Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 23,991, for Edward Mitchell, Virginia
Page 1

(3 - 1776)
SERVICE | [NAME] | NUMBER 
Va. | Mitchell, Edward | W.23.911
[blank] | Ann or Nancy | [blank]
Page 2

5522
Illinois Springfield
Ann Mitchell
widow of Edward
who served in the Revolutionary 
war, as a private & Corporal

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of
31 Dollars 66
Cents per annum, to commence on
the 4th day of March, 1848.

Certificate of Pension issued the
21st day of Sept 1850
and sent to
Hon J. Shields
Senate U.S.

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act
February 2, 1848, Page 346, Vol. 3.

Sent
Hon J Shields
Apl 26. 1837
A Markland
Jny 6 1855
Page 3

[page torn] to pay - Augt 15, 1837.

Illinois 29.718
Edward Mitchell
of St. Clair Co. in the State of Illinois
who was a Pr. & Corpl. in the company commanded
by Captain Dabney of the Regt. commanded
by Col. Meredith in the Virginia
line for Pr. 2 months & 27 days
Corpl Cav. 6 months
$9.66
22.00
[total] $31.66

Inscribed on the Roll of Illinois
at the rate of 31 Dollars 66 Cents per annum
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 6th day of Feb.
1835 and sent to Hon. John
Reynolds H.R.

Arrears to the 4th of Sep. 34 110.83
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 March '35. 15.83
[total] $126.66
Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832.
Recorded by D. Brown Clerk,
Book E.2 Vol. 8 Page 127
Page 4

Feb 3d
30.797.

Edward Mitchell
Illinois
for 1775 pr
& Corp 8mos. 27 days

Returned inf [crossed out]

Pr 2 mo. 27 days. $9.66
Corpl. 6 mo. 22.-
[total]$31.66

cannot allow a 2=m=[?]
Hon: John Reynolds
Hon [name crossed out]
House of Reps.
Page 5

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,

Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has
been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of
your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and
the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed,
before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is
necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed,
you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: }). You will, when
you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and
you will, by compling with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your
claim.

A Statement, shewing the service of Edward Mitchell
[table]
| Period when the service was rendered | Duration of the claimant's service. Years.Months.Days. | Rank of the claimant. | Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served | Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. | Proof by which the declaration is supported |

[1st row] | 1775 | [indecipherable # of days] | Priv | Capt Meredith | 74 years Hanover County Va. | Traditionary and a living witness |
[2nd row] | 1775.00 7h[?] | [blank] | [blank] | Capt. Dabney | [as above] | [as above |
[3rd row] | [blank] | [blank] | [blank] | Capt Winston | [as above] | [as above] |
[4th row] | [blank] | [blank] | Corp. | Capt Meredith| [as above] | [as above] |

I am, respectfully
Your obedient servant,
JAMES L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.

His services are not stated sufficiently clearly- See note d
papers not properly connected- see Note i- Witness
not certified to be credible- See Note f.
Page 6

2

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army,
and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all
persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who
were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to
Store Keepers, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are
also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged
in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
1. The Regular Troops.
2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.
3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.
4. Indian Spies.
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming
the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, mucicians or privates, will, in the first
instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of
Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is
considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION.
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss.
County of
On this [blank] day of [blank] personally appeared (a) before [blank]
[blank] A. B. a resident (b) of [blank] in the county of [blank] and State, Territory or District
of [blank] aged (c) years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the
following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed
June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) [blank], with [blank] and
served in the [blank] (e) regiment of the [blank] line, under the named officers:

(Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served
under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the
town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged,
and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons
who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.)

He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he
declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of
the Agency in the State of [blank]
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. [blank] A.B.
(And then will follow the certificate of the Court.)
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary
soldier, and served as he states.
I [blank] of the Court of [blank]
do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of
the application of [blank] for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this [blank]
day of [blank] &c

If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be
found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia,
except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and
subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the [blank] and C. D. residing in (the same)
hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with [blank] who has
subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be [blank]
years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier
of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid.
(And then will follow the certificate of the Court.)
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after
putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary
Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A.B.
who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the [blank]
and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the [blank]
and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, [blank] Clerk of the Court of [blank] do hereby certify that the foregoing
contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of
for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal
of office, this [blank] day of [blank] & c.

Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; 
but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if
possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services
of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light
upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration, (l) and he will
also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful
in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his
Page 7

3
alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person
will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal
means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; 
and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. 
All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and
there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his
case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of
service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State
troops of Virginia.
1. Where and in what year were you born?
2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?
3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary 
war, and where do you now live?
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute?
And if a substitute, for whom?
5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such
Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.
6. {To a Soldier. { Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it giv-
en, and what has become of it?
{ To an Officer. { Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what
has become of it?
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify
as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are
requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court,
without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons--one of whom should be
the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from
their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed
and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion.
If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character
and standing of other persons giving such certificates.

The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct
proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the
inquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.

Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before
required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper
county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform,
and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.

Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record,
or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper
Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a
Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is
his genuine signature.

No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before
the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the
declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure
, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period
of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the
opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.

[footnotes]

(a) The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow
the rule laid down for his guidance.
(b) The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not
conforming to the rule.
(c) The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
(d) The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
(e) Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the
claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so
definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. in a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the
to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the
loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in 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."

It is important, in all cases to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law
directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months,
is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years
In the militia, &c without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is
highly objectionable. it must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement;
the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority;
that he was either in the field or in the garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.

(f) The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
(g) The opinion of the Court is always required.
(h) The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
(i) The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no pub-
lic seal of office, the Certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the
papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contain
the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must
pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.

Proof of Service.
(j) In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses
who required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well
as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the wit-
nesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer under his seal of office.
(k) The notes from (a) to (i) are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in
note (j) applies to continental troops only.
(k) This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
(l) if a witness cannot be found the declarant must state the fact.
(m)The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
Page 8

Respectfully referred to
the Comr of Pension. This
is the only evidence but
this would be perfectly
good in Court of justice
and ought to be good any
where in the absence of
any other-
Jas. A. Shields
Page 9

State of Illinois
St Clair County

Personally appeared before
the undersigned Judge of the St Clair Circuit
Court in the state of Illinois, James Mitchell,
who produced a family Bible in which
is the following registry, to wit:
"Edward Mitchell &
Ann Haley were married 26th August 1784,"

And the said James Mitchell having been
duly sworn says that the said registry
is in the proper hand writing of Edward
Mitchell deceased and that the
said registry is the original family regis-
ter of the said Edward Mitchell. He
further testifies that this is the only
record of the said marriage that he[crossed-out]
can now be produced.
In witness whereof I have hereto set
my name this 23 July A.D. 1850.
Wm. H. Underwood
Judge of St Clair Circuit Court, Illinois
Page 10

State of Illinois
St Clair County
On this [blank] day of January A.D.
Eighteen hundred and Thirty-five, personally appeared before
me John Hay, judge of the County probate of the said County
of St Clair, State aforesaid, at a special Session holden on the
day and year aforesaid, Edward Mitchell, a resident of the
said County and State aforesaid, who being first duly sworn
according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration
in order to obtain the benefit of the pension made by the act of
Congress, passed June 7th 1832. That I was born in Hanover
County State of Virginia on the 3d day of August A.D. 1760
this date I copied from my father's Bible into my own many
years ago, the original is now worn out, that in the year 1775
I joined a company of Volunteers, which was raised in said
County, under captain Samuel Meredith, we mustered, three
[appears to be missing one or more lines of text]
was she could neither overtake an enemy or runaway from them.
As I am now between 100 and a thousand miles from
Hanover County where I performed the above service and it is
now 56 years since I moved from there I do not believe I can
Page 11

was the could neither overtake an enemy or runaway from them fr
As I am now between 800 and a thousand miles from
Hanover County where I performed the above service and it is
now 56 years since I moved from there I do not believe I can
procure a living witness to prove the above facts. I think at
the time of the above transactions, the business of the state
was conducted at Williamsburg by what was called a committee
of safety, and business of the counties by county committees
My father moved to Botetourt County in Virginia in the year 1778.
I was twice called out from this county after Indians: at one of
these times the Indians had attacked Donallies fort in Greenbrier
County Va in this tour I served 6 days under Col. Skillern, the other
time a report came that the Indians were coming on our frontiers
and myself and three other men were stationed 10 days at Col.
William Christians as a guard. In the year 1781 I was appointed
Quartermaster to a Batallion[sic] of Volunteer Riflemen from Botetourt
County Va under Col. Crockett on the 25th of February 1781 we fought
Lord Cornwallace [Cornwallis] in which action he was near Allimance [Alamance] Creek
in North Carolina; the Americans were commanded by Genl Green.
On the 6th of March we fought Cornwallace [Cornwallis] at Haw river.
On the 11th of March 1781 the time of our service as a rifle corps
expired it having been raised for, time not recollected.
Page 12

burnt) and the troops remained there I think until Decem-
ber when the troops were disbanded, this tour was at least, six
months, this was also a volunteer service, no bounty was given
nor no drafts had taken place at this time, but I wages was
were paid (I think every three months) in continental paper
and I recollect that while at hampton I gave five continental
dollars for four silver dollars. I recollect the following officers
in the Batallion in which I served as above (for there were no troops
at Hampton but our Batallion) to wit, Col. Meredith, Capt. John
Winsten, Capt. James Dabney, Lieut. Overton who was our adjutant
ensign Kimber I also knew the two Captain Richard & James
Barren who then commanded two small schooners and were daily
employed as look out Boats. While we remained at Hampton
an U.S. vessel of war called a row galley came up and invited
the officers & soldiers to come on board and take a cruise, Capt.
Winsten and myself and several others went on board and
remained there three days on a cruise.
As this was the first
vessel of war which I had seen, I recollect
my impression, which
[illegible due to fold in scanned page] the number of months[?], not less than three
making nine days; the company was called to Williamsburg
against Governor Dunmore who had robbed the magazine
in that place and had fled on board an English vessel, which
Page 13

making nine days; the company was called to Williamsburg
against Governor Dunmore who had robbed the magazine
in that place and had fled on board an English vessel, which
lay in York river; there being no hopes of his coming on shore
we were discharged. In this expedition I was in service six days.
We all rode our own horses and bore our own expenses.
In the year 1775 or 1776 two companies of volunteers were ordered
to be raised in Hanover County aforesaid and were called minute
men, perhaps the reason why they were called so was because
the understanding was at the time of enlistment, that they should
be ready to march at a day's warning. In this service I was ap-
pointed ensign, I believe under Capt. Dabney, the month, not
recollected but the company not being raised in time it was
not called into service, I then joined the same volunteer corps
as a private under Capt. John Winsten and acted as a corporal
in a Batallion under Colonel Samuel Meredith and we marched
in May 1776 from Hanover County Va to Hampton in the same state.
In October we were ordered to Portsmouth (Norfolk being previously
Page 14

At this time Genl. Green sent
Col. Lee to inform us if we wished
our discharge we should have it but said that he expected a re-
inforcement in a few days, that he (Genl Green) would then cer-
tainly fight Cornwallace and would take it as a favor if we
would remain a week longer; I remained with about one
half of our troops, the other half went home, I was at the Battle of
Guilford Court house on the 15th of March 1781 when it was
said our Riflemen rendered good service. At the commence-
ment of the action I was ordered in the rear with the baggage
in a day or two I was discharged. I will recollect the following
officers in the army in which I served as above,
viz Gen. Greene,
Col. Lee, Col. Washington, Col. Crockett, Capt. Rowland, Capt. May.
In this tour I served at least 65 days; in december of that year
I went to Maryland to live and remained there 5 or 6 years in
which time my discharge as well as my commission as Quarter-
Master was lost as I do not recollect ever to have seen either
of them afterwards. I removed from Botetourt County Va in
the year 1818 and come to this state where I have remained ever
since in the County of St Clair State of Illinois, that during all
and every tour of military service above stated I was exclusively
engaged in the above service and no other. I do hereby
relinquish every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except
the present and do declare that my name is not on any pen-
sion roll in any state.
/s Edwd. Mitchell
Sworn to & Subscribed
in open Court this 17th Jany 1835
John Hay
Judge of Probate
Page 15

Sworn to & Subscribed
in open Court this 17th Jany 1835
John Hay
Judge of Probate

We Thomas Harrison a Clergyman and Doc. John O. Hancock
residents of the said County & State with the said Edward Mitchell
who has been an ordained Minister of the Gospel for more than
forty years, and whose moral character as far as we know and
believe after a long and intimate acquaintance with him is
unblemished; and also believe that he is seventy four years of
age; and it is distinctly understood and believed by those who
have the best opportunity of knowing him, that he was a soldier
in the Revolution: and we do most heartily concur in the belief
/s/ T. Harrison
/s/ John O Hancock

Sworn to & Subscribed in open Court
before me this 17th Jany 1835.
John Hay
Judge of Probate
Page 16

Being called on by the Revd. Edward Mitchell of St Clair
County State of Illinois, to state what I know and remem-
ber of his services in the revolutionary war; I do hereby
certify that I recollect his going into service as what was then
called a minute man and that he was a considerable time
from home, but cannot recollect the exact length of time being
then only turned of 12 years of age. At that time my father
lived in the County of Hanover State of Virginia, this was
in the year 1776. In 1778 my father removed to the County
of Botetourt in the same state and in the fore part of the year
1781, he served a tour in North Carolina about the time of
the battle of Gilford [Guilford] between Genl Green & Cornwallace but
as to the time he left home I can not say being at that time
in the army myself and I always distinctly understood
that in his tour to the south he acted as Quartermaster.
/s/ Saml Mitchell
must be brother [written lightly]
Sworn to & Subscribed in open Court
before me this 17th Jany 1835
John Hay Judge Probate
Page 17

that in his tour to the south he acted as quartermaster.
/s/ Saml Mitchell 
must be brother [written lightly]
Sworn to & Subscribed in open Court
before me this 17th Jan 1835
John Hay Judge Probate

State of Illinois
Clair County SS
I John Hay Judge of the Court of Probate for and within the said
County & State aforesaid (it being a Court of Record) do hereby certify
that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court
in the matter of the application of the Revd Edward Mitchell for a pension. I further
certify that there is annexed to this, a certificate of Samuel Kennerly taken in Virginia.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand (having no
Clerk) and affixed the seal of said Court at Belleville this
Seventeenth day of January A.D. Eighteen hundred and thirty five,
and of the Independence of the United States the fifty ninth.
John Hay 
[Court of Probate of St. Clair seal]
Page 18

No 141561
Ann Mitchell
wid of Edward
Ill
act July 1838

Married 1784
Husd. died 3 Dec 1837,
Admd. Pri & Corpl $31.66 per
annum comg. 3 Dec 1837,
& ending 4 March 1841.
Admd. Acts
43 & 44
48

Hon. J. Shields
U.S. Senate
Page 19

14156
Respectfully referred
to the pension office
for corroboration[?]
Ja. Shields
Page 20

State of Illinois
St. Clair County
On this Eighth day of June A.D. 1850
personally appeared before William H.
Underwood, Judge of the Circuit Court of St. Clair County,
State of Illinois, Nancy Mitchell, otherwise called Ann Mitchell, a resident of St. Clair
County, Illinois State, aged Eighty five years, who being first
duly sworn, according to law, does, on her oath, make the follow-
ing declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision
made by the act of Congress, passed July 7th 1838, entitled
"An act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows,"
That she is the widow of Edward Mitchell who was a
revolutionary pensioner of the United States, resided near
Belleville in the County of St. Clair and State of Illinois,
drew his pension from the pension agent at Mount Carmel
in the State of Illinois for the last time in the month of
March A.D. 1837, to the best of her recollection.

She further declares that she was married to the said Edward
Mitchell on the twenty sixth day of August in the year
Seventeen hundred and Eighty four; that her husband the afore-
said Edward Mitchell died on the third day of December
Eighteen hundred and thirty seven; that she was not married
to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took
place previous to the first of January, seventeen hundred and
ninety four, viz: at the time above stated. She further swears
that she is now a widow, and that she has never before made any
application for a pension.
Sworn to and subscribed, on the day and year above written,
before /s/ Ann Mitchell
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 18th 
of June A.D. 1850 at her dwelling house in St Clair County Illinois
I hereby certify that she cannot attend court, from bodily infirmity
Wm. H. Underwood, Judge of St. Clair Circuit Court, Illinois.
Page 21

Sworn to and subscribed, on the day and year above written,
before /s/ Ann Mitchell
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 18th 
day of June A.D. 1850 at her dwelling house in St Clair County Illinois
I hereby certify that she cannot attend court from bodily infirmity
/s Wm. H Underwood, Judge of St. Clair Circuit Court, Illinois.

Reverend Edward Mitchell my Father resided
at his death upon his farmed five miles east of this
place.
He died 3d December 1837
My mother has resided since the death
of my Father upon the farm owned since the death of
Father by Dr. Mitchell & with my Brother in law &
Sister in one mile distant.
The following is taken from my Fathers
old family Bible by myself and copied into my
own Bible.
Edward Whitehill was born 3d August 1760
Nancy Haily was born 21 Septr. 1763
Edward & Nancy Hailey were married 26 Augt. 1784
My mother has been called by the family since
my recollection Ann. and usually sign. her
name Ann. While the older members of
the family called her Nancy. She is called
and more familiarly known as Ann.
Hilleville J. Clair County Ill
18 June 1850 J. Mitchell
Subscribed & sworn to before me
this 19th day of June A.D. 1850.
Wm H. Underwood
Judge of St Clair Circuit Court,
Illinois

State of Wisconsin
Grant County

In the summer of 1784 I visited my Brother Edward
[last line cut off]
Page 22

Wm. H. Underwood
Judge of St Clair Circuit Court,
Illinois

State of Wisconsin
Grant County SS

In the summer of 1784 I visited my brother Edward
Mitchell who resided in Charlestown was the head of the Chesa-
peak Bay, and in the month of August of that year I was
present at his Marriage with Nancy Haley in said Town
his present Widow now residing in the State of Illinois;
I do not recollect the name of the Minister who celebrated
the nuptials but I was informed he was a minister of what
was then called the Church of England, and I know that my
Brother Edward was some time in the service of his Country
during the Revolution
/s/ Saml Mitchell

Subscribed and
Sworn to before me
Bennet Atwood
a Justice of the Peace
Heathville Oct 1st 1849

STATE OF WISCONSIN
GRANT COUNTY ss
I Lenhart O. Shrader of the Circuit Court
of said county, DO HEREBY CERTIFY, that Bennet Atwood, Esq
whose name appears to the foregoing certificate, was on the day of the date thereof, an act-
ing Justice of the Peace in and for said County of Grant, duly elected and qualified, as appears
of record in my office; as such, full faith and credit are due to all his official acts. 
In Testimony Whereof, I hereby set my hand, and affixed the seal of said
Court, at Lancaster this 1st day of October A.D. 1849.
L.O. Shrader, Clerk.

Fee. 50c pe. by Larkin
Page 23

December 5, 1939.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
BA-J/C
Edward Mitchell
W. 23991
Mrs. Lois E. B. Smith
112 North Main
Salt Lake City, Utah.

Dear Madam:
The data which follow were obtained from papers on file
in pension claim, W.23991, based upon service of Edward Mitchell
in the Revolutionary War.

Edward Mitchell was born August 3, 1760, in Hanover County,
Virginia, names of his parents are not shown.

He volunteered in the year 1775, in Hanover County, Virginia,
served six days as private in Captain Samuel Meredith's company;
volunteered in 1775 or 1776, was appointed ensign in Captain Debney's
company of Virginia minute men, but was never called into active
service volunteered in May 1778, served as private and corporal six
months in Captain John Winston's company, Colonel Samuel Meredith's
Virginia regiment; in 1778, he moved with his father to Botetourt
County, Virginia, where he was called out against the Indians, served
six days in Colonel Skillern's Virginia regiment, and was stationed
at Colonel William Christian's ten days in 1781, he was appointed
quartermaster, served sixty-five days in Colonel Crockett's Virginia
regiment, was in engagement at Alamance Creek, Haw River, and in
the battle of Guilford Court House, North Carolina

In December 1781 he moved to Maryland where he lived five or
six years; in 1818 he left Botetourt County, Virginia and moved to
St. Clair County, Illinois, where he was residing when allowed a
pension on his application executed January 17, 1835. He was
referred to as Reverend.

He died December 3, 1837, at his home in St. Clair County,
Illinois, about five miles from Belleville.
Page 24

Edward Mitchell married August 26, 1784, in Charlestown,
Maryland, Ann or Nancy Haily, who was born September 21, 1763.
Place of her birth and names of her parents are not shown.

Soldier's widow, Nancy Mitchell, was allowed pension on her
application executed June 8, 1850, at which time she was residing
in St. Clair County, Illinois.

In 1850, their son, James Mitchell, was residing in Belleville,
Illinois, and was a minister of the Gospel there. He stated that
after the death of his father, their farm was owned by a Dr. Mitchell, 
and that his brother-in-law and sister lived near by, their names
not stated, nor was the relationship of Dr. Mitchell stated.

In 1835, soldier's brother, Samuel Mitchell stated in St. Clair
County, Illinois that he was twelve years in 1776, when solder
first entered the service, and in 1849, he stated in Grant County,
Wisconsin that he witnessed the marriage of Edward. They were both
Ministers of the Gospel.

No further family data are shown.

In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, the
name and address of person paid, and possibly the date of death
of Nancy Mitchell, widow of Edward Mitchell, you should address
the Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division,
this city, and cite the following data:
Ann or Nancy Mitchell, widow of Edward Mitchell
Certificate #5522
Issued September 21, 1850
Rate $51.66 per annum
Commenced March 4, 1848
Act of February 2, 1848
Illinois, Springfield, Agency.

Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator,
Page 25

[round postage stamp] Bellville Illinois Jan 18

Free

Hon John Reynolds
M.C.
Washington City
Page 26

Belleville
16 Jan, 1835

Dear Sir
My father returns his papers cor-
rected, and we hope [are satisfactory?]. In the
event of their rejection [illegible] will present his
claims before Congrs. of the necesity[sic] of such
a measure I think there will be no 
occation[?]. We thank you in your attention as
also our friends[?] Mr. Hay & Mr. Casey for their
friendly aid.   Mr. Hay, has signed his
certificate as Judge you perceive[?], which
you can explain his court having no
Clerk other than himself.

Friends all will
Yr. Obt Svt.
J Mitchell
Page 27

[trifold page]
[left panel]

June 27 '96 sold period[?]
to 
to JS Mitchell
LWB

Mich. 9. 1897 - History to
Hon. Andrew Price, M. C.

May 4. 1897. Letter to
Hon Andrew Price
Donelson, Tenn.

June 11 1907
Sophie G. M. Stockton
St. Louis Mo

Nov. 15 -1902
Mrs. J.L. Shillaberger
Topeka Kas,

1908 Mar. 4. Hist. to Hon. Frank M. Nye C.
1909 June 28. Hist. to John H. Boogher. C 
1909 July 10. " no file n. for service
1915 June 10 Hist to Mrs. W. B. Daniel letter in
W. File 5906 John Brown S. C. C.

[center panel]
[left margin illegible]

Revy 23.991.
WIDOW, &c. 
File No. 23991
Ann Mitchell
wid of
Edward Mitchell
Corp. Rev War

Feb 2d 48
Vol. M, Page 52
(Arrangement of 1870.)

[right panel]

1939 - Dec 5. Hist to
[illegible] in Louis E B Smith c.
letter in file as 
Mary Franks S.8522
Page 28

O.W. & N. Div.

Department of the Interior,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
Washington, D.C. May 26, 1896

Respectfully returned to the writer, who is
requested to furnish, for purposes of identification, 
as much as possible of the information
called for below.
Wm. Lochren
Acting Commissioner.

Full name of soldier:
Samuel Mitchell
Place of residence before service:
(Town, county, and State, if possible.)
Richmond Va
Place of residence after service:
(Town, county, and State, if possible.)
Richmond Va
Date of death (as near as possible):
Between 1850 & 1860
Christian name of widow:
First name unknown Maiden name Thomas.
Did either he or his widow receive a pension?
don't Know
Remarks:
A Planter after the Rev War at or near Richmond
Later took his slaves to Illinois and Freed
them before Illinois was admitted to Union
Lived then in St. Clair Co Ills.
Your name and address:
John S. Mitchell
838 Guerrero St
San Francisco, Calif
2338b2m
Page 29

O.W. & N. Div.

Department of the Interior,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
Washington, D.C. May 26, 1896

Respectfully returned to the writer, who is
requested to furnish, for purposes of identification, 
as much as possible of the information
called for below.
Wm. Lochren
Acting Commissioner.

Full name of soldier:
Samuel Mitchell
Place of residence before service:
(Town, county, and State, if possible.)
Richmond Va
Place of residence after service:
(Town, county, and State, if possible.)
Richmond Va
Date of death (as near as possible):
Between 1850 & 1860
Christian name of widow:
First name unknown Maiden name Thomas.
Did either he or his widow receive a pension?
don't Know
Remarks:
A Planter after the Rev War at or near Richmond
Later took his slaves to Illinois and Freed
them before Illinois was admitted to Union
Lived then in St. Clair Co Ills.
Your name and address:
John S. Mitchell
838 Guerrero St
San Francisco, Calif
2338b2m
Page 30

Department of the Interior
BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
OFFICE OF COMMISSIONER.

Widow of
Edward Mitchell,

Mr. Wooten,
Chief of O. W. &
Navy Division:

Please furnish Hon.
Andrew Price with copies
of papers mentioned.

D.I. Murphy
Commr.

Furnished by order of
Comr. Murphy
Mar 16 '97
Mar 13 [stamped]
Page 31

Department of the Interior,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
OFFICE OF COMMISSIONER.

Prv.
mid.
Mitchell E.

Chief of the
O. W. & N. Div.
Please furnish
Mr. Reid the information
he desires.
D.I. Murphy
Commr.

File.
March 11 1897 [stamped]
[illegible]
Mar. 11
File 
JDM[?]
[stamp] March 12 1897 Chief's Deck

47
Page 32

December 5, 1939.

BA-J/CO
Edward Mitchell
W. 23991
Henry Franks
S.8522

Mrs. Lois E. B. Smith
112 North Main
Salt Lake City, Utah.

Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the
Revolutionary War record of David Franks, born 1745, died 1828,
of Henry Franks pensioned in Washington County, Ohio, of Edward
Mitchell born 1780, died 1837, of St. Clair County, Illinois,
of Robert Mitchell born 1748, died 1837 in Winchester, Virginia,
of William Lavender, born before 1760, in Amherst County, served
in Captain Jesse Allen's Company, Colonel Taylor's Virginia
regiment and died in 1778, and of Thomas Smith, born 1744 and
died in 1790.

The records of this office contain no further information on
David Franks than that furnished you June 30, 1939. There is no
claim for pension on file based upon service in the Revolutionary 
War of the Robert Mitchell, William Lavender, or Thomas Smith
described by you.

You are furnished herewith the Revolutionary War pension
records of Edward Mitchell and Henry Franks.

Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator.
Page 33

June 10, 1915.

Mrs. W. B. Daniel,
Eastman, Ga.

Madam:
In response to your letter dated the 3"" instant,
you are advised that from the papers in pension claim
W. File No. 23, 991, it appears that Edward Mitchell was
born August 3, 1760, in Hanover County, Virginia, where
he enlisted in 1775, under Captain Samuel Meredith and
served 6 days; in 1775 or 1776 he was appointed Ensign
of Captain Dabney's company of Minute Men, but was never
called into active service; in May 1776, he enlisted
as Corporal in Captain John Winston's company, Colonel
Samuel Meredith's battalion, and served 6 months; in
1776, he removed to Botetourt County, Virginia, and was
called out against the Indians, served 6 days under Colonel
Skillern, and was stationed at Colonel William
Christian's ten days in 1781 he was appointed Quarter-
master under Colonel Crockett, was in the engagement at
Allemance Creek, Haw River, and Guilford Court House.
North Carolina; served sixty-five days.

Soldier married at Charlestown, Maryland, August
26, 1784, Ann or Nancy Haily who was born September 21, 1763.
Page 34

He was allowed pension on an application executed
January 17, 1835, at which time he resided near Belle
ville, Saint Clair County, Illinois, where he died
December 3, 1837, and his widow was pensioned in 1850.

The soldier and his son James were ministers of
the Gospel.

Very respectfully,
E. C. Tieman
Acting Commissioner.

Mitchell - 2-
Page 35

Mrs. N. B. Daniel,
Eastman, Georgia:
Letter dated June 3, 1915
rec'd June 7m 1915
in W. File
5.906
John Brown
S. C.
Page 36

March 4, 1908.

Hon. Frank H. Lye,
House of Representatives.

My dear Mr. Nye:
In reply to your letter dated and received the 29th ultimo,
I have the honor to advise you that from the papers in the claim Wid. File
No. 23,991, it appears that Edward Mitchell was born August 3, 1760 in
Hanover County, Virginia where he enlisted in 1775 under Captain Samuel
Meredith and served 6 days; in 1775 or 1776 he was appointed Ensign of
Captain Dabney's company of minute men, but was never called into active
service in May 1776 he enlisted as Corporal in Captain John Winston's
company Colonel Samuel Meredith's battalion, and served 6 months; in 1778
he removed to Botetourt County, Virginia and was called out against the
Indians, served 6 days under Colonel Skillern, and was stationed at
Colonel William Christian's 10 days; in 1781 he was appointed Quartermaster
under Colonel Crockett, was in the engagements at Allemance Creek, Haw
River, and Guilford Court House North Carolina; served 65 days.
Soldier married at Charlestown, Maryland, August 20, 1784, Ann or
Nancy Haily who was born September 21, 1763; he was allowed pension on an
application executed January 17, 1835, at which time he resided near
Belleville, St. Clair County, Illinois, where he died December 3, 1837, and
his widow was pensioned in 1850. The soldier and his son James were min-
isters of the Gospel.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.
Page 37

Record Division,

June 22, 1909.

Mr. John M. Boogher,
New Bank  Commerce building,
St. Louis, Mo.

Sir:
In reply to your letter dated the 15th and received the 17th
instant, you are advised that from the papers in pension claim Wid.
File No. 23, 291, it appears that award Mitchell was born August 3,
17, in Hanover County, Virginia, where he enlisted in 1775 under
Captain Samuel Meredith and served 6 days; in 1775 or 1776 he was ap-
pointed Ensign of Captain Dabney's company of Minute men, but was never
called into active service; in May 1776, he enlisted as Corporal in Captain
John Winston's company, Colonel Samuel Meredith's battalion, and
served 6 months; in 1778 he removed to Botetourt County, Virginia, and
was called out against the Indians, served six days under Colonel Skil-
lern, and was stationed at Colonel William Christian's ten days in 1781
he was appointed Quartermaster under Colonel Crockett, was in the engagements
at Allemance Creek, New River, and Guilford Court House, North 
Carolina; served sixty-five days.

Soldier married at Charlestown, Maryland, August 26, 1784, Ann
Page 38

Wid. File No. 23,991.

or Nancy Hailey who was born September 21, 1763; he was allowed pension
on an application executed January 17, 1835, at which time he resided
near Belleville, Saint Clair County, Illinois, where he died December
3, 1837, and his widow was pensioned in 1850. The soldier and his son
James were ministers of the Gospel.

Very respectfully,
Commissioner.
Page 39

Record Division.

July 10, 1909.

Mr. John Boogher,
New Bank Commerce Building,
Saint Louis, Mo.

Sir:
In reply to your letter dated the 1st and received the 3rd instant, 
you are advised that Edward Mitchell was allowed a pension on a Certificate
numbered 29,713, but that his claim has no separate file number
for the reason that it is consolidated with that of his widow Ann Mitchell
under File No. 33,991, War of the Revolution.

Very respectfully,
Acting Commissioner.
Page 40

L.W.B.
W.23991

This Bureau can furnish the military
record of only such Revolutionary soldiers
as were pensioned or whose widows were
pensioned for their services.
Such of the original muster and pay
rolls of the Revolutionary War and the
War of 1812 as are now in the possession
of the Government are on file in the
Record and Pension Office, War Department. Original rolls and other records
pertaining to service in the Revolutionary
War may also be found on file in the
archives of many of the original States.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR.
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
WASHINGTON, D. C.,

O. W. & N. DIV.
REVOLUTIONARY.

May 4, 1897.

Sir:-
Replying to your request for further information concerning
Edward Mitchell, a soldier of the Revolutionary war, I have the honor
to advise you that the soldier received a pension of 31.66 per annum,
commencing March 4, 1831, the same being paid to him under Certificate
number 39718, at the Illinois Agency, until the date of his death,
which occurred December 3, 1837.

Very respectfully,
Commissioner.

Hon. Andrew Price,
Donelson, Tenn.
Page 41

L.W.B.
W.23991

This Bureau can furnish the military
record of only such Revolutionary soldiers
as were pensioned or whose widows were
pensioned for their services.
Such of the original muster and pay
rolls of the Revolutionary War and the
War of 1812 as are now in the possession
of the Government are on file in the
Record and Pension Office, War Department. Original rolls and other records
pertaining to service in the Revolutionary
War may also be found on file in the
archives of many of the original States.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR.
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
WASHINGTON, D. C.,

O. W. & N. DIV.
REVOLUTIONARY.

March 9, 1897.

Sir:-
Replying to your personal request for information concerning the
military record of Edward Mitchell, a soldier of the Revolutionary 
war, I have the honor to advise you that he made an application for
pension on January 17, 1835, at which time he was 75 years of age and
residing in St. Clair County, Ills., and his pension was allowed for
two months and twenty-seven days' actual service as a private and
six months' service as a corporal in the Virginia troops, Revolution-
ary war; a part of the time he served under Capt. Dabney and Col.
Meredith. He enlisted in Hanover County, Virginia.

His widow, Ann, made application and received a pension for the
service of her husband as above set forth.

There is no appropriation of money by Congress for carrying on
work of this character and important work of the Bureau would have to
be neglected in order to comply with your request for copies of papers
on file in the above claim.

Very respectfully,
Commissioner,

Hon. Andrew Price, M. C.
Page 42

BOOGHER AND WHITE
LAWYERS
JOHN H. BOOGHER FRANK M. WHITE
NEW BANK COMMERCE BUILDING
ST. LOUIS

Department of Interior
Bureau of Pensions
6/26

Dear Sirs:
Referring to my letter of some adays ago,
Perhaps I can aid you in answering
my inquiries by referring to a letter of Commr
V. Warner Mch. 4.08, to Frank M. Nye
of the House (3/1872) referring to Wid file
#23991 pension of Ann Haley Mitchell

She was widow of Rev. Edw
Mitchell. Am informed he was
allowed pension on application Jan 17, 1835
he then residing near Belleville Ill

Please advise the number
any such pension and the facts
upon which it was based
I oblige
John H. Boogher
Page 43

W.File 23991

BOOGHER AND WHITE
LAWYERS
JOHN H. BOOGHER FRANK M. WHITE
NEW BANK COMMERCE BUILDING
ST. LOUIS
July 1. 09.

Hon V. Warner
Commr

Dear Sir
Your letter of 6/28 is at hand
replying to mine of 6/15 in re Edw.
Mitchell and wife Ann Haily.

I thank you for the full report.
After writing my first letter I was
furnished a copy of a letter, written
by you some years ago to the Hon. Mr. Nye
and giving the precise information.

Had this come sooner my letter
to the department may not
have been necessary. In my
second letter giving the number of
the widows pension file I also
requested the number of
file of
the soldier's pension. If that is
easily obtainable I shall be pleased
but I again thank you for the letter
which will answer all present purposes.
Respectfully
JH Boogher
Page 44

BOOGHER AND WHITE
LAWYERS
JOHN H. BOOGHER FRANK M. WHITE
NEW BANK COMMERCE BUILDING
ST. LOUIS
June 5. 09.

U.S. Pension Office

Dear Sir
Will you please advise me if it appears in
the records of the pension office that one
(Ann?) Nancy Haley Mitchell
drew a pension as the widow of Rev. Edward Mitchell
Am informed that Miss Nancy (Ann) Haley married
Edward Mitchell at Charlestown Md in 1784
and moved to St Clair Co. Illinois in 1818
his death probably ensuing shortly thereafter.

The pension if paid was probably account
of services as quartermaster under General
Campbell in Revolutionary War

Shall be pleased to learn if your record
show any such fact, or any other facts
in record of said Rev. Edward Mitchell
(brother Samuel Mitchell, to the sons of James Mitchell, South Carolina
late of Va) together with costs of certified
copies of the record

Respectfully
John H. Boogher

[ink stamp] U.S. Pension Office June 17 1909
Page 45

Main query
Was a revolutionary war pension issued after
1818 to widow Ann or Nancy Haley Mitchell,
relict of Edward Mitchell (Va) for service under
Genl Campbell, probably at quartermaster,
likely
coming as claim from Illinois where widow then resided
Page 46

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
WASHINGTON.
Feb. 29th, 1908.

Hon. V. Warner,
Commissioner of Pensions.

My dear Sir:--
Wil[sic] you kindly advise me if Nancy Maley[sic] Mitchell
Widow of Edward Mitchell, drew a pension as the widow of a soldier
of the revolutionary war.
I will greatly appreciate this information.

Very Truly
Frank M. Nye
Page 47

[stamped] To Chf ___ Div.
Action, ____
Oct 24, 1902
Commissioner

15 Harrison St
Topeka Kan. Oct 21st '02
Hon. E. F. Ware
Comr of Pensions, Wash-
ington, D.C.

Dear Sir
Have you
any record of a pension
granted Rev. Edward Mitchell
who was born in Hanover Co.
Va. in 1760, & served
under Gen. Campbell in the
Revolutionary war as a
quarter master. He removed
to St Clair Co. Ill. in 1818
Page 48

and died there Dec 3, 1837
His widow Nancy Haley Mitchell
to whom he was married in
Charleston Md. Aug 26th, 1784
received a pension after his
death. His brother James
Mitchell was a major and
died of camp fever at James-
town Aug 20th 1781.
If you find such a record
what will be the expense of
copying & forwarding to
me?
Respectfully
Mrs J. L. Shellabarger
Page 49

[stamped] JUN 11 1901 RECEIVED

St. Louis Mo.

To the Pension Office-
Will you please notify
me if it is possible to
get a copy of the Pension
papers of Edward Mitchell
who was born in Hanover County
Va ["and die" crossed out] in 1760
and died in St Clair
County Illinois 1837-
The Pension was drawn
by his widow, my great
grandmother
my great
Will you please
Page 50

notify me of the cost
of getting such a
copy and oblige

Sophie G. M. Stockton
5222 Minerva Ave
St Louis Mo.
Page 51

[illegible]

San Francisco May 15, 1896.
Dear Sir:
I enclose names of my
ancestors. Will you kindly
look up their Record & standing
in the Army of the Revolution
giving me all details obtainable
regarding their history- service
positions & Etc. My object being
to secure credentials for
admission into the society of
the Daughters of the Revolution.
Names - Samuel Mitchell and Edward
Mitchell. Both were my great
Grand Father one being my Grand-
Fathers Father. The other was my
Grand mothers Father- my grandparents
being cousins.) They resided in
and enlisted from Richmond Va and
Page 52

are believed to have returned there
after close of services. We have
an idea they may have been
on Gnl Washingtons Staff or
officially connected with him
or his officers, as we have
heard of their occupying the same
tent with Genl Washington
& being in his company much
of the time.
Please give the matter early
attention and report receipt of this
advise me of charges and I will
remit promptly-- should this
work be out of you time[?]
please hand this to whoever
you know will give it proper
attention.
Thanking you in advance for
the services you my render I am
Very Respy
J.S. Mitchell
838 Guevero St
San Francisco Calif
Page 53

House of Representatives U.S.
Washington, D. C., March 10th, 1897 189

Hon. D. I. Murphy,
Commissioner of Pensions,
Dear sir:-
Referring to your letter of March 9th, in which you
say there is no appropriation of money by Congress to pay the
expense of having copies made of the papers on file relating to
the pension claims of Ann Haley Mitchell, widow of Edward Mitchell,
a soldier of the Revolution, I beg to say that I will pay the
cost of this work ["which" crossed out] if it could be done by clerks in your Department
out of office hours. Please let me know whether or not such
an arrangement could be made, and what it would cost to have the
copying done.

Respectfully, yours,
Andrew Rice
Page 54

House of Representatives U.S.

Washington, D. C., March 6th, 1897, 189

Hon. D. I. Murphy,
Commissioner of Pensions,
Dear sir: -

A few days ago, I wrote you a letter requesting
you to send me, if it is permissible to do so, copies of the
papers relating to the pension of Ann Haley Mitchell, of Belleville,
Illinois, widow of Edward Mitchell, originally of Virginia, and
later of Illinois, who was a soldier in the Revolution.

As I expect to leave the city next week you will
greatly oblige me by sending me the copies at your earliest convenience.

Respectfully, yours,
Andrew Price
Ansd March 11 1897
Page 55

Washington City 2nd Feby 1835

Dear Sir
Enclosed I send you
the case of the Rev W Mitchell for a
pension. It is said to be made
out as required by said[?] Edwards.
I would be much pleased if you
would inter[illegible] [illegible] in this and
man's behalf.  Congress [illegible] meets
at 11 P.M. so I have not much
time to see Mr. Edwards. Please present
the case in your own [illegible]
to [illegible]
Your friend
John Reynolds
Page 56

James Mitchell Esq
Belleville
St Clair Co
Illinois
Page 57

Springfield Nov 7 1850

Dear Sir

There was no mistake in denying the
pension of your mother as you will find in the
following explanation

By the law of 7th July 1838. The widows of soldiers
were allowed five years pension commencing 4th March
1836 & ending 4th March 1841. and those whose husbands
died within that period were allowed from the time
of the husbands death, to the expiration of the five years
After that time viz from 4 March 1841 to 4 March
1843- 2 years - there was no pension law passed
for the benefit of widows of that class which fact
is the cause of your [illegible] apprehension of the
time & amt due. In 1844 another law was
passed giving those widows five years [illegible] pension
commencing 4th March 1843 & expiring in 1848
and in Feby 1848 the last law was passed under
which the same widows are continued on the Roll
while they live and remain unmarried (as Widows of
the Soldier) Payments (as you will
find by reading on the endorsement of the certificate
which I return and which is to be kept and
copied every time you claim viz on or after the 4th
of Sept 4th & 4th March) are to be made semiannually
and for that purpose I sent you a blank to be
used next March
Page 58

The following is a statement for the time
for which I drew.
of the time

[table: |year|month|day|] 

From 3d Dec 1837 to 4 March 1841. |3|3|1|} under the old certificate
4 March 1843 to 4 March 1848 |5| | |} which was surrendered

4 March 1848 to 4 Sept 1850 |2|6| | new certificate
making[?} in all |10|6|1|
which at 31.66 per annum is 340.43
As this amt was drawn under 2 certificates, it Payer
charged a few for administering 2 [illegible] 25c each = 50c the estate 

The reason of giving up the certificate was the
time for which it was issued had expired
and when that is the case it is usual to
to surrender it in conformity with instructions
from the Department at Washington.

The pension an[?] only expires at her death
or marriage. At her death
whatever may be due is payable to her heirs
equally proportioned. Then this certificate
will have to be returned.

From this explanation I presume you
will understand the whole matter

yours truly
Geo L Huntington

J Mitchell Esq.
Belleville Ill

Yates is doubtless elected in this district & Thompson Campbell in Bakers
district.
Page 59

Free

Carmi Ill
29th July

James L. Edwards, Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City

Aug 14
JLL
M Elliot
Page 60

Carmi Ill  26 July 1837

Sir
Inclosed I send you the papers of
Edward Mitchell for your inspection
and order. the cause of delay has been
occasioned by objectionable vouchers having
several times been presented-- such that
I could not pay on
yours with Respect
Daniel Hay

James L Edwards Esqr
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
Page 61

Washington DC
January 2 1853

Hon L P Waldo
Comm of Pensins
as the regularly constituted
attorney for the Exr. of the Estate of Mrs Ann
Mitchell and of Edward of Illinois, act '48
admitted, I ask an increase of the pension
allowed her. I claim that her husband
served a period of three months as a QrMaster
for which he has never been pensioned, the ev-
idence of which will be found in the papers
now on file in your office
I am Sir Respectfully
yr Obt Svt
A. H. Markland

Mr Markland is the attorney in the above case,
S. Cole
Ch Clerk
Page 62

James L. Edwards Esq.
Comr of Pensions
Page 63

Dear Sir
Gov. Reynolds has enclosed Mr Mitchells
papers to me, I presume he has been induced
to do so from my knowledge of the
Character of Mr. M.

Mr Mitchell formerly lived in
Botetourt Co Va, a man of wealthy and
elevated standing as a Christian and
Christian Minister.

The letter enclosed signed
James Mitchell is from his son, a young
man a preacher in our Church.

I can assure you the utmost reliance
may be placed on any statement of
Mr. M. The Witness Saml Mitchell
is also a minister of the Gospel and a worthy
man. I am also well acquainted with
Mr. Kennedy another witness he lives within
about one mile of Fincastle the County seat
of Botetourt County and is a man of
high respectability.
Very
Respectfully
Your Obt Servt
F.S. Evans
3d Feb. 1835
Page 64

Hon. JL Edwards
Page 65

Belleville the  29 Augt 1850

Hon J. L. Edwards
Dear Sir.

I have before me the letter addressed
by you to the Hon James Shields on the subject of my
Mothers application for her pension
In which you
state "The Bible or the leaf containing the original
from which this copy was taken, should be submitted to the
inspection of this office. it may, if it bear the appearance of
an old and genuine record, furnish the proof required
to establish Mrs. Mitchell claim to a pension.

My honor and aged mother, with great
reluctance yielded to my request and herein is
inclosed the leaf from her old family Bible referred
to in your letter from which the transcripts furnished
you was taken

The reluctance on the part of my
Mother arose from an apprehension that the
leaf would not be returned to her and may be
required to be filed with other papers sent you in
the P. Office

I cannot doubt but that the
evidence now furnished must be altogether
satisfactory to you. Please direct the left be returned
when inspected

With great respect
Yr ob Servt
J. Mitchell
Page 66

I think Mr. Mitchells
views are right.
The proof would be
[illegible] good in a court
He is a very honest
respectable man
and there is no
doubt of the truth
after statements and
trust you will
allow the claim
[cross out] and
send back the
papers
Jas Shields

[written sideways in right margin, incomplete]
if nothing in letter.
Wishing you health &
happiness I remain very truly yours
J. Mitchell
Page 67

Belleville 29 Augt 1850

Hon James Shields
Dear Sir

I only recd from you the letter
of Mr Edwards. Such has been the length of time and
the officially attending the establishing my mothers
claim to a pention[sic] & the call for the family
Bible or the leaf containing the original of
the facts in the transcription sent to Mr Edwards
together with the doubtful[?] manner in which he speaks of the result of such inspection. My
Mother upon reading his letter considered that the
leaf now furnished would avail but
little when the testimony furnished by Uncle[?]
Mitchell of the fact of their Marriage cannot
but satisfy every man who inspects it.
I consider the design of the law
frustrates, where undebatable[?] testimony is
furnish by the applicant of their rights.
by the officers of the Govt. who [illegible] further
testimony to be produced.
upon the back of Mr Edwards
letter you make this remark
It is strong that you cannot
Supply any Supplementary proof.
I will respectfully call your
attention to the facts that this marriage took
place at Charlestown at the Head of Elk
in Maryland 66 years ago. that shortly after
Page 68

my Fathers marriage he removed to the western
part of Va. from thence here thereby cutting
of all communication with the country and
People of the Country- The affidavit of Uncle
Mitchell, written out by himself, whose testimony
would be credited as soon as any man
who lives wherever known, and the family
record which was made known to the
Department- but few who have
been married so long could furnish
such evidence and under such circum-
stances
In conclution[sic] I presume the
Clerks are left to settle those matters
pretty much. & Without your personal
influence we shall not be disappointed
if nothing is gotten.
Wishing you health &
happiness I remain very truly yrs
J. Mitchell

[written sideways at the bottom of page]
I think Mr. Mitchells
views are right.
The proof would be
[illegible] good in a court
He is a very honest
respectable man
and there is no
doubt of the truth
after statements and
trust you will
allow the claim
[cross out] and
send back the
papers
Jas Shields
Page 69

No 14, 156
Ann Mitchell
Ill
Let Hon Jas Shields 6 July 1850
" to same 10 Augt 1850

Act 7 July 1838
Page 70

8892
Illinois Springfield
Ann Mitchell
widow of Edward Mitchell
who was a Private & Corpl
in the Revolution

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of
31 Dollars 66
Cents per annum, to commence on
the 4th day of March, 1843.

Certificate of Pension issued the
21 day of Sept 1851
and sent to
Hon J. Shields
Senate U.S.
(Acts of March 3, 1843, and June
17, 1844.)
Recorded in Book A
Vol. 2. Page 227
Page 71

10.983
Illinois Springfield
Ann or Nancy Mitchell
Widow of Edward Mitchell
who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832
and who died on the 3d Decr 1837
of St. Clair Co. in the State of Illinois
who was a pri & Corpl in the Company
commanded by Captain Dabney of the
Regt commanded by Col Meredith thine
the Virginia line for Pri 2 mo. 27 days
Corpl Cav 6months 

Inscribed on the Roll of Springfield
at the rate of 31 Dollars 66
Cents per annum, to commence on [several words crossed-out]
Comig 3d Decr 1837

Certificate of Pension issued the 21st day of
Septr 1837 and sent to
Hon. J. Shields
Senate U.S.
Total amount, $[blank]
Recorded by HR Weightman Clerk,
Book D, Vol 1. Page 441
Page 72

The State of Virginia Botetourt County to wit
this day Samuel Kennerly an old and respectable
citizen of the County aforesaid personally appeared
before me a Justice of the peace for said County
and made oath that he served under
Captain Thomas Rowland in the spring of
1781 in the State of North Carolina in the
army of General Green and was at the battle of
Guilford and he recollects distinctly of seeing
Mr. Edward Mitchell in the Army acting as a
quarter Master at the Battle of Guilford and
he knows that Mr. Edward Mitchell was a quarter Master and acted as such in the army of General
Green as long as this affiant remained in the
army during said campaign which he thinks
continued about three months. The said Mr.
Edward Mitchell was a highly respectable man
resided in the County of Botetourt for many
years after the termination of the Revolutionary war
and removed about 16 years ago to the County of
St. Clair & State of Illinois as this affiant has un-
derstood where he believes he now resides
Given under my hand & seal this 15th day of
July 1834
Wm A McDowell JP
Page 73

Virginia Botetourt County to Wit
I Henry W Bowyer Clerk of the County Court of Botetourt in
said State do hereby certify that William A McDowell Gentn before
whom the foregoing affidavit was made
is now and was at the
time of signing his name an acting justice of
of the peace in and
for said County duly commissioned and qualified as such and
full faith and credit is due and ought to be given to
all his official acts as such and further that his signature
is genuine.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set
my hand and affixed the seal of my said
office this 27th day of August 1834

teste H W Bowyer CBC

Virginia Botetourt County to wit

I Thos. Shank presiding Justice of the peace of
the County Court of said County do hereby Certify that Henry
W. Bowyer whose name is attached to the foregoing certificate is
and was at the time of signing the same Clerk of the County
Court of Botetourt in the State of Virginia and that his attestation
is in due form of law. 
Given under my hand & seal
this 28th day of August 1834
Thos. Shank JP {seal}