Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 9588, for Charles Simpkins, New Jersey
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(8-1776)

SERVICE | NUMBER
New Jersey | Simpkins, Charles & Barbara | R.9588

CONTENTS
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Virginia
12,993

Charles Simpkins, of Monongalia in the State of Virginia, who was a private in the company commanded by Captain Wegman of the (blank) commanded by (blank) in the Virginia line for 9 months.

Inscribed on the Roll of Virginia at the rate of 30 Dollars (blank) Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 21 day of June [illegible] and sent (to) Thos. P. Ray, Morgatown, Va.

Arrears to the 4th of March '33..............$60.00
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sep. '33.........15.00
                                             =======
                                             $75.00

{Revolutionary claim, Act June 7, 1832.}

Recorded by Wm. Miller, Clerk
Book E; Vol. 6; Page 26

Letter to E.S. Morgan, Esq. & Pension Dept. May 9, 1836
Order to pay 7th Nov. 1837.
(Order to pay) 3 Oct. 1838.
(Order to pay) 28 Oct 1839.

Paid at the Treasury under the Act of the 6 April 1838 from 4 Sep 1839 to 4 Sep 1840.
Ag(ent) notified 12 Oct 1841.

Order to pay 29 May 1843.
Let(ter sent to) S. Barnes, June 24/'50

Let(ter) 23 March 1835 (to) Pension Office.
Let(ter) 23 March 1835 (to) Thos. Ray. 
Continued
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Charles Simpkins
24725
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State of Virginia
County of Monongalia//

On this 25th day of March in the year 1833, personally appeared in Open Court before the County Court of Monongalia County, now sitting Charles Simpkins, a resident of said County, aged Seventy five years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed 7th June 1832. That he entered the service of the United States in Cumberland County, New Jersey, he believes in the summer of 1777 under Capt. Ephraim Loomis on a tour of duty. That his company was marched to Mount Holly in New Jersey, where there was a good many militia assembled. That he cannot recollect the name of the commanding officer at Mount Holly. That he believes Major Foster of New Jersey was there. That he cannot now recollect the names of other militia officers who were there except Capt. Beasley, whose name he recollects from the circumstance of Beasley taking North Markpole, a refugee captain. That he was discharged by a general discharge at Mount Holly and returned home after an absence of six [crossed out: months] weeks. That he supposes this was called a monthly tour of duty but he was then so young and experienced as not to enquire and know about such matters.

That he believes it was in the fall of the same year, 1777, he went out in the same service on another tour of duty under Capt. Beasley from Cumberland County, New Jersey and marched to Philadelphia, where we were quartered in the Statehouse for about a week. That we then marched out (under Col. Hillman, a militia officer of New Jersey; the troops amounting to about 400, and called the picket guard) about four miles from that city. That we were without provisions for one day and two nights and he ate nothing during that time but one yellow cucumber. That here we saw some of the enemy Light Horse and shot at them. That Col. Hillman then marched us after the enemy and we saw them pursue and take Col. Davis Potter of Bridgetown [Bridgeton], N.J. a prisoner. That we then were marched back through Philadelphia, over the Delaware [River] to New Jersey and encamped on the river side. Next day we saw the Roe-buck, a British vessel coming up the Delaware [River] and we could see the enemy taking possession of Philadelphia. That at the end of a month, he was discharged at Cooper's Farm opposite Philadelphia by a general discharge.

That during the year 1778, he performed in the same service three tours of duty, of one month each, under Capt. Davis and Daniels. That in one of these tours he was stationed in the Redbank or Mercer Fort, which he assisted to build. That Col. Green came there before the fort was finished and upon taking possession, we marched out. We having remained longer than our time to keep possession. That [Col.] Green had tops of trees and an orchard cut down to entrench the fort. That the enemy called on [Col.] Green to surrender, which he refused to do, and at least three hundred of the enemy killed. That they were buried in the trenches. That he saw the ground stained with blood.

That he supposes it was in the year 1779 he was stationed at Billings Fort on the Delaware [River] below Fort Mercer. That we hearing that the enemy was approaching, removed our ordnance...
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...and magazine. That Capt. Daniels was his captain. That after we marched out we had a skirmish with the enemy. Two of our men were wounded and nine taken prisoners. We killed two of the enemy on Timber Creek Bridge. We had one hundred militia in the fort commanded by Gen'l Newcomb. That the enemy chased us about five miles, the Gen'ls horse was wounded in the rump and he saw the blood run down the horse's tail. That he was discharged at the end of a month.

That during the same year, he performed two other tours of duty of a month each at Woodbury in New Jersey under Capt Davis. That several companies were stationed there. That we used the Quaker Meetinghouse as a barracks.

That within the same year, he performed one other tour of duty of a month under Capt. Samuel Wescort at Haddonfield, New Jersey, where other troops were stationed, that Col. Hillman commanded. That he recollects at that place of [Col.] Hillman, who was sometimes intemperate, falling down and breaking his sword.

That he performed other duties of a shorter period, on alarm expeditions, when the enemy would be near of one and sometimes two weeks.

That in the foregoing narrative he may have mistaken dates and the times he was at the different stations. That his memory is defective. That he has for three years past been entirely blind and unable to move about without a guide.

That sometime in the month of June 1780, he was enlisted in Cumberland County, New Jersey, by a drummer named Joel Garrison, who was authorized, as he said, to recruit. And he had the permission to join any company he chose upon getting to camp. That soon after, he with others was sent to Philadelphia by Lieut. Housman. That in a day or two we were put onboard of a vessel and sent up to Trenton, from thence to Princeton and from thence to Morristown, where we found a number of regular & militia troops. From thence we went to Top Pond, the headquarters of Gen'l Washington. There he was at liberty to join any company he chose. He found his brother and brother-in-law in Capt. Abel Wayman's Company, to which he was attached. This company belonged to the 2nd or 3rd New Jersey Reg't. Col. Shreve, Lieut. Col. DeHart, Major Cummings, field officers. From thence we marched to West Point after [Benedict] Arnold turned traitor. That he was present at the execution of Major Andre and never saw Gen'l Washington after. That late in the fall we left West Point and marched to Pumpton, and built huts for winter quarters, where we remained until he was discharged on New Years Day of 1781. That his discharge, he believes, was burnt in his brother's house, about the year 1785. That he believes and he now feels confident that he served altogether not less than fifteen months. That he does not know of any person by whom he can prove his services. 

That he was born on the first of April 1758 in Cumberland County, New Jersey. That he does not know what has become of the record of his age, if his father kept any. That he removed from Cumberland County into the County of Monongalia aforesaid, Forty five years ago and has continued to live therein ever since.

That he has been for many years personally acquainted with Rev'd Joseph A. Shackelford, Richard Harrison, Simeon Everly, Thomas Larrell, Dudley Evans, John Evans, J. John Davis...
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...David M Hoge, and many other respectable citizens of said county, who he believes can testify as to his character for veracity and the general belief that he was a soldier of the Revolution.

He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any agency in any State.

Sworn to and subscribed the day & year aforesaid.
s/ Charles Simpkins (X - his mark)

We, Joseph A. Shackelford, a Clergyman residing in Morgantown, Monongalia County, Virginia, and Richard Harrison of the same county, hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Charles Simpkins, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration. That we believe him to be Seventy five years of age. That he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution and we concur in that opinion.

Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
s/ J. A. Shackelford
s/ Rich'd Harrison

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 Charles Simpkins was a Revolutionary Soldier and served as he states. And the Court further certifies that it appears to them that Joseph A. Shackelford, who has signed the preceding certificate, is a Clergyman resident of said County and that Richard Harrison, who has also signed the same, is a resident of the same County and that their statement is entitled to credit.

I, Thomas P. Ray, Clerk of the County Court of Monongalia, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Charles Simpkins for a pension.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my Hand and Seal of the said Court this 26th of March, in the year 1833.
s/ Thos. P. Ray
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No. 727
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State of Virginia
Monongalia County//

On this 27th day of June 1850, personally appeared before the County Court of the aforesaid County, Mary Simpkins, a resident of the aforesaid County, aged 56 years, daughter and only child of Charles & Barbara Simpkins, who being sworn according to law doth on her oath in behalf of her mother, Barbara Simpkins, make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by Act of Congress passed July 29th 1848. That her mother, the said Barbara Simpkins, was the widow of the identical Charles Simpkins, who was a[crossed out: master] private in New Jersey Militia under the command of Capts. Loomis, Braverly, Davis, Daniels & Wescott in regiment command by Cols. Hillman, Potter & Ogden. Lived in Monongalia County, Va. 60 years & previous thereto Cumberland Co., New Jersey. That she was married to the said Charles Simpkins on the 2nd day of Jan. 1782. That her husband, the said Charles Simpkins, was a pensioner and died on the 7th June 1843. That she was not married to him previous to his leaving the service but the marriage took place previous to the 2nd of Jan. 1800. Viz: at the time above stated. She further swears that she was not afterwards married and has never before made application for a pension
s/ Mary Simpkins (X - her mark)

Sworn and subscribed on the day & year above written before the County Court of Monongalia County at the Courthouse of said County in Open Court. [crossed out: Clerk]
s/ W.T. Willey, Clerk
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State of Virginia
Monongalia County//

On this 12 day of June 1850 before me, a Justice of the Peace in and for the above County & State, personally appeared Jacob Creamer, an old and respectable resident of said County, aged 80 years, who being sworn according to law declares that he was personally acquainted with Charles Simpkins & his wife, Barbary, in Cumberland Co., N.J., before they were married & at the time, which took place on the 2nd day of Jan. 1782. That he has been intimately & personally acquainted with them in Monongalia County, Va., for 30 years. That the said Charles Simpkins was a pensioner and died on the 7th June 1843, having a wife, the said Barbary Simpkins, who has remained a widow ever since until her death, Feb. 27th 1850, leaving only one child, the applicant Mary Simpkins.
s/ Jacob Creamer

Witnesses:
s/ Rebecca [illegible]
s/ J.T. Davis

Sworn and subscribed before me this 12 day of June 1850. And I do hereby further certify that he has personally knowledge of the matter set forth in the foregoing, except the marriage. That he has full confidence in the statement made by the affiant as he is a person worthy of confidence & entitled to credit. That the other matter is true as to the dates of death & that Mary Simpkins is the only child now living of Charles and Barbary Simpkins. That he has known all of the parties for the last 30 years.
s/ J.T. Davis, J.P.

Virginia//

I, Waitman T. Willey, Clerk of the County Court of Monongalia County in the State aforesaid, certify that Mary Simpkins, in Open Court, made and subscribed the above declaration, on oath, on the 27th day of June 1850. I also certify that James T. Davis, who signature is attached to the above certificate, was at the date thereof an Acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified.

In testimony whereof I have hereto subscribed my name and affixed the Seal of said Court the 29th June 1850.
s/ W.T. Willey
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24,726

Charles Simpkins, Monongalia Co., Virginia.

Admit(ted) as private; 9 mos.; $30.

not.

Return for.

Thos. P. Ray, Morgantown, Monongalia Co., Virginia
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WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
13th May 1833

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 complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your
claim.

A statement, shewing the service of Charles Simpkins, Monongalia Co., Virginia.

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.
June 1777 | (blank) | 1 | [crossed out: 12] | Priv(ate) | Maj. Foster & Capt. Loomis | 75 years; Cumberland Co., N. Jersey | Traditionary.
Fall 1777 | (blank) | 1 | (blank) | Priv(ate) | Col. Hillman & Cap. Beasley | (blank) | (blank).
1778 | (blank) | 3 | (blank) | Priv(ate) | Cap. Davis & Cap. Daniel | (blank) | (blank).
1779 | (blank) | 1 | (blank) | Priv(ate) | Cap. Newcomb & Cap. Daniel | (blank) | (blank).
1779 | (blank) | 2 | (blank) | Priv(ate) | Cap. Davis | (blank) | (blank).
1779 | (blank) | 2 | (blank) | Priv(ate) | Col. Hillman & Cap. Wescoat | (blank) | (blank).
June 1781 | (blank) | 6 | (blank) | Priv(ate) | Col. Shreve, Lt. Col DeHart, Maj. Cummins & Cap. Wayman.

I am, respectfully your obedient servant,
J.L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
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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, musicians or privates, will in the first instance,  make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.

DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of 
County of//

On this (blank) day of (blank) personally appeared (a) before A.B. a resident (b) of (blank) in the county of (blank) and State, Territory or District
of (blank) aged (c) (blank) 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 (sp.) 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 following 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 (sp.) 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. 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 applicant 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 day 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 (sp.) of (blank) for a pension.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal (blank) 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 alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person...
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3
... 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 given and what has become of it?
6. (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 he 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 enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.

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

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

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

[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the 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 loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:

"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A.B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:--For (blank) year (blank) months, and  (blank) days, I served as a  (blank). For  (blank) months and  (blank) days, I served as a  (blank); 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 garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.

[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the
papers.

Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.

Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.

The notes from [a] to [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 14

Ans(wered)

Rev. and 1812 Wars Section.

March 15, 1927

Mrs. Charles T. Herd
305 Maple Ave
Morgantown, West Va.

Madam:

I have to advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim R.9588, it appears that Charles Simpkins was born April 1, 1758 in Cumberland County, New Jersey.

While residing in said Cumberland County, he enlisted in the Summer of 1777 and served at various times as a private in the New Jersey Troops, under Captains Ephraim Loomis, Beesley, [crossed out: Ephraim] Elijah Davis, Daniels, Samuel Westcott, Abel Weyman, and Colonels Hillman, and Shreve, he was in a skirmish at Billings Fort, and was present at the execution of Major Andre, served until January 1, 1781 in all amounting to about fifteen months.

He was allowed pension on his application executed March 25, 1833, while a resident of Monongalia County, Virginia.

Soldier married January 2, 1782, Barbara (her...
Page 15

...maiden name is not stated).

He died June 7, 1843, and she died February 27, 1880, leaving only one child - Mary, who was fifty six years old in 1850, and residing in Monongalia County, Virginia.

There is no further data on file relative to children.

Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT
Commissioner.

I did not say anything about rejection as there was nothing in it; only daughter's application.
Page 16

P.O. Barbary Simpkins
Service: (blank)

REJECTED

Enlisted: (blank), 18 (blank)
Discharged: (blank), 18 (blank)
Application filed: (blank), 18 (blank)

Alleges: (blank)
Re-enlisted: (blank)
Attorney: (blank)
P.O. (blank)

(blank) Recognized.  (blank) Contract.
(blank) Cert. of Dis. Searched for (check mark), 18 (blank).

(Let)ter to Mrs. Charles T. Herd, ans(wered).
Page 17

No. 727

Barbary Simpkins, widow (of) Charles.
Va.

Act 3 March 1843
Rejected

Let(ter sent) to:
[crossed out: S. Loomis, Sep. 9/'50]
[crossed out: J.T. Davis, Mar. 4/'50]
J. Barnes, Mar. 26/'51
Same June 27/'51
[crossed out: John P. Byron] Oct. 30, 1858.

9588
Act 29 July 1848.
Page 18

The enclosed copy of my letter to J.T. Davis of the 11th Dec. 1850 will show you the condition in which the case of Barbara Simpkins stands.
s/ F.S. Evans for comment

Copy

Nov. 30, 1851
To: S. Barnes, Esq.
Morgantown, Va.
Page 19

305 Maple Ave
Morgantown, W. Va.
Jan. 23, 1927.

Pension Dept.
Washington, D.C.

Gentlemen:

Will you please send me a copy of the pension certificate of Charles A. Simpkins.

His name is in the list of soldiers who fought in the Revolution from Monongalia Co.

He was living and drawing a pension as late as 1840.

Respectfully,
s/ Mrs. Chas. T. Herd,
Page 20

J.P. Byron, Oct. 30.
Page 21

Pension Office, Oct. 30, 1858.

Sir,

In reply to your letter of the 11th instant, I have to state that the decision of the Attorney General to which you refer excludes the surviving children of Barbara Simpkins from receiving any pension. This deceased mother might have [crossed out: been] become entitled to if she had successfully prosecuted her claim as the widow of Charles Simpkins while living.

It is proper to add, [crossed out: that] however, that Barbara Simpkins failed to establish the date of her marriage entered to [crossed out: the year Jan. 1811] January 1800, and the died before the passage of any act granting pensions to widows whose marriage took place subsequent to  that period.
s/ John P. Byrne
Morgantown, Virginia
Page 22

Seymore Barns
Sep. 9th 1830
Page 23

227

Pension Office
Sept. 9th 1850

Sir,

The papers in the case of Barbara Simpkins, widow of Charles Simpkins, have been examined and filed.

Her husband, it appears, died on the 7 June 1843 and the Secretary of the Interior has recently decided that those widows who apply for the benefit of the Act of 7 July 1838, 3 March 1843 & 17 June 1844, are not entitled to pension under either of those acts unless they were widows at the passage of the Act of 7 July 1838.

The claim has consequently been rejected. Her daughter may, however, [crossed out: apply] claim a pension under the Act of 29 July 1848. The pension in this case would commence only from the 4 March 1848.

s/ Seymour Barns, Esq.
Morgantown, Va.
Page 24

J.T. Davis
11 Dec. 1850
Page 25

151

Pension Office
Dec. 11, 1850

Sir,

The additional declaration in the case of Barbara Simpkins, w(idow), has been examined. It is proof, and not declarations, which is required to make out this claim.

[crossed out: The] Given record or documentary evidence relating to the marriage must be produced or it must be shown that name such is in existence. If the Clerk of the County in which it is proven she was married, should certify that he has no minutes of the event in his custody. The marriage may be proved by paid testimony. In this case the witnesses must not only state when the marriage occurred, but must show by what circumstance they were entered to recollect the date. It is sufficient if they can show clearly others the parties laid together as man and wife prior to 1800.
s/ J.T. Davis, Esq.
Morgantown
Page 26

Washington City, January the 8th 1851

Dear Sir,

I desire that you will give the information asked for by the enclosed letter.

Respectfully,
s/ T.S. Haymond
Page 27

Morgantown, the 3rd April 1857

Mr. Heath, Esq.
Comm(issioner of) Pensions

Sir,

I have the honor of submitting the required proof in the case of Barbara Simpkins for a pension.

I am very respectfully your obe(dient) ser(vant),
s/ Seymour Barnes

Mr. Heath, Sir,

Allow me a word of explanation, in Sep. I left for Dove & left the case with Esq. Davis. On my return Jan. 1st, sick and unable to attend to any business. Davis called & stated the proof required could not be found.

I have been so low that I have not been expected to live but few days but the claimant has depended on my getting it through my lungs. Am so far gone, I can live but a few weeks at most & I beg that the case may be taken up immediately, if possible, that I may see it closed.
s/ S. Barns
Page 28

95

Payments to be made at Richmond by the Pres(ident) U.S. Br., Bank Agent for paying Pensioners in the Agency of Virginia.

July 1853

Charles Simpkins, served as a private in comp(any) of N.J. Militia under the command of Capts. Loomis, Bailey, Davis, Daniels & Wescott in reg(iment) comm(anded) by Cols. Hillman, Potter & Ogden. Lived in Morg(antown) 45 yrs. Removed from Cumberland Co. N. J.

Recorded in the Pension Office, in Book E; Vol. 6; Page 26, by Wm. Miller, Clerk.
Page 29

WAR DEPARTMENT.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.

I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7th June, 1832, Charles Simpkins of the State of Virginia, who was a private in the War of the Revolutionary is entitled to receive Thirty dollars and (blank) [crossed out: cents] per annum, during his natural life, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi-annually on the 4th of March and 4th of September in every year.

Given at the War Office of the United States this 21st day of June, One Thousand Eight Hundred and Thirty three.
s/ John Webb, Acting Secretary of War

Examined and countersigned.
s/ J.L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 30

Free

J.L. Edwards, Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City, D.C.

May 29, 1843
New Jersey
Page 31

Pension Agency
Wheeling, May 26, 1843

Sir,

I enclose voucher of Charles Simpkins, 12 mos. for examination.

Your early attention will oblige.

Yours Respectfully,
s/ I. Steen Brown P.A. for Geo. S Thompson

J.L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 32

TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
Second Comptroller's Office,

October 2nd, 1841.

Sir:

Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," Charles Simpkins, a Pensioner on the Roll of the Wheeling, Va. Agency, at the rate of Thirty Dollars [crossed out: and (blank) Cents] per annum, under the law of the 7th June 1832, has been paid at this Department, from the 4th of Sept. 1839 to the 4th Sep. 1840.

Respectfully yours,
s/ Albion K. Parris, Comptroller.

To the Commissioner of Pensions, Present.
Page 33

Pension Agency
NORTH WESTERN BANK OF VIRGINIA
Wheeling, September 28, 1838

Dear Sir,

I enclose for inspection, voucher of Charles Simpkins, Act June 1832.

I am very respectfully your obe(dient) ser(vant),
s/ Arch'd Woods, Pension Agt. for J. Sloan Brown
Page 34

Pension Agency
NORTH WESTERN BANK OF VIRGINIA
Wheeling, Oct. 22, 1839

Dear Sir,

I enclose for inspection, voucher of Charles Simpkins.

Respectfully,
s/ Arch'd Woods, Pension Agt. for J. Sloan Brown

J.L. Edwards
Comm(issioner) of Pensions
Washington, D.C.
Page 35

Pension Agency
NORTH WESTERN BANK OF VIRGINIA
Wheeling, Nov. 1st 1837

Dear Sir,

I enclose for inspection, vouchers of Charles Simpkins of Monongalia County, Va. Pensioner at $30 per annum under Act 7 June 1832. Claiming for the year from 4 September 1836.

I am yours very respect(fully),
s/ A. Woods, Pension Agt. for J.S. Brown

J.L. Edwards, Esq.
Comm(issioner) of Pensions
Washington City, D.C.
Page 36

Morgantown, 30 May 1833

James L. Edwards, Esq., C.P.

Charles Simpkins is unable to obtain evidence of his service in this County in Capt. Wayman's Company, and unless some evidence be found in the Department, he can claim no benefit of that service. He desires a certificate for whatever time you think proper to allow.

I am resp(ectfully) your obe(dient) ser(vant),
s/ Thos. P. Ray
Page 37

Morgantown, Va., October 11th 1858

Hon. George C. Whiting
Commissioner of Pensions

Dear Sir,

Charles Simpkins was a soldier of the Revolutionary War and drew a pension of Thirty dollars from 1831 to March 1843. He died on the 23rd of June 1843, leaving a wife. His wife lived until the 27th of February 1850 and died without applying for or obtaining a pension. Charles Simpkins has a daughter living. I wish to know if [crossed out: under] she can draw the pension from the time of his death to the time of the death of his widow in 1850, if the opinion of the Attorney General, lately given within one or two years, does not exclude his child from drawing the pension that her mother might have drawn. She will apply but if his decision is against her, she will not. Write & let me know.

Respectfully yours,
s/ John T. Byrne
Page 38

Morgantown, Va. Aug 29/'50

Hon. Sir,

It is now 2 months since I sent the vouchers of Mary Simpkins for a pension. I am unable to account for the delay, which is much longer than its course. Mrs. Simpkins has frequently sent me to known about it. I thought it so perfectly plain that it required no time to act upon it, & I shall look for a certificate immediately on the receipt of this.

Also, a reply to my note enclosing Mrs. Jane Blain of 25th July.

I have the honor to be very respectfully your obe(dient) ser(vant),
s/ Seymour Barns

Hon. J.L. Edwards, Esq.
Comm(issioner) of Pensions
Page 39

Morgantown, Va. Sep. 24th 1850

Sir,

I have the honor of presenting the supplementary declaration of Mary Simpkins, daughter of Charles Simpkins, in behalf of her mother Barbara Simpkins, widow of the said Charles Simpkins, deceased, for a pension.

Resp(ectfully) your obe(dient) ser(vant),
s/ J.T. Davis

Comm(issioner) of Pensions
Washington, D.C.
Page 40

Morgantown, Sept. 17, 1850

Sir,

In reply to the return of my letter, I have only to say that I am able to prove by the letters I have rec'd from you that my rights have been disregarded. Although I have endeavored to present my claims in the most respectful manner I was capable of, were it not for these facts & others that occurred in the office when I was present last spring. I should think an apology insufficient for so hasty a letter. I shall now leave the matter to take its proper course. As regards the case of Mrs. Simpkins, I mote the Department 5 June to know if she would be entitled under the Acts of 38, 43 & 44 & never a reply until 22 June that the Secretary of the Interior had decided against such claims.

She had made the declaration under all of those acts that day in Open Court & reading you letters I sent for him, she came in & made a declaration under the act, I think of 2nd Feb. 1848 proving the marriage before 1794 under which act I think she is entitled as well as 29 Jan. 1848.

If the papers show '38, it is a mistake. They must show for themselves. Mrs. Simpkins will make an application at next Court under the Act referred to, though. J.T. Davis, Esq., as I, shall go east before that time.

Very respectfully your obe(dient) ser(vant),
s/ Seymour Barns

Comm(issioner) of Pensions
Page 41

Morgantown Va., Jan. 2, 1837

Hon. Sir,

Yours of the 11th ult(imate) to J.T. Davis, Esq. has been handed to me on my return from Del(aware). Also, Mr. Edwards' letter of 9 Sept. last, both relative to the claim of Barbara Simpkins, widow of Charles Simpkins. The requisitions in the two letters & so widely different that it is useless to attempt satisfying either and allow me most respectfully to say that the papers in the case of Barbara Simpkins never got up as perfect & will fortified as the circumstances of the case would allow. 

No family record was kept. Neither was there any Certificate of Marriage. But the witness proving the marriage lived in the family at the time & near to them were since be sworn positive that they were married 2nd Jan. 1782 & the Justice certified to his good character & the Court gave their certificate that the marriage was before '94. 

This is all the law requires & all that can now be given. The case is before you & if your hon(or) will take the trouble to examine the letters, the case & the law, I feel assured your hon(or) will allow a pension certificate immediately. If not, I shall cite the President to show cause why the claim is not paid.

I have the honor to be your obe(dient) ser(vant),
s/ Seymour Barns

Hon. Jas. E. Heath, Esq.
Comm(issioner) of Pensions

I have the honor to refer her. 
s/ T.S. Haymond
Page 42

Morgantown, Va., Jan. 3rd 1850

Hon Sir,

I have the honor of presenting the vouchers of Mary Simpkins for her mother, Barbara Simpkins, for pension under [crossed out: 1848] law of July 29, 1848. There is no record proof of her marriage or family record in in the family. The evidence of Mr. Creamer is the only evidence to be had.

I have the honor to be Sir, very respectfully your obed(ient) ser(vant),
s/ Seymour Barns, Atty.

Hon. J.L. Edwards Esq.
Comm(issioner) of Pensions
Page 43

Morgantown, Va. June 5, 1850

Hon Sir,

I have the honor to ask your opinion to the following interrogatories in the case of the widow of Charles Simpkins, a deceased pensioner.

Simpkins died 7 June 1843. The widow living after '48. Can she draw from his death under the Act of 17 June 1844 by proving marriage previous to 1794.

I have the honor to be very respectfully your obed(ient) ser(vant),
s/ Seymour Barns

Hon. J.L. Edwards Esq.
Comm(issioner) of Pensions
Washington
Page 44

State of Virginia
Monongalia County//

On this 29 day of March 1851 before me, a Justice of the Peace within and for said County & State, personally appeared Thomas Davis, aged 55 years and Nancy Connaway, aged 63 years old, and respectable residents of said Co. and a person entitled to credit, who being sworn according to law declare that they were well and personally acquainted with Charles Simpkins, who was (a) Revolutionary Pensioner and died June 7th 1843 and his wife Barbara Simpkins, who died Feb 27th 1850, ever since 1794. That they lived together as husband & wife during that time. That they lived near neighbors to them until their death.

That the applicant, Mary Simpkins, is their only child & of the age she declares herself to be.
s/ Nancy Connaway (X - her mark)
(seal)
(seal)

Sworn and subscribed before me the day & year first above written & I further certify that I am personally acquainted with the above named applicant & that she is entitled to credit.
s/ Morgan L. Boyers, J.P.
Page 45

State of Virginia
Monongalia County//

On this 3rd day of April 1837 before me, a Justice of the Peace within and for said County & State, personally appeared Elizabeth Watt, aged 58 years, who being sworn according to law declares that she was born and resided on the farm adjoining that of Charles Simkins. That she can well recollect of being often in their house previous to 1800. That they lived together as husband and wife. That they had a daughter nearly as old as herself (the applicant Mary Simpkins) which enables her to recollect more distinctly.
(seal)

Sworn and subscribed before me the day and year first above written. And I further certify that I have been long and personally acquainted with Mrs. Watt. That her statement is entitled to the fullest credit.
s/ Geo. McNeely

Virginia, Monongalia County//

I, George S. Dering, deputy of Waitman T. Willey, Clerk of the County Court of Monongalia County, do hereby certify that Morgan L. Boyers and George McNeely, Esq., whose names are attached to the above affidavit, are Justices of the Peace within and for said County and State, duly authorized, commissioned and qualified and that their aforesaid signatures are genuine.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the Seal of said Court at Morgantown this 3rd day of April A.D. 1851.
s. Geo. S. Dering, Deputy Clerk
Page 46

Charles Simpkins - Pen(sion)
Monongalia C(oun)ty, Va.

Entitled
Page 47

Charles Simpkins, $30

On the 8th of November 1834, this man gave the following statement of his services.

In the 1776 or 1777 he went from Cumberland County, New Jersey, as a substitute for his father, to Mount Holly under Capt. Ephraim Loomis. He was in Loomis' comp(any) then six weeks.

In the same year, he served another tour of six weeks at Haddonfield under Capt. Beesley and in the same year he served another of six weeks at Woodbury under Capt. Elijah Davis.

In the next succeeding year, he served another six weeks at Billings Fort under Capt. Davis.

He served a tour of six weeks at Fort Mercer but don't recollect in what year.

He done four other tours of duty, of six weeks each at the two parts above mentioned.

In the beginning, with year 1780, he enlisted in the Township of Deerfield, Cumberland Cty., marched under Lieut. Houseman to Philadelphia. At that place he was onboard of a vessel and sailed up to Trenton and from there he marched to Morristown and from there to headquarters at Top Pond, where Gen'l Washington's army lay. He was there attached to the 2nd Jersey Reg(iment). Capt. Waggoner was his Captain. A small part of the army was removed from Top Pond to a place called [crossed out Orange] Orange Town, at which Major Andre was executed. He was present at that event. Further he marched to West Point & was then discharged & thus ended my service.

Mr. Ray cert(ified) my declaration.

A copy.

s/ W. Galvey, Clerk
December 1, 1834
Page 48

State of Virginia
Monongalia County//

On this 23rd day of Sept. 1850, personally appeared before the County Court of said County, Mary Simpkins, a resident of the aforesaid County, aged 56 years, who being sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the Act of Congress passed 29 July 1848 granting pensions to widows &c.

That she is the daughter & only child of Charles Simpkins, who was a pensioner of the United States under the act of June 7th 1832 & died June 7th 1843 leaving a wife named Barbara, to whom he was married 2 Jan. 1782, and who died 27th Feb. 1850, and for whose she claims a pension. The evidence of service & marriage was made before the court in June 1850 & forwarded to the Pension Office. The person by whom the marriage was proven is now dead. That [crossed out: she was] she was not married to him previous to his leaving the service but the marriage took place previous to the Second of Jan. 1800. Viz.: at the time above stated. 

That she was a widow until her death. The named Barbara was inserted before signing.
s/ Mary Simpkins (X - her mark)
(seal)

Sworn and subscribed on the day & year as above written before the Court of Monongalia County, Virginia, in Open Court then in session.

In testimony whereof I, Waitman T. Willey, Clerk said Court, have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the Seal of the said Court the 23rd day of September 1850.
s/ W.T. Willey