Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 1444, Robert Burchfield, N.C.
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C
SERVICE  NUMBER
N.C.
CONTENTS
Burchfield, Robert R. 1444.
Elizabeth
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7420
Indiana

Robert Burchfield
of Ripley Co in the State of Indiana
who was a private in the Company commanded
by Captain Davis of the Regh: commanded
by Col McDowell in the N. C. ma
for 18 mos. from '75

Inscribed on the Roll of Indiana
at the rate of 60 Dollars 00 Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 9 day of April 
1833 and sent to 
-
Stephen L. Harding Versailles. In.
---
Arrears to the 4th of March 1833 of 120.00
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sept 1833 30.00
$150.00

Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832.

Recorded by W. L. Williams Clerk,
Book E. [C] Vol. 7, Page 105
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Declaration of Robert Burchfield
in order to obtain
the benefit of the act of Congref of June 7th 1832.
State of Indiana

Ripley County
 [illegible] ss On this 1[3]th day of November in
the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and
thirty two personally appeared in open Court before the Honorable
Henry B Hukile Probate Judge of the Ripley County probate Court now sitting at Versailles in the said County of
Ripley Robert Burchfield
a resident of the
said County of Ripley and State of Indiana aged [seventy] 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 Congref passed June 7th 1832
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated. He
entered the service of the United States some time in the
month of March or April 1775, as a volunteer against the Cherokee indians in North Carolina and served at Capt Geo. Cathie's
Station which was situated on the hill on the shore
of Catawba River in Rowan County North Carolina (now called Burke
County, he served under Genl Rutherford, Col Mathew Locke
Capt Geo Cathie Lieut Robert Scott.  and Sergent Wm. Steel; he left the service in June the same year after serving for three months. He also volunteered again immediately
in the same month of June for three months more and
served for three months at Capt Davis Station higher
up the river against the Cherokee Indians. During this term of
service he was commanded by Genl Rutherford, Col. Locke
Major William Davis, Capt Samuel Davis and (Lieutenant James Davis as he believes) He left the service some time in
the month of Sept. same year, after serving for three months
Afterwards in the year 1778 between the 10th & 25th days of
November he volunteered again the third time and marched against the Brittish who were landing at the mouth
of Savannah River at Savannah in Georgia. He served there for five months under General Rutherford Col Locke
Col Archer Ben Little, Maj Nelson Capt Robt Alexander Lient John Baxter and Sergent Jesse Gothers. Part of this
term of service he served under Col Archer Benlittle Major Nelson and Capt. James Richardson in Col Ben
Littles Regiment of Light Infantry. He left the service in
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April 1779. On Turkey Hill. after first being duly discharged by Col
Locke. He then afterwards in the month of Nov. 1781, Volunteered again and marched against the Cherokees, who were plundering
the frontiers along Chucky River.  Watter & Holston Rivers
and served for one month under Col John Savier Maj Walton Maj Jonathan Tipton Capt William Trimble,
and Lieut Jesse Wethers He left the service in the month
of December following. He again in the month of May 1782
volunteered for three months more and served at Col Warfords station under Gen Charles McDowell Col Jos.
McDowell, and Maj McDowell (cousins to the Col.) Cop
James Davis, and Ensign Mackie Burchfield (brother to
this applicant)/ Warfords station was situated on the South fork  of 
Catawba River in a place called Turkey cove -
He left the service some time in August 1782. He then
in the month of March following (1783) volunteered for
the sixth time and marched against the Indians (also
Cherokees) who came down upon the settlements in Burke
County formerly called Rowan County, and killed
his father.  He served during this term between three and
four months and was commanded by Genl. Charles McDowell. Col Joseph McDowell. Maj Cleaveland
Capt Geo. Cathie. Lieutenant thomas Smithh and Ensign (or
Sergent) Richard Reed and left the service in the
month of June same year. His place of residence at
the time he entered the service the first time and during
all his several terms (except the fourth term when he
served a month against the Indians) was in the County
of Burke North Carolina. He entered the service as a volunteer
at all the terms of his service. He was engaged
in the Battle of General Ash's defeat at Briar
creek below Augusta in Georgia, and also in the Battle
fought by Col Savier and the Indians on Boyd Creek
on the South West side of French broad River,
in North Carolina (since called Tennessee) in this enagement he killed and scalped an Indian who was
aining a death shot at one of the American soldiers.
Afterwards he was also in the Battle of the Cherokee Towns
where they destroyed by fire two indian Towns
During his first term for three months at Cathies
station he served as a Ranger and one of the [illegible]
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Afterwards he was also in the Battle of the Cherokee Towns where they destroyed by fire two indian Towns.
During his first term for three months at Cathies station he served as a Ranger and one of the guards along the frontier. During this 
second term for three months at Davis Station he also Ranger  [illegible] 
Mountains and served as a guard on the frontier
During his third Tour for five months against
the British he marched from the upper part
of Rowan County to Mecklenburgh Courthouse
where for a short time the army rendezvoused.  from there he marched to Camden S.C. from thence over the sand hills by the Eutaw springs to the ten mile house this side of Charleston where the army encamped. from thence he marched by [illegible] to [Plensburgh] in South Carolina on the Savannah River. There he joined Col Archer Ben Little light infantry and was marched up the river to keep the British from crossing at Augusta where they encamped on a Bluff called Mathews Bluff. from thence he marched up the
River an half mile where he crossed and marched through Augusta down the River to
a Bridge across Briar Creek where he remained
until the defeat of General Ash; there he
was compelled to swim the creek to make his
escape, and then he went down the river
across Briar creek Bridge where he crossed and again joined Genl Rutherfords army then stationed on Turkey hill where he was discharged. 
During his fourth tour (under Col Savier) he marched from
[Nola]chucky river to the big island of French Broad
on to Boyds creek where the Battle [illegible]
was fought and from thence to Little river to one of the Cherokee towns where they fought the savage;
from thence back to Chucky river. During his fifth tour (at Col Warfords station) he served as a ranger and guard on the frontier. During his sixth and last tour (which added to the other five tours of service makes Eighteen months service) he marched from Davis Stations to [S  ] river and French Broad River [illegible] two [illegible] rivers at [illegible] Pigeon River on to Tennessee into the Cherokee Towns where 
the Indians were defeated from thence
he marched to the station where he
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continued to [illegible] until the danger was past.
He was [illegible] with Col
Archer Ben Little Maj Nelson Capt James
Craig Capt Richard Simmons Capt John
Benerly and Lieut Hughs of the regular [illegible],
and as before stated he served in
Col Ben Littles Regiment of Light infantry. That he knows of no person whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his
services, and he has no documentary evidence to prove the same.
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continued to [illegible] until the danger was past.  He was [illeglible] with
with Col Archer Ben Little Maj Nelson and Capt James Craig Capt Richard Simmons Capt June
Benerly and Lieut Hughs of the [illegible],
and as before stated he served in
Col Ben Littles Regiment of Light infantry. That he knows of no person whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his
services, and he has no dockumente
device to prove the same.
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He hereby relinquishes any claim whatever to pension or [illegible] except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State.
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year afforesaid.
Robert Burchfield his X mark

By Elias Robinson
A clergyman residing in
the County of Ripley and State of Indiana and John Hunter residing in the same County and State do 
hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Robert Burchfield
who has subscribed and sworn to the above
declaration, that we believe him to be 73 years of age;
that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where
the resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and
that we concur in that opinion.

Sworn to and subscribed the day
and year aforesaid
Elias Robinson
John Hunter

And the said Court do hereby certify 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 Elias Robinson
who has signed the preceeding certificate is a Clergyman resident in the
County of Ripley and State of Indiana, and that
John Hunter who has also signed the same is a resident of the same County and State, and is a credible person, and
that their statement is entitled to certify.
H. B. Hukill Probate Judge

Answers to the Questions prescribed by the war department,
and propounded to the above named applicant by the said Court.

Answer to first Quest. I was born the
18th day of December 1759. above Baltimore on Pipe Creek Maryland, 
Answer to Quest 2. the reccord
of my age as given me by Father. 
Answer to third Quest
I resided in Rowan County N. Carolina during all my service except the term of one month. Since the Revolution I


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have resided in the State of Kentucky from thence I remove to this State where I now reside (Riply County Indiana
Answer to 4th Quest. I volunteered as before stated. 
Answer to 5th Quest. The General
circumstances of my service are within stated.
I was acquainted with Col. Archer Ben Little and with the officers named within who belonged to the Continental army and served in Col Ben Littles Regiment of Light infantry. 
Answer to Quest,
I rec two written discharges one from Col Locke during my 3d term and one from Captain Davis during my 4th term.
Answer to 7th Quest
[Illegible]  of Col John Hunter Dach Cornett Col Robinson of Versailles and all who know me.

I, David P. Shook Clerk of the Probate Court
of the County of Ripley and State of Indiana do hereby certify
that the forgoing contains the original proceedings of the [illegible]
Court in the matter of the application of Robert Burchfield
●
for a pension

In Testimony whereof I have here
unto set my hand and seal of office this 13th day of November
Anno Domini 1832
David P. Shook C.P.C.R.C.

Versailles Indiana  Nov 15th 1832
[illegible] you will please direct your communications to me at Versailles Ripley Co. Indiana as I am the Agent and Attorney for the above named applicant.
Yours [illegible]
Hon. Secretary of War
Stephen L Harding
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Elizabeth Burchfield
widow of
Robert Burchfield [illegible]
a pensioner under
act 7 June 1832
Indiana Agency.
F. A. Dickins Atty
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Declaration of Elizabeth Burchfield for a Pension
under the act of 17th June 1844
State of Indiana [illegible]
Ripley County ⎬ 
On this 26th day of February 1845
personally appeared in open Court before the Honorable [illegible]
Judge of the Ripley County Circuit Court now in session.
Elizabeth Burchfield a resident of said County aged Seventy Seven 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 provision made by the act of Congress
passed June 17th one thousand Eight hundred and forty four 
That she is the widow of Robert Burchfield, who was a soldier of the Revolution, and a pensioner of the United States
under the act of 7th June 1832. The Commissioner of Pensions is referred to his papers on file in the War Office in proof of his services.
She further declares that she was married
to the said Robert Burchfield in the month of March one thousand Seven Hundred and Eighty Seven (1787) in
Burk County State of North Carolina 
Her maiden name before her marriage was Elizabeth Hill. Then her husband
the aforesaid Robert Burchfield died the 29th day of October 1844. in the County of Ripley aforesaid.  That she was
not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the
marriage took place previous to the first day of January Seventeen hundred and ninety four 
viz at the time above stated
Elizabeth Burchfield her mark
Sworn to and subscribed in open Court on the
day and year above written before me
Courtland Cushing Pres Judge
Presiding Judge of the 3d
Judical Circuit State of Indiana
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State of Indiana ⎬ SS.
Ripley County 

I Conrad Overturf  Clerk of the Ripley Circuit Court in and for the said County and
State do hereby certify that Courtland Cushing Esq
before whom the foregoing proceedings was had in the matter
of the application of Elizabeth Burchfield for a Pension
is Presiding Judge of the 3d Judicial Circuit of the State of Indiana
duly commissioned and qualified, and
per the above signatures purporting to be [illegible]
that the said proceedings were had in open Court.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto
set my hand and affixed the seal of
said Court at Versailles this 26th day
of February 1845.
Conrad Overturf Clerk.
By John S. S. Hunter Deputy 

State of Indiana ⎬ SS.
Ripley County
On this 26th day of February 1845
personally appeared in open Court are the Honorable the
Judge of the Ripley County Circuit Court now in session

John Burchfield a resident of said County aged 77 years who being first duly sworn deposeth and saith that in the begining of (1787, Seventeen Hundred and Eighty seven he became acquainted with the above
named applicant for a Pension. That her name before her marriage was Elizabeth Hill, that she was the daughter of Col Hill of Rowan County, North Carolina.
That during the year 1787 or for a part of the time he was stationed at Seegalo or Sugalor, station on the head of Savanah
River South Carolina her residence at that time was about twenty miles from said station in Burke County North Carolina on the waters of Cataba or Catawba River - that this
Informant well remembers of the marriage between the
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said Elizabeth Hill and Robert Burchfield who was a Pensioner of the United States of the time of his death which took place on the 29th October last. That they were married in the month of March (the precise day he cannot state) in the year 1787. The reason why he
can recollect the said Maarriage so well is for the following reasons amongst others. 
The year of 1787, (the time of this
marriage) was notorious for the fact of an Indian Massacre called the "defeated Camps" which took place in the wilderness
between the Crab Orchard and Clinch River. The said Robert Burchfield and his wife the said Elizabeth Burchfield removed to Kentucky that year to wit the year of the Marriage 1787. They were married by one James Davidson Edge a magistrate who was killed in about two years afterwards by the Indians on the [Swannanoa] River. 
This deponent has from that period until the
present been intimately acquainted with the said Robert and Elizabeth Burchfield and Known her to be the same person before spoken of as the daughter of Col Hill, and the Lady married to the said Robert
Burchfield in 1787, as aforesaid. That they have 
[illegible] continued to live together as man and wife from the
said period of 1787, until the time of the death of the said husband and raised a large family of children and further deponent [illegible] John Burchfield

Sworn to and subscribed the 26th day
of February 1845 before me in open Court
Courtland Cushing
President Judge 3rd Circuit Court Ind.
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And I the said Courtland Cushing President Judge as aforesaid do hereby certify that it appears to me upon due examination, that the above named John Burchfield is a man of truth and veracity, and as such is entitled to full credit.
Courtland Cushing
President judge 3rd Judicial
Court Indiana

I Conrad Overturf Clerk, above named do hereby further certify that the above signatures purporting to be the signature of Cortland Cushing, judge as aforesaid, and [illegible]

In testimony whereof I have
hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of
said Court at Versailles the 26th day of
February 1845. Conrad Overturf Clerk
By John S. S. Hunter Deputy

Elizabeth Burchfield
widow of
Robert Burchfield 

a pensioner under
Act of 7 June 1832
Indiana Agency
F. A. Dickins, Atty
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Additional
witnesses
---
Robert Burchfield
dec.
Pension act 7 June 1832
Ripley Co. Indiana
---
Elizabeth Bankfield
Widow
Suspended Indiana
Francis A. Dickins
Atty
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State of Indiana
County of Ripley
[illegible]
Be it know that on this
31st day of August A.D. 1854 before me the undersigned a Justice of the peace in and for the County and State aforesaid personally appeared Robert Burchfield
a resident of Delaware Township in the said County and made oath according to Law that he is the son and legal heir of Robert Burchfield deceased late of Ripley County in the State aforesaid who was the identical 
Robert Burchfield whose name
under the act of June 7th
1832 was placed on the Indiana Pension Roll at the rate of Sixty dollars per annum.
That he is credibly informed
that the said Pension may and ought to be increased from its commencement and during its continuance That he is directly interested as a claiment in said increase, and makes this affidavit to be filed with such additional evidence as my Agent may use in the prosecution of said claim
Countermanding and revoking all powers of
attorney and authority heretofore given I hereby constitute and appoint Francis A Dickins of Washington City D.C. my true and lawful attorney to prosecute the claim of Robert Burchfield for any amount of revolutionary pension or Increase
of Pension that may be due; and for the purpose of establishing additional service by the soldier, for whose military duty in the Revolution the aforesaid pension was granted. I hereby authorize my said Attorney to apply for and obtain from State Archives or other sources certified proof of such service. To examine all papers or document in relation to said service on file in the Department at
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Washington City - or elsewhere; to file additional evidence or documents and to receive for my benefit the certicate for Increase which may be issued in satisfaction of said claim, which certificate I wish made payable at the Pension Agency of this State:
to appoint one or more substitutes under him for the purposes herein expressed, and to do all things that I might or could do here 
I personally present Henly ratifying and confirming all that my said agent and attorney shall lawfully do in the premises
Robert Burchfield
Sworn to subscribed and acknowledged
before me the day and year above written, and I hereby certify that I believe the said Robert Burchfield, Jr to be directly interested in said claim as set forth, and to be the identified party therein alleged in whose claim I am in no wise interested
Mark H. Mullin [illegible]
Justiced of the Peace
State of Indiana
Ripley County

⎬
It is hereby certified that satisfactory
evidence has been exhibited before me Henry P. Lippard Clerk of the Count Court of Ripley County in the State aforesaid. That Robert Burchfied, [illegible] was a Revolutionary pensioner of the United States, at the rate of $60 per annum, and that he died on the 29th day of October AD 1844, leaving Elizabeth Burchfield his widow (who has since deceased on the 20th ? Sept 1845;) Mary Burchfield
(now Mary Roberts) Sally Kelly, Betsey Oneal John Burchfield Nancy Whitam, Kitty Smith and
Robert Burchfield, Jr. all of whom are the
legal heirs of the said Pensioner, Robert Burcifield dc'd. It is further certified that
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Mark H. Mullins Esq
Joseph L. Loudes
[Illegible] before whom the preceeding affidant and power of attorney were made and acknowledged, was at this the time of so doing a duly authorized Justice of the Peace in and for said County and that the signature purporting to be his I believe to be genuine, and further, that
in the within claim for increase of Pension
I am in no degree interested.
In testimony whereof I have
hereto set my hand and affixed
my seal of office, this 31st day
of August AD 1854
Henry T. Lipperd Clerk
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20521
Robt Burchfield
Indiana
from 1775 private
18 months
$60
[Illegible] Harding
Versailles
Indiana
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Brief in the case of Robert Burchfield
of Ripley County in the State of Indiana
(Act 7th June, 1832.)
1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Court
2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?
3. How old is he? 73
4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed.
Period.                Duration of Service.      Rank.
                            Years, Months, Days      As a
Vol- In 1775 March [illegible] ..3....             Priv,
Vol- 1775 June                 ..3...                      "
Vol- 1778 [illegible]          ..5...                      "
                                               partly in light infy
Vol- 1781. Novm.             ...1...                   Priv              
                                              
Vol- 1782 May                   ....3....            
Vol- 1783 Mar          ...between 3&4
                               "in all 18 months"
Names of General and Field Officers
under whom he served.
Gen. Rutherfordton
Col Lock Capt Cathie No. Carolina
Capt Davis
Col. B. Little Capt Alexander
Col. Sevier Capt Trinther
Col. McDowell
"        "
5. In what battles was he engaged? Briar Creek. Boyds Creek.
6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Rowan Co. N.C.
7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by
incidental evidence, or by the rolls? Trady:
8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? Correct ([illegible] or long brief to 16 Interogatory)
Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
W. L. Williams Examining Clerk
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December 23, 1936
Robert Burchfield
R. 1444
BA-J/AW

Mr. M. S. Glass
107 East Third Street
Madison, Indiana.
Dear Sir:

Reference is made to your letter in which you
request the Revolutionary War records of Frederick Glass, P. Steinmetz, and Robert Burchfield.
Because of the great demand for Revolutionary War data and the limited trained clerical force
available for furnishing such information, it is not possible to comply in full with each request for Revolutionary War data.

The record of Robert Burchfield is furnished
herein as found in pension claim, R. 1444, based upon his service in the Revolutionary War.
Robert Burchfield was born December 18, 1759, above Baltimore on " Pipe Creek" in Maryland; the names of his parents were not given.
While residing in Rowan County, North Carolina, Robert Burchfield volunteered sometime in March or April, 1775, served three months as a ranger and guard on the frontier against the Cherokee Indians, in Captain George Cathie's company, Colonel Matthew
Locke's North Carolina regiment. He served again in 1775, three months in Captain Samuel Davis' company, Colonel Locke's regiment in pursuit of the Cherokee Indians. He enlisted sometime in November, 177[illegible], served
in Captain Robert Alexander's company in Colonel Locke's regiment, and in Captain James Richardson's company in Colonel Lytle's regiment, was in the battle of Brier
Creek, length of service five months. He enlisted some-
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time in November, 1781, served one month in Captain William Trimble's company, Colonel John Sevier's regiment, was in an engagement with the Cherokees on Boyd Creek. He enlisted sometime in May, 1782, served three months in Captain James Davis' company, Colonel Joseph McDowell's regiment; his brother,
Meshac Burchfield, was ensign in this campaign. He enlisted sometime in March, 1783, served three or four months in Captain George Cathie's company, Colonel Joseph McDowell's regiment, out against the Cherokees. His father was killed by the Cherokees, about the time.
Robert Burchfield moved about the year 1787 to Kentucky and from there to Ripley County, Indiana. He was allowed pension on his application executed, November 13, 1832, then a resident of Ripley County.
Robert Burchfield married in March, 1787 in
Burke County, North Carolina, Elizabeth Hill, the daughter of "Colonel Hill" of North Carolina. The date and place of her birth are not given, the first name of her father is not designated, nor is the name of her mother stated.
Robert Burchfield died October 29, 1844 in
Ripley County, Indiana. His widow, Elizabeth Burchfield on February 26, 1845, gave her age, seventy-seven years and then living in Ripley County. She died September 20, 1845.
The following children survived their mother:
Mary Roberts, Sally Kelly, Betsey O'Neal, John
Burchfield, Nancy Whitam, Kitty Smith, and Robert Burchfield who was living in 1854 in Delaware Township, Ripley County, Indiana.
John Burchfield a resident of Ripley County, in
1845, then aged seventy-seven years, stated that he remembered when the soldier, Robert Burchfield, and his wife, Elizabeth Hill, were married; his relationship to the family not shown.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
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1934, June 27 [illegible]
1936, Dec 28 [illegible]

1444 REJECTED
P.O. Elizabeth Burchfield
widow of Robert.
Service:
Enlisted:  ,18
Discharged:  ,18
Application filed:  ,18
Alleges: (not found)
Renlisted:
not found,
Attorney:
P.O.

Recognized.    Contract.
Cert. of Dis. Searched for  ,18.
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Washington 6 January 1853
Sir
Endclosed I present to you the claim of Elizabeth Burchfield widow of Robert Burchfield decd a
pensioner, Indiana Agency, act 7th June 1832. for a pension under act 7th July 1838.
Respectfully
Frances A. Dickins
To the Commissioner of Pensions
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Pension Office 235
18th Nov. 1854
Sir,
The additional evidence in the
case of Elizabeth Burchfield decd
widow of Robert of Indiana, has been
received.
According to the evidence in
this case, it appears, that Robert
and Elizabeth are said to have been
married in 1787; that Robert was a
pensioner under Act 7th June 1832, and
died 29th October 1844, and that his
widow Elizabeth died 20th
September 1845. If these statements
are reliable, the heirs have no claim
as the widow did not survive the
passage of the Joint Resolution of
3d March 1851. No evidence has been
found upon which to increase the
pension under Act 7th June 1832.
F. A. Dickens Esqr.
Present.
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354
Pension Office
May 24 1853
Sir
The application of Elizabeth Burchfield
widow of Robert of Ind. has been examined and filed under the Act June 7 1844,
She must furnish Record of Documentary evidence of the date of her marriage,
if such evidence is in existence.
Application should be made to the clerk of 
the County in which she was married for
such evidence as he may posses. Or the family Record of marriage or of the births of children should be forwarded to this office. If evidence of this grave can not be produced part testimony will be received. It must be shown that she is alive now, the Declarration now filed was made in 18[illegible],
F. A. Dickens
Present
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Elizabeth Burchfeld
Robt Indiana 1844
To the
Commissioner of Pension
Washington City
D.C.
Page 28

Versailles Indiana
February 28th 1855.
Sir
Some time since I through Stephen
J. Harding Esqr my Attorney made
application for the back pay that
was comming to my father Robert
Burchfield who was a Revolutionary Pension of the United States and for the back pay that was due to my mother Elizabeth Burchfield
as the widow of my said father and so far being unable to learn anything satisfactory from my said Attorney in relation to the action had by
you in the two applications aforesaid I have therefore thought fit to address you directly in
relation thereto, and trust that you will give me the situation or condition in which the said
applications are now situated.
An early answer hereto is earnestly requested.
Very respectfully
Robert Burchfield
To the Commissioner
of Pensions
Washington City
D.C.
Page 29

Elizabeth Burchfield
Ind-sus-- 1844
A. Dickins
Present
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L. P. Walden
Com of Pensions
Sir,
Washington
16 Nov. 18[illegible]4
Enclosed I hand you what I promise will be sufficient to establish the right of Elizabeth
Burchfield (widow of Robert) of Indiana to
a pension. You will observe that the
evidence here to fore filed proves
the marriage.
Yours respectfully
Francis A. Dickins.
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BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of
Robert Burcheld which require
further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides?
II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides?
III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so?
IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served?
V. *Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amout of pension he is entitled?
VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations?
VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832?
VIII. Has the Court given their opinion?
IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate?
X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal?
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2
XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service?
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it?
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had?
XIV. If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service?
If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath,
certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses?
Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct?
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service?
XVI. Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? Yes (The attached piece which has no seal is only a recapitulation without any alteration to original declaration)
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered?

EXPLANATORY NOTES.
QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection
he served not less than 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.
Page 33

3
It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions
merely state 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 shewn 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.
QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants 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.
QUERE XVI. Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifiying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape 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.
In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, 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.
Page 34

Pension Office
Mar 8, 1885
Sir
In answer to your letter of the 28th
[illegible], I have to inform you that Robert
Burchfield drew a pension in his life time.
Subsequent to his death, which occured on the
29th October 1844, his widow, Elizabeth, of
Indiana, applied for a pension but did not
receive it. She died on the 20th day of September 1845; and was not during her life time entitled to a pension under any law of Congress; and, consequently, her children are
not entitled to arrears.
Robert Burchfield Esq
Versailles
Indiana
Page 35

No. 789.
Elizabeth Burchfield
Widow of Robert
Ind
A. Dickens May 24 1843
F. A. Dickins 18 Nov. 1804.
R. Burchfield Mar 8. 1855

1444
Rejected
Married in 1787.
Robert died 29 Oct. 1844.
Elizabeth died 20 Sept 1845.
did not survive passage
Joint Resolution of 3rd
March 1857.
Act June 7 1844
Page 36

Request for Rev War
record of Robert Burchfield, N.C. Service
& died Oct 29. 1844
in Ripley Co. Ind
Furnished June 27-
34-application
for headstone returned - no [illegible]
attached
[illegible]
Page 37

WAR DEPARTMENT
OFFICE OF THE QUARTERMASTER GENERAL
WASHINGTON
JUN 2 0 1934   1933

Memorandum for
The Surgeon General,
Bureau of Navigation, Navy Department,
Commandant, United States Coast Guard, Treasury Department
The Commissioner of Pensions, Interior Building,
General Accounting Office, F Street, between 4th & 5th, N. W.

1. The attached application has been submitted to this office for Government
headstone to be erected at the grave of the decedent named thereon. In order that the
proper inscription may be placed on the stone it would be appreciated if your
office would verify the name and service on the application, checking and making such
corrections in red ink as may be necessary to show the correct spelling of the name
and complete designation of the organizations.
2. In addition, please advise state from which decedent came.
Received
JUN 29 1934
[illegible]
Page 38

[illegible]
Oct. 28-1936
107 EAST THIRD STREET
MADISON, INDIANA
Veterans Administration
Will you kindly send
the pension records of
the following
Revolution veteran -
Thanks-
M L Glass -
[Illegible]
RECEIVED OCT 30 1936
Page 39

[illegible] Pension Census 1840
[illegible]
107 EAST THIRD STREET
MADISON, INDIANA
Penn-Berks Co. Washington Town-
Frederick Glass
Penn - Northampton Co. Bushkill Town.
P Steinmetz
Indiana, Ripley Co. Delaware Town.
Robert Burchfield
Pend One
Page 40

June 27, 1934
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Robert Burchfield-R.1444
BA-J/AWF
The Quartermaster General
Memorial Branch
War Department
Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir:

Reference is made to your request for the Revolutionary War record of Robert Burchfield; with which was enclosed the application (original) for headstone for Robert Burchfield. The application is returned herewith, there was no correspondence attached.
The data which follow were obtained from the
papers on file in pension claim, R. 1444, based upon the Revolutionary War service of Robert Burchfield.
Robert Burchfield was born December 18, 1759, above Baltimore on "Pipe Creek" in Maryland; the names of his parents are not stated.
While residing in Rowan County, North Carolina,
Robert Burchfield volunteered and served with the North Carolina troops, as follows --
From March or April, 1775, three months in Captain George Cathie's company, Colonel Matthew Locke's regiment, served as ranger and guard on the frontier against
the Cherokee Indians; immediately afterward, three months in Captain Samuel Davis' company, Colonel Locke's regiment, against the Cherokee Indians; from November, 1778,
in Captain Robert Alexander's company, Colonel Locke's regiment and in Captain James Richardson's company, Colonel Lytle's regiment, was in the battle of Brier
Creek, and served five months; from November, 1781, one month in Captain William Trimble's company, Colonel
John Sevier's regiment, was in an engagement with the Cherokees on Boyd Creek, in this engagement, he killed
Page 41

and scalped an Indian; from May, 1782, three months in Captain James Davis' company, Colonel Joseph McDowell's regiment, his brother, Meshac Burchfield, was ensign in this campaign; from March, 1783, three or four months in Captain George Cathie's company, Colonel Joseph Dowell's regiment, was out against the Cherokee Indians , his father was killed by the Cherokees, about this time.

The soldier, Robert Burchfield, moved about the year 1787 to Kentucky and from there to Ripley County, Indiana. He was allowed pension on his application executed, November 13, 1832, then a resident of said Ripley County.
Robert Burchfield married in March, 1787 in
Burke County, North Carolina, Elizabeth Hill, the daughter of "Colonel Hill" of North Carolina; the names of her parents are not given. Rowan Co.

The soldier, Robert Burchfield, died October 29, 1844 in Ripley County, Indiana. His widow, Elizabeth Burchfield, February 26, 1845, gave her age, seventy-seven years and then living in Ripley County, Indiana.

She died September 20, 1845, leaving the following children- Mary Burchfield, in 1854 referred to as Mary Roberts; Sally Kelly; Betsey O'Neal; John Burchfield; Nancy Whitam; Kitty Smith; and Robert Burchfield, Jr., who in 1854 was a resident of Delaware Township, Ripley County, Indiana.

John Burchfield a resident of Ripley County,
Indiana in 1845, stated that he remembered when the soldier, Robert Burchfield, and his wife Elizabeth Hill were married; his relationship to the soldier
not stated, in 1845 he was 77 is of age
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Assistant to Administrator