered to atty: related to othe rmatters the above is an extract from it. 
Apl. 21" 65
Page 22

(vertical on left) No. 42975

McLeansboro, Illinois
March th 1855
Please address to me on this Business
Wm Brinkley 
CH McLeansboro Ill
Page 23

May 3d  78521
No. 11,657

Catharine Proctor, 
wid of 
Nicholas

Hamilton Co
Ill. 

Act of 53
$80.00 per ann
Com: Feby: 37853

Revy 

Claimant 
McLeansborough
Page 24

(Horizontal)

Free
Official Buisness

Hon Commissioner for Pensions
Washington City DC

(Vertcal, left side)

Recd May 3d 1839
McLeansboro Ill 
April 24

(Vertical, right side)

Catharine Proctor
wid 
Nicholas
Boynton
Page 25

(Horizontal) 

Free
Official business

Hon Commissioner for Pensions
Washington City DC


(Vertical, left side)

Recd May 3d 1839
McLeansboro  Ill 
April 24



(vertical, right side)

Catharine Proctor
wid
Nicholas
Boynton
Page 26

(Left side) 
4126
Illinois "
Catharine Proctor
widow of Nicholas
who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Private

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 80 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 3d February, 1853
Certificate of Pension issued 
8th day fo May 1854
and sent to 
Claimant
McLeansborough
Hamilton Co 
Ills

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act 
Bebrurary 3, 1853, Page 194 Vol. A

(right side)
Berrie DeKrafft & Co.  April 21" 65


Reg 3 m55- 42075
[illegible initials]
Page 27

26 6301

[Nothing?]
Page 28

(left side)

Pension Office
4" May 1854

Sir 

Please Certify the time to which the within named pension was paid on the date of his death. 

Very Respectfully
S. Cole 
For the Commissioner 

27 July 35
$80

Francis Burt. Esqr
Third Auditor, [Liasing?] 


(left side, vertical)
"Boynton."

(Right side, horizontal)

Mr Randall 

(right side, vertical)
Nicholas Proctor died 27 July 1835 $8 per ann:

F Burt
Auditor
Page 29

(Top, vertical) 

Pension Office
4" May 1854

Sir

Please Certify the time to which the within named pension was paid on the date of his death.

Very Respectfully
S. Cole
For the Commissioner

27 July 35
$80

Francis Burt. Esqr
Third Auditor, [Liasing?]

(Top, Horizontal)
"Boynton"

(Bottom, vertical)

Mr Randall

(bottom, horizontal)

Nicholas Proctor died 27 July 1835 $8 per ann:

F Burt
Auditor
Page 30

2 Pres:  26" July, 35

"Boynton"
Page 31

(left side)
1936. Feb 14- Hist to J.B. Walter - MJB

(right side) 

Revy WIDOW &c

File No. 8537
Catharine Proctor 
wid
Nicholas Proctor 
Privt Rev War

Act: Febry 3d  1853

Index:  Vol. M, Page 140
[Arrangement of 1870]
Page 32

Pension office, 
Sept 4 1855

Sir:  
The claim of Catharine Proctor for bounty land under the act of the 3d of March, 1855, No. 42075 has been examined and suspended. 

The revolutionary service of Nicholas Proctor the husband of the applicant, does not appear of record in this office. 

The 3d section of said act requires a service of "FOURTEEN DAYS"  to be established by "RECORD EVIDENCE." 

Upon the production of such evidence of service, the claim will be favorably considered. 

Very respectfully, 
J. Minot
Commissioner

Wm Brinkley Esq.
McLeansboro 
Illinois
Page 33

C Proctor 

Payment to be made at Springfield by 
Isaac B. Curran, 
Agent for paying Pensioners, in the Agency of
Illinois
Payable on the 4th September and 4th March 

Recorded in the Pension Office onf the Roll of Pensioners under act Februrary 3d, 1853, Page 194 Vol. A. 
G.T. Getty, Clerk
Page 34

Department of the Interior 
Widow's Pension 

I certify that in conformity with the 2d section of the act of Feb-ruary 3, 1853, 
Catharine Proctor, 
widow of Nicholas Proctor, 
who was a Private in the revolutionary war, is inscribed on the pension list at the rate of Eighty " dollars and ------ cents per annum, commencing on the 3d of February, 1853, and continuing for life, unless she should again marry; in which case the Pension is not payable after the time of such marriage. 

Given at the Department of the Interior, this Eighth day of May, one thousand eight hundred and fifty-four. 

R. McClelland
Secretary of the Interior 

Examined and Countersigned
LP Waldo 
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 35

4126
Page 36

rief in the case of Catharine Proctor, Widow of Nicholas.
Hamilton County and State of Ill: 
act 3d Febry: 1853

Claim, ("original" [obscured])

Proof Exhibited (if original)

Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls?  If either, state the substance. 

Husband was a pensioner under the act of 7" June, 1832. 

Two witnesses testify they were present at the marriage. 

(if for increase.) 
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim?  If so, what?
Page 37

Centralia
Page 38

4126
Increase
Brief in the Case of Catharine Proctor, Widow of Nicholas Proctor   Private Rev.    McLeansboro [interposed:  Centralia]
Hamilton County and State of Illinois. 

Act 3d he Feb. 1853


Claim for New Pension Certificate

Proof Exhibited, 
A pension on the roll of Illinois at $80 pr annum 
Claim under the Act of July 27, 1868

Personal identity widowhood known

Admitted Nov 7, 1868 to a pension at $96 pr annm  to [accrue?] July 27, 1868 deducting pay. [dues?]

W.E. Trask 
Examining Clerk 

Name and residenct of Agent 
McIlwain & Hamill 
McLeansboro 
Illinois
Page 39

American Legion, Wabash Post No. 423
MT. CARAMEL, ILLINOIS
B. J. Walter
Dept. of Military Records and Graves Registration
February 1st, 1936  (Received FEB 5 1936)
The Veterans Administration,
Bureau of Pensions,
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sir:
Kindly furnish pension claim record and any other information available of a one Nicholas Proctor who served with Virginia troops during the War of the Revolution.
This soldier received pension while residing in the State of Illinois.
Very truly yours,
B.J. Walter,
Dept. of Military Records
and Graves Registration,
American Legion,
BJW:rpf    Wabash Post #423
Page 40

(Horizontal, top:) 

No. 42045

(Horzontal, bottom:)
McLeansboror Ill 
March 28 1855


(Vertical, left to right)

Office Business Free

Hon Commissioner of Penstions
Washington City D.C.
Page 41

Nicholas Proctor 
Illinois
Adm 2 years. _ 


Walter B Scates 
Salem 
Illinois
Page 42

War Department,
Pension Office,
8th April 1834

Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act o June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned.  The following is a statement of your case in a tabalar form.  On comparing these papers with the following rules and the subjcined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before pension can be allowed.  The notes and the regulations will show what is necefsary 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 compling with this request; greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, showing the Service of Nicholas Proctor
Period when the service was rendered | 
Duration of the claimant's service |
Years. | Months. | Days. |
Rank of the claimant. |
Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. | 
Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. | '78 years |
Proof by which the declaration is supported.
I am, respectfully, Your obedient servant,
James L. Edwards,
Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 43

2
REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT 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 to Store Keepers, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c.  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.
2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.
3. Persons employed in the Navel Service.
4. Indian Spies.
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, mucicians 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 this___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.  The 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 times 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.  This form is to be varied so 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 delcares 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 proceeding 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:
9K0 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 days 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 the procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances 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 his
Page 44

[page] 3
alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person 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.
{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 and 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 inquiry 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, or 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 case of 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 ruloe laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. 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 languages 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 andavit 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 the 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__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 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 fourt 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 no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
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 [j] 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.
Page 45

Salem Ill 
March 24                                                  Free


Hon. Lewis Cass Secy of War
Washington City 

[Diagonal, lower left}
Pension Bureau
Page 46

Salem Illinois

Dr. Sir   Enclosed I send to you the amended declaration of Nicholas Proctor, for a pension.  I have written out his declaration anew,  finding the papers in so confused a situation as not to be able to perfect them: retaining the original papers, I hope now Sir that you will find them satisfactory as amended:  particularly as there are several witnesses certifying positively to his service; and all duly authenticated as I conceive.  I hope Sir that the old gentleman's claim may now be allowed.  Whatever disposition may be made of it. I hope the department will duly notify me as soon as a decision is made.

Please direct any commu-nication to me at Frankfort; or enclose the certificate to me at same place. 

I have the Honor be be Sir your most obt. Servt

Walter B. Scates
March 23rd  1834

Hon. Lewis Cass  Secry of War
Page 47

1828 papers
to be filed
with Ad
owing 
#8537
Page 48

Nicholas Proctor  _Pvt.
VA line - 
Rev. 

Ills. - 


No Record old Books- 
Wid. - file no. 8537

Evidence insufficient
Act 1828

[Right, vertical}

Nicholas Proctor
Page 49

General Land Office
25 April 1829 

Sir

The name of Nicholas Proctor does not appear on the List of Warrants issued by the Register of the Land office at Richmond Va.  so far as they have been received. 

Geo. Graham
Commissioner

War Depart:  bounty land office
The records of this office do not show that Nicholas Proctor of the Virga line ever received or is entitled to bounty land of the United States

Robert Taylor
28 April 1829
Page 50

Treasury Department 
21 April 1829 

Nicholas Proctor of --- in the County of Hamilton in the State of Illinois has applied to the Secretary of the Treasury for the benefits of the act, entitled "An Act for the relief of certain surviving officers and soldiers of the Revolution," approved the 15th of May, 1828.  He states that he enlisted in the Continental line of the army of the Revolution, for and during the war, and continued until its termination, at which period he was a Private in captain Proctor's company, in Col. Logan's regiment of the Virginia line; and that he received a certificate for the reward of eighty dollars, provided by the resolve of the 15th of May, 1788; and further, that he was not on the 15th day of May, 1828, on the pension list of the United States, and that he has received as a pensioner since the 3d of March, 1826, nothing. 

The Third Auditor is requested to report how far the several statements are corrborated by the records in his office. 

By order of the Secretary, 
F.A. Dickins

Treasury Department, 
Third Auditor's Office, 
23d April 1829 

[struck through:  It appears by the records in this office, that a certificate fo rthe reward of eighty dollars has been issued to    in the  ]
It further appears that Nicholas Proctor is not now on the pension list of any agency and has not been so since the 3d March 1826

The name of Nicholas Proctor can-not be found among those of the Virginia line to whom Certificates were issued for the gra-tuity of Eighty Dollars - 
Peter Hagner  Audr
Page 51

Form "N"

application for increase of Pension under act of July 27, 1868

Catharine Proctor, widow of Nicholas Proctor, who was a private in the revo-lutionary war
Page 52

N    form 

Declaration for Increase of Pension 
Under Sec. 13 act of July 17, 1868

State of Illinois
County of Hamilton  SS

On this 28 day of October A.D. 1868 personally appeared before me Clerk of the county court in and for said County and State - Catharine Proctor  aged 83 years a resident of McLeansboro post office in said County and State who being duly sworn according to law declares that she is the identical Catharine Proctor to whom was granted a pension certificate No. ___ as widow of Nicholas Proctor who was a Private in the Revolutionary war, payable at Springfield Ills. but afterwards transferred to Centralia Ills. where it is now payable at the rate of Eighty dollars per annum under the act of February 3, 1853; that she makes this declaration in order to secure the increase of her pension to which she is entitled under the 13th Sec. of the act of July 27, 1868.  That McElvain & Hamill of McLeansboro Ills are hereby constituted and appointed her true and lawful attorney to prosecute this claim and receive her pension certificate when issued, that her post office address is McLeansboro Ills. 

Catharine Proctor 
her X mark 

D Walker 
M.F. Scott

Also personally appeared George H Trout & John Frazier residents of said county and State persons whom I certify to be respectable and entitled to credit and who being by me first duly sworn according to law say that they
Page 53

were present and saw Catharine Proctor sign her name to the foregoing declaration and they further swear that they have every reason to believe from the appearance of the affiant and their acquaintance with her that she is the identical peson she repre-sents herself to be, and that they have no interest in the prosecution of this claim. 

John Frazier 
George H. Trout

Sworn to and subscribed before me this day and year first above written and I hereby certify that I have no interest direct or indirect in the prosceution of this claim and that the foregoing declaration and affidavit was read over and explained to declarant and affiants before signing. 
Witness my hand and official seal 
J.W. Marshall - clerk
Page 54

Form "N" 
Application for increase of Pension under act of July 17, 1868

Catharine Proctor, widow of Nicholas Proctor, who was a private in the revolutionary war

McElvain & Hamill 
Attys  McLeansboro Ills. 

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR PENSION OFFICE NOV 5 1868
Page 55

State of Illinois        SS
Hamilton County 

On this 22d day of April 1854, personally appeared before me the undersigned a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Hamilton and State aforesaid duy authorized to administer oaths  John Proctor (Jun) and Mary Proctor - who are to me well known and who are creditable witnesses and who being by me duly sworn before and say that they are each well acquainted with Catharine Proctor whoes name signed to the foregoing declaration for a pension, and that they have known her the said Catharine Proctor for about thirty four years last past, and that these witnesses state on their oaths that Catharine was married to Nicholas Proctor who was a Revolutionary Soldier, on or about the 27th day of January, 1820, and that the said Catharine and Nicholas Proctor lived together as husband and wife until her said husbands death and that the said Catharine Proctor is the widow of the said Nicholas Proctor who was a Revolutionary Soldier, 

And that these witnesses further state on their oaths that they were present at the weding and seen the marriage solemnized between the said Catharine and Nicholas Proctor and that the said Nicholas Proctor who was a Revolutionary Soldier, died on or about the 26th day of July 1835. 
John Proctor 
his X mark 
Mary Proctor 
her X mark 

Subscribed and sworn to before me the day and year first above written and I certify that these witnesses are residents of Hamilton county state of Illinois and that their creditability can not be disputed and that I am not interested here in. 
Jesse Moore   JP
Page 56

State of Illinois       SS
Hamilton County

I Saml. A. Martin, Clerk of the County Court, in and for said county, do certify that Jesse Moore whose name appears to the foregoing affidavit, is and was at the time of Signing then serve as acting justice of the peace in and for Said County duly commissioned and qualified as appears of record in my office. 

Witness Saml A. Martin Clerk of said Court and the Judicial Seal whereof hereto affixed.  
At McLeansboro this 24th day of April 1856
Saml A. Martin Clk 
By Jno McElvain, Deputy