Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 17,112, for Christian Snidow, Virginia
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Va.              Snidow, Christian           S. 17112

                                                                carded
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(Torn off)

Christian _____

in the Sta_____
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Suspd. See letter to T. J. Boyd, Sept. 27. & to R. A. French, Oct. 15. 1834 do. Hon W. M: Comas 2 Jan. 1835 Thos. J. Boyd 4 Apl 1835. - do. to P. Agt. June 4, 1835 - do to J. Robertson 15 Jan 1835. 
do. Hon. R. Craig 16 June '35
do " " " 24. July -
do. to W. G. Singleton, Aug. 22d. 1855
do. to T. J. Boyd, Aug. 25. 1835

Date of death not on AB-
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F 116. R. A. French
[illegible]: C. Snidow [illegible].
asks copy of certif:

11 Sept 1841.
Pension Office

Sept 11/41.
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Clerks Office Giles County Sept 1 1841

Dear Sir
Some eight years ago Col Christian Snidow now deceased obtained a pension warrant under the Act of 1832 for services performed as a Lieutenant in the American Revolution. I have been in conjunction with his son William H Snidow appointed his administrator and we have not been enabled to find his warrant; it is either lost of mislaid. Will you be so obliging as to send me a copy of the warrant so as to enable his children to draw the amount he was entitled to at the time of his death - Mr John Conley [illegible] County prepared a Declaration for service as an indian soldier & spy during the year, & which  the department refused to [illegible] "There being no law embracing such service." His papers are on file in some one of the Indian beauro's [sic] he would be much pleased if you would commit his papers to him by mail with the hope that they may yet be of service to him. I should have addressed my communication directly to Mr. J. S. Edwards but I do not know that he is still in the pension office. Such sir is my apology for the trouble I have then given you
With distinguished consideration I remain your very Hble & Obt servant
R. A. French
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[horizontal]
J. L. Edwards Esq
Comm. Pensions
Washington

[vertical]
Jan 18. 1843
W Evans
Hon G. W. Summers
H.O.R.
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Ho. Reps Jany 17. 1843.

Sir
Col. Christian Snidow deed late of Giles County Virginia, was entitled to a pension for which he was in the receipt, I think of $280. He died in October 1835, and was at that time entited to a last years pay, then in arrear. He left no widow but a number of children - the original warrant has been lost -
Will you be good enough to furnish me with a copy or duplicate of the warrant and also the blank forms necessary to place his childrens property before the Department for the recovery of the balance due.
Very Respectfully
yr. obt. st
Geo W Summers
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State of Virginia
County of Giles
to wit:

On this twenty sixth day of may in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty four personally appeared in open Court before the County Court of the said County of Giles now sitting Christian Snidow a resident of the County of Giles and State of Virginia [illegible] aged seventy four years on the 15th day of March last, 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 Virginia passed June the 7th 1833.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated - 
1. He entered the service in the Virginia Militia on the [illegible] of May 1776 - that part of the then County of Montgomery which has since been [illegible] the said County of Giles as a [illegible rank] under Captain James McCorkle and Lieutenant John Lucas and was [illegible] from thence to the waters of Wautauga and Holstine now in the State of Tennessee [illegible] incursions against the Cherokee Indians and was in the battle of the Long [illegible] of Holstine where the Indians were defeated by the Regiment to which his [illegible, Company?] was attached, commanded by Colonel [illegible] whose [illegible] he believes to have been

[middle of page is very faint]

where they were stationed three or four weeks, [illegible] searching throughout the adjacent country, where he was discharged in the month of August having served three months.
2. Very shortly after his veteran house (his place of residence having been in the County were he was first called into service and being now the same) he was again [illegible] into service and [illegible] therefore in the first part of September of the same year (1776) to the County of Greenbrier now Monroe and was stationed at Woods fort under the command of Capt. [illegible], Lieutenant Henry Patton, and Ensign William McMillan for [illegible] of three months. He together with the Company to which he belonged ranged the Country from said fort situated [illegible] river, a distance of about 100 miles. After a service of three months he was discharged at said Fort.
3. He was [illegible] drafted into service in the early part of March 1777 in the same County, and marched to Culbertsons Cottage in the same County (now Giles), a distance of about 20 miles, and was there stationed and served three months, under the command of Captain Thomas Burk and Lieutenant Henry Patton. During this tour of service the Company scouted and ranged the Country from
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from the said station to Point Creek and Cole river defending the frontier cities from the attacks and incursions of the Shawnee Indians. After serving three months he was discharged at said fort.

4. He next entered the service as a volunteer and was marched from there to Barrgers fort [Bargers Fort, Va.], there was now in the County of Montgomery, and was stationed and served there three months under the command of Captain John Floyd, the father of the late Governor of Virginia ,after which he was discharged.

5. He was next ordered into the service in the early part of March 1778  by Colonel William Preston and marched to  North Carolina against the Tories acting as Lieutenant in the Company commanded by Captain John Lucas, he having been commissioned as such in said Company subsequent to his last above [illegible] tour of service. 

They marched to Salem in the state of North Carolina and there met with and joined [illegible] commanded by Colonel William Campbell, and from there they were marched to the Haw fields (a distance of twenty five or thirty miles) in pursuit of the tories. Colonel Campbell having been informed that they were assembled there - not finding the tories at the Haw fields as was expected, they were marched from there to the [illegible] in distance of about 60 or 70 miles) where it was also represented that the tories had assembled to the number of two or 300, but they also failed to find any tories here.

After remaining in the [illegible] finding no tories where at said they had expected they were marched down that river for three or four days and were then by the order of Colonel  [William] Campbell marched back to Salem [North Carolina] where he with his company was discharged having served three months on this tour.

6. He was next ordered into service by Colonel William Preston in the early part of July 1778 and marched as Lieutenant with his company to the said mines in the County of Montgomery near by there to guard them against an attack.
It was supposed would be made [illegible] there by the tories, where he remained for the defense of [illegible] weeks of which he was ordered by Coll. [William] Preston to march from thence and attend well guard with thirty men, two waggons [wagons] loaded with ammunition to Salem in North Carolina which was for the use of the regiment there stationed under the command of 
Colo. William Campbell - an individual by the name of Bauer, an Ensign succeeded him in the command at the 
[illegible] mines. 

His tour of service having expired about the time of his arrival at Salem [North Carolina] he and his Company were discharged and returned home having served three months.

7. Still acting as Lieutenant he was again entered into service with his company by Colo. William Preston in the 3rd day of April 1779 and stationed at [illegible] Fort on New River for the purpose of scouring the surrounding country and of defending the frontier settlement against the invasions and insurrections of the Shawnee Indians - He served on this tour three months at the expiration of which he and his Company were discharged.

8. He was in the early of September part of the next year 1779 ordered by colonel William Preston to Preston fort in the County of Montgomery to act in the capacity of Lieutenant in the Company commanded by Capt. John  Floyd, for the purpose of guarding the fort and for the purpose last above mentioned, and also served in this tour three months and was discharged 

He was next entered into service about the middle of October 1780 and by order of Colo. William Preston marched into North Carolina for the purpose of joining Colonel William Campbell's troops. On his march to North Carolina
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Carolina with his Company, he went with Captain Preston near the aforesaid lead mines, who with declarant, as Captain, of this [illegible] Company. They then continued there maybe to Salem in North Carolina where they joined Coll Campbells troops. A few days after the arrival of this declarant at [illegible, maybe Tatum], Coll Campbell, with the main body of the troops, there stationed, marched to Guilford and left this declarant in the command of thirty men to guard the Moravian towns from the attacks of the tories. He remained at Salem till the expiration of three months from the time he was called on this tour of duty, and was then with his Company discharged and returned home, having served the full three months.
10. He was next entered into service by Coll William Preston about the 1st of February 1781. On this [illegible] he was ordered by Colonel William Preston to march as Lieutenant under Captain James [illegible] to North Carolina with the regiment commanded by said Preston for the purpose of joining the American troops at the Moravian towns under the command of General Pickens. They arrived at Salem on the 16th day of February, and on the day previous (the 15th), Cornwallis, with his forces, had [illegible] the country and marched towards Guilford. The American troops followed them, and in the [illegible] about 18 miles from Guilford Court House, the regiment, commanded by Coll William Preston together with some of the North Carolina troops had an engagement with and portion of Cornwallis' army, in which the Americans were defeated. On the same evening, this declarant with the other part of the American troops, marched to Guilford Court House, where they remained three or four days, and this declarant was attached, as Lieutenant to a Company commanded by a certain Captain Sampson, whose given name he believes was William. He with said Company was ordered to march and did march to the [illegible] from Salisbury for the purpose of defending and pertecting [sic] the Country from the tories, at which place he remained with said Company five or six weeks, and was discharged and returned home, having served three months on this tour.
11. He was next and lastly called into service about the first of September 1781, and was ordered by Major Joseph Cloyd to take command as Lieutenant of the Company at Pearis' Fort [presumably near what is now Pearisburg, VA], on New River in Montgomery now Giles County, in the comm of Captain Pearis who was called off to North Carolina. He remained at this fort, in defence of the same and of the surrounding country, for the space of two months, and was discharged.
HIs whole term of service as a private was twelve months, and as Lieutenant, was twenty months
His Commission, as Lieutenant, he has long since lost. He received written discharges from the most of the above named tours of service, but has lost the. From the other tours he received no written discharges, to the best of his recollection
He has no documentary evidence of his service. He, however, that he can adduce giving evidence of the most of his serve, above stated, as will appear by the subjoined affidavits. He has now no record of his age. He had one but
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Montgomery County to wit
This a 2nd day of June in the year 1834 John Lucas of said county personally appeared in open court before the Justices of the Peace for said county and after by first duly sworn uponth that he was a Lieutenant in the company of Captain McCorkle in the Virginia Militia in the year 1776 and that Christian Snidow whos declaration is hereto annexed was a soldier in the said company that he knows him [illegible] and has ever since that period. That the assiant went with the company to the Wautauga but for some cause not now recollected was not at the Battle of  the Long Island referred to in the declaration. He however recollects that the said Snidow was at or near the place on which Knoxville is situated and he recollects that the tower [sic] of duty lasted for 8 to 12 weeks The officers as stated in the anexed declaration are correct as far as this assiant is able to recollect. He knows that McCorkle was captain & Montgomery [illegible] as stated in the declaration from Montgomery County then and Christian Snidow then resided in the same count but it has since been included in the County of Giles. This assiant further states that He was promoted about the year 1778 to a Captain and that the said Christian Snidow was appointed his Lieutenant. The company was commanded when they started by Capt Patton on the towers to North Carolina. The said assiant having been prevented from going himself He however went as far as the Lead Mines on New River with the troops and recollects that the said Snidow was
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[faint seal and script at top of page] Seal of Office this 1st day of May 1834 [illegible] of the Commonwealth the 58th year [other illegible script]

along and went on with the troops. The assiant recollects that he afterwards returned but does not know how long he was absent. He has a distinct recollection that the said Snidow as Lieutenant was frequently called out to suppress the Tories by Colo Preston but he cannot [illegible] the times or [illegible] of the tower with sufficient certainty to be more specific. After the war was over the said Snidow was promoted to the captain of the company. He commanded of which the assiant had then resigned. John Lucas

[faint seal to left of this passage] Virginia At a Court of Quarterly Session held for Montgomery County the court house on the 2nd day of June 1834.
The foregoing deposition of John Lucas was presented in court and sworn to by the said John Lucas, and the court certifies that he is a credible person;
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of my office this 2nd day of June 1834 in the 58th year of the Commonwealth.
R. D. Montague. C
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January 29, 1935
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Christian Snidow-S.17112
BA-J/AWF
Mrs. K. E. Coffman
Floyd
Virginia
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War records of the following soldiers: Jacob Douthat, Christian Snidow, Lewis [typed over Jacob] Snidow, and Philip Snidow.

Revolutionary War data furnished by this office are obtained from claims made to the United States for pension and bounty land, based upon military service of soldiers in that war.

A search of the records fails to show such claims on file on account of the Revolutionary War services of Jacob Douthat, Lewis Snidow, and Philip Snidow. It is suggested as a possible means of securing information in regard to the military record of these soldiers, that you apply to The Adjutant General, War Department, Washington, D. C.

The data which follow were obtained from the papers on file in pension claim, S. 17112, based upon the military service of Christian Snidow, during the War of the Revolution.

Christian Snidow was born March 15, 1760, place not stated, nor are the names of his parents given.

He enlisted, while residing in Montgomery County, Virginia, and served as follows with the Virginia troops: From sometime in May, 1776, three months as private in Captain James McCorkle's company, Colonel
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John Montgomery's regiment, was in an expedition against the Cherokee Indians, in the battle of Long Island of Holston, and in scouting parties; from in September, 1776, three months as private in Captain Thomas Burk's company, stationed at Woods Fort and in ranging through the country; from early in March, 1777, three months as private in Captain Thomas Burk's company, defending the frontiers from the incursions of the Shawnee Indians; in the fall of 1777, three months as private in Captain John Floyd's company; from in March, 1778, three months as lieutenant in Captain John Lucas' company, Colonel William Campbell's regiment, marched to North Carolina against the Tories; from in July, 1778, three months as lieutenant, was stationed at the Lead Mines, and marched from there to Salem, North Carolina, as guard to some wagons loaded with ammunitions; from April 3, 1779, three months as lieutenant, stationed at Snidows Fort to defend the inhabitants from the Shawnee Indians; from in September, 1779, three months as lieutenant in Captain John Floyd's company, stationed at Prestons Fort; from in October, 1780, three months as lieutenant in Captain Patton's company, Colonel William Campbell's regiment; from February 1, 1781, three months under Captains James Burns, William Simpson and Colonel William Preston, was in an engagement below Guilford Court House; from in September 1781, two months as lieutenant in command of Pearis Fort.

Christian Snidow was allowed pension on his application exectued may 36, 1834, then a resident of Giles County, Virginia.

He represented Giles County in the Virginia House of Delegates; and was also Colonel of Militia.

He died in october, 1836, leaving no widow, but several children survived him; no names given, other than William H. Snidow, who was alive in 1841. The name of soldier's wife is not given.

Very truly yours

A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant to the Administrator
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[circular stamp] CHRISTIANSBURG VA JUN 24

[stamp] FREE

[script] June 29
June 29
J. L. Edwards Esq.
Pension Office
Washington
D. C.
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Christiansburg, June 23rd 1835

Sir,
Yours of the 16th inst. has been received. In answer I have to state that I am, and have been long, well acquainted personally, with Christian Snidow of Giles County who is a pensioner under the Act of 7th June 1832. I know him to be the same individual who, by that name, represented the county of Giles in the Virginia H. of Delegates, and is the same individual concerning whom I write you on five weeks since. He is a man of impeachable [sic] character and independent property; and, as I said in a formal letter to you, I should as soon suspect every other man of an intuition to defend your department as him.
I have understood through a communication from Colo. Snydow (he was a Colo. of Militia) that his services in the revolutionary war are verified by the testimony of John Luces, Parker Lucas & Thomas Farley. I know all of these men personally, and have not the slightest
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reason to suspect that they, or either of them, would sanction a false statement. Snydow and these witnesses are, all, old enough to have taken a part in the war of the revolution.
John Lucas has resided during the whole of my life, in my neighborhood - say, five or six miles off; and I have never heard a whisper against his honesty or veracity. He is a weak-minded man, comparitively, but unsuspected of crime or fraud. Parker Lucas resides in Giles, about twenty miles from me. I am also well acquainted with him. He is a brother of John and sustains as fair character. I know less of Thomas Farley. I have never tho heard any thing of him tending to injure his credit as a witness.
There is one fact in the case that will weigh something in favor of the presumption that Snydow's application for a pension was honest, and that is the fact, that these men, along with Snydow himself, were among the first settlers of this section of the country; consequently very surely acquaintances, & likely to know the prominent points in each the other's history. I know not when Snydow locates his services.
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From my residence to Snydow's is a distance of thirty miles, I cannot therefore see him with some little inconvenience: apt rather than the difficulty should remain, I will continue to visit the old man if you will signify by letter a wish that his case should be specially investigated.
You may be disposed to ask, how, since you reside 30 miles from Snydow did you become so well acquainted with him; I answer, I practiced law for many years in the county of Giles, and during that time came very intimate with him - often partook of his hospitality.
I commend your vigilance highly, but in this case I feel assured there is or was intended no fraud, yet there may be some mistake as to the time of service or some other circumstance, as mistakes sometimes occur when motives are strictly honest. There is nothing, however, known to me, to rouse a suspicion that even, a mistake has occurred here.
If you shall wish any thing further in regard to this matter, from me, let me know without delay. 

Very respectfully, yours,
Robt Craig

J. L. Edwards Esq.
Washington
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Christiansburg, Aug. 27th 1835

Sir
I have just returned from a visit to Christian Snydow's in Giles county. Whilst with him, according to the request mad ein your letter of July 24th, last, I examined him touching his service in the war of the Revolution. The result of which examination has only confirmed my previous belief, that he is well entitled to a pension (& in the manner he desires it) under the Act of June 7th 1832.
With the brief of his declaration before me, & without allowing him, in any way, to refresh his memory from it I called on him for a narration of his services, which he promptly gave, orally, and which corresponded, in all essential particulars with the brief, except, that he described himself as having rendered in the term of service, set down as the 4th term in the brief, as a Lieutenant & not as a private. This term was rendered under Capt. Floy, &, chiefly a Fort Barager, in Montgomery. He says he was commissioned, a Lieutenant just before he commenced this term. He is not named as a Lieut in your brief until the 6th term of his service. How this matter stands in his declaration I know not, neither did he, at the time of the examination before me, but he was then very positive that he was a Lieut when under Capt. Floyd, at Fort Barager.
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Be this, however, as it may, I am sure if you know Colo. Snydow as I know him, and as he is known by all the surrounding country, you would not, for a moment, doubt the honesty of his motives in making his declaration. And his intelligence, though a very old man, forbids the idea that his statement of his services can be materially wrong.
It is, here, a well known fact that he was among the first settlers of this part of our country, and a fact, as well known to the old inhabitants, that, during the revolution, there was no person, in this part of the country, able to bear arms and well affected toward the cause of the revolution who was not, for a considerable portion of his time in the field as a soldier, either against the tories or the indians.
Indeed, sir, if you will point out a health man who lived in this country during the revolution, & whose services do not entitle him to a pension under the act of June 7th '35, I will undertake to prove him, by tradition at least, to have been a tory, or sculking deserter. The few people who, then inhabited this section of the country were compelled, almost by necessity, to sleep on their arms.
His commission, he says, was given to him by Colo. William Preston. He thinks it was a blank one until Preston filled it up, in his presence. He seemed to have, at the time, several blank commissions
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I think, from this statement, that Colo. Preston, who was, at that day, the most distinguished character in this immediate section of the country, was furnished by the Executive of this state with blank militia commissions. Every thing of the sort, must necessarily have been in some degree irregular at that day, owing to the peculiar circumstances of the country. But I need not persue the subject further. I will just add the remark that the character of Christian Snydow for honesty veracity and the social virtues generally, will bear a comparison with that of any man: and he is by no means a man of contemptible understanding. I hope the restriction on his pension will be removed, immediately.
While in the county of Giles I went to the court House; it was on a court day. I saw there several other persons who were complaining sorely of the suspension of their pensions; & who, hearing of my business with Colo. Snydow, solicited my interference in their behalf. Feeling a disposition to aid the old creatures, if they had indeed rendered the services which they pretended, I inquired, particularly, of the most intelligent citizens whether there existed any ground to suspect that warrants for pensions, in that county, had been obtained fraudulently. I was assured there did not - that none of the applicants had
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been drilled by speculators, or any rambling pension hunter. From all I could learn I would not more suspect a fraud in such a case coming from Giles that from any other county. John Kirk, in particular seemed much surprised that his pension should be withheld, seeing he had been a regular soldier and, as he supposed, his name to be found on the old war rolls.
Unless you know something more, relative to these cases, than I know, I think the pensions ought to be paid. You must reconcile individual and public justice somehow.

Very respectfully, yours X
Robt Craig

J. L. Edwards Esq.
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[circular stamp] RICHMOND OCT 6 34

[print stamp] FREE

J. L. Edwards Esqr.
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City

Oct 9.

Christian Snidow
Va
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Richmond Octo. 6 1835

Sir

There being more than two years due on the within claim, I am requested by the agent at the Bank of Virginia to forward it to you for examination & direction to pay the same, which be pleased to attend to as soon as possible & return the paper to me.

Very respectfully,
Your mo ob St.
Chas. M Mitchell
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Lt to Hon. W. Ballard Preston
Feb. 16, '48
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Certificate issd. to Ch. Snidow 23 August 1834.
Suspension removed. See letter 4 Sept. 1835 to P. Agt. Md Book - [illegible] Pr. Bk. Va. & Hon. R. Craig
I do. to C. M Mitchell & P. Agt. Oct. 9. 1835 - let: to R. A. French 16 Sept. 1841
letter to Hon G. W. Summers 19. Jany 1843.
" Same person 21. Jany 1843
: to Hon A A Chapman Jan 5. 1844
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Mr. Boyd
Affidavit
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State of Virginia
Giles County }
To wit:

On this 24th day of August 1835, before me, Thomas Kirk, an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said county of Giles, personally appeared Thomas J. Boyd, a resident of the county of Wythe, and make oath that he is the individual who has acted for Christian Snidow, of said County of Giles, in [illegible] his, the said Snidow's claim to a pension made [under] the Act of Congress of June 7th 1832. that the prepared said Snidow's declaration and the most of the affidavits accompanying the same - that there is no contract between him and said Snidow, nor has there ever been for compensation in any shape whatever to him, the said Boyd, for his services in attending to said Snidow's pension business nor is there or has there been any understanding of any cost, either verbal or written, between them, for compensation, as aforesaid, that he does know that he will ever receive any compensation for his said service, and that if he should, it will arise from the [illegible] for liberality of said Snidow.

Sworn to and subscribed
before me the day and
year first above named.
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ENVELOPE

Free

Geo. Wm. Crump Esq.
Acting Comm of Pensions
Washington City

Aug 24
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Wythe Ct. House Va. Augt. 17th. 1835
Geo: W. Crump Esq.
Sir,
In your letter to me of the 11th. ultimo, you remark, in regard to Christian Snidow's pension claim, "that the Department is in correspondence with the Hon. R. Craig at this time respecting it, with every prospect of a favourable issue"-
Presuming it to be the wish of the Department to learn Christian Snidow's standing for truth respectability &c. from a gentleman personally acquainted with him & also known to the Department; and being informed that you, probably, have a personal acquaintance with the Old gentleman, I have thought it due to him to call your attention to the fact, if it be so, in order that it may have such weight as it may be thought entitled to in determining whether the suspension of the payment of his pension should be removed or not. I have derived my information from David McComas Esq. of this place, a member of the State Senate from this District. In a conversation with that gentleman a few days ago, the subject of the suspension of this pension, Mr. McComas remarked that he thought you were personally acquainted with both Christian Snidow and his son William
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H. Snidow, having become so while on the Legislature of this state - His impression is, that they have each been member of the Legislature at some time of your service in that Body.
I have thought it due to the Old gentleman that these facts should be communicated to you
With very great respect
Your Mo obt. Servt.
Th: J. Boyd

Geo: Wm. Crump Esq.
Acting Comr. of Pensions
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ENVELOPE

J. L. Edwards, Esq.
of Pension Office
Washington D.C.

May 25
Page 33

Christiansburg, Virginia, May 19th 1835

Sir
The solicitations of an old acquaintance, Colo. Christian Snydow, of Giles Gounty, in this state, have induced me to trouble you with this communication. He is inscribed on the pension roll: and the payment of his pension has been suspended, as he says, that some enquiry might be made into the business of his title to it. He complains that, though  always ready himself, owing to [illegible] somewhere, that enquiry has not been made; nor does he know whom it will be.
I do not know what I can do for the old gentleman, other than to call your attention to the subject. I hope if you have a remedy you will speedily supply.
I know the old man well, and would as soon suspect any other person of a fraud as him.
The [illegible] of the Department with which you are connected, to rid itself of the abominable frauds which have often been practised on it are praiseworthy; but injustice to individuals should, as far as practicable, be avoided.
Respectfully yours X R. Craig
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J. L. Edwards Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
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Wythe Ct House Va. March 29th 1935
J. L. Edwards Esq.
Sir,
While attending the Giles County quarterly court last week, a merchant, residing at the Court House of that County, Samuel Pack Esq. through whom he told me, several pensioners of that County, had been in the habit of drawing their money, before a suspension of payments, desired me to address a note to you and inquire whether claims from that County could now be paid; & if so, to request that the necessary order be given to the Agent for paying pensions in Richmond - He desired this communication to be made to you in consequence of information, on the subject; recd from the Hon. Wm. McComas, late representative in Congress from that District - He told me he had recd. information from that gentleman before the rising of Congress, that you had determined to order the claims of Giles to be paid - that he had informed several pensioners of the fact, who have since applied for their arrearages in Richmond, but that payment was again refused, and that the Agent for paying pensions replied that he had recd no order for payments. Will you be so good as to let Mr. Pack hear from you on the subject?
A letter on the same subject, from the Hon Wm. McComas to Wm. Chapman Esq, residing at Giles Ct. House, dated the 20th January last, (some time previous to the receipt of the information from the same gentleman, du
Page 36

referred to), was shown to me, in which Mr. McComas says, "The Commissioner of Pensions has agreed to allow the claims, provided the Clerk of the court will certify that Wamsley, the celebrated fellow from Lewis County, had no agency in procuring the claims." I saw Christian Snidow, to whose claim I had been giving some attention - He told me he had not received any information from the Pension Department that his claim was directed to be paid, although he had heard of the information above spoken of; and desired me to get the Clerk to make a certificate of the facts, agreeably to Mr. McComas suggestion in his letter to Mr. Chapman, as it might be a mistake that payments had been ordered. I applied to the Clerk for his certificate, and he made the one herewith enclosed.. If it be true that payments have not been already ordered, and you should think, after seeing the enclosed certificate, that there is no longer any cause for suspending payment of Mr. Snidow's claim, be pleased to instruct the Agent in Richmond to pay the same.
Will you also have the goodness to inform Mr. Hugh McGavock, of this County, or myself for him, what has been done with his claim for a pension under the Act of June 7th 1832, instead of Half pay as an officer of the Va. state line under the Act of 5th July 1832. He has heard nothing, on the subject of his claim, since he forwarded a written request to the Secretary of the Treasury to transfer his papers in that Department to your Office. In his letter, requiring a written request to effect a transfer, the Hon Secretary mentioned that Half pay under the act of July 5th 1832, and full pay under
Page 37

the act of June 7th 1832 could not be both drawn. You have seen, from Mr. McGavocks application under the last named act, that he does not claim both together; but expressly asks that the Half pay already received from 14th March 1831 may be deducted from his pension under the Act of June 7th 1832. This last named Act expressly provides for such deduction and requires it to be made, and the balance paid, and a full pension under that act thereafter.
Very Respectfully
Your most Obt. Servt.
Th: J. Boyd
Page 38

State of Virginia
Giles County} To wit
I Rufus A French Clerk of Giles County Certify that it appears from the records in my Office that Christian Snidow, a resident of said County made a declaration for a Pension in the County Court of said County in Open Court on the 26th day of May One thousand eight hundred and thirty four, that I was personally present, when said declaration was read and made in Court; that said Snidow was assisted in Court by Thomas J. Boyd a resident of the County of Wythe then attending the Court of Giles County and practicing lawyer, that said Snidow some time previous thereto requested me to aid him in drawing his declaration which I did, and that I was subsequently referred to the said Boyd who redrafted it & made some Changes in its form: that I believe that no person whatever who has ever been believed or reported to have had any agency whatever on fraudulently, or improperly presenting pensions, had the slightest agency in any shape in The management of said Snidow's pension Claim or in procuring his pension; that I am well acquainted with said Snidow, and know him to be a magistrate of the County of Giles of the highest standing and respectability and a man of Strict veracity
In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my seal of Office, and subscribed my name this 25th day of March in The year 1835
Rufus A. French Clerk of
Giles County Court.
Page 39

State of Virginia
Giles County } to wit:

Be it known, that before me the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace in and for the county aforesaid, personally appeared Christian Snidow, and made oath in due forum of law, that he is the identical person named in an original certificate in his profession, of which (I certify) the following is a true copy:

War Department.
Revolutionary Claim.
I certify that in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7th June 1832, Christian Snidow, of the State of Virginia, who was a private and lieutenant in the War of the Revolution, is entitled to receive two hundred and eighty dollars per annum during his natural life, commencing on the 4th of March 1831. and payable semi-annually on the 4th of March and 4th of September in every year. Given at the War Office of the United States, this 23rd day of August one thousand eight hundred and thirty four. - John [illegible], acting Secretary of War. - Examined and countersigned, J.L. Edwards, Commissioner of Pension, that he now resides in Giles County, and has resided there for the spade of about sixty two years past (it having been about thirty three years before the stablished of said County of Giles, and while it constituted a part of Montgomery County); and that previous thereto he resided in the County of Botetourt, State of Virginia. 
From and subscribed this 25th day 
of March 1835 before me.
* The above word "appeared," was interlined before the above was subscribed [illegible] to
Isaac Chapman J.P.

State of Virginia
County of Giles } to wit:
March the 25th 1835.
I, Isaac Chapman, a Magistrate in the County above
Page 40

above named, do hereby certify, that I have the most satisfactory evident, sir, that of my own personal knowledge, that Christian Snidow, who has this day appeared before me to take the oath of identity, is the identical person, names in the pension certificate, which he has exhibited before me, endorsed in figures with the member twenty seven thousand eight hundred and ninety eight, and bearing date at the War Office, the 23rd day of August 1834; and signed by John [illegible], acting Secretary of War.
Given under my hand, at the County of Giles on the 35th day of March 1835 above written.
Isaac Chapman J.P.

Know all men by these presents, that I, Christian Snidow of Giles County in the State of Virginia, a revolutionary pensioner of the United States, do hereby constitute and appoint Charles M. Mitchell, of the city of Richmond, my true and lawful attorney for me and in my name to receive from the Agent of the United States for paying pensions in Richmond, state of Virginia, my pension from the 4th day of March, 1831 to the 4th day of March 1835. Witness my hand and seal this 25th day of March 1835
Sealed and delivered in 
Presence of
Rufus A. French
Christian L. Snidow

State of Virginia
Giles County } to wit:
Be it known, that on the 25th day of March, 1835, before the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County personally appeared Christian Snidow above named and acknowledged the foregoing power of attorney to be his act and deed. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand the day and year
Page 41

year last above mentioned.
Isaac Chapman J.P.

State of Virginia
Giles County - towit

I Rufus A French Clerk of the County of Giles certify that Isaac Chapman is a magistrate in above and the foregoing signatures purporting to be his are genuine.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my seal of Office, and subscribed my name this 25th day of March in the year 1835.
Rufus A. French Clerk of,
Giles County

State of Virginia
City of Richmond

Be it know, that on the 4 day of April 1835, before the subscriber, a Just of the Peace in and for said City, personally appeared Charles M Mitchell, the attorney named in the foregoing power of attorney, and made oath that the name may not given him by reasons of any sale, transfer, or mortgage of the pension, or arrears of pension therein authorized to be reserved by him.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year last above mentioned before me.
Tho. B. Bigger, J.P.
Chas. M. Mitchell
Page 42

Giles
Page 43

Giles Ct. House Oct the [illegible] 1834

D Sir
I saw a few days ago at Wythe Courthouse, a Mr. Singleton who informed me & others that he had been appointed the Agent on the part of the Government to investigate the claim of revolutionary soldiers. he informed me likewise that, he could not perform the services assigned him for 12 months yet to come. the arrangement will operate injuriously to the interest as well as the rights of many Yet I suppose it cannot well be avoided. from the many frauds that has been Committed upon the Government those frauds should be detected & punished - I am certain that the Declarations made in court here have properly & correctly set forth the services of the applicants as those who have so applied are men of Character & standing - The services as set forth in Col Christian Snidow's Declaration have been fully proven by the testimony of good & worthy men & I find that the Department has allowed him $280. per An - but the agent at Richmd. has refused to pay to him the amt. he is thus entitled to - upon the ground that he is required to Rope back the payment until the whole matter is investigated - I have no doubt but what [illegible] of the people of Giles County would give Their opinion that Col Snidows Declaration contains the truth - I have often heard my father in his life time speak of Col. Snidows service - as well as many others who were his associates in arms - and I do assure you sir, that the arrangement [illegible] by the Department will affect Col Snidow materially - Could not the Department be [illegible] Confidence in some individual in their Country who could immediately enter into an investigation of this matter Thereby doing justice to individuals as well as to the Government - Be so kind as to examine Col Snidows papers
Page 44

& see if you do not find the strongest evidence of the justice of his claim If so, I am assured you will require immediate payment of the Amount due his papers were prepared by Capt Boyd & Myself and I so assure you upon My honor - that neither of us in the court that he succeeds will receive one cent - for our services - when his warrant came to hand he offered me a Compensation for my services but I refused to Accept of it - upon the ground that I never have received one solitary Cent for any services that I have ever rendered in or out of Court for Revolutionary soldiers - & upon the further ground that he had been a devoted friend of my father in his life time -
Will you be so kind as to answer me upon this subject immediately
Yours respectfully
R A French
Page 45

27895
J.L. Edward Esqr.
Commissioner of Pension,
Washington City
Page 46

By the let. House VA Sept. 27th 1834.
J.L. Edward Esq.

Sir, 
Be pleased to excuse me for troubling you. I have just recd. a letter informing me that the payment of the claim of Christian Snidow, of Giles, which was lately allowed , is expended on receiving the letter giving me that information. I showed it to Mr. Singleton, the U.S. Atty for the Western District of VA (now here attending the Federal Court held at this place)- That gentleman informs me that the payment of all claims west of the Allyghany in VA has been suspended and that there can be no payment till he completes an investigation of all of those claims, which he has begun in north western VA. & will being on to the Tennessee line as his leisure may permit - He thinks it will be at least twelve months from this time before the claims in this part of VA can be investigated. I have taken the liberty to write, therefore, and beg to be informed whether there are no exceptions to this general sus.
Page 47

-pension of payments. Can not these claims, at least, that are supported by living evidence, be an exception? Christian Snidow, I believe, is supported, almost entirely, if not wholly by living witnesses. If there are no exceptions to this general suspension, permit me to suggest to the Department to appoint some competent person to examine all the claims in this part of the State, in order that it may be at once ascertained whether they are legal and genuine or fraudulent. If the suspension should be continued for the time, implicated by Mr. Singleton, I doubt not that many very worthy and very needy persons on the pension roll will suffer much. [illegible] Snidow, however, though as worthy as any man under the sun, is not in need, and therefore, would not, probably, suffer by the suspensions; but, if the laws of his country entitle him to a pension, he should be permitted to receive it at once, and not denied the enjoyment of his right on account of the fraud and villainy of some-- If, however, the fraud in the Pension Department have been such as to require the suspensions, I have been informed of, most certainly the honest pensioners ought not to tremble at a temporary inconvenience, though some of them should thereby be subjected to much suffering. I am informed by Mr.
Page 48

- Singleton that extensive fraud have been practiced in Lewis County.

If on a reexamination of [illegible] Snidows evidence, it should be thought that there can be no doubt of the genuineness of his claim, and it should be consistent with the rules of the Department, it would afford him much satisfaction if the agent for paying pensions in VA. should be instructed to pay his claim -- Be good enough to let me know what can be done in this matter. I hope the claims in this part of the state will be, at once, examined, and those, who may be fraud to be honest in their claims, permitted to receive their money without delay.

Be pleased to pardon me for thus troubling you.

Yours very respectfully
Th. J. Boyd
Page 49

Christian Lendon
--
31,700

Amt as
lend 2 mo 266.66
B. L. 13.33
$279.99
Page 50

Mythe Ct. House Va. July 2nd 1834.

J. L. Edwards Esqr.
Dear Sir,
I herewith enclose the declaration of Christian Snidow, of Giles County, for a pension, together with several affidavits sustaining the same. I flatter myself that the old gentleman, who is a man of high standing and one of the oldest and most respectable magistrates of his County, has produced satisfactory evidence of his services. You will confer a favor in the old gentleman by informing either himself at Giles Ct. House as the Clerk of Giles County, of the success or failure of his application.

I am frequently questioned as to the amount of full pay per month that was allowed those who served in the revolution, and find that I was more ignorant on the subject than I was time ago supposed, finding at least that I have been mistaken from the services allowed to serve pensioners. Will you, therefore, have the goodness to inform what was the full pay per month of a Lieutenant, Ensign, and private whether in the regular, volunteer, or drafted services - and if any difference, to please to state it.

Very Respectfully
Your most [illegible]
Th. J. Boyd
Page 51

ENVELOPE

Free

Wythe [illlegible]

J. L. Edwards Esqre.
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City D. C.

July 9
Page 52

State of Virginia
Giles County   to wit:

On the 30th day of June 1836 personally appeared in open court, before the County Court of the County of Giles, aforenamed, now sitting, Thomas Farley, a resident of said County of Giles, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on his oath, say after having heard read to him the declaration of Christian Snidow for a pensions made in the said County Court of Giles on the 26th day of May 1834, that he knows of his own personal knowledge that the said Christian Snidow did serve in the war of the revolution for a time and in the manner stated by him in his aforesaid declaration in the tour therein remembered "two", "three", and "ten". This applicant having served with said Snidow in those three tours - that is to say, this applicant and the said Snidow served together for three months, in the year 1776, under Captain Thomas Burk, there stationed at Norths fort in Monroe County (then Serebrier). They also served together in the year 1777 in the then County of Montgomery (now Files) at Culberton's bottom, for the space of three months, under the command of the same Captain Thomas Burk. Lastly, they served together (said Snidow being their Lieutenant and this applicant a private) in the year 1781 in Captain James Burns' Company, and in this service, we marched to North Carolina to join the American troops at the Moravian towns, and served three months. This applicant concurs entirely with  said Snidow in his statement of particular and facts, in relation to said three tours of service, as stated in his said declaration and say they are true, to the best of his recollection. He thinks the officers are all correctly named in said declaration. He has know well the said Snidow ever since their said service together, they having resided in the same County up to this time, and believes that said Snidow performed all
Page 53

the services named in his said declaration, it having been the general report of the Country since the revolution. He knows said Snidow to be a man of high standing, respectability and truth.
Sworn to and subscribed - open court on the day & year first named.
Thomas Farley


State of Virginia
Giles County

[too light to read]
Page 54

State of Virginia
Giles County } to wit

On this 1st day of July in the year 1834 personally appeared before me, William H. Snidow, an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the said County of Giles, Parker Lucas Senior, a resident of the said County of Giles, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath, say that he is well acquainted with Christian Snidow, of the same county , whose declaration for a pension, made on the 26th day of May last in the county court of said county, he has just seen and heard the Revolutionary War. They having resided in the neighbourhood in which they now reside, within a few miles of each other, ever since about the year 1768 or 9. He has a personal knowledge of the most of the services of said Snidow in the revolution as states in his said declaration, having served with him in several of the tours named. He has no doubt of the services in the other tours named in said declaration, other from seeing said Snidow start off on same and other having been the report of the neighbourhood every since the time of service. He said Snidow's first tour (numbered 1) named in said declaration, this affiant was not with him, but he knows of his having volunteered under Captain James W. Corkle and that he actually started on the service, as stated by said Snidow. In his served tour, named in said declaration and therein numbered "2", this affiant was with said Snidow and actually served with him during that tour, and therefore knows the tour to have been performed as stated. So his third tour, named in said declaration, and therein numbered "3", this affiant served with said Snidow, and knows personally that said Snidow served in that tour as he states. This affiant to be more particular as to the time of performing said tour, will state, that the said fist tour, as well as his recollection now serves him began as stated by said Snidow in May 1776; the second tour in September of the same year, the third in March 1777 - In the fourth tour (numbered 4th) named in said declaration, and performed in the fall of the year of 1777 he was with said Snidow at Barrages Fort, but this affiant does not now distinctly recollect who was the commander at that fort during that tour, he, however, has an indistinct [recollection] that Capt. Floyd, as stated by said Snidow, was the commander. I said
Page 55

Snidow's fifth tour (number "5"), named in said declaration, this affiant returned with said Snidow; but he knows that said Snidow was ordered into that tour, under Captain John Lucas (said Snidow having been a short time before appointed Lieutenant in said Lucas' Company), and that he actually left the neighbourhood to march to North Carolina against the tories as a Lieutenant of said Company - this, he thinks was in March 1778. In the sixth tour (numbered "6") as stated in said declaration, began in July 1778, this affiant was with said Snidow, and evidently recollects the service, and facts stated by said Snidow, with one exception, viz, he thinks there were three waggons (instead of two as stated by said Snidow) sent from the lead mines to [illegible] in North Carolina laden with ammunition. In his seventh tour (numbered "7"), named in his declaration, this affiant was not with said Snidow, but during that tour he was in the neighborhood of said Snidow's fort, within a few miles miles of the same, and at the time heard of said Snidow's being stationed at said fort and believes he was there and served said tour as he states. In his eighth tour (numbered "8"), mentioned in said declaration, this affiant was not with said Snidow, but he knows of his own personal knowledge that said Snidow was called to Preston's fort and left the neighbourhood for it, and believes he served there as he states. In his ninth tour (numbered "9"), mentioned in said declaration, the affiant was not in service with said Snidow, but he recollects his being called into North Carolina as stated by said Snidow, and that he marched from the neighborhood on that tour; he does not now recollect how long said Snidow was absent on that tour. In his tenth tour (numbered "10"), stated in said declaration, this affiant was not with said Snidow, but distinctly recollects that said Snidow was marched from the neighborhood in that tour as Lieutenant in Captain James Burns' Company - In his eleventh tour (numbered "11") as stated in said declaration, this affiant was not in service with said Snidow, but he recollects very distinctly that Captain Pears was sent out to North Carolina, at the time as stated by said Snidow, and that said Snidow was ordered to Pear's fort to take command of the same in the place of Captain Pearis. This affiant believes that said Snidow has stated the names of the officers, and whom and under whom he served, correctly in said declaration - He believes he is correct in his statement of the time when he performed the respective tours and as to these tours, in which they served together, he knows said Snidow to be correct in his statements. In regard to all the services, mentioned by said Snidow in his said declaration, they have been the neighborhood talk ever since their performance, and this affiant believes that doubts have never been expressed or entertained of their having been performed, as stated by said Snidow in his said declaration. This affiant knows said Snidow to be a man of high standing, and a man of truth - He would further state that all of said Snidow's service, from the time he was first commissioned Lieutenant, as above stated, was performed in the Capacity of Lieutenant to the best of his recollection.
Parker x his mark Lucas Jr.
Sworn to and subscribed before me
the day and year first above mentioned
Wm H Snidow JP.

State of Virginia Giles County to wit:
On this 1st day of July in the year 1834 personally appeared
Page 56

before me, William H Snidow, an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County of Giles, John Lybrook, a resident of the same County who being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on his oath, say that he is well acquainted with Christian Snidow, who is a resident of the County of Giles, aforesaid, and has been so acquainted with him ever since before the beginning of the Revolution - they having resided in the same neighborhood, a few miles only apart, since that time up to the present - He has seen and heard read to him, the declaration of said Snidow for a pension, made in the County Court of Giles County, on the 16th day of May last. This affiant was between twelve and thirteen years of age at the time of the performance of said Snidow's first tour as stated in his declaration, aforesaid. He recollects said Snidow's going on the tour of service under Capt McCorkle, and thinks he was about from the neighborhood on that tour the time said Snidow states in his said declaration. This affiant also distinctly recollects that said Snidow was called into service on the second tour, as stated in his said declaration, under Captain Thomas Bush. He has no personal knowledge of said Snidow's third tour, as stated in his said declaration, but heard it spoken of them, and often since, as having been performed by said Snidow. As to said Snidow's fourth tour, performed at Burgyen's fort, this affiant recollects being there when said Snidow was stationed there, and he believes that he performed the tour, as stated in his said declaration. He knows of said Snidow's going to North Carolina, on his said fifth named tour, as stated in his declaration, as a Lieutenant under Captain John Lucas, as stated by said Snidow, and from his absence from the neighbourhood, he believes he served the time he states. This affiant has no personal knowledge of said Snidow's sixth tour, as stated in his declaration, but he has often heard it spoken of since the revolution. In said Snidow's seventh tour, as named in his said declaration, this affiant was with said Snidow, and knows that the tour was performed as stated, though this affiant was not a regularly enrolled soldier. This affiant was stationed with said Snidow at Preston's fort during his said eighth tour, as stated by said Snidow this affiant being there for the first time a regularly enrolled soldier. He does not distinctly recollect said Snidow's ninth tour, as named in said declaration, but knows that said Snidow was called to North Carolina on several tours against the tories. He distinctly recollects and heard of having gone on his tenth tour under Captain James Burns, as stated in his said declaration, but was not with him. he recollects a great deal having been since in this neighbourhood, during the time of tour and afterwards, about said Burns having received a ball in
Page 57

the back part of his thigh in this tour, and knows that said Snidow was in the same tour. As to said Snidows eleventh tour as stated in his said declaration, he knows of his leaving the neighbourhood to go to said fort, but was not with him - he believes he did serve at Pearis fort as he has stated, his service there having been much talked of at that time and since. He knows that said Snidow was Lieutenant, and understood to do all his service in that capacity from the time  he was first commissioned such in Captain John Lucas Company, as stated in said declaration. of the services of said Snidow as stated in his said declaration, and of the time of his services, as therein stated, (independently of what this affiant has stated of his own personal knowledge), this affiant entertains no doubt, they having been the subject of report and talk in the neighbourhood ever since the revolution. This affiant knows said Snidow to be a credible man, and that his statements are entitled to faith and credit.
John Lybrook
Sworn to and subscribed before me on 
the said 1st day of July in the year 1834.
Wm H. Snidow JP

State of Virginia
Giles County} to wit
I, William H. Snidow, an acting Justice of the peace in and for said County of Giles, do hereby certify, that Parker Lucas who has sworn to and subscribed the first foregoing affidavit, and John Lybrook, who has sworn to and subscribed the second foregoing affidavit are credible persons, and that their statements are entitled to full faith and credit. Given under my hand this 1st July 1834
Wm H. Snidow JP.
Page 58

ENVELOPE

J. L. Edwards Esqr.
Comm. Pensions
Washington D.C.

Jan 21.43
Jan a6
JWEvans

Hon. G. W. Summers
HR
Page 59

Ho Reps. Jany 20. 1843.

Sir

In my letter addressed to you, some days since, in relation to the claim of Col. Christian Snidow representative of Giles County Virginia, I mentioned that the original warrant had been lost, and requested that a copy or duplicate be furnished to me, together with the proper blanks to make the application -
you have sent me the blanks, but not the Copy of the warrant. 
I must trouble you for that also -
Some 10 days ago, I sent to your office, a declaration of an old soldier living in Monroe Co Va, for a pension. I have not heard from you as to that application, & fear my letter may not have reached you. I do not recollect the name of the applicant.
Very Respectfully
Geo W Summers
Page 60

ENVELOPE

Hon James L Edwards
Commission of Pensions
Washington City

Jan 14 1844
Christian Snidow
[illegible]

Hon A. A. Chapman
HR.
Page 61

Washington City
January 3rd 1844.

Dear Sir

I herewith enclose a communication from one of my constituents from the County of Giles, Virginia asking me to provide a copy of the pension certificate of his father, Christian Snidow, now dec'd, the original having been lost. You would confer a favour by having me a copy made out all the charges of which will be paid by me.
Most respectfully
You ftsvt.
A. A. Chapman
Hon. J. L. Edwards
Page 62

House of Representatives
4th Feby 1844

Sir

Will you be so kind as to forward me with an accurate copy of the [illegible] certificate for a pension which paid to Christian Snidow of Giles County Virginia for his services as a soldier in the Revolution.
I am yours [illegible]
Wm. Ballard Preston
Page 63

W. B. SNIDOW,
ATTORNEY AT LAW,
PEARISBURG, VIRGNIA

July, 15th, 1914.

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

Sirs:

I have in my possession a certificate in the following language:
*I certify that in conformity with the laws of the United States of the 7th of June, 1832 Christian Snidow of the State of Virginia, who was a private and Lieutenant in the War of the Revolution is entitled to receive Two Hundred and Eighty Dollars per annum during his natural life commencing on the 4th of March, 1831 and payable semi-annually on the 4th of March and 4th of September, in every year. Given at the War Office of the United States this 23rd day of August, 1834.
John Forsythe
Acting Secretary of War.
Examined and countersigned,
J.L. Edwards,
Commissioner of Pensions.
The records in the Clerk's Office are on very paper that it is almost impossible to get any information on things which happened a long time ago, and I am writing to know whether you will furnish me with information on the following points. I want to file an application for membership in the Society of the Cincinnati and I want to get the following questions answered;
From what time to what time did Christian Snidow serve in the 
STAMP - PENSION OFFICE JUL 16 1914
Page 64

(2)

Revolutionary army and what was his rank?
What terminated his service?
What Company, Regiment and Division did he belong to?

If I could get a copy of the declarations etc. upon which the above referred to certificate was granted I would be glad to have it, if there is any charge for this information I will gladly pay for it. Thank you for such information as you have at hand, I was,

Very Truly Yours,
W. B. Snidow
Page 65

3 -- 050.
Rev. War. Sec. Div. J.S.6 Ex'r.
Department of the Interior,
Bureau of Pensions
Washington. D.C. July 17 14.

Respectfully referred to the Chief of the Law Division with the information that the declaration of Christian Snidow survivori file # 17.112
Rev. War, contains 2000 words.
Page 66

W. B. SNIDOW,
ATTORNEY AT LAW
PEARISBURG, VIRGINIA.

July 29th 1914
G. M. Saltzgaber [illegible].
Washington. D.C.

Sir:
I am enclosing you money order made payable to Secretary of the Interior for $3.25 and I ask that you send one certified copy of the application for pension by Christian Snidow as stated in your letter of the 20th inst. which I endorsed to you as requested.

Yours Respectfully-
W.B. Snidow-

July 30 1914
Page 67

STAMP

U. S. PENSION OFFICE
E
JUL 30 1914
Page 68

17,112
INVALID
File No. 17,112
Christian Snidow
Prvt Rev War
Act: June 7"/32
Index:-Vol. 1, Page 351
[Arrangement of 1870.]

1914 July 17. Hist. to W. B. Snidow, c
1914 Aug. 5 copy of Declaration to Law Div. for transmittal to W. B. Snidow c
1914 Dec. 8. Hist. to Charles T. St. Clair
M.D.
1921 May 27 Hist. to Nellie Snidow
1923. Dec. 11, W. B. Snidow infd of cost of copies. AW
1923 Dec. 26, Copies mailed to W. B. Snidow.
1924, Mch. 27 - Hist. to Mrs. Lizzie P Snidow, UM
1927 - May 21 - Hist to Mrs. C. F. Tynes AWF.
1932 Aug. 18 - Tombstone data memorial Br AWF
1932 - Sept. 13 - hist to John J. Snidow AWF
1935 - Jan 29 - hist to Mrs. K. E. Coffman AWF
Page 69

A case Christian Snidow
Rev War Sec 8/1/14

3-816
-----
BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
Finance Division.
July 30, 1914
Chief of Law Division,
Sir:
I have this day received from W. B. Snidow No. 14,903 for $3.25/100,
Case of:
Certificate No.:
For certified copies and filed letter herewith,

Very respectfully,
W. N. Campbell
Chief of Division.
Page 70

CHARLES T. ST. CLAIR, M. D.
BLUEFIELD, W. VA.

Decr. 4th.1914.
Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington,D.C.

Dear sir:-

Will you kindly send me copy of the original record regarding Christian Snidow, who volunteered in the revolutionary war, in Montgomery County, Virginia, in May 1776. My wife, who is a great-grand daughter of Christian Snidow, wishes to become a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and can not do so without this paper.

Yours very truly,
C. T. St. Clari
Page 71

Floyd, Virginia
Jan. 10, 1935

Veteran's Administration
Washington, D. C.

Dear Sirs:

Kindly send me the Revolutionary War Record of Philip Snidow, Lewis Snidow, Christian Snidow or Jacob Douthat.

Thanking you in advance for your kindness, I am
Very truly yours,
 Mrs. K.E. Coffman
Page 72

Bluefield, W. Va.,
616 Albemarle St.,
Aug. 31, 1932.

War Department,
Bureau of Pensions,
Washington, D. C.

Gentlemen:

I would like to have the Revolutionary War record of the following men:

Christian Snidow
Jacob Snidow
Phillip Snidow

If you cannot directly furnish me with copies of the above records, will you kindly advise me the steps to take to obtain same.

Thanking you for the above, I am,

Very truly yours,
Jno J Snidow.

STAMP - RECEIVED SEP 1 1932
RECEIPT SECTOR
PENSION FILES [ILLEGIBLE]
Page 73

Box 585
Bluefield, W. Va

Commissioner of Pensions,

The National Registrar of Children of the American Revolution will not accept the papers of John J. Snidow, descendant of Col. Christian Snidow of Giles Co., Va. without a certified copy of his Pension. I would certainly appreciate it very much if you would send
Page 74

me a copy of his Pension.

Thank you, I am,

Sincerely,
Mrs. C. F. Tynes
Pres. C. A. R. Bluefield, W. Va.
Page 75

Rev.

STAMP - U. S. PENSION OFFICE
R MAR 15 1927
Page 76

Pembroke, Va.
Feb. 23. 1924.

Will you please send to Capt. R. Chapman Snidow, Ft. Totten, New York, a complete file of record of the service of Col. Christian Snidow, File No. 17112. I would like to have it typewritten. I would appreciate so much
Page 77

if you could send copy of same to Frank Peck Snidow, Pembroke, Virginia. W. B. Snidow Pearisburg will send in applications for my three sons to join the Sons of the Revolution. Col. Christian Snidow was my great great grandfather.
Thank you
I am 
Mrs. Lizzie Peck Snidow
Page 78

W. B. SNIDOW.
Attorney at Law.
PEARISBURG, VIRGINIA.

Nov. 23rd 1923

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

Dear Sir:

I want a complete copy of the declaration of Christian Snidow, with the depositions and court orders on file in your office upon his application for a pension under the provisions of the Act of Congress of June 7th 1832 providing for pensions for certain soldiers in the War of the Revolution.

I have some reference to this and you will find it "In Pension Bureau in the Claim of Christian Snidow, Revolutionary War, Survivor's File No. 17,112.

Please send this under seal of your office. Let me know the cash of it and I will remit in such form as you suggest.

Yours Truly,
W. B. Snidow
Page 79

Lead, S.D. 4/6/31.

To the Pension Commissioner,
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sir:

I am a descendant of Christian Snidow. Will you let me know what fee I will have to pay for a declaration & affidavits filed there with of Christian
Page 80

Snidow for a Revolutionary War Pension.
 
I will appreciate a speedy reply.

Netti Snidow
913 W. Addie St.
Lead, S.D.

STAMP - U. S. PENSION OFFICE
MAY 13 1921
Page 81

STAMP -
RECORD DIVISION
MAY 16 1921
Page 82

Rev. & 1813 Wars Section

Dec. 11, 1923.

W. B. Snidow,
Pearisburg, Va.

Sir:

I have to advise you, that if you desire photostat copies of the original papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 17112, of Christian Snidow, the same will be furnished you under the provisions of the Act of August 24, 1913, at the rate of fifteen cents a page, with twenty-five cents extra for certification, if that is desired.

The number of pages to be copied is seventy-two.

The proper amount should be forwarded to this Bureau, by money order drawn to the order of the Secretary of the Interior.

Respectfully,

Commissioner.
Page 83

M 233

BUREAU OF PENSIONS

Finance Division

DEC 17 1923  

Chief Rev War Section Division.

Sir:

I have this day received from W. B. Snidow M. O. No 35,501 for $3.55 requesting post-office address as per letter herewith.

Copies mailed & Finance Div notf
AW
Dec 26.20
REV. WAR SECTION

Respectfully,

G. J. Randall
Chief Finance Div.
Page 84

FORM

Request for Photostating   M 6
(To be prepared in duplicate)  Ex AW

OFFICE OF THE CHIEF CLERK

Job No. ______________  Date Dec. 21.23

Subject Christian Snidow, Va. S 17112
1 (No.) copies of 10 (No.) pieces consisting of 22 (No.) pages to be forwarded when completed to the REV.WAR SECTION Division. 

Remarks: ______________________

Approved:

AE Wilson
Chief Div.

_________________
Chief Clerk.
Page 85

W. B. SNIDOW.
Attorney at Law.
PEARISBURG, VIRGINIA.

Dec. 13th 1923.
Washington Gardner. Esqr.
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sir:-
Complying with your letter of yesterday I am enclosing you money order for $3.55 to pay for photostat Copy of the original papers in Revolutionary War pension claim S. 17112 of Christian Snidow - 22 pages at 15 cents per page and 25 cents for Certification.
Please let me have this at once.
Very Truly Yours
W. B. Snidow

[stamp1]
OFFICE OF
THE COMMISSIONER
DEC 14 1923
U. S. BUREAU OF PENSIONS

[stamp 2]
FINANCE DIVISION
DEC 17 1923
BUREAU OF PENSIONS
Page 86

LAW DIVISION   3-1868
------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
BUREAU OF PENSIONS
WASHINGTON, D. C.
July 20, 1914.

Mr. W. B. Snidow,
Pearisburg, Va.

Sir:

In response to that part of your letter of the 15th instant requesting a copy of the declaration for pension of Christian Snidow, Revolutionary war, Survivors File No. 17112, you are advised that the act of August 24, 1912, provides that the Bureau shall charge 15 cents per folio for copying any portion of the records thereof, with 25 cents additional for certifying such copy where certification is desired.

A copy of the application in the above case will cost $3. uncertified. If you desire the same certified as correct under the seal of the Bureau you should add 25 cents to that amount. Money should be forwarded in cash, or by money order drawn to the order of the Secretary of the Interior, and this letter should be returned with your request.

Respectfully,
G.W. Saltzgaber
Commissioner.

JP/MO
Page 87

STAMP -

U. S. PENSION OFFICE
E JUL 30 1914
Page 88

September 13, 1932

BA-J/AWF

Mr. John J. Snidow
616 Albemarle Street
Bluefield, West Virginia

Dear Sir:

Reference is made to your letter requesting the Revolutionary War records of Christian, Jacob and Phillip Snidow, soldiers of the War of the Revolution.

Because of the very large number of requests similar to yours and the limited clerical force available for furnishing Revolutionary War data, it has not been possible to furnish more than two histories of soldiers of that war to each inquirer.

The record of Christian Snidow was found in his claim for pension S.17112, and the record of Jacob Snidow was found in his pension claim, R.9902, are furnished herewith.

Christian Snidow
S. 17112

The data which follow were obtained from the papers on file in the pension claim, S. 17112, based upon the Revolutionary War service of Christian Snidow.

He was born March 15, 1760, place not stated, nor are the names of his parents shown.

He enlisted in Montgomery County, Virginia and served with the Virginia troops, as follows- from sometime in May, 1776, three months as private in Captain
Page 89

James McCorkle's company in Colonel John Montgomery's regiment, was in the battle of Long Island of Holston; from sometime in September, 1776, three months as private in Captain Thomas Burk's company; from sometime in March, 1777, three months as private in Captain Thomas Burk's company; three months as private in Captain Thomas Burk's company, and three months as private in Captain John Floyd's company, dates not given; from sometime in March, 1778, three months as lieutenant in Captain John Lucas' company in Colonel Campbell's regiment; from sometime in July, 1778, three months as lieutenant, stationed at the lead mines and guard at Salem, North Carolina; from April 3, 1779, three months as lieutenant, guarding the frontier against the Shawnee Indians; from sometime in September, 1779, three months as lieutenant in Captain John Floyd's company, stationed at Preston's Fort; from sometime in October, 1780, three months as lieutenant in Captain Patton's company in Colonel William Campbell's regiment; from February 1, 1781, three months as lieutenant under Captains James Burns, William Simpson and Colonel William Preston, was in an engagement near Guilford Court House; from sometime in September, 1781, two months as lieutenant in command of Pearis Fort.

In 1836 he was referred to as having been Colonel of Militia.

He was allowed pension on his application executed May 26, 1834, then a resident of Giles (formerly Montgomery) County, Virginia.

He was Representative from Giles County, in the Virginia House of Delegates.

He died in October, 1836, leaving no widow, but several children survived him, no names given, other than William H. Snidow, who was alive in 1841.
=========================
Jacob Snidow
H. 9903

The data which follow were obtained form the papers on file in pension claim H. 9903, based upon the Revolutionary War service of Jacob Snidow.

He was born November 15, 1762 in Lancaster
Page 90

County, Pennsylvania. He moved in 1774 to Stony Creek a tributary of New River in Montgomery County, Virginia. He stated that his mother also moved there in 1774, the names of his parents are not given.

He was a resident of Montgomery (later Giles) County, Virginia, when he served in the Revolution.

In his application for pension, executed March 25, 1834, then a resident of said Giles County, he stated that he served in the years 1780, 1781, 1782, 1783 under Captain John Lucas on the frontier against the Indians, sometimes stationed in Snidows Fort, and also as Indian Spy. In his application for pension, executed November 23, 1835, still living in Giles County, he stated that he served in the years 1776, 1777, 1778, 1779, 1780 a part of the time under Captain John Floyd and Lieutenant Christian Snidow (no relationship shown) in [defense] of the frontier against the Indians, was at Philip Baragers Fort, Preston Fort and Fort Snidow.

His claim was not allowed, owing to lack of proof of service in a regularly organized corps, as was required by the pension law.

There is no reference to wife and children.

Very truly yours

A. D. HILLER
Assistant to Administrator
Page 91

August 18, 1932
BA-J/AWF
Christian Snidow
S.17112

Memorial Branch
Office of the Q.M. General
War Department
Washington, D. C.

Dear Sir:

Reference is made to your request for the information relative to Christian Snidow, a soldier of the War of the Revolution.

The data furnished herein were obtained from the papers on file in pension claim, S.17112, based upon the Revolutionary War service of Christian Snidow.

He was born March 15, 1760, place not stated.

He enlisted in Montgomery County, Virginia and served with the Virginia troops, as follows-
From sometime in May, 1776, three months as private in Captain James McCorkle's company in Colonel John Montgomery's regiment, was in the battle of Long Island of Holston; from sometime in September, 1776, three months as private in Captain Thomas Burk's company; from sometime in March, 1777, three months as private in Captain Thomas Burk's company; three months as private in Captain John Floyd's company, dates not given; from sometime in March, 1778, three months as lieutenant in Captain John Lucas' company in Colonel Campbell's regiment; from sometime in July, 1778, three months as lieutenant, stationed at the land mines and as a guard to Salem, North Carolina; from April 3, 1779, three months as lieutenant, guarding the frontier against the Shawnee Indians; from sometime in September, 1779, three months as lieutenant in Captain John Floyd's company, stationed at Preston's Fort; from sometime in October, 1780, three months
Page 92

as lieutenant in Captain Patton's company in Colonel William Campbell's regiment; from February 1, 1781, three months as lieutenant under Captains James Burns, William Simpson and Colonel William Preston, was in an engagement near Guilford Court House; from sometime in September, 1781, two months as lieutenant in command of Pearis Fort.

He was referred to as an Indian soldier and spy in 1792 and in 1835, as having been Colonel of Militia.

Christian Snidow was allowed pension on his application executed May 26, 1834, then a resident of Giles (formerly Montgomery) County, Virginia.

He was Representative from Giles County, in the Virginia House of Delegates.

He died in October, 1836. x

The application for headstone for Christian Snidow and all correspondence pertaining thereto are returned herewith.

Very truly yours

A. D. HLLER
Assistant to Administrator
Page 93

May 21, 1927
Mrs. C. F. Tynes
Bluefield, Box 585
West Va
Madam: I have to advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim S. 17112 it appears that Christrian Snidow enlisted in Montgomery County, Virginia, and served in the Virginia Troops, as follows- [illegible] 1760
From May 1776, three months as private in Captain James McCorkle's Company, Colonel John Montgomery's Regiment, and was in the battle of Long Island of Holstein; from September 1776, three months as a private in Captain Thomas Burk's Company; from March 1777, three months as private in Captain Thomas Burk's Company; three months as private in Captain John Floyd's Company, dates not stated; from March 1778, three months as Lieutenant in Captain John Lucas' Company, Colonel Campbell's Regiment; from July 1778, three months as Lieutenant, stationed at lead mines and guarded ammunition to Salem, North Carolina; from April 3, 1779 three months as Lieutenant,
Page 94

guarded the frontier against the Shawnee Indians; from September 1779, three months as Lieutenant in Captain John Floyd's Company, stationed at Preston's Fort; from October 1780, three months as Lieutenant in Captain Patton's Company, Colonel William Campbell's Regiment; from February 1, 1781, three months as Lieutenant under Captains James Burns and William Simpson and Colonel William Preston and was in an engagement near Guilford Court House; from September 1781, two months as Lieutenant in command of Pearis Fort. He was allowed pension on his application executed May 26, 1834, while a resident of Giles (formerly Montgomery County), Virginia. He stated that he was seventy-four years of age March 15, 1834. He died in 
He died in October 1836, leaving no widow, but several children, no names given, other than William H. Snidow, who was alive in 1841. Soldier was referred to as an Indian Soldier and spy in 1793; and in 1835, as having been a Colonel of Militia. He was a Representative from Giles County in the Virginia House of Delegates. 
Respectfully,
Winfield Scott,
Commissioner.
Page 95

March 27, 1924.
Mrs. Lizzie P. Snidow, Pembroke, Va.
Madam:
I have to advise you that from the papers in Revolutionary War pension claim, s.17112, it appears that Christian Snidow enlisted in Montgomery County, Virginia, and served in the Virginia Troops as follows: From May 1776 for 3 months as private in Captain James McCorkle's Company, Colonel John Montgomery's Regiment, and was in the battle at Long Island of Holstein. From September 1776 for 3 months as a private in Thomas Burk's Company. From March 1777 for 3 months as private in Captain Thomas Burk's Company. For 3 months as private in Captain John Floyd's Company, dates not stated. From March 1778 for months as Lieutenant in Captain John Lucas' Company, Colonel Campbell's Regiment. From July 1778 for 3 months as Lieutenant, stationed at lead mines and guarded ammunition to Salem, North Caro-
Page 96

[Illegible] lina.
From April 3, 1779, for 3 months as Lieutenant, guarded the frontier against the Shawnee Indians. From September 1779 for 3 months as Lieutenant in Captain John Floyd's company, stationed at Preston's Fort. From October 1780 for 3 months as Lieutenant in Captain Patton's Company, Colonel William Campbell's Regiment. From February 1, 1781, for 3 months as Lieutenant under Captains James Burns and William Simpson and Colonel William Preston and was in an engagement near Guilford Court House. From September 1781 for two months as Lieutenant in command of Pearis Fort. He was allowed pension on his application executed May 26, 1834, while a resident of Giles County (formerly Montgomery County), Virginia. He stated that he was 74 years of age March 15, 1834. He died in October 1836, leaving no widow but several children, no names given except William H. Snidow who was alive in 1841. Soldier was referred to as an Indian soldier and spy in 1792, and in 1835, as having been a Colonel of Militia. He was Representative from Giles County in the Virginia House of Delegates. 
Respectfully, 
Commissioner.
Page 97

December 8, 1914.
Charles T. St. Clair, M. D.
Bluefield, West Va.
Sir:
In response to your letter of the fourth instant, you are advised that the papers in claim Sur. file no. 17112, rev. war, show that Christian Snidow volunteered in Montgomery County, Virginia, in May 1776, as Private under Captain James McCorkle, Colonel John Montgomery's regiment, Virginia Militia, and was in the battle at Long Island of Holstein; three months. 
September 1776, Private, Captain Thomas Burk's company, three months. 
March 1777, Private, Captain Thomas Burk's company, three months. 
--- ----. Private, Captain John Floyd's company, three months. 
March 1778, Lieutenant, Captain John Lucas' company, Colonel Campbell's regiment; three months. 
July 1778, Lieutenant, stationed at lead mines and guarded ammunition to Salem (North Carolina) three months.
April 3, 1779, Lieutenant, guarded frontier against the Shawnee Indians; three months. 
September 1779, Lieutenant, Captain John Floyd's company, stationed at Preston's Fort; three months.
Page 98

October 1780, Lieutenant, Captain Patton's company, Colonel William Campbell's regiment; three months. 
February 1781, Lieutenant under Captain James Burns and William Simpson, Colonel William Preston, in an engagement near Guilford Court House; three months.
September 1781, Lieutenant in command of Pearis Fort; two months.
He was allowed pension on his application executed May 26, 1834, while a resident of Giles County (Formerly Montgomery County) Virginia. He states that he was seventy-four years of age March 15, 1834. He died in October 1836, leaving no widow, but several children. No names given except William H. Snidow who was alive in 1842. 
Soldier was referred to as an Indian Soldier and spy, in 1792, and in 1835, as having been a colonel of militia. He was a magistrate of Giles County, Virginia, and representative from the same county in the Virginia House of Delegates. 
Very respectfully,
[Illegible]
commissioner.
Christian Snidow. 2.
Page 99

August 6, 1914.
Chief, Finance Division.
Sir: 
Referring to your slip of the 30th ultimo, showing that you have received money order number 14903 for $3.35 from W. B. Snidow, of Pearlsburg, Virginia, you are advised that same was forwarded to pay for a certified copy of the application of Christian Snidow, Revolutionary War, Survivor's File No. 17113, which has been furnished and the money order should be disposed of in accordance with the instructions of the Secretary of September 23, 1912.
Respectfully, 
RWB-WNC
Acting Commissioner
Page 100

August 6, 1914.
Mr. W. B. Snidow,
Pearlsburg, Virginia.

Sir:
In response to your letter of July 29, 1914, you will find herewith a certified copy of the application for pension made by Christian Snidow, Revolutionary War, Survivors File No. 17,112.
Respectfully,
RWB-WNC
Acting Commissioner.
Page 101

July 20, 1914.
Mr. W. B. Snidow,
Pearisburg, Va.
Sir;
In response to that part of your letter of the 15th instant requesting a copy of the declaration for pension of Christian Snidow, Revolutionary war, Survivors File No. 17112, you are advised that the act of August 24, 1912, provides that the Bureau shall charge 15 cents per folio for copying any portion of the records thereof, with 25 cents additional for certifying such copy where certification is desired.
A copy of the application in the above cited case will cost $3 uncertified. If you desire the same certified as correct under the seal of the Bureau you should add 25 cents to that amount. Money should be forwarded in cash, or by money order drawn to the order of the Secretary of the Interior, and this letter should be returned with your request. 
Respectfully, 
Commissioner.
JP/EOA